He's a lucky SOB, but Brice Winston's life wasn't always so easy. His struggle to survive at an early age turned him into a man who needs control-both in and out of the bedroom. Always careful of the women he chooses to tangle in the sheets with, his need for dominance is never called into question. But he's never let himself imagine a future with the one spitfire of a woman he's always wanted. Mary Ellen Hall has wanted Brice since she knew what boys were good for. And she's confident he desires her too. But he's not making any moves, so it's up to her to seduce him. Even as he responds to her body, his heart holds back. Mary Ellen isn't about to accept any man by half measures. Brice is forced to make a choice-his hard-won control or the woman who pushes him out of his comfort zone.