Book excerpt: Preston Blake had it all-wealth, a picturesque estate, and a growing affection with his childhood best friend Caroline Avery-until an unfortunate accident leaves him badly scarred in more ways than one. Isolated by the cruel eyes of society, Preston's only wish is to find where he now belongs.Caroline Avery is recently out in society, and thanks to Preston Blake's broken promises, finds herself being chased by a determined earl instead of courted by her best friend. When, after a year's absence, Preston finally accepts an invitation to visit her family's estate, Caroline is determined to feign indifference to his company.But being back together proves more challenging than either friend conceived. Caroline longs to return to the past, but Preston cannot let go of his fears. How could they possibly have a future together?