Royal St. Claire was drawn to Gemma Jacobsen from the start. It was an instant connection – one he'd never had with another woman. But he has it with her. With Gemma.

When Gemma was on her sickbed, he stayed by her side, helped to nurse her back to health and the two became the best of friends. That friendship grew into something deeper. Something Royal, the picky bachelor, couldn't deny. Something he didn't want to deny. It evolved into...

Love.

But no matter how Royal sees her, Gemma knows their friendship can't be anything more. In her eyes, he's the picture of male perfection while she's just – well – the lighthearted sick girl. She's no good for him – no matter how much he wants her and no matter how much she wants him. The push-pull force of their attraction to each other proves to be more powerful than they both can bear.

Still, doubts linger. Gemma doesn't have much experience with men, but she knows love is loving someone more than you love yourself. It's how she feels for Royal, and that's why she knows in her heart that he deserves better.