Zuri Day - Crystal Caress

Passion is heating up those arctic Alaska nights!

It took nerve for Northern California socialite Teresa Drake to walk away from her family’s famed wine empire. Flying off to Alaska is even riskier—especially when the budding journalist stumbles down a cavern while admiring the spectacular sights. But it’s her gorgeous rescuer who makes Teresa truly reckless. The night she spends with mogul Atka Sinclair convinces her she’s found her soul mate…until her charming lover becomes her worst enemy.

Atka has deep ties to his native land. So how can he trust the pampered beauty who just published a glowing article about the politician out to destroy his people’s heritage? But as traitorous desire reignites, Atka realizes what he and Teresa share is too precious to lose. Will pride prevent him from building a future with the woman who could write them the most thrilling love story of all?

“Atka?” Her voice was soft, delicate.

“Yes?”

“Kiss me.”

“Go to sleep, Teresa.”

“Didn’t you tell me to help ease the pain in my ankle by thinking about other things? That’s what I’m doing. You are what I’m thinking about and a kiss is what I want to help me stay focused on that and not the pain.”

“Teresa, you have no idea what door you’re opening.”

A pause and then, “I’ll take my chances.”

No movement at first. Then, a shifting on the sofa sleeper, until Atka’s body lay aligned with hers. A tentative hand on the thigh that, ever since first seeing it, he’d longed to touch.

Teresa shifted.

“No, stay still.”

“But—”

“Still…and quiet.”

He ran his finger up the side of her thigh, across the band of her thong and over her stomach. As he did so, he raised up on an elbow, sensing more than seeing Teresa’s face in the dark.

He bent his head and met her cheek. He kissed it.

And on to the neck bearing the fragrance of his frustration. He licked it.

Teresa lay there. Still. Quiet. Waiting.

His hand continued its journey beneath the flannel shirt that looked so good on her, stopping just below her breast.

He touched his lips to hers. The sensation was like two soft pillows colliding—light, airy.

Dear Reader,

The moment I saw blue ice floating along the Tracy Arm Fjord, I knew part of a future story would take place in beautiful Alaska. Traveling there brought me closer to finishing a bucket list of visiting all fifty states (ten states left!). A cruise with romance-writing queen Brenda Jackson was a perfect way to get there.

My favorite tour, which came about due to bad weather preventing a helicopter ride that would’ve had to land on a glacier, was led by a native Alaskan. I don’t remember the name of his tribe, but I do remember his heartfelt pride. It created in me a curiosity about the history of Alaska, the past and present ways of life of these various tribes, and how the arrival of gold seekers and other adventurers affected their traditions. The result of that research, combined with my appreciation for native tradition, is what you now hold in your hands, and it’s woven in between the love story of Atka and Teresa.

I hope you enjoy.

Zuri

Crystal Caress

Zuri Day

www.millsandboon.co.uk

ZURI DAY sneaked her first Mills & Boon romance at the age of twelve from her older sister’s off-limits collection and was hooked from page one. Knights in shining armor and happily-ever-afters filled her teen years and spurred a lifelong love of reading. That she now creates these stories as a full-time, award-winning author is a dream come true! Splitting her time between the stunning Caribbean islands and Southern California, she’s always busy writing her next novel. Zuri makes time to connect with readers and meet with book clubs. Contact her via Facebook ( haveazuriday) or at zuri@zuriday.com.

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Dedication

When embracing the excitement of faraway travels,

A romance story setting is sure to unravel.

That’s how the hero and heroine here

Found love between the golden state and the last frontier.

Acknowledgment

A warm and special thank you to my editor and friend, Glenda Howard. She is not only one of the best in this business, but also one of the kindest, most insightful individuals I know.

Reference for Yupik Words

Emaaq—Grandmother

Apaaq—Grandfather

Nuliaq—wife

Panik—daughter

Waqaa—hello

Cama-I—general greeting

Cangacit—how are you?

Quyana—thank you

Qasgi—communal house for young boys

Aviukaryaraq—sacred offering

Papoota (taya)—a term of endearment

Contents

Cover

Back Cover Text

Introduction

Dear Reader

Title Page

About the Author

Dedication

Acknowledgment

Reference for Yupik Words

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22

Chapter 23

Chapter 24

Chapter 25

Chapter 26

Chapter 27

Chapter 28

Chapter 29

Copyright

Chapter 1

“Alaska?” With a Herculean effort, Teresa Drake’s expression was one of positive interest when her mind was all sorts of WTH.

The editor in chief of the Paradise Cove Chronicle , Teresa’s boss Gloria Murray, smiled broadly, her bright green eyes twinkling with glee. “I know, right? Who wouldn’t want this plum assignment?”

She was looking at her.

“The imminent arrival of our first grandchild is the only thing that could keep me from revisiting the last frontier. Jim and I have such wonderful memories from our fourteen-day cruise across the state to celebrate our twenty-fifth wedding anniversary.”

“Then why don’t you plan the trip for after the baby arrives? A trip to Alaska sounds like quite the adventure, one I wouldn’t want to deprive you and your husband of enjoying again.”

“If that were possible, trust me, we wouldn’t be having this conversation. But this story will involve more than a rundown and description of landmarks and things to do. One of the owners of the paper has a son living in Anchorage and running for office. In a few weeks, he’s doing a major fund-raiser for him here in Paradise Cove and wants the story to precede this event.”

“Oh.”

“One more thing about the fund-raiser. Did I say it’s major? Benny is pulling out all of the stops. He wants everybody from the paper to be there.”

“Attendance is mandatory?”

“Pretty much.”

Teresa thought to put that date on her calendar later. Right now there were more pressing things on her mind. Like getting out of a date with an iceberg. “What about the more senior writers? Won’t they feel slighted at not being asked?”

“You let me worry about personnel while you concentrate on writing a series of articles that cast both Alaska and Paul Campbell, the young man you’ll be interviewing, in a positive light. His being elected mayor of Anchorage, Alaska, will put him on solid footing toward his goal to become governor of the state, and can mean good news for Paradise Cove through joint business ventures and other avenues. So you’re the lucky person who gets to write an article that makes him shine, and also pleases the man who signs your paycheck.”