Penny May would do anything to forget her past, even traveling all the way to the Colorado Territory to become a Gilbert Girl. Learning to be a good waitress wasn't easy, but Penny is happy with her new life and friends at the Crest Stone Hotel. At least until the handsome and infuriating county sheriff arrives in search of his kidnapped sister.

Sheriff Ben Young never thought his work could endanger those he loved until a disgruntled outlaw proves him wrong. The last thing he needs now is another impetuous woman in his life, particularly one who goes traipsing about the mountains with little regard to her own safety. But there's something about Penny that draws him to her, and she turns into an unlikely ally.

While Penny knows she'll lose the reputation she's fought so hard to regain if she's caught spending time with Ben, she's compelled to help him find his sister-even if she'll lose her heart in the process. After a chance encounter with the outlaw and the kidnapped girl, Penny finds her own life threatened, and Ben must put his feelings for her aside or risk losing both his sister and Penny, forever.