Threatened by her step-father, the stunningly beautiful Eliza Telford doesn't know what to do until she finds an advertisement for young women of good standing to become waitresses at train-line restaurants. In the middle of the night, she flees her home and embarks on a journey that takes her to a rough but growing town in Colorado. There she finds hard work, cruelty and petty jealousy, and the first true friends she's ever known. Unfortunately, danger also finds her. Still trying to build and settle his ranch, Cord Bartlett doesn't have time for a woman in his life. But, from the moment he first sees Eliza, he can't get her out of his mind, and it isn't just her incredible beauty that calls to him. Sweet, gentle and strong, she is a hard combination to ignore. The only question is - can he protect her long enough to claim her and her love.