Emerson Blake traded culinary school for real life when her mother got sick, but she’s not planning to spend forever running the most popular pita cart in St. Helena. Emi’s got bigger dreams—and a three-step plan to get there: upgrade to a gourmet food truck, save every penny she can, and absolutely avoid the one man who can melt her tough-girl resolve faster than butter on hot bread. Unfortunately, her new side gig as a personal chef drops her right back into the orbit of Dax Baudouin—aka the devastatingly handsome one-night stand she’s been trying very hard to forget.

Former Army Ranger Dax Baudouin returned to St. Helena with a simple mission: heal up, keep his head down, and get out. Falling for the stubborn, sharp-tongued woman who makes the best baklava he’s ever tasted was definitely not part of the plan. But the more time he spends with Emi, the more he realizes her fierce independence hides a heart worth fighting for. The only problem? Emi doesn’t need rescuing. If Dax wants a second shot, he’s going to have to prove he’s not just passing through—he’s here to stay.