Nevan throws her a lifeline-one hundred thousand dollars for private computer tutoring-it seems like the perfect solution to her problems. But there's a catch-she must travel to his private island.

 The late November season makes travel perilous. A storm blows in when they are halfway across the lake. The storm knocks out phones, electricity, and the dock, stranding her.

 To Roxanne's surprise, her host is not the stuffy old man she expected. Instead, he appears to be young, handsome, and charming. Despite her apprehension, Roxanne finds herself drawn to Aidan.

 Still, she suspects he's hiding something sinister. Strange creatures wander the woods of his island. The trees seem intent on harming her. As the unnatural storm grows worse, she worries neither of them will last until morning.