Wildest Hearts

“THERE IS NO FINER EXPONENT OF CONTEMPORARY ROMANCE THAN THE IMMENSELY POPULAR JAYNE ANN KRENTZ.”

    —Romantic Times

    Praise for

    Jayne Ann Krentz

    and her marvelous bestsellers

WILDEST HEARTS

    “The phenomenal Jayne Ann Krentz once again delivers one of her patented storytelling gems…. Another guaranteed top-notch read!”

    —Romantic Times

    EYE OF THE BEHOLDER

    “[A] well-paced thriller fraught with tension—both sexual and suspenseful…. The prolific Krentz once again demonstrates her knack for page-turning plots that master fully inveigle and misdirect readers up to a surprising denouement.”

    —Publishers Weekly

    “Krentz weaves her magic in this exciting and passionate tale. She leads us into a maze of puzzles and adventures, which we don't want to end. Read, absorb, and enjoy.”

    —Rendezvous

    Now available…Look forGrand Passion andAbsolutely, Positively , collected in one stunning new volume from Pocket Books!

    GRAND PASSION

    “Filled with the kind of intelligent, offbeat characters…[who] are so fun to get to know that it's hard to close the book on them.”

    —USA Today

    “Krentz at her best…with the snappy dialogue that has become her trademark and a cast of characters you want to know personally.”

    —Sandra Brown

    ABSOLUTELY, POSITIVELY

    “[A] cheerful escapist package combining sex and mystery….”

    —Cosmopolitan

    “Jayne Ann Krentz outdoes herself…Absolutely, Positivelyis Krentz at her most insightful and entertaining best.”

    —Affaire de Coeur

    “Absolutely, Positivelypushes all the right buttons—and it always works.”

    —Kirkus Reviews

    “A delight…Krentz's leads are engaging and believable.”

    —Publishers Weekly

    Also from Pocket Books…Be sure to enjoyThe Golden Chance andSilver Linings , now paired in one wonderful new volume!

    THE GOLDEN CHANCE

    “A breezy, funny tale of love conquering all.”

    —Publishers Weekly

    “If you're in the market for irresistible romance and high-powered corporate intrigue…pick up this splendid novel by the fabulous Jayne Ann Krentz.”

    —Romantic Times

    “A suspenseful and satisfying story that strikes a deep, human chord.”

    —Patricia Matthews

    SILVER LININGS

    “The Krentz mark of excellence is more than evident in the snappy dialogue, steamy sensuality, and vivid characterization. Don't miss this outstanding romantic adventure.”

    —Romantic Times

    “Jayne Ann Krentz entertains to the hilt inSilver Linings …. The excitement and adventure don't stop.”

    —Catherine Coulter

    “Wonderful characters, a great plot with lots of action, and a fine romance with lots of spark—what more could you ask for?”

    —Rendezvous

    Also by Jayne Ann Krentz

    Absolutely, Postively

    Deep Waters

    Eye of the Beholder

    Family Man

    Flash

    The Golden Chance

    Grand Passion

    Hidden Talents

    Perfect Partners

    Sharp Edges

    Silver Linings

    Sweet Fortune

    Trust Me

    Wildest Hearts

    Written under the name Jayne Castle

    Amaryllis

    Orchid

    Zinnia

    Published by POCKET BOOKS

    This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents are products of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or locales or persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

    AnOriginal Publication of POCKET BOOKS

    POCKET BOOKS, a division of Simon & Schuster, Inc.
    1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY10020

    Copyright © 1993 by Jayne Ann Krentz

    All rights reserved, including the right to reproduce this book or portions thereof in any form whatsoever.
    For information address Pocket Books, 1230 Avenue of the Americas, New York, NY10020

    ISBN: 0-7434-9646-9

    POCKET and colophon are registered trademarks of Simon & Schuster, Inc.

    Visit us on the World Wide Web:
    http://www.SimonSays.com

For my sister-in-law, Wendy Born,
    who understood Oliver's passion for ferns.

    With love and gratitude.

1

    Idon't think the elephant is going to work,” Oliver Rain finally said. His soft, dark voice was shaded with polite regret.

    “I was afraid you wouldn't like him.” Annie Lyncroft gazed morosely at the beast and wondered how to broach the real subject she wanted to discuss with the inscrutable Oliver Rain.

    “I'll admit he's unusual,” Rain acknowledged.

    “You're probably asking yourself the same question that a lot of my clients ask. You're wondering, Is it art or is it just plain tacky?”

    “An interesting question,”