“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
Paula 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.
“We’ll keep the noise down, and I’ll turn on my CD player,” Chase said calmly. “That should let us do our thing without anyone else knowing.”
Paula smiled. “You think of everything.”
“I try.”
Right now all Chase could think of was the ultrasexy woman before him. Seeing her naked beneath him on his desk would be a big turn-on, but he would settle for being deep inside her with those sexy, long legs wrapped around him.
Chase gave Paula a smooch. “Wait right here.”
“I’m not going anywhere,” she murmured.
He read the hunger in her eyes, mirroring his. “That’s music to my ears.”
Chase had all his calls held, and then, taking long, looping strides, he locked the door. It effectively shut them off from the rest of the world, so it was just the two of them, free to explore their passion with no distractions.
Paula watched as Chase loosened his tie and then unzipped his pants. His erection practically sprang out, arousing her with its throbbing size. She unbuttoned her blouse just to give him a hint of cleavage before lifting her skirt above her hips and pulling down her panties. She backed up to his desk and waited for him to slip on a condom.
Paula’s mouth watered at the prospect of having Chase inside her. She’d never had sex in an office before and found it very exciting. Being with him, no matter where they were, made her senses come alive, and she was more open-minded than she ever thought possible. Chase really brought out the woman in her. She wanted to soar as high as she could, as long as he floated in the clouds beside her.
“You are so damn beautiful,” Chase said gutturally, holding her cheeks.
“This beautiful lady is all yours,” Paula cooed, surrendering to him. “Whatever you want, you’ve got.”
His eyes danced. “You make me crazy.”
Paula ran her tongue across her lips, feeling hot with desire, too. “It must be catching,” she said, reaching out to touch Chase.
Chase angled his face and brought their mouths together. They kissed vehemently, caught up in their mutual attraction and desperate need. Neither backed away from the moment, determined to see it through.
Paula sucked Chase’s lower lip, drawing it inside her mouth. She loved his taste and scent, feeling them become a part of her. She moved to his upper lip, sucking it while her tongue circled his at a frantic pace.
Chase slid his hand inside her blouse and began caressing Paula’s taut nipples. She screamed silently as the sensations jolted her. He put his other hand beneath her skirt and found what he was looking for, gently stroking Paula’s clitoris. With the ache between her legs growing steadily, Paula grabbed Chase’s penis.
“Now, baby,” she whispered insistently. “Don’t make me wait for you any longer.”
“I hear you,” Chase groaned as he pressed his hands to Paula’s waist and lifted her onto the desk. She opened her thighs, inviting him in. Chase moved forward, and she slid toward his erection, lowering herself on him. Paula wrapped her legs around his back, taking him fully inside, reveling in the intense pleasure.
Chase cupped her buttocks, bringing them closer together while thrusting deeper and deeper inside Paula. He hit the spot repeatedly with precision and determination. She resisted the urge to scream in case she alerted others, instead taking quick breaths and uttering tiny whimpers. Paula could feel Chase’s heart pounding against her breasts as they clung together and went at each other frantically and with a sense of desperation.
When her orgasm neared, Paula clutched Chase’s back and breathed erratically. She kissed his face uncontrollably and rubbed her clitoris against him as the buildup spread like fire throughout Paula. She shuddered violently while the powerful sensations overtook her whole body with incredible ecstasy. As if he had waited for her, Chase’s body suddenly broke into spasms as his breathing quickened.
Paula absorbed his powerful trusts, relishing the feel of his manhood as their peaks of pleasure mounted simultaneously. Chase conquered her mouth with blazing, soulful kisses, which she returned in earnest, gnawing at his lips fervently. When it was over and their equilibrium had returned to near normal, they broke out into unabashed laughter like children.
“Welcome to McCord Diamonds,” Chase said jovially, discarding the condom and fastening his pants.
Paula buttoned her blouse. “That was quite a welcome. You sure do know how to make a girl feel right at home, Mr. McCord.”
He chuckled. “It was my pleasure.”
“Uh, I think at least half the pleasure was mine.”
“I can accept that. Share and share alike,” Chase said. “Things just keep getting better between us all the time.”
“Yes, they do,” she said softly. They did seem to be hitting on all cylinders in building a solid relationship. It made her believe that anything and everything was possible with such a wonderful man. “I guess it says something about us.”
Chase gazed at her. “What might that be?”
“That we’re the real deal!”
“Yeah, we sure are.” He kissed Paula and then grinned broadly. “I can’t wait to take you to Antwerp.”
Her eyes sparkled. “It sounds very exciting.”
“That’s because of you,” he said straightforwardly.
Paula blushed. “I think you put me on much too high a pedestal.”
“I disagree. You’re right where you belong. You’re
the whole package in one sexy-as-hell body, and I feel very fortunate to have you in my life.”
“You’re so sweet,” she told him emotionally, “and a pretty special guy, too.”
Chase looked at her tenderly. “Is that so?”
“It sure is. Having you as my guy just makes it all the more incredible.”
“We are pretty amazing together,” Chase acknowledged.
Paula gazed up at his eyes before turning to his incredibly desirable lips, wanting badly to kiss them again.
Chase answered her thoughts, bringing his mouth down to hers. She opened her lips and met his halfway. The kiss was dizzying and delicious.
A warm streak of desire ran through Paula. No one had ever made her feel so special.
Chapter 17
Paula looked out the airplane window from her seat in first class. She could only see clouds below, which seemed to epitomize where her head was these days. Chase had opened her mind to a whole new world of possibilities, and she treasured each and every moment they spent together, wanting to believe with all her heart that their journey had only just begun.
She broke out of her reverie when Chase nibbled on her ear.
“See anything interesting out there?” he asked.
Paula turned his way with a smile. “Not half as interesting as what’s in here.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.” He flashed a cute grin. “So, are you ready to take Antwerp by storm?”
“Am I ever,” she voiced with eagerness.
“Great.” He leaned back. “There’s a lot to see and do.”
“I can’t wait to immerse myself. I look forward to being on your arm in this exploration.”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Chase said and kissed Paula as if to seal the deal.
The five-star hotel was located in the center of the diamond district. They checked into a suite with a spectacular view of the city.
Chase came up behind Paula as she stood at the window and wrapped his arms around her waist. “So, what do you think?”
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