Crystal Caress. Zuri Day
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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.
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
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 [email protected].
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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.
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.
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
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