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

in spite of the heat emanating from his gaze. “Who knows what I might learn about you?”
    He laughed heartily. “That’s true, and you might get touncover all my secrets. And I just might learn one or two of yours.”
    She grinned. “Anything’s possible.”
    Paula realized that they had somehow gotten close enough to kiss. She had a notion that his lips would feel good on hers. Very good. Was he thinking the same thing? For an instant, she wanted to let herself go and make the first move. Why not show a bit of daring? Most men seemed to like that. Was Chase one of those men? Paula held back the urge, fearing it might send the wrong signal at the wrong time.
    She took a step back, doubting his feelings for her. “If you want, we can talk about it over dinner in a couple of days, after I get a chance to put together a plan.”
    “Dinner sounds good.” Chase put his hand in his pocket, never taking his eyes off her. “Your place or mine?”
    She smiled, flattered that he was trying to tempt her with tantalizing words.
    “Actually, I was thinking of a restaurant,” Paula answered. “Are you familiar with Aspen’s?”
    “Yes, I’ve been there a few times.”
    “How about six o’clock on Friday?” Paula asked.
    “Six is fine.”
    Her cheeks rose. “Then it’s settled. I’ll see you then.”
    “I look forward to it,” he said equably.
    Paula suddenly felt it was getting a bit stuffy in the room. Or was it because her heart was suddenly beating so rapidly in the presence of such an enticing man? She took out her tape measure, hoping to take her mind off Chase, knowing that would be all but impossible. “Okay, I’ll just take some measurements of the room and be on my way,” she said quietly.
    Chase half grinned. “Take your time. I’ll be downstairs if you need me.”
    Paula watched him leave the room before exhaling and steadying herself. Focus, girl, on something more under your control than Chase McCord .
    She moved around the master suite, taking measurementsand making notes. Near the bed, Paula spotted a framed photograph of Chase and an attractive lady. They were holding hands and beaming. His wife , Paula thought. It felt a little creepy, as if she were encroaching on a dead woman’s territory. Paula quickly dismissed the notion. People passed on all the time, and the world didn’t end. Chase had decided to move on; she was there to redecorate.
    Still, Paula couldn’t help but be more than a little intrigued by the prospect of being in his bed, sensing a sexual vibe between them. She had a feeling their intimacy would be incredible. But that was all a fantasy right now. She sighed and put away her notes.
     
    Chase had really wanted to kiss Paula yesterday. Apart from the fact that he hadn’t quite gotten over his grief for Rochelle, Paula was working for him. That had to come first, as he didn’t want to stand between her and the redecorating that was giving his house a needed uplift. After all, that was the whole purpose of their involvement, despite his father’s intentions.
    However, Chase couldn’t disregard that he was turned on by Paula and could sense her attraction to him. Could their mutual attraction move to the next level?
    The bell ringing snapped Chase out of his reverie and back to the real world. He used the remote to turn off the TV and headed toward the foyer. Chase opened the door and saw his father and stepmother. He had invited them over to check out the new great room.
    “Hey,” Chase said with a big grin. “Come on in.”
    “Hey, son.” Sylvester smiled, patting him on the shoulder as he walked by.
    “How are you this evening?” his stepmother asked.
    Chase kissed her cheek. “I’m good.”
    Evelyn McCord was petite and had a short brown perm. Chase had come to love her as though she were his birth mother. Evelyn had been there through his formative years, helping Chase’s father keep him on the straight and narrow.

    “I can’t wait to see what you’ve