The friendship between a lost and lonely Caroline and an unhappy Sebastian develops into an illicit love that threatens them both. Caroline Wilson is stuck in an oppressive, loveless marriage to an older man. When her husband finally receives a long-awaited promotion, Caroline has no choice but to follow him to his new home in San Diego. There she meets Sebastian, a young man of seventeen years old. During this too short summer, their happiness blossoms. But they are under pressure from the outside, not only from the domineering David, but also from Sebastian’s parents, who begin to suspect that their son has a secret. Even Caroline's new friend, Donna, understands that dark passions lie beneath her calm exterior.