Derek Novak's life has two constants: his best friend, EJ, and EJ's little sister, Nicole. When Derek gets traded to the Carolina Rebels, things change with all three of them in the same town. Nicole suddenly isn't so little anymore and she needs Derek's help as usual. Derek can't say no to her, but that line he shouldn't cross gets blurry the more time he spends with her. Nicole Bertuzzi has always looked up to Derek and reached out to him when in a bind. When Nicole finds herself in a situation she'd rather keep private, there's only one person she can think to turn to: Derek. Secretly and temporarily living with him leads to a kiss that sends them down a path she had only dreamed of. Nicole was content being friends, but after that kiss? She can't help but want more. EJ turns out to be more of a problem than they expected, but Nicole's past and Derek's public life as an athlete also interfere with their relationship, threatening to ruin everything. Can they manage to withstand the battles ahead or will they crumble and face defeat?