When underwater archaeologist Sam McGowan is asked to help salvage a sunken Confederate blockade runner, he jumps at the chance. He's less thrilled when he meets project leader Rachel. But not only has Sam underestimated Rachel's abilities, he has yet to discover the fascinating other facets of this complex woman.

All her life, Rachel Chandler has dreamed of finding sunken treasure. While grateful to run her first solo operation, she resents that her father hired a man who is intent on questioning her every move. But when she and Sam stumble onto an unexpected cache of gems aboard the wreck, they're drawn into something much more intimate than a working partnership.

As Rachel and Sam start to dream of a future together, they also begin to realize that the fabulous treasure they have discovered holds more danger than they ever suspected.