Roo McCormack was a local hero until he killed an opponent. These days Roo is just another washed-up boxer working in a gym. History consigned his dreams of being a champion to the scrapheap. But buried deep inside him, there's always the itch to box. For him, the irritation's becoming increasingly difficult to ignore, and it's taking all his willpower not to start scratching. Jacob Tyler was born and raised as a Jehovah's Witness. Jacob's passion for the piano and his secret plan to audition for the conservatorium of music puts him at odds with his faith, the Elders, and his father. Jacob's father is fanatical about his religion, and all he cares about is Jacob's salvation. Unexpected friendship leaves Jacob and Roo wishing they understood what was happening. It's more than the knowing glances and unintentional touches of a hand. Combining those things with the scent of another body adds up to way too many hazards for the unsuspecting.