Christmas Diamonds Read Online Free PDF Page B

the sofa and loveseat, feeling as though she had his full attention. “I’d like to swap these with a chenille sectional and bring in a new curved, glass-top coffee table with storage drawers, primavera end tables and Tiffany table lamps.”
    “Sounds good,” Chase said, gazing at her.
    Paula was encouraged by his reaction. “I believe adding a half-round pine curio near the entrance, a collage of artwork for that high wall and two Caribbean area rugs would complement the furnishings nicely,” she said. “I would finish things off by replacing the window treatments with linen-pleated window shades.”

    Chase grinned. “Wow! Your suggestions are really creative. I’m impressed.”
    Paula resisted a smile. “That’s nice of you to say, but this is my job, and I take it very seriously.”
    “As you should.”
    He met her eyes, making Paula feel warm inside. Better keep my mind on the issue at hand. I hope I can say the same for him .
    She walked back to her briefcase and got out the cost estimate, handing it to Chase. “If you want to make any adjustments, it’s completely negotiable.”
    Chase flipped through the two pages, giving them a quick glance. “It’s fine.”
    “Great.” Paula thought about sitting back down, but wasn’t sure if she should get too comfortable. At least not before she’d turned her plan into reality.
    Chase stood up. “So, how long will it take to get all this done?”
    “Well, I’ll need to meet with my contractor and arrange for purchase and delivery of the furniture along with the removal of your current pieces,” Paula said thoughtfully. “If everything goes according to the plan, I’d say that your new great room should be ready in about ten days or so.”
    He stepped closer to her. “I think I can wait till then.”
    She studied his handsome face, sensing mixed emotions about changing a room his late wife had created. “If you have any reservations about the layout or items chosen, we can always make the adjustments,” Paula felt compelled to say.
    “That sounds more than fair.” Chase looked down at Paula. “I can see why my dad recommended you.”
    She lifted an eyebrow. “Oh, really?”
    “You’re nothing if not thorough. I like that.”
    “It comes with the service,” she told him. “I’m sure you’d find that to be true with any reputable decorator.”
    “I’ll take your word for it,” he said. “Finding an interior decorator who looks as nice as you might be much more difficult.”
    Paula blushed. “Are you flirting with me?”

    “Maybe I am a little. I’m also being honest.” Chase kept a straight face. “But I don’t mean to make you uncomfortable—again.”
    “You’re not,” she was quick to say. In fact, Paula found herself feeling quite comfortable around him, which was part of the problem. It would probably be a mistake if either of them crossed any boundaries. Or would it be more of a mistake to avoid the obvious chemistry between them? “I really appreciate the compliment. I just think it’s best if we keep this a professional relationship.”
    Chase lifted his hands as if blocking a blow. “Hey, it was just a compliment, Paula. Nothing more, nothing less.”
    Paula felt foolish. For the second time, she had jumped the gun and misinterpreted his compliment as something more. She blamed her reaction on her unstable and disappointing history with men. They had made a habit of making her feel very special, only to reveal later that they fell far short of what had been advertised. She somehow doubted that would ever be true with Chase.
    “Sorry, it’s just me, not you,” she explained, hoping it would be enough.
    Chase furrowed his brow. “He must have done a quite a number on you.”
    Paula sighed. “You must be a mind reader.”
    “Not really,” he said. “It’s obvious you have a chip on your shoulder. I figured someone must have left it there.”
    She wanted to open up to him, but felt this wasn’t the time or place.