Theo, Duke of Lightmorrow and Bernadette, Dowager Duchess of Tunbridge, grew up together and both experienced the pain of families who didn't appreciate them. Now that their mutual friends are married, they've rekindled a friendship that is also highly flirtatious. When one tipsy night Bernadette admits she wishes she could take a lover, Theo is shocked. At first he tries to put Etta off the idea, but he soon realizes she's too tenacious and decides there's only one way to keep her safe: volunteer as the man in her bed. Bernadette's feelings for Theo are complicated, but so are the ways she views herself. Man after man in her life made her feel unworthy, so it's hard to believe that someone so popular and certain and talented as Theo could actually want her. And if he does, that he could desire more than just a few powerfully passionate nights together. But she's having trouble separating her body from her heart, even if she knows it can only lead to sorrow. Can a near tragedy and pleasure like no other lead to happiness for these two? Or will one careless night years ago end their future before it can begin.