Christmas Diamonds (17 page)

He grinned, appreciating her shoulder to lean on. “Yes, loud and clear. I promise not to seem too desperate or pushy. I like Paula and respect her as a lady who is her own person and happens to make me happy. Whether she goes to Antwerp or not, we definitely seem to be headed for bigger and better things.”

“I agree,” Monica said. “There’s no telling how far you two might go, if you allow it to happen.”

Chase started at the thought. He realized it was totally in his character to have a woman like Paula in his life. He hadn’t known until recently just how much he missed a strong intimate connection. There was no going back for him now, and if things went his way, Paula would echo these sentiments.

“Chase is taking you to Antwerp?” Virginia’s eyes widened as she sat across the table from Paula at a café.

“I haven’t given him my answer yet, but yes,” Paula said elatedly over a steaming latte. “It caught me totally off guard when he asked me.”

“Aren’t surprises what true romance is all about?”

“I suppose.” Paula sipped her coffee. “I didn’t realize that he goes there every year to buy diamonds.”

“So now you’ve uncovered another layer of the man and his travels.” Virginia nibbled on a glazed donut. “I am so jealous that you’ve met someone who’s clearly prepared to go the extra mile for you, no pun intended.”

Paula smiled. “I think we’re both committed to following our hearts. Then there’s our physical attraction to each other.”

“Oh, yes, you can’t leave that out.” Virginia chuckled. “Something tells me there will be plenty of time in Antwerp to work on the sex appeal.”

“Chase will be there on business first and foremost,” Paula reminded her. “Seems as if Antwerp is the place to go for those in the diamond trade. Chase will represent McCord Diamonds in purchasing diamonds and making contacts.”

Virginia’s eyelids fluttered. “And you think he’s just bringing you along for the ride?”

“I didn’t say that.” Not exactly.

“Wake up, girlfriend. The man could’ve hopped on a plane all by his lonesome and resumed your torrid romance when he got back. Instead, Chase asked you to go with him. Doesn’t that tell you something?”

Paula gazed at her. “Yes, that he would miss me like crazy,” she avowed honestly.

Virginia tapped her hand. “Exactly!”

“It works both ways,” Paula admitted dreamily. “So I guess that makes both of us a little crazy.”

Virginia smiled. “I have a sneaky feeling that the L word might be spoken real soon.”

Paula beamed at the notion. She would love to hear Chase say that he loved her, but she didn’t want to get her hopes up. Maybe it was too soon for them to know what they felt on that level. Or perhaps the feelings were just one-sided when it came to the ultimate emotional commitment.

“Let’s just wait to see how it goes,” Paula uttered, seeking to downplay her expectations. “If and when the
L
word comes up, I’ll deal with it.”

Virginia’s eyes widened. “What better place to exchange I love yous than when you’re surrounded by glittering diamonds?”

Paula couldn’t help but smile. “You really are the quintessential romantic.”

“And you aren’t?”

“Hope springs eternal,” Paula said poetically, a fever of suspense building. “I think it’s best not to speculate too much. Right now, I just need to let Chase know I’m going to Antwerp with him.”

“Yes, you do. And make it snappy,” Virginia said. “Tonight we’ve got some shopping to do.”

“We do?”

“Of course. You have to dress for the part.”

Paula smiled. “That’s true.”

“And undress, too.” Virginia giggled.

Paula laughed. “You’re so bad.”

“Hey, I’m just being real,” Virginia replied. “Let’s face it—you’ll be spending a lot time in bed, so you might as well make sure it’s a memorable experience.”

Paula’s eyes twinkled. “I think that’s pretty much a given.” She thought about her previous sexual escapades with Chase that had left her panting and wanting more.

“I’m sure you’re right about that,” Virginia agreed.

Paula sipped her latte. “By the way, did you ever talk to Sheldon?”

“As a matter of fact, I did,” Virginia said. “You won’t have to worry about him coming around anymore trying to cause trouble.”

“Are you sure about that?” Paula asked, mindful of her latest encounter with him.

Virginia met her eyes. “Why? Do you know something I don’t?”

“Yes.” She told Virginia about him showing up in the park this morning. “Maybe he didn’t get the message.”

“That’s true. Or maybe you guys just happened to be at the same park at the same time.”

Paula frowned. “You really believe that?”

Virginia sighed. “I’ll talk to Sheldon again.”

“Don’t,” Paula said. “I don’t want to drag this out any further. I think I finally got through to him. To be on the safe side, I’ll pick a different place to do my running, so there are no more so-called coincidences.”

“That’s probably a good idea. Overall, I believe Sheldon knows that he crossed the line with his behavior and that playing the wronged ex-lover was getting him nowhere fast.”

“Yeah, we’ll see if that holds up,” Paula said guardedly.

“Supposedly he’s got his eye on someone else now,” Virginia remarked.

“He mentioned something to that effect. I hope the new lady knows what she’s getting herself into.”

Virginia sat back. “We all make mistakes and, hopefully, learn from them.”

Paula nodded. “I know I’ve certainly made my fair share in the past. And Sheldon was one of them.”

“That’s history. You’re living in the present now and looking toward a future that couldn’t be brighter. Chase is clearly a few cuts above every other man you’ve dated.”

“So very true,” Paula agreed. “I don’t know how I managed to get so lucky.”

“Luck had absolutely nothing to do with it,” Virginia told her flatly. “You’re just getting what you’ve always deserved from a guy—someone who worships the ground you walk on and is secure enough not to smother you in the process. And if you play your cards right, that feeling just might last a lifetime.”

The thought of spending her life with Chase agreed with Paula. She could easily imagine being with Chase till they were white-haired, in rocking chairs, living on memories and their unending love. However, she wasn’t about to make the mistake of jumping the gun. It was best to take the days and nights as they came, and the rest would surely fall into place.

Chapter 16

P
aula entered the offices of McCord Diamonds. She was immediately taken by the terra-cotta tiles and marble pillars, but wasn’t as impressed with the perfunctory furniture in the lobby area. She envisioned what she could do with this space if the opportunity presented itself.

“Can I help you?”

Paula regarded the young woman at the reception desk. “I’m here to see Mr. McCord.”

“Do you have an appointment?” she asked.

Paula frowned. “I’m afraid not, but I think he’ll see me.” She’d decided to surprise Chase, but now wondered if she should have phoned ahead.

“Your name?”

“Paula Devine.”

“Just a moment please.”

Paula listened as the receptionist announced her. She was excited to tell Chase that she would happily accompany him
to Belgium and hoped it would be the beginning of many trips they would take to interesting places around the world.

“Mr. McCord will be right with you,” the receptionist told her. “Feel free to have a seat if you like.”

Paula opted to stand, feeling slightly nervous as she leaped into a whole new phase of their relationship.

“Well, hello….” The words came from behind her.

Paula recognized the deep voice as not belonging to Chase, but his father. She turned around and saw the elder Mr. McCord, grinning and looking dapper in a dark designer suit.

“Hi,” she said.

His head tilted with amusement. “Something tells me you’re looking for my son, not me.”

Paula smiled, embarrassed that she hadn’t asked for Chase by his first name. She’d practically forgotten that he shared the surname with his father. “Yes, I am. Sorry if I brought you out here for nothing.”

Sylvester chuckled. “No apologies necessary. You’re not the first person to get one McCord instead of the other. I needed a break anyway. It’s good to see you again, Paula.”

“You, too.”

Sylvester favored the receptionist. “Celeste, Ms. Devine is a personal friend of Chase’s.”

“Oh.” The receptionist studied Paula. “Would you like me to ring him?”

“That won’t be necessary,” Sylvester said. “I’ll take her to his office.” He paused. “Paula might need your help with something later, though.”

Celeste nodded. “Okay, I’ll be here.”

Paula smiled at her and wondered what help she might need. She followed Sylvester out of the lobby and past a window display of glistening diamonds and other beautiful gemstones. Several abstract paintings were hung on the opposite wall.

“You did a wonderful job with Chase’s house,” Sylvester told Paula.

“I’m glad you think so,” Paula said graciously. “I just added to the beauty that was already there.”

“Indeed you did.” Sylvester grinned. “I understand you might be working your magic around here, too?”

“I’d love to take a look about and offer my recommendations for redecorating.”

“I’m sure Chase will be happy to hear your ideas on upgrading the place, and you have my full backing. Celeste can assist you.”

“Thanks for the vote of confidence,” Paula said sincerely.

Sylvester’s eyes crinkled. “You’ve earned it. Chase and I are satisfied customers,” he said. “By the way, you’ve done so much more for my son than redecorate rooms in his house. You’ve given Chase new life again. I’m seeing a side of him that all but disappeared when he lost his wife.”

Paula was touched by his words. “He’s given me at least as much to cherish,” she replied. “Chase is a wonderful guy, and it’s been great getting close to him.”

Sylvester smiled broadly. “I wish you both the best.”

She batted her eyes and, again, was not sure how to respond. It had never occurred to Paula that Chase’s father could be just as enthusiastic as her grandmother in wanting their relationship to work.

Chase sat at his desk, working and daydreaming about Paula, as had become a habit of late, when he heard the office door open. He saw his father enter and then Paula, causing Chase’s heart to skip a beat.

“Look who popped in,” Sylvester said in a bubbly voice. “I thought I’d stretch these old legs a bit and walk Paula to your office.”

Chase sprung to his feet happily. “Thanks, Dad.”

“I was happy to do it.” Sylvester patted him on the shoulder. “I’ll leave you two alone now. Oh, don’t forget we’ve got a meeting at five, Chase.”

Chase nodded, knowing they needed to discuss sales and possible expansion. “I’ll see you then.”

Sylvester eyed Paula. “Thanksgiving is coming up soon. If you don’t have any other plans, my wife and I would like you and Chase to have dinner with us.”

“I’d love to.” She looked at Chase. “Unless you had something else in mind?”

He smiled, thinking of them in bed together. That would come later. “No, it sounds fine to me.”

“Then it’s settled.” Sylvester’s eyes creased at the corners. “I’ll let Evelyn know.”

Chase waited till his father left before pulling Paula close to him. “Looks like we’ve got ourselves a dinner date for Thanksgiving,” he said enthusiastically. “Turkey with all the trimmings.”

“Your father can be very persuasive.” Paula lifted her eyes. “Just like his son.”

“Must be in the genes.” Chase grinned slyly. “Or maybe it’s the woman.”

“Always a charmer,” she teased.

“With you, I can’t help myself.”

She gave him a toothy smile. “I wouldn’t want you any other way.”

“I feel the same about you.” Chase kissed Paula, allowing the kiss to linger while enjoying her tasty lips.

“That was nice,” she murmured, licking her lower lip.

“Yes, it was.” Chase met her gaze. “I didn’t expect to see you here. It was a nice surprise.”

Paula batted her lashes. “Wasn’t I invited to come and assess the place for redecorating?”

He cracked a smile. “Of course.”

“So here I am.”

“I’m glad you came,” he assured her.

Paula paused. “I admit that I had an ulterior motive.”

Chase cocked a brow. “Is that so?”

She pressed her open mouth to his for a long moment. “Yes.”

Chase took in her kiss while thinking about his invitation
to Antwerp. He hoped she would accompany him so they could turn it into a new place to explore their romance.

Paula ran her pinky across his lips. “About your trip to Belgium…”

He tensed. “Yes?”

She smiled. “Count me in. There’s nothing I’d like more than to go off to a faraway land of romance and diamonds with you.”

Chase beamed. “I’m so happy to hear that. I promise we’ll have a great time.”

“That’s a given,” she tossed at him. “Whenever we’re together, it feels perfect.”

He pulled their bodies close again. “I couldn’t agree more. Now you see why I’m finding it hard to let you out of my sight and away from my arms.”

“Hmm…” Paula kissed him, wrapping her arms around his neck. “I seem to be developing that same affliction.”

Chase slipped his tongue in her mouth. “Maybe it’s incurable.”

“Maybe it is,” she cooed, giving him several quick kisses. “I guess some things you just have to live with.”

“You won’t get any complaints from me,” he promised, peppering her face with quick kisses. “Not one.”

Paula swallowed. “It’s getting kind of hot in here.”

“I hadn’t noticed,” Chase said softly as his temperature rose.

“Yeah, right.” She moved her face just beyond his lips. “If it were up to you, we’d probably have sex right here in your office.”

He peered lasciviously at her. “That’s not a bad idea.”

“What if someone comes in?” Paula asked nervously.

“That’s what locks are for.”

“But they might hear us,” she said self-consciously.