has to stop himself from returning to Mavis but finally his desire becomes too strong and he gives in to his impulses. Finding himself at her apartment, Frank knocks on the door and Mavis welcomes him with open arms. Everything is wonderful until Frank finds another man in her bedroom.

More than a year passes before Frank hears from Mavis again. In the meantime, his first novel is published successfully, he finds a new woman, Gail, and his life seems finally free from the dark shadow of Mavis. Then, while visiting his former roommate for a day of sailing, Frank sees Mavis at the marina. His blood pounds and all the frantic desires that he thought he had put behind him come crashing in on him. The next day, Mavis calls to invite him for a weekend sailing cruise with her and her new husband. Frank is determined not to go but when he receives a packet of pictures from Mavis that they had made while they were living together, he decides he has to go. It is the only way he can get her out of his blood.

Frank takes his new girlfriend with him as a buffer against Mavis. Unfortunately Frank realizes too late that when Mavis makes up her mind to something there is very little any man can do to stop her. She seduces Frank almost before he realizes what is happening. The trip becomes a nightmare of lust, guilt and passion. It climaxes in tragedy when Mavis' husband Jerry-a spineless coward-is driven half mad with jealousy and self contempt ...