Small-town waitress Eve Stuckley is stuck. She has spent years pining for testosterone-saturated local hunk Jeff Sweeney and yearns to escape from the Hog-Chow Diner she runs. Just when she finally decides to pursue her man, drop-dead gorgeous Linda Avery blows into town on the hottest day of the year. The heat wave is nothing compared to the heat that's on as Jeff and Eve's dimwitted brother Chuck face off for Linda's affections. But--Linda wants Eve. Eve's confidante Alma Kerns, a sexpert trained by mortician beau Red Bishop, encourages Eve to use Linda's interest in her to win Jeff's affection, but then Linda tells Jeff she prefers Eve. Now determined to "save" Eve, ego-bruised Jeff elicits Chuck's help, but Chuck refuses to believe him, thinking it's part of the game. Ultimately, Jeff and Linda square off over Eve's future. Determined to anchor his position, Jeff "marks his territory," but shrewd Linda counteracts with a tempting offer. The town is ignited by passion that flings open the doors to closed hearts everywhere in surprising ways.