The Rushing Tide — Laura Eaton

Divorced and on her own, Julia Leighton can't afford dreams. She's busy raising two teenagers and working hard to further her fledgling banking career--though she longs to study the sea instead. Just as compellingly, she's drawn to Erick Spencer, the flamboyant oceanographer who sweeps her to peaks of ecstasy; then disappears...

When they meet again, Erick lays claim to Julia completely. In his arms, her brightest fantasies seem within her grasp. But when she's offered a fabulous opportunity, Erick withdraws from her life, as if wanting no part in her future plans. Hurt and confused, Julia wonders: In giving her the freedom to choose for herself, is Erick destroying the impassioned bond they share?