Pope Steele doesn't do distractions. As a rugged carpenter, he thrives on order, precision, and the steady rhythm of his work. So when Ruby, the towns soft-spoken but determined librarian, strolls into his construction site and accidentally topples a stack of lumber, his patience splinters.

Ruby knows books—not construction—and Pope's gruff, no-nonsense attitude grates on her nerves. But she's not one to back down, even if her past has left her guarded. She needs this library to be perfect for the town, and she's not about to let a bad-tempered carpenter stand in her way.

As they work side by side, their clash of wills sparks more than just frustration. Sensual tension simmers between them, the heat rising as Pope's strong hands guide Ruby through more than just blueprints. Sawdust and desire swirl around them, but Ruby's scars from her past threaten to keep her from opening her heart again.

Can Pope prove that beneath his tough exterior beats a heart capable of love and devotion? Or will a secret from Ruby's past destroy the foundation of their growing connection before it's even built?