Horse trainer Leo Castle has long had his eye on two prizes—Smooth Ride, the most perfect thoroughbred he's ever trained to race, and Dane Robinson, the blue-eyed jockey who rides him. But after horse and jockey took a nasty fall, Dane disappeared into the shadows with injuries to his leg and his pride. Now that he's back, Leo's determined not to let him get away twice.

Dane enjoys his passionate reunion with Leo, but he's about as ready to trust as he is to ride again. With no place to go as winter rolls into eastern Oklahoma, Dane must ultimately accept the warmth Leo offers him. As the holidays approach, Leo proves to be a gift that keeps on giving.