Platinum Promises

Platinum Promises
Zuri Day

Seduction in the lap of luxury…Stellar business decisions and award-winning wines have helped Dexter Drake turn his family’s luxury resort and spa into the most successful vineyard in southern California. The youngest Drake sibling also has another talent—his legendary prowess with women. He is having too much fun to settle down…until he meets Faye Buckner, a guest at the vineyard’s hotel. And her act of kindness makes it impossible for the freewheeling bachelor to get the beautiful, idealistic doctor out of his mind.Faye has come a long way from her childhood on the mean streets of St. Louis. She believes in making the world a better place, and has dedicated her career to saving lives in third world countries. Now, an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity could give her the chance to do the same in America, so she plans to concentrate on her work.But she soon discovers that there is more to the breathtaking playboy than his gorgeous looks. He has intelligence, compassion and a sinfully sexy embrace. Should Faye remain focused solely on her career, or listen to Dexter’s passionate promises…and her own heart? The Drakes of California In the sparkling vineyards of California, destiny and desire are about to collide.

Seduction in the lap of luxury…

Award-winning wines have helped Dexter Drake turn his family’s luxury resort and spa into the most successful vineyard in Southern California. Yet Dexter has another talent—his prowess with women. He is having too much fun to settle down…until he meets Faye Buckner, a guest at the vineyard’s hotel. Her act of kindness makes it impossible for him to get the beautiful doctor out of his mind.

Faye believes in making the world a better place, and has dedicated her career to saving lives. She plans to concentrate on her work. But she soon discovers that the breathtaking playboy isn’t just gorgeous—he is intelligent and compassionate, too. Should Faye remain focused solely on her career or listen to Dexter’s passionate promises…and her own heart?

“Thanks again,” Faye said, fumbling for her key card. “It was a very nice evening.”

“My pleasure,” Dexter said, his voice slightly husky as he gently removed the card from Faye’s hand, keeping his gaze locked with hers as he unlocked her door. He took a step, one that put his body within inches of hers; he was so close that she could feel his heat, imagine his “intention.”

“Okay, so, good night.” She averted her eyes and held out her hand. Please! Just give me my key card before I die!

But, no, that would have been too much like right. He had to place one hand on her shoulder and another on her chin, and turn her head ever so slightly. Then, he had to run his hand down her arm as he lowered his head and placed a kiss—soft and feathery—on her parted lips.

“Good night, Doctor,” he murmured.

“Good night.” She walked into the room, offered as best a smile as she could muster under the circumstances—keeping her knees from buckling and her heart from beating out her chest—and closed the door.

Inside the room, silence enveloped her. That…and abject loneliness unlike any she’d ever felt. She leaned against the door, took several calming breaths and asked herself the million-dollar question. What. Just. Happened?

ZURI DAY

snuck 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. She’d love to hear from you, and personally answers every email that’s sent to Zuri@ZuriDay.com.

Platinum Promises

Zuri Day

www.millsandboon.co.uk (http://www.millsandboon.co.uk)

Dear Reader,

Platinum is one of the rarest elements on earth: exceptionally resistant and highly valuable. I believe the same can be said about the love between Dexter and Faye. Like platinum, he is lustrous—polished, dazzling—while her malleability during years spent doctoring in third-world countries has served her well. The rarity is in these two opposites attracting; the resiliency and value is a sustainable relationship formed on common ground.

Faye returns to the States from Port au Prince, Haiti, the capital city of the Western Hemisphere’s poorest country, which was devastated by an earthquake in 2010. She reminds us that all these years later, much restorative work is still desperately needed. There are several charitable organizations through which we can pitch in and help, either by offering our time and services, as Faye did, or by making monetary contributions, Dexter-style.

Either way, for both this couple and for Haiti, love wins!

Zuri Day

In love, a promise is a beautiful token

When heartfelt words are lovingly spoken

And there’s magic when a partner makes a platinum vow

So amazing that the only response is…wow!

Thanks to Glenda Howard and Harlequin’s “Team Zuri”—especially Mr. IT (wink)—for being wonderful and fabulous. Because you are…I am!

Contents

Chapter 1 (#ud6bb850f-4a43-5280-8094-629f7b070d46)

Chapter 2 (#uf8cc9e08-a58b-523b-ac01-1e0f22b56783)

Chapter 3 (#ue2d3c546-3392-5ba3-8a9c-61c139814698)

Chapter 4 (#u125165b2-0aa3-51d8-9e52-26cbe01bdc5a)

Chapter 5 (#u920e0160-541a-5cc3-904b-84c39deca82e)

Chapter 6 (#ua748a109-e9e3-5364-9d77-46bfac590e99)

Chapter 7 (#u07b1e7f6-0f76-5d7d-a2d2-40523f6ead72)

Chapter 8 (#u285a6bf6-f75d-5b49-864c-63519e598f96)

Chapter 9 (#u0fd06a32-b579-5908-9ff8-b146fd7cfe0b)

Chapter 10 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 11 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 12 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 13 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 14 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 15 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 16 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 17 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 18 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 19 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 20 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 21 (#litres_trial_promo)

Chapter 22 (#litres_trial_promo)