“I’m not so sure about that,” Paula sighed. She wondered if Chase might feel it was akin to an engagement ring, making him nervous. He might even feel pressured to give her an engagement ring earlier than he planned, if that was his plan. Could be that he wasn’t even looking to replace his wedding band anytime soon.
Monica seemed to read her mind. “Don’t worry about attaching any special significance to it. Just giving him the ring will speak for itself as a gift of appreciation for what he means to you. As for cost, we have some great rings that won’t break the bank, but are priceless to the recipient.”
An ingenuous smile played on Paula’s mouth. Maybe this was the ideal gift for the ideal man. She liked the thought of Chase wearing a diamond band as her Christmas gift for him to enjoy, no matter what the future held for them.
“I’m starting to warm up to the idea in a hurry,” she told Monica.
“Good for you.” Monica gave her an enthusiastic smile. “And even better for Chase.”
Paula couldn’t agree more as she contemplated picking out the perfect ring.
Chase entered the diamond store bearing his surname. He had come to the conclusion that it was time to ask Paula to marry him. He pulled the engagement ring that Isabelle had given him out of his pocket. It was white gold with several small diamonds and sapphires. The ring had lost much of its luster and would need a slight adjustment in size. Most importantly, Chase wanted a center stone that would make Paula take notice, sweep her off her sexy feet and make it impossible for her to say no.
He walked to the counter where Zachary was working. Last he’d heard, Monica was still sweet on the man. Chase waited for him to finish with a customer before proceeding with something his heart said was the right thing to do and the right time.
“Here to check up on us?” joked Zachary.
Chase smiled. “Not this time.” He set the engagement ring on the counter for his gemologist to examine.
“What have we here?” Zachary asked.
“It belongs to Paula’s grandmother,” Chase told him.
“Nice.”
“She’s entrusted me with it to ask for her granddaughter’s hand in marriage,” Chase explained.
Zachary flashed a broad smile. “Congratulations!”
Chase grinned. “Thanks.”
“So, Paula’s ready to make an honest man out of you?”
“I think it’s more the other way around,” Chase replied, knowing that he really wanted Paula to be his wife.
Zachary picked up the ring and studied it. “It’s definitely an antique.”
“Yeah, it is. I’d like to have it cleaned and polished, and then I want to add a few more diamonds, including a nice center stone.”
“Well, you’ve come to the right place. But I’m sure I don’t have to convince you of that,” Zachary said with a sly grin on his lips.
Chase chuckled. “Not at all.”
“Why don’t we take a look at some stones that have your future bride’s name written all over them?” Zachary suggested.
Chase liked the sound of that. Referring to Paula as his new wife was even more exciting to look forward to. “Yes, why don’t we take a look,” he directed his employee.
It didn’t take long for Chase to choose some diamonds that seemed to epitomize exactly what he was looking for. He wanted to remain true to Isabelle’s original ring as much as possible. It was equally important to Chase that he give Paula a ring that wasn’t too gaudy, yet clearly illustrated his love and commitment to a long relationship with her. He chose a two-carat radiant-cut diamond as the centerpiece. The stone beguiled Chase, even though he was used to seeing exceptional diamonds.
“That’s a real beaut.” Zachary whistled. “No woman would be able to resist it, or the man giving it to her.”
Chase smiled. He wasn’t interested in any woman, only Paula. Having her accept his offer of marriage would be a dream come true. With the rich personal and professional ties he had, Paula in his life was like icing on the cake. “I’ll need it ready by Saturday,” he said thoughtfully. “I’m having a party and plan to make my move there.”
“Not a problem.” Zachary looked at Chase. “I hope I’m invited to this party?”
“Absolutely. I assume you’ll be bringing Monica?” Knowing she would definitely be there, Chase didn’t want it to be too awkward if things had cooled off with them.
“Oh, yeah. She’ll be right on my arm and probably getting a few ideas of her own about marriage.”
Chase grinned. “If it’s meant to be, I’m sure you two can make whatever future you want.”
“That’s true.” Zachary tilted his head. “Good luck on Saturday.”
“I never like to depend on luck for anything. Better to put my faith in Paula that she’ll want me as much as I do her.”
“I am so proud of you both,” Isabelle told Paula during the drive to Chase’s house. “Anyone can see that you’re wild about each other.”
Beaming, Paula glanced over at her. “That’s because we are.” She was quick to acknowledge how much they were into each other, particularly to the one person who had always been able to read her like a book. “And it doesn’t matter if others see it or not, only those we care about. For me, that starts with you.”
Now it was Isabelle’s turn to beam. “I’ve seen it practically from the very beginning, child.”
“So you say,” Paula teased.
“I knew it was only a matter of time before you both saw it, too.”
“I guess you were right about that,” Paula said with amusement. “We’ve definitely come around.”
Isabelle drew a breath. “I don’t want to jinx things, but I have a feeling that it won’t be too long before Chase pops the question.”
Paula had the same feeling. “Let’s just wait until it happens,” she said cautiously. “I know Chase loves me, and that’s what’s most important for now.”
Isabelle studied her. “I agree, but it doesn’t mean it won’t progress to the next level and the one after that. When a man gives you a diamond pendant, it’s his way of telling you he’s very serious about the relationship.”
“I’m sure he is.” Paula changed lanes. “Right now, I just want to have a good time at the party and see what the New Year brings.”
As long as we’re together, anything is possible.
“Excuse me, but aren’t you forgetting something?” Isabelle uttered.
“What am I forgetting, Isa?”
“Before we get to the New Year, Christmas comes first,” Isabelle reminded her. “And who knows what Santa might have in store for you.”
Paula grinned. “You’re right about that.”
“A grandmother definitely knows best.” Isabelle chuckled.
Paula had always loved Christmastime, and this year would certainly be no exception. Chase had proven to be the greatest gift of all. Anything else would be an added blessing. She considered the prospect of receiving an engagement ring from Chase and how special that would make her feel. Paula hoped the same would be true for him when she gave him the ring she’d picked out for his Christmas present.
Chase greeted Isabelle with a kiss on the cheek, followed by kissing Paula on the mouth. He noticed she was holding a covered platter. “What’s this?” he asked.
“Oh, Isa insisted on making some oatmeal-and-chocolate-chip cookies for the party,” Paula said.
Chase smiled at Isabelle. “Thanks, I appreciate your thoughtfulness. Judging by your cooking that I’ve already had the pleasure of tasting, I’m sure they’re delicious.”
Isabelle’s eyes crinkled. “I was only too happy to do my part.”
“Let me take your coats,” Chase said.
They handed their coats to him, and he tossed them over his outstretched arm. He admired Paula in a striking, sexy, black halter dress.
“You look lovely,” he told her.
“Thank you. You’re looking pretty spiffy yourself.” Paula grinned and gave him th
e once-over. He was wearing a dark brown sport coat over a black polo sweater and brown pants.
“Flattery will get you everywhere,” he joked.
“I’m counting on it,” she retorted.
He laughed. “You’re the first guests to arrive. Why don’t you put the cookies in the kitchen while I hang up your coats?”
Chase hung the coats in a closet and made room for others. He felt a trifle nervous, knowing that later he would be proposing to Paula in front of family and friends. He expected her to say yes, but it still didn’t prevent his heart from thumping wildly like a drum. The sooner they got that part out of the way, the sooner the rest of the party could be enjoyed.
When he returned, Chase found Paula and Isa in the great room, no doubt admiring Paula’s handiwork. Nat King Cole’s classic “The Christmas Song” was playing softly in the background.
“Can I get anyone a drink?” he asked. “I’ve got eggnog, wine, beer, brandy, soda…”
“Slow down, baby,” Paula said. She slid her arm around his waist. “Remember, we’re cohosting this party, so let us help you. And that starts with us getting our own drinks, thank you.”
“Of course.” Chase grinned sheepishly, welcoming the assistance from Paula and Isabelle. “Ladies, make yourselves at home and feel free to pitch in with whatever you want to do to help out.”
“That’s more like it,” Isabelle said, giving him the eye before heading toward the kitchen.
Paula kissed him. Chase’s lips lingered on hers until she gently pulled away. “We can pick that up later,” she promised. “Right now, let’s get ready to party!”
“Here’s a little secret,” he told her. “The party actually began the moment you arrived.”
“Ohh,” Paula batted her eyes lovingly, “that’s so cute.” She gave him another kiss. “Now let’s hold off with the compliments. Otherwise, the kisses may never stop coming.”
“Is that a promise?” Chase joked, restraining himself from going for more. “Don’t answer that. We have guests arriving shortly.”
He admired Paula’s beauty and soul while thinking he couldn’t wait to make her his wife.
Chapter 21
“This is Gail,” Chase said to Paula. “She’s working on her graduate gemologist degree while interning with us.”
“Hi.” Paula briefly scanned the tall, slender young woman with a stylish layered bob. Then her eyes darted to the man beside Gail, commanding more of Paula’s attention, though she wished that hadn’t been the case. It was her ex-beau, Sheldon Burke. What the hell was he doing there?
“This is Sheldon,” Gail told Chase.
The two men shook hands.
“I hope you don’t mind my crashing your party?” Sheldon said to Chase, seemingly going out of his way to avoid Paula’s eyes.
“Not at all,” Chase said in a friendly voice. “The more, the merrier. Besides, you’re here with Gail. That’s fine by me.”
“Thanks, I appreciate it.” Sheldon faced Paula. “It’s nice to see you again.”
Chase met her eyes. “You two know each other?”
“A-actually…” she stammered, fearful of what type of sick game Sheldon might be playing.
“We used to hang out,” Sheldon said tersely. “No big deal.”
“I see,” Chase said thoughtfully, regarding him. “Well, welcome to my home, and feel free to circulate. Drinks are in the great room.”
“We’ll find them.” Sheldon grinned. “C’mon, baby, let’s circulate like the man said.”
Paula watched Sheldon and Gail walk off holding hands, before facing Chase uneasily. She’d expected him to display jealousy or maybe admonish her for not talking much about her ex.
Instead, Chase flashed a smile. “Seems like a nice guy Gail has latched on to.”
“He can be when he wants to,” Paula said, leaving it at that. She preferred not to dwell on the near-stalker side of Sheldon, who had trouble leaving well enough alone. She hoped that was now truly a thing of the past.
Chase put his arm around her. “Well, that’s between them. I’m happy with the woman I’ve chosen to be with.”
Paula beamed. “I feel the same way about you,” she assured him. He kissed her, and she wiped lip gloss from his mouth. “We’d better get back in there before people start to miss the hosts.”
“You’re right. We wouldn’t want that, although I’m more interested in being alone with you later.” Chase grinned seductively.
“Me, too,” Paula said. She was looking forward to Sheldon leaving without making a scene. She wished Chase hadn’t encouraged him to drink, knowing that his tendency to overdo it could spell trouble.
Chase danced with Paula to some Christmas music, enjoying the way she moved with such grace. He noted that Sheldon and Gail were dancing, too, though Sheldon seemed more interested in Paula. Or was that Chase’s imagination?
He wasn’t prone to imagining things. The man was definitely eyeing Paula, who didn’t seem to notice. Neither did Gail. Chase considered that was a good thing on both counts, unless he began to see the women become uncomfortable.
He assumed Sheldon was one of Paula’s old boyfriends. Chase had no problem with this. After all, he hadn’t expected Paula to be a nun when they met. Most important was that she had put the past behind her, and so had he. If so, why did he suddenly feel that her past was not quite finished?
After the song ended, Virginia approached them. “Chase, can I borrow Paula for a minute?”
He gave her a brief smile. “Sure, but anything more than that and I’ll come looking for you.”
Virginia laughed. “I love him.”
“Don’t even think about it,” Paula said, playfully giving Virginia the evil eye.
“As a friend,” Virginia stated. “Plus, I see one or two men here who seem to be single. I just might go after one of them.”
“Give it your best shot,” Chase said. He watched as they headed off and then turned his gaze toward Sheldon. Gail was nowhere to be found. Sheldon seemed to be preoccupied with him. Chase wondered if it wasn’t the other way around.
“Son,” Sylvester said to Chase.
Chase turned to look at him. “Hi.”
Sylvester was holding two drinks and handed Chase one. “Hell of a party you’ve got going here.”
“I’m glad you think so.” Chase was satisfied with the turnout that included a few friends, some neighbors, people from work and those Paula had invited.
“I may have picked up a new customer or two,” Sylvester said enthusiastically.
“That’s great to hear, Dad.” Chase locked eyes with Sheldon.
Sylvester noticed. “What’s going on?”
“I’ll let you know when I find out,” Chase responded. “Will you excuse me for a minute?”
He didn’t wait for a reply, instead walking over to Sheldon. Even then, Chase had no idea what he’d say, if anything. Only that he sensed the man had something to say to him. He might as well find out what it is.
“What’s up?” Sheldon asked tonelessly.
“Just trying to be a good host,” Chase said, wondering if he should back off right now.
“Yeah, I’ll bet,” Sheldon scoffed.
Chase’s brows knitted. “Is there something you want to say to me now that you’ve got my full attention without the ladies present?”
Sheldon curled his lip. “What gives you that idea?”
“You tell me.”
Sheldon rolled his eyes. “I heard that you and Paula are tight.”
“We’re seeing each other,” Chase acknowledged stiffly. “Is that a problem?”
“Not with me,” Sheldon said with a cold edge to his voice.
“You’re sure about that?”
“Yeah, I’m sure.” Sheldon sucked in a deep breath, circling the room with his eyes before they landed back on Chase. “Gail mentioned that you’d had this room redecorated.”
“That’s right.” Chase wanted to give him the benefit of the d
oubt, but had a feeling there was more going on here than a battle of strong wills.
“I’ll bet you hired Paula to do the job, right?”
Chase saw no reason to deny it. “Yes,” he said unapologetically.
Sheldon ran his hand across his mouth. “Why am I not surprised?”
“Is there a point to any of this?” He was beginning to lose his patience.
“Yeah, there is.” Sheldon spoke brusquely. “I hired her to fix up a room in my house. Then we started dating.” He drew a breath. “I made the mistake of falling in love with her like you have. I can see it in your eyes.”
Chase frowned, not sure he liked the implication. “Look, I’m sorry things didn’t work out for you and Paula, but—”
“You should be sorry,” Sheldon cut him off. “That’s her pattern. Love ’em and leave ’em. If you’re smart, you’ll dump her before she dumps you just as soon as the next hot dude who needs an interior decorator comes along.”
“I think I’ve heard all I want to,” Chase spat, wishing it hadn’t left such a bad taste in his mouth. “I also think it’s time for you to leave my house.”
“Sure, whatever you say.” Sheldon’s nostrils flared. “I know the truth hurts, man. I had to learn the hard way. I’m just passing on that wisdom before you get too involved, only to wish to hell you’d seen her for what she really is.”
Chase bit his lip, watching as Sheldon went to talk to Gail. It was too late to turn back the clock now, as he had fallen in love with Paula for better or worse. Right now, it seemed to be for worse, as Chase wrestled with the implications of Sheldon’s parting words.
“What is he doing here?” Virginia asked with irritation.
Paula gulped as they gazed at Sheldon, a smug grin on his face. He’d just chatted with Chase, and Paula could only imagine what Sheldon had said to him about her.
“He came with someone who works for Chase,” she told Virginia. “I guess they’re dating.”
Christmas Diamonds Page 18