Touched by Lightning — Helen Carter

After her tragic first romance, quiet, elegant Joanna Greer vowed never again to give herself to a man unless he was trustworthy, committed, and interested in marriage. But when rugged, charismatic Cliff Duquesne swept into her life, her good intentions vanished in a flash of electrifying, earth-shattering passion.

Only later, when her head clears, does she realize that her heart is in trouble. For she's enthralled by Cliff's sensual vitality, by his unexpected tenderness. She adores his three lively children. And she doesn't understand why he refuses to make that final commitment, that binding promise that would heal her wounded heart and propel them toward a shining future.