Seventeen year old Carter Collins is in, well, for lack of words, a crapload of trouble. She must carry the burden of her father's death alone, take care of two sisters, deal with her irresponsible, desserting mother, and, worst of all, pass calculus. Having no experience in the ways of running a household, Carter has to teach herself on the fly. Her little system of working, going to school, and working seems to be running just fine until her insurance worker shows up at her door with an eviction notice. Stunned beyond words, Carter must find a new way to come up with money she doesn't have. At this point, Carter is stuck between a rock and a hard place. She is reduced to taking what is not hers. Unwillingly forced to the ways of thievery, Carter finds out just how hard life, love, and the real world can really be, and she convinces herself that the only way to succeed in the world is to trust no one. After all, the world isn't fair, and nice guys finish last.
Emotions are what makes us human, especially love. Caring for other individuals keeps our humanity intact. But, what's Peri to think when the very fervor she's been dreaming of feeling for another human being, is incited by her half brother Nathan? She allows her dark desires to run free, simply because their relationship has always been questionable. Even though she longs for his touch, who's to say that he longs for hers?
She spends years flying under the radar, keeping her feelings for Nathan hidden. A jig that doesn't hold for too long, and Nate wastes no time vocalizing how much he despises her fantasies. Heartbroken, Peri tries to live her life, navigating through High School, as well as, Nathaniel's illegitimacy, a trail which ultimately finds its way back to her. On their quest to find Nathan's real Father, Peri finds Nathan yearning for her, the same exact way she spent junior high yearning for him.
The only question is: will Peri take her shot at a fresh start with someone new, or, resume the dance that Nathan's had her in for years?