She lost everything to a scandal she didn't cause. He's spent a decade protecting his heart with work. Together, they might save an endangered species-and each other.
Dr. Maren Holt was once a rising star in botanical research-until her colleague's fraud destroyed her career, her reputation, and her faith in second chances. Three years later, she's working freelance from cheap motels, chasing one last hope: propagating a critically endangered coastal plant that everyone says is impossible to save.
There's just one problem: the only specimens exist at Tidepool Conservatory, owned by Jasper Kao-a brilliant, guarded plant specialist who hasn't let anyone close since his parents' death left him alone with a failing business and a decade of grief he refuses to process.
When Maren shows up asking for collaboration, Jasper's instinct is to refuse. He's built his life on careful control and emotional distance. But her research is exactly what the dying bladderpod species needs, and despite every warning bell, he offers her a deal: prove herself for one week, and he'll consider partnership.
Neither expects what grows between them.
As they work side-by-side through spring planting season, professional respect becomes friendship, then something deeper-a slow-burn connection neither can ignore. Maren begins to believe she might deserve more than survival. Jasper starts to imagine a life beyond just work. But when old betrayals resurface and new opportunities threaten everything they're building, both must choose: retreat to safe, lonely ground, or risk their hearts on the terrifying possibility of love.
