Mariah Sullivan is a tattoo-wearing, bruise-covered, kick-ass roller derby girl who doesn't put up with people who mistreat others. Her fierce exterior masks a woman who is loving, compassionate and deeply loyal to those she loves.

Adam Barnett Jr. is a dentist like his father. He has come to Austin to take over his father's dental practice while he recuperates from an accident. The timing couldn't have worked better for Adam, who just broke off his wedding engagement to a woman he thought was perfect, both inside and out.

He meets Mariah at her regular dental appointment. She is interested, willing to put aside her normal reticence and give him a chance. Adam, however, assumes the worst about her, given her black eye and the bruises on her arm. He assumes that she is the victim of some form of abuse and he approaches her in an attempt to help her seek help. But Mariah, with assistance from Adam's father, has a thing or two to teach him about making assumptions. As they spend time together and get to know each other they find sex, friendship, and eventually love.