Mack Billodeaux, troublesome wide receiver seriously injured in his third season of pro football, fails to cooperate in his rehab until he is assigned to the perfect trainer. Susan "Sarge" Kozak, a no-nonsense army veteran who lost a foot in combat. does not respond to his good looks, money, or attempts at flirtation, but whips him into shape to play again. When he learns she grew up in poverty and lost her fiancé as well as her military career, he comes to respect her strength and courage. The only things she lacks are love and joy in her life. He can offer her both—if she will take a chance on a bad boy.