She moved away to find stability, and fell for the boy next door; he wanted freedom, and found a heart to come home to.

Beatrice Thompson doesn't do serious or committed, and she certainly doesn't do long-term. This cookie-baking high school teacher just wants peace and security. After being raised by a constantly angry father and a doormat mother and being cheated on many times, Beatrice has given up on love. Surely she can mix friendship with sex with her plant-loving neighbor Ron as a way to get satisfaction while protecting her heart.

Ron Carden would rather wade through a bog or tend his orchids than sit behind his desk all day. His family? Trying to keep him in a corporate box and set him up with some classy, rich young woman who will submit to his mother's control. Ron's nice and funny and gentle, but lacks the self-confidence to go for it with his attractive neighbor.

After Ron overcomes his nerves and kisses Beatrice, she'll have to decide if risking their friendship is worth their growing attraction. Can Beatrice overcome her past trauma and let Ron in? And can Ron be the strong partner Beatrice deserves?

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