Christmas Diamonds by Devon Vaughn Archer Read Free Book Online Page A

and most outrageous hairstyles back then.”
    “Yeah, I know a little something about that,” Chase said humorously. “At least regarding clothes.”
    “I can imagine you would, since you obviously have a good sense of style,” Paula said, aware that fashion sense didn’t simply come with the territory.
    “I’ve got another room I’d like you to take a look at,” he told her, “if you have the time….”
    Paula jumped at the opportunity. “I’d be happy to.” She had nothing important on her agenda this afternoon. And she definitely didn’t have anyone waiting in the wings to share an intimate moment with. She suspected the same was true for him.
    Paula followed Chase up a spiral staircase and down a hallway before entering…
    “It’s the master suite,” Chase said coolly. “I was thinking that you could work your magic in here.”
    Paula felt a prickle of heat as she realized his words could be interpreted in more ways than one. “Oh, really?” she asked mischievously. “And what sort of magic are you talking about?”
    Chase tossed his head back with laughter. “Well, I wasn’t thinking in terms of mystical powers,” he said. “But I’m definitely interested in seeing what ideas you have for renovating this room.”
    Paula met his peering eyes, causing her heart to flutter and her temperature to rise. She quickly turned her attention to the room, hoping to focus on something less dangerous to her emotions than the man himself.

Chapter 5
    P aula surveyed the massive bedroom with its U-shaped layout. It had floor-to-ceiling windows and a double tray ceiling. A tile fireplace with gas logs made the sitting room cozy. The master suite’s furnishings were Edwardian, in floral patterns and prints. She noted a large walk-in closet and an adjacent, luxurious bathroom.
    “What do you think?” Chase asked, his gaze angled down at Paula’s face.
    “It’s beautiful,” she responded. There was no other way to put it. Paula eyed the elegant four-poster bed. “Your wife had good taste.”
    “That’s what everyone said.” He took a couple of steps on the plush carpeting and looked around. “Rochelle would be the first one to tell me that I need to change things.”
    “Really?” Paula was surprised. She wasn’t convinced that any woman would encourage her husband to give his bedroom a makeover once she was gone.

    “Sure.” Chase mused. “That’s how she was, never one to live in the past.”
    “I see,” Paula said enviously. She wondered if she could ever be so selfless in her love for a man if her death came prematurely. “What do you think she would suggest?”
    Chase gave the question some thought. “I’d say probably something more masculine.”
    “I agree,” admitted Paula.
    He grinned. “Guess good minds think alike.”
    “I guess so.”
    She immediately began to envision some changes she could make to suit him. Perhaps something not too masculine, so he would still be comfortable enjoying the room with a female companion. Paula impulsively thought of herself, imagining what they could do together in his bedroom.
    “I’d like you to redecorate the master suite,” Chase told her firmly.
    Paula’s eyes lit with enthusiasm. “I’d be glad to,” she said. She was more than up for the challenge.
    Chase grinned. “Excellent! Based on the standard you set with the great room, I’m sure you’ll come up with something equally spectacular in here.”
    She colored. “You’re very good for my ego.”
    “All the credit goes to you,” he insisted. “What’s that old saying…‘The proof is in the pudding.’ I’d say you’ve earned any accolades that come your way.”
    “Thank you for that,” she said, slightly overwhelmed by the ease in which he made her feel so special. “Actually, I’m glad you’ve hired me again. It might be nice to hang around you a little more.”
    Chase met her eyes with clear interest. “Oh, really?”
    “Yes.” She maintained her courage