Free Christmas Diamonds by Devon Vaughn Archer Page B

makeover?” Bradford asked hopefully.
    “One never knows,” Paula said with a smile, confident she could do wonderful things with any room in the house. She wouldn’t press her luck, though. The fact was, Chase couldn’t go wrong with the rooms as they were. For that, Paula gave kudos to his late wife for her incredible vision and sense of space.
    Paula understood that Chase was simply interested in starting over again, in his residence and personal life. She was glad Chase had let her into his life on both counts. She welcomed the opportunity to be an interior decorator and a woman to him, knowing she was getting a good man with many qualities in return.
     
    Chase drove around town after spending the morning at work, busying himself with multiple tasks that were required as president of the company. With the economy strugglingright now, the diamond business was not as bustling as in other years. But it was still pretty good compared to other types of businesses. A number of new jewelry stores had popped up in the area recently as competition—testimony that selling diamonds and other gems was a resilient business. It was one Chase embraced wholeheartedly in following his father’s lead.
    His thoughts turned to Paula. He was dying to get home and see if her vision measured up when all was said and done. Though a small part of him was saddened at the thought of undoing Rochelle’s magnificent decorative efforts, the better part of Chase believed it was long overdue in his bedroom. He had to escape the feeling of sorrow every time he set foot in there. This was an opportunity to do just that and, at the same time, start thinking of the room again as a place for peaceful sleep and possibly making an intimate connection.
    He dropped by a store and picked up something for dinner. His cell phone rang while he was in the parking lot. It was Paula. Chase found himself smiling as a result. “Hope you’re calling to tell me I can come home and check out your handiwork.”
    “That’s exactly why I’m calling,” she said energetically. “We’re all done.”
    “How does it look?” he asked impatiently.
    “You’ll have to decide that for yourself.”
    Chase sighed. “Well, I’m just around the corner, so I’ll see you shortly.”
    “Bye,” Paula said.
    Chase disconnected and smiled thoughtfully. He liked the sound of Paula’s sexy voice. What she would sound like in bed while he pleasured her? The notion turned him on in a way he hadn’t felt in quite some time. He checked the feeling, deciding it was best right now to focus on the lady as an interior decorator in his employ. She had given another room in his house a makeover, and the least he could do was respect that side of her.
     
    Paula felt jittery as Chase took his time looking around the master suite. She was pretty certain it would meet with hisapproval, but until the words came out of his mouth, there was always the possibility that he could find something he didn’t like. If so, she would fix it, wanting complete satisfaction for her clients. This was particularly important with Chase, whom Paula was starting to see as much more than just another employer.
    “You never fail to amaze me,” Chase said, looking Paula right in the eye. “I feel like I’m stepping into this room for the first time. It’s incredible!”
    You’re incredible , she thought, admiring him in his double-breasted charcoal suit.
    Paula blushed. “I’m so glad you’re okay with it.”
    “That goes for all of us.” Bradford spoke on behalf of the crew.
    Chase grinned. “I really appreciate the transformation.”
    Bradford put his hand on Chase’s shoulder. “Hey, you paid for the job, and Paula stayed on our butts to make sure we delivered.”
    “You certainly did deliver,” Chase said flatly. “I definitely got my money’s worth.”
    “In that case, our work is done.” Bradford looked at Paula. “When you need my services again, you know how to reach