Diamond Dreams
A dazzling dynasty. As the only daughter of southern California’s most famous wine dynasty, Diamond Drake devotes all her waking hours to the family business. Burned by love, she’s sworn to give her heart only to the man who puts a ring on her finger. But self-made construction millionaire Jackson Wright is already sweeping her up in a whirlwind romance. Is he the real thing? Or will the sinfully sexy bachelor prove to be all flash and no substance? A love that’s her true destiny…From the moment he sees her, Jackson is dazzled by the stunning, sultry Diamond. He knows it’s dangerous to mix business with the pleasure. If only Diamond will say yes to a future glittering with their passion and love…The Drakes of California In the sparkling vineyards of California, destiny and desire are about to collide.
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A dazzling dynasty
As the only daughter of Southern Californiaâs most famous wine dynasty, Diamond Drake devotes all her waking hours to the family business. Burned by love, sheâs not sure she ever wants to fall in love again. But construction millionaire Jackson Wright is sweeping her up in a whirlwind romance. Is he the real thing? Or will the sinfully sexy bachelor prove to be all flash and no substance?
A love thatâs her true destiny....
From the moment he sees her, Jackson is dazzled by the stunning, sultry Diamond. He knows itâs dangerous to mix business with pleasure. If only Diamond will say yes to a future glittering with their passion and love....
The sax sizzled from the speakers, wrapping them in a sensual cocoon, a world of their own
It was as if time stopped, along with Diamondâs rational thinking. Because for the life of her, she couldnât think of anything more logical to do than to kiss those lips, to crush the nipples that were even now hardening at the mere thought of being touched against Jacksonâs hard chest.
She took a step.
Jacksonâs eyes narrowed as he watched her come closer. He looked at her lips, slightly parted with desire. Wanting him was written all over her face. His message was being proclaimed from an area decidedly lower, by a rapidly increasing bulge in the front of his jeans.
He took a step.
They now stood just inches apart, neither moving, barely breathing. At the risk of having to fire himself for insubordination, Jackson reached out and ran a finger along Diamondâs jawline. His touch was more electric than the guitar that now accompanied the sax. She licked her lips and suppressed a shiver. He watched, wondering how they tasted, those lips, wanting to know how she tasted. Her eyes flickered shut, and then back open, even as her head tilted seemingly of its own accord. To hell with stalking ex-coworkers and iron-clad declarations. He would be a rule-breaker. Thoughts of consequences could come later. Right now all he wanted were her lips. On his. Now! He bent his head down. One more step and the kiss would begin. Just one more step....
Diamond Dreams
Zuri Day
Dear Reader,
I am thrilled to introduce you to the Drakes of California!
When hearing the words wine country, most of us think of Napa Valley. So did I, until visiting Southern Californiaâs vineyards, a beautiful community surrounded by mountains, nestled midway between Los Angeles and San Diego. This picturesque setting (and a few glasses of wine) served to inspire this story about a dynasty using land that has been in the family for almost one hundred years! The Drake Vineyard is approximately sixty miles north of the first California grapes planted at Mission San Diego in 1769.
I love writing about strong women. Diamond Drake is all that and a glass of high-priced brut! Sheâs used to being in control, which is why her irrepressible attraction to Jackson Wright is so exasperating. But we all know what happens when iron sharpens ironâ¦sparks fly!
So, pour a glass of something deliciousâ¦and enjoy!
Zuri Day
To the wine country of Temecula, and especially winemaker David Vergari and media director Linda Kissam of Thornton Winery. The private tour and detail-laden interview were great, the wineâ¦even better! And to my editor, Glenda Howard, who helped make this novel such a pleasure to write. LaâChaim!
To all the readers, far and near,
I raise my glass and toast with cheer!
May your dreams come true, your smile remain,
and your life be as bubbly as a fine champagne!
Contents
Chapter 1
âIâm proud of you, Diamond,â Donald Drake said as he continued to flip through the latest report that she had provided. âThe sketches are fantastic, and your attention to detail continues to be impressive. These innovative interior-design ideas are going to make ours one of the best resorts in California.â
âOne of the best resorts, period,â Diamond corrected. âI told you that I could do it, Dad. Iâm glad you trusted me with such a major aspect of our expansion.â Diamond beamed from her fatherâs words of praise. She considered herself the ultimate daddyâs girl and never wanted to disappoint. And being the only girl in the family made her quite competitive with her two brothers for their fatherâs attention.
âI donât know how much trust had to do with it,â Dexter Drake drawled. Diamondâs always lovable yet sometimes annoying younger brother reared back in his chair and placed his interlocked fingers behind his head. âI think it was all of that whining and begging you did that finally wore him down.â
âI believe the correct verb is negotiated, dear brother. Mine was the best proposal submitted, period.â Even as she said this, Diamond knew that there was a thread of truth to Dexterâs statement. Her older brother, Donovan, handled most of the construction projects and had overseen the first phase of this one. It had taken a lot of research, idea submissions andâokay, maybe a little whining and beggingâto convince Donald, the companyâs founder, board president and chief operating officer, that when it came to the interior-design work and final stages of construction for Drake Wines Resort & Spa, Diamond was the woman to oversee the job.
