Page 7 of His Naughty Valentine
“Sorry I’m late! Wow, it’s like Valentine’s Day in here. Outside too.”
Lacey laughed. “It’s the fourteenth of February, Mrs. Bakersfield. ItisValentine’s Day.”
The elderly woman smoothed a hand through her curly gray hair and hobbled over to take a seat across from Lacey. “Oh my. I’d better stop by the mall on the way home and get some new lingerie to surprise Harold with. Hope they have something lacy and red in my size.” The wrinkles in her face deepened when she smiled broadly and winked.
Lacey smothered a laugh and opened a file to get started. The old woman needed advice on what kind of college savings account to open for her two grandchildren. Easy peasy stuff. Lacey was grateful she wouldn’t have to think too hard during this appointment.
When five o’clock neared, it was all Lacey could to do keep from shooing the young couple out the door who needed serious financial planning help. She made a mental note to close the office next Valentine’s Day. Kaden had been teasing her for days that he would have a naughty surprise for her when she arrived home, and the anticipation was killing her.
Forcing a smile and a cheerful voice, Lacey got to work with the couple, showing them how to track their expenditures and stick to their budget while paying off racked up credit card debt. To her great delight, they finished early and Lacey flicked off the lights and locked the door fifteen minutes sooner than expected.
Traffic was light on the drive home. Hopefully it was a good omen for the night to come. Scratch that. Days to come. Today was Thursday, and Lacey and Kaden had taken off work Friday and Monday. They would enjoy four whole days together. Ninety-six hours of spankings and rough sex. Valentine’s Day would be perfect. Lacey grinned as she turned onto their street. After she parked in the driveway beside his truck, she checked her makeup in the mirror, straightened her hair, and emerged from the car with a spring in her step.
Once inside, she searched for Kaden after he didn’t respond to her customary, “Honey, I’m home!”
Silence greeted her at every turn. As she made her way through the living room, she spotted a large package on the coffee table. The business label on the box readAngeline’s Vintage Clothing and Accessories. Puzzled, Lacey drew nearer. A large envelope withMrs. Prescottscrawled on it rested atop the package. Fingers trembling slightly, she snatched up the card and tore it open. She withdrew a folded piece of paper, sat down, and flattened it on her lap.
It was a letter. From Kaden.
Lacey swallowed past the lump in her throat, not sure what to expect. Anxious, she began to read.
February 14th, 1819
Dearest Lacey,
It has been brought to my attention that I have returned home to London to an errant wife. Weeks ago, I forbid you from consorting with the ill-reputed spinster, Miss Connelly. Yet after questioning several members of the household staff, I now know that you entertained Miss Connelly for afternoon tea on two separate occasions during my absence.
Rest assured your blatant disobedience will be met with the swiftest of just punishments. You will report to my study, in the proper attire for a lady, at once, with the exception of no undergarments. Do not keep me waiting.
Yours,
Lord Prescott
The words blurred together as Lacey stared at the letter in shock. Kaden not only wanted to role play with her, but he’d gone all out. She gave herself a mental shake and removed the lid of the box. Inside she found an elegant ivory Regency era tea dress, trimmed in silver. It was the most beautiful garment she’d ever set eyes on.
She grinned. So this was part of Kaden—er, Lord Prescott’s—grand surprise.
Her heart swelled with affection. She wasn’t just touched by the effort he’d put into their special weekend, but it also made her spirit dance to seeMrs. Prescottwritten on the envelop. She was ecstatic that she would be his wife during the roleplaying.
Do not keep me waiting.
Right.
Lacey stripped off her dress pants, blouse, and underwear, kicked off her shoes, and donned the elegant gown. It was a perfect fit. She spun around once, enjoying the flutter of the long sleeves flaring out. She hurried to the little mirror in the hallway and did a quick inspection. She contemplated a trip to the bathroom to put her hair up, but then decided it looked well enough down. Besides, mustn’t keep Lord Prescott waiting.
Lord Prescott.
A shiver of excitement tingled up her neck at the thought of addressing Kaden so formally. She stared at herself, an image of the past, and once again marveled at the lengths he was going to for their weekend.
With small, quiet steps, she proceeded down the hallway, her senses on full alert. The quietness of the house unnerved her, and as she stopped at the closed door of Kaden’s—no, Lord Prescott’s—study, she paused with her hand hovering on the knob.
Lowering her head, she roused up the persona of the errant Regency era wife she was to play. God, she hoped she didn’t burst out laughing at the wrong time.
She stepped back and knocked lightly, figuring it best not to barge in, even though she’d been summoned.
“Come!”
Lord Prescott’s booming voice reverberated through the door and her chest, filling her up with his presence even though she hadn’t set eyes on him yet. Lacey forced her chin up and bravely entered the study. Perhaps she shouldn’t act contrite just yet. Perhaps Lady Prescott wasn’t easily intimidated.
