Crystal Caress Read online

  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

  Zuri Day sneaked her first Harlequin 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].

  Books by Zuri Day

  Harlequin Kimani Romance

  Diamond Dreams

  Champagne Kisses

  Platinum Promises

  Solid Gold Seduction

  Secret Silver Linings

  Crystal Caress

  Visit the Author Profile page at

  Harlequin.com for more titles.

  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

  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

  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 pre
ssing 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.”

  “Lucky me!”

  The effort to keep a smile pasted on her face was painful, but with the editor eyeing her keenly, Teresa managed it. When she’d finally convinced/cajoled/begged her way into a leave of absence from the family business and then signed on with the local newspaper to cover the travel section, a trip to the last frontier—or the first one, for that matter—wasn’t exactly what she had in mind. She’d envisioned turquoise water and white sandy beaches, the walk of stars in Hollywood, the neon lights of New York’s Times Square or, for a more rustic experience, perhaps the Grand Canyon. But Alaska? Um, no.

  Tapping her iPad tablet out of sleep mode, Teresa hid her indifference behind a professional veneer. “Since I’m going to Alaska primarily to interview a political candidate, from what perspective would you like the article written?”

  Gloria leaned against the back of her chair and tapped a pen against the desk. “Good question, and I’d like your input. I’m thinking several consecutive stories will be nice, actually, perhaps a four-part series that begins with the story on Paul—whose roots are here in Paradise Cove—which would run in the main part of the paper. The remaining three pieces could be on the state and written either for the travel or lifestyle sections. What do you think?”

  I’m thinking someone else should do this assignment.

  “I think that’s a good idea. That way, the article doesn’t come off as a blatant endorsement. If that happened, we might have to give equal space to the opponent. That’s something I’ll check into.”

  “See, I knew you were the perfect fit for this piece. Having helped your brother during his successful mayoral bid gives you an insight into politics and the types of questions to answer that will make this a much more interesting story than one written by someone with no personal experience in that world. You’ll have instant camaraderie, which along with the education and skill you bring to the table will make for a winning article. Be sure and write it on Paul in a way that doesn’t warrant a rebuttal piece. The last thing Benny would want to do is give his son’s opponent a forum.”

  Teresa nodded. “When do I leave for this assignment?”

  “Tomorrow, if possible.”

  Teresa’s WTH face came out of hiding.

  “It’s the life of a journalist, darling, who instantly goes to where the story flows. Paul leaves for a tour across Alaska on Thursday and as I’ve said, we want this story to run next week. Which is why I’m giving you the rest of the day off to prepare for the trip. Your flight is at one o’clock from Oakland, putting you into Anchorage tomorrow evening. A tentative appointment with Paul has been set up for Wednesday morning, but you’ll need to confirm that with his assistant once you arrive. We’re pulling together everything you need—confirmation numbers for flight and hotel, contact numbers and a suggested itinerary—which will be emailed to you this afternoon. This is a tricky time of year up there where rain, snow and dropping temps are all in the forecast, so pack accordingly. You may need to schedule a couple hours at an Anchorage mall after your meeting for your investigative travels, but hopefully you have the gear to get you through your arrival and first meeting, and by gear I mean boots, scarves, knit cap or hat, an umbrella or raincoat and gloves.”

  “In April?”

  Gloria nodded. “When reading the clothing recommendations for our May cruise, I had the same reaction. Turns out we used every piece of winter clothing we’d placed in the luggage. One of the recommendations in the itinerary requires an arrival by boat and believe me, when the wind kicks up among the sails, it can be something fierce. So I strongly encourage you to check the internet for more specifics on the weather and be more prepared to layer and stay warm rather than dress to impress, which I know will be hard for the woman voted Most Fashionable in last year’s society section.”

  “I’m sure I’ll manage. But—” Teresa stood “—between researching the candidate and shopping for winter in spring, it’s going to take every second up to and including my time during the flight. So I’d best get started.”

  “My assistant helped out a bit by pulling some things off the internet and combining them with information Benny has provided. All of this will be included in the email you receive. You can use the remaining days for the vacation-destination angle of your piece, returning on Friday or staying through the weekend, your choice. But I need at least a draft of the first article on my desk Friday morning and the finished version first thing Monday.”

  “Got it. Thanks for giving me this opportunity, Gloria. I’ll do my best.”

  “I know how you operate, Teresa, with a standard of excellence. You’ll do even better than that.”

  That evening, Teresa entered the Drake estate burdened down with boxes and bags. The housekeeper met her at the door leading from the garage, with Jennifer, Teresa’s mother, not far behind.

  “I take for you.”

  “Thanks, Sylvia.” Teresa handed over all but a couple of the bags. “Just place them in my suite. They won’t be there long, so no need to hang them.” She turned to Jennifer. “Hi, Mom.”

  “Hello, dear. Shopping usually puts a smile on your face. You don’t look happy.”

  “I don’t like snow.” Teresa slunk down the hall, through the gallery and into the living room, where she plopped onto a couch.

  Jennifer joined her for needed clarification. “Clearly, something happened today. Would you like to start at the beginning?”

  “I’m going to Alaska.”

  “Oh, how wonderful.”

  “Not you, too.”

  “What? I’ve heard the beauty there is magnificent. Just the other day your father and I were discussing a possible Alaskan cruise with the neighbors.”

  “Great! Would you like to go there tomorrow, interview a politician and then travel to a couple places only accessible by boat?”

  “Teresa, you’re sulking and that doesn’t become you. I’ll take part of the blame for this. You’re too much like your mother, a girlie-girl whose idea of roughing it means driving ourselves into San Francisco instead of hiring a driver.”

  “Exactly, Mom. You understand!”

  “I do. And I also recognize that the paper sending you on assignment after six short months of working there speaks highly of their belief in your ability to do the job.” She placed a hand on Teresa’s arm. “It’s why you gave your dad heartburn until he caved in to your request for a leave of absence, correct?”

  “You’re right.”

  “Think of the trip as a blessing in disguise. You haven’t dated much since George showed his true colors. Perhaps you’ll meet someone and—”

  “Mom. I’m not ready to get back into the dating game. I’d rather focus on work.”

  “Then view it as a change of scenery and chance to clear your head.”

  “I know that I should be grateful. But I had plans this weekend and they didn’t include being in a place where bears outnumber humans.”

  Jennifer chuckled. “Tell me more about this wonderful opportunity.”

  An hour later, Jennifer’s eternally optimistic perspective made Teresa feel better about leaving for Alaska. A little.

  * * *

  Atka Sinclair sat back in his c
ompany’s Mercedes-Benz helicopter and surveyed part of the Aleknagik land that had been in his tribe’s generation for a thousand years. The dusting of snow reflecting against the sun gave the tableau an ethereal feel. The deep and varied hues of tall, green pines seemed to lift their branches in praise to the universe. Birds and clouds floated on serenity’s song against a backdrop of sparkling lakes. All this—uninterrupted by glass-and-concrete edifices, corporate offices or cookie-cutter houses—was more than four hundred miles away from his company’s corporate offices in Anchorage, and a hundred miles from Dillingham, where the highly profitable fisheries that drove the corporation were located. It was here that he felt one with the sky, the earth and all its creatures. Here, twenty thousand feet in the air, soaring on the wings of the wind—and aided by a turbo engine—Atka felt most at peace, and communed with Spirit God. Here, he recalled the stories of the ancients, those who’d traversed the land more than a thousand years ago, stories passed down to him from his emaaq and apaaq—his grandmother and grandfather. He’d grown up in Anchorage with his parents. But his soul remained spiritually and emotionally connected to the land of his boyhood, the place where he learned to hunt, swam with the fish and shared with the trees his wistful dreams. So it was with a great sense of gratitude that he followed his partner’s advice to get away for a few days and rejuvenate his spirit. With the storm brewing along the business and political fronts...he was going to need it.

  He tapped the button that connected to his headset radio. “Waqaa!” Atka smiled as his longtime friend/brother, Frank, responded in their native Yupik language before continuing in English.

  “About time you quit playing big businessman and come home.” He waved his hands. Totally unnecessary since Atka, a proficient pilot who’d flown helicopters for five years, could have landed just about anywhere with efficiency. The large, circled X on the concrete helipad made landing something Atka could almost do in his sleep. With one eye open, of course.

  Atka exited the helicopter and greeted Frank’s nephew, Xander, whom he paid to take care of the property between his infrequent visits. After handing Xander the helicopter keys, Atka and Frank walked into the station, so far the only shelter he’d had built on the five-acre property he’d purchased several years ago. Little more than an elaborate and well-made shed, this station housed his copter gear and other flight accessories. It also held a minikitchen, small bathroom and bedroom, and an office that doubled as the lad’s living space.