An earl's daughter is caught between the man who wishes to wed her and the one who wants to bed her.Firstborn daughter of a prominent family, Lady Clarity brightens the lives of everyone around her. This social season, she has decided to choose a husband from amongst her flock of suitors. But then her childhood friend reappears - impressively tall, exceedingly handsome, and . . . as amusing as a box of rocks. Lord Alex Hollidge's heart turned to stone and the laughter died in his eyes the moment he was orphaned. Inheriting the viscountcy at a young age, he has known nothing but responsibility. Now, it's time to take a wife. Pity the only lady who makes his pulse race is utterly unsuitable, as frivolous as when they were youngsters. With everything - and everyone - telling Alex and Clarity to stay apart, and both of them promised to others, will their smoldering desire be snuffed out before it can blaze into love?