Joy Young, an attractive, young waitress at the Cozy Cocoa Shoppe, intends to graduate without a penny of debt. She believes working hard and doing the right things will bring the rewards she desires. Her philosophy works until Dane Michaels threatens to take the coveted award she considers to be hers.

Dane drives a vintage sports car, wears finely tailored clothes, and is disgustingly brilliant, as well as devastatingly handsome. He fully expects to add the Talbott Prize to his many other collegiate accolades. A feisty little cocoa server is only a minor obstacle to his plans.

But Joy refuses to back off from this fight, even with the formidable Dane Michaels. Can she win without sacrificing her principles? Or her heart?