Jessica – 'Chessie' – returns home to the States after a long absence. She has a lot on her plate. Her long-time partner has died, leaving her to care for their daughter who is recovering from a devastating bout of meningitis. Olivia is recovering nicely, but Chessie is smothering her, out of fear that she may lose her last connection to Coralle, Olivia's birth mother. In addition to caring for her daughter, who is growing up faster than she likes, Chessie must also care for her ageing parents. The stress takes its toll on Chessie and everyone around her.

Chessie's fear looks to everyone else like impatience, mistrust, and snobbishness. She has a bounty of support in her extended family, but pushes them away in droves. That is, until Maître Édouard takes an interest, and sets about helping her deal with her issues and let go of her fear.

The Maître teaches the children to dance, and teaches Chessie to surrender. He is patient and caring with the children under his care, which Chessie finds attractive – and which inspires her trust, igniting a long dormant passion.

However, will Édouard's no nonsense approach to teaching Chessie do more harm than good? How long will she be able to resist his 'charms'? Can she learn to love again?

Publisher's Note: This book contains spanking scenes involving adults. If such material offends you, please do not purchase.