Zuri Day - Solid Gold Seduction

“How long does it take to put on a dress?”

“We need our girl time. I have someone coming over for our hair and makeup. See you in about two hours?”

“If you insist.”

“I do.”

* * *

Warren stood in the middle of his walk-in closet, staring at what he called his monkey suits and wishing for the umpteenth time that he hadn’t picked up the phone. He recalled the conversation.

“I had other plans for tonight, Mother.”

That those plans were a delivered pizza and early bedtime need not be shared.

“I reminded you about the table for ten we purchased two weeks ago,” his mother had countered. You promised you’d come.”

“I don’t remember.”

“You were on your way out the door. But you agreed.”

“Great.”

“The money made from the sale of tables is for a good cause. We’re going to build a combination food bank and donation center somewhere in town. Everyone goes to the Days of Paradise gala, Warren. Besides, you’ve been working too hard lately. And there’s a surprise.”

Oh, here we go. “Who is she?”

He grimaced at his mother’s tinkling chuckle, grating because of what was sure to come next.

“Rachel’s home.”

“So now we get to the real reason for all this prodding.”

“Surprised you need it for such a beautiful girl, or rather, young woman. She’s even more stunning than when she left to finish her senior year. You’re almost thirty years old, Warren. Time to think about settling down.”

“Junior’s thirty-two. Go and bug him.”

“Oh, trust me, Ike Jr. gets his share of...encouragement. But right now I’m not talking to him. I’m talking to you.” Silence. “Rachel graduated with dual degrees in psychology and music theory.”

“She’s still playing the piano?”

“Beautifully, even participated in a concert at Carnegie Hall. Any man would be blessed to have 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

Anybody 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 and help with the plans to raise money for the center I told you about, and a variety of other charities.”

“That’s wonderful.”

“There are so many unfortunate people in this world,” Rachel stated, long, thick lashes surrounding the doe-like eyes that looked at Warren in a love-starved way. “It’s the least I can do.”

“You’ve always been such a caring soul, Rachel. I think that...” In a rare moment, Jennifer was distracted to the point that she lost her train of thought. “Who is that with Alice?” she asked, as if to herself.

Warren and Rachel followed the direction of Jennifer’s gaze.

“I’m not sure,” Rachel responded.

Warren said nothing. Couldn’t, he was speechless. Because he knew exactly who it was, and he couldn’t believe it.

* * *

Charli had one single goal for the night: get through it without falling flat on her butt. How women walked, even danced, in heels was beyond her. And panty hose? Geez. Now she had an idea how ground pork felt in casing. The makeup was foreign on her face; she had to constantly squelch the urge to rub it off. The only thing about Alice’s forced makeover that felt remotely comfortable was the hairstyle. She liked it up and away from her face. But she’d trade all the sparkly pins for a scrunchie in a New York minute.

“I’d like to think all of the gentlemen are looking this way because of my new ’do,” Alice said, patting her freshly cut silver bob. “But it’s clear who’s caught their eye.”

Charli wished it wasn’t. Being the center of attention wasn’t her forte unless the surrounding crowd came with four legs and a snout. “I wish they’d quit staring. It’s disconcerting.”

“By the look on some of the women’s faces,” Alice said, eyes gleaming, “you aren’t the only one unnerved. I see some of my friends, darling. Come.”