A sad beginning brought them together.Elsie entered Jack's household as a bereaved goddaughter many years ago, but she has blossomed into a beautiful woman. Jack has hidden his growing desire for his ward, fearing the consequences of a betrayed trust. For years, she has been his to nurture and protect, but now a new set of desires are seizing him.Jack has always provided for her. But, of late, their tender friendship fractured. As it should. She must leave her guardian – as all young ladies must. She harbors no desire to go. How to tell the man who has given her everything that she yearns for even more?They had always had a reason to restrain themselves, but after Jack's daughter's wedding day, he and Elsie are left alone once and for all. His vow of guardianship threatens to be overtaken by his passion. Her untouched beauty. Her pure trust in him. They draw him to the woman he has sworn to protect and shelter. Her innocence balances on the brink of desire. His unwavering strength. His never-ending kindness. They draw her to the man who guided her and possessed her.