When mining engineer Cat Kincaid was trapped in a cave-in, it was gently bullying Slade Donovan who talked her through the terrifying hours until her rescue.

And it was slyly masterful Slade Donovan who spirited her home to his Texas ranch to heal.

Though drawn to Slade's rugged brand of courage, though warmed by his masculine attentions, Cat felt deeply, uncomfortably indebted to him.

And now he needed her expertise to help him build an emerald mine. But would risking her life again earn merely his gratitude, when what she wanted was his love?