Avery Hextall, a junior architect at a prestigious firm, is thrilled when his design is chosen for a new performing-arts centerâeven if it means working closely with his insufferably uptight project manager, Malin Lacroix. When a chance encounter in the boss's office proves that Lacroix is anything but cold, Avery is determined to learn more about the real man beneath the aloof veneer. Despite their growing attraction and their increasingly kinky encounters, the enigmatic Malin remains as emotionally distant as ever. Worse, Avery's friends are convinced Malin thinks of Avery as a dirty secret and nothing moreâa secret that might destroy both of their careers. But the real secret is a single moment in time that haunts Malin and keeps him from committing to the life he wants with Avery. In order to move on, Avery must help Malin come to terms with the tragedy in his past before they can work on building a future together.