At the reading of the Will following the death of her stepfather, 19-year-old Angel Meredith is surprised to learn that she and her younger brother, Billy, have been bequeathed equal shares in Red Rock Ranch in Fort Griffin. But she is even more surprised - and dismayed - to discover that Jordan Nash, her late stepfather's cousin, has been appointed as guardian to oversee their welfare until they reach the age of twenty-one. The petulant Angel is most put out that a complete stranger has been given such authority, and her first act of defiance is to go and see her friend, Becky, in the saloon instead of staying home to greet her new guardian. In the altercation that follows, Angel is rescued by a tall stranger - but her gratitude quickly fades when she finds he is her new guardian, and it isn't long before her incessant protests and arguments lead to a spanked bottom. More protests follow as Angel refuses to leave her home and travel to Red Rock Ranch, but she gives in eventually for Billy's sake.

Angel's new life begins on the ranch and her bratty behaviour constantly lands her over Jordan's knee for a spanking. She initially finds her new guardian an overbearing, arrogant bully, but gradually her feelings towards him change ... so when she hears he is to marry the spiteful Evelyn, she is heartbroken. But there is only one woman for Jordan, and he knows exactly who it is...