A world of secret passion awaits...
As Belleza Resortâs general manager, Kimberly Parker is living her dream of transforming her familyâs decades-old property into Californiaâs most exclusive A-list retreat. Her 24â7 dedication leaves the driven executive no time for romance, especially as rumors of sabotage and Bellezaâs haunted history vie for her attention. But the hotelâs enigmatic, überelegant new guest arouses more than her curiosity, sweeping Kimberly into a taboo affair that jeopardizes all she wishes to achieve.
Heir to a powerful financial dynasty, Jaxon Dunham knows he canât hide out at the luxurious desert resort forever. Even if his passionate nights with Kimberly are the closest thing to paradise heâs ever known. Then Jaxon finds himself the focus of scandalous headlines. Risking exposure, he has to make the decision to trust his heart or walk away from a promising love...
âI donât understand.â
âOysters, figs, pomegranate, vanilla crème?â He raised a brow. âThose are known aphrodisiacs that heighten the senses. They make you aware of everything and everyone.â
He stopped walking and turned to her. âAnd Iâm very well aware of you, Kimberly Parker. Iâve been aware of you and wanting to kiss you for some time now, so I think itâs about time I did something about it.â
Before Kimberly could protest or deny the very real attraction between them, Jack bent his head and his mouth feasted on hers. The shock of having his lips on hers and feeling his hard, compelling body against her was like a jolt of electricity. She couldnât help but respond by winding her arms around his neck. He took that as an invitation and took more.
His tongue dived inside her mouth and skillfully merged with hers, stroking her over and over again. His teeth incited wild thrills inside her as he nipped and teased at her mouth. Kimberly responded to his fervent ardor by grasping his head in her hands and allowing him to devour her mouthâthat was the only word she could use to describe the way he ravished her. He took his time drawing out each sensation, and she delighted in his warm exploration because it matched her need.
When he finally lifted his head and their lips parted, he said, âThat was just as good as I imagined it would be.â
Dear Reader,
Iâm excited to share Heat Wave of Desire, the first book in the California Desert Dreams trilogy, with you. Collaborating and brainstorming ideas with authors Lisa Marie Perry and Pamela Yaye was a blast.
Headstrong heroine Kimberly Parker was recently put in charge of her familyâs resort, Belleza, much to her brother Seanâs dismay. Sheâs drawn to mysterious, sexy guest Jack Scott. Little does she know heâs the überrich son of one her top competitors. Wanna know a secret? I added a scene with Sean, hero of book three, to give readers a taste of the drama to come.
My next Kimani project is in the works! If you canât wait that long, visit yahrahstjohn.com to download my latest ebooks. Feel free to write me at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Yahrah St. John
YAHRAH ST. JOHN is the author of fourteen Kimani Romance titles. St. John is the recipient of the 2013 RT Reviewersâ Choice Award for Best Kimani Romance for A Chance with You. A graduate of Hyde Park Career Academy, she earned a bachelor of arts degree in English from Northwestern University. St. John is a member of Romance Writers of America but is an avid reader of all genres. She enjoys the arts, cooking, traveling, basketball and adventure sports, but her true passion remains writing. St. John lives in sunny Orlando. For more information, please visit yahrahstjohn.com.
To my creative and always resourceful sister Kimberly Marie Mitchell for helping boost my brand.
Chapter 1
âI want it.â
Kimberly Parker, general manager of the Belleza Resort and Spa, didnât wait long after her two best friends sat down to breakfast at one of the resortâs three luxurious pools on Monday morning. She started in on resort business. Located in the town of Belleza, the resort was a hundred or so miles east of Los Angeles. Though it was considered a desert town, Kimberly would never tire of the breathtaking mountain views surrounding the resortâs luscious grounds.
âWant what?â Robyn Henderson asked. As the event planner for the resort, she managed special events for their private guests and corporate clients.
Gabrielle Royce, the executive chef, looked equally confused. âIâm with Robyn on this one. What is it you want?â She glanced longingly at the sumptuous egg-white veggie soufflé sheâd prepared for their breakfast, which they hadnât yet touched. But Kimberly had business not breakfast on her mind.