She doesn't need a hero. But a sexy Marine...that'll work. Though Lauren Baxter's world is a blurry mess of colors, she has no tolerance for pity. With the help of her guide dog, Jack Sparrow, she's built a good life for herself. She has everything she wants: her PhD, a thriving counseling practice and her independence. When she meets her new neighbor, the man's warm Texas accent and clean male scent weaken her knees. Her attraction to the former Marine is mutual and, unfortunately, a complication she doesn't need. Gabriel Briggs carries the weight of the world on his shoulders. He has his reasons for indulging only in short-term flings, but the feisty, green-eyed Lauren makes him want to forget every one. In a rare moment of fragility, Lauren winds up in Gabe's arms. One night together can't break their self-imposed rules, right? But when a woman from Gabe's past is murdered, the reasons he should have stayed away become painfully clear, threatening innocent lives he may not be able to save-especially Lauren's. Warning: Contains a blind therapist who doesn't consider herself impaired; a meddling, erotic-novel-writing best friend; a hot ex-Marine with a shady past; and a loyal guide dog that howls "I love you" and is probably the sanest one of the bunch.