Solid Gold Seduction (The Drakes of California) Read Online Free Page B

her. She’s gorgeous, talented, comes from a great family with morals like ours.”
    “And it doesn’t hurt that her father works for the leader of the free world.”
    “I’d never want to be considered a social climber, but yes, her father’s prestigious position at the White House is a definite plus.”
    “Which tux should I wear, black, navy or gray?”
    “The black one, definitely. And it would be a nice touch, sweetheart, if you brought Rachel a little welcome-home gift. Nothing too frilly. A single rose, perhaps? Or a nice box of chocolates?”
    “I’d rather not, Mother. I know how women think and to give her anything like that would be giving her the wrong idea.”
    “You’re a kind, thoughtful man, no? What’s wrong about that?”
    “Absolutely nothing. Which is why I’ll welcome Rachel home with a greeting and a smile.”
    “Now, Warren—”
    “Goodbye, Mother. See you at the dance.”
    He finished dressing, splashed on cologne and headed for the door. A smile spread across his face as a thought occurred. He’d told his mother that he was coming to the dance. But he hadn’t told her how long he planned to stay. Not long. He felt better already.

Chapter 7
    A nybody entering the Paradise Cove Country Club would be hard-pressed to imagine it belonged to a community of less than three thousand. Every aspect of the building was magnificent, both inside and out, and everyone who entered the solid brass double doors looked as though they belonged. Limos vied with Maybachs and Bentleys and enough diamonds sparkled to rival the night’s starry sky.
    “Warren!”
    He turned around and smiled as the twins walked toward him. “Hello, Teresa.” He leaned down to give his sister a hug. “You look amazing.”
    She curtsied. “Well, thank you, brother dear. You look dapper as well.”
    “Terrell.” Warren and his brother shared a fist bump and a hug.
    “Careful,” Terrell said, brushing nonexistent lint off each of his shoulders. “Don’t mess up the threads.”
    “Trouble coming toward us,” Teresa mumbled, turning her head and twirling a curl.
    Warren resisted looking, but Terrell turned around. “Well, if it isn’t Mr. CEO and the princess.”
    Now he didn’t have to turn around. He knew who it was: Ms. Gold Digger, Ms. Social Climber. Ms. Will Do Anything to Marry a Drake. Niko had alluded to bringing someone respectable. Even though her stint as an exotic dancer had been very brief and in another state, Terrell knew that this was not the title his mom would give Ashley. She was going to be furious.
    “Hello, family,” Niko said as he approached.
    “Hello, Niko,” Warren said with a brother’s handshake. “Ashley,” he said with a nod.
    “Hello, everyone,” Ashley responded.
    “Where’s the rest of the family?” Niko asked.
    “Inside,” Warren said, “and they’re probably wondering about us. Let’s go join them.”
    The Drakes entered and the response they received resembled the Red Sea parting. Everyone turned and those in their path stepped back, offering hugs, greetings and compliments as they made their way to the table where their parents and remaining siblings either sat or stood chatting.
    There was someone else there, too. Rachel.
    “There you are!” Jennifer waved Warren over as soon as she saw him.
    His mother was right. Rachel was stunning. She looked like a tanned porcelain doll—perfect and delicate—her hair designed in attractive ringlets, her beaded dress a perfect fit, her jewelry, which he knew cost a mint, elegant and understated. So why in this moment did his mind drift to a surly neighbor with dirty hands and scuffed boots?
    “Hello, Rachel.” He leaned in to give her a light hug.
    She wrapped her arms around his neck for a longer, more personal squeeze. “Warren,” she said, stepping back but continuing to hold his hand. “It is so great to see you. Now I really feel like I’m home.”
    “Rachel has agreed to join the Golden Gates auxiliary