The way reporter Mason Thorne saw it, Halouise Lofton was like a transplanted flower in need of careful nurturing. And since he'd been responsible for uprooting her from rural Hack's Crossing, he'd be the one to protect her. Never mind that Lou was blossoming into an ace journalist and a beautiful woman - or that lately his response to her was more passionate than platonic. Only... Lou didn't want or need another brother. She was in love with Mason - and had decided to let him know it. During their coming trip to the tropics, she would prove her journalistic talents, but getting up close and personal with her overprotective partner would be the true challenge..