Hers to Keep (Irresistibly Bound 3)

“Camilla, I don’t know what to say.” Lindsey gazed around, wide-eyed. “Are you really okay with leaving your rooms behind? That’s a big change.”

Change. Once upon a time, that word terrified Camilla. But Lindsey had changed that. “It was a difficult decision. But I want to build something new with you.”

“I want that too,” Lindsey said. “This is perfect.”

“Of course, it isn’t finished. I want us to pick out all the details together. The decor, the furnishings, everything.” Camilla pulled Lindsey to the center of the room. “We’re going to decorate the entire wing together. Then we’re going to finally throw that party we’ve been talking about for months. Not just a dinner party. A big housewarming celebration.”

“That sounds wonderful.”

“In fact, I’ve been thinking it’s time we opened up the house more. I want to have more guests and throw more parties. I want to make the manor come alive again, like when I was a child. That is, if it’s okay with you.”

“I would love that,” Lindsey said.

“Of course, we’re going to need more staff. Some more help for June, perhaps a full-time chef. But I’m getting ahead of myself.”

“No, it’s great. I’m happy to see you this excited about something.”

“I have some news that’s going to make you even happier,” Camilla said. “Remember that friend of mine you sent your portfolio to?”

“The one who owns a gallery?” Lindsey asked.

“The very same. She finally had a look at your work, and she was very impressed. She’s opening another gallery in the city next year, and she wants your artwork to be in the opening exhibition.”

Lindsey beamed. “Seriously?”

“Seriously. She’ll get in touch with you soon, but I wanted to be the one to tell you.”

“That’s amazing.” Lindsey slung her arms around Camilla’s neck and pressed her lips to Camilla’s. “I’m glad you pushed me to work on my art. I’m glad you made me put myself out there.”

“This was all you, Lindsey,” Camilla said. “It was always you. I gave you a little nudge, but you’re the one who chose to take control of your life.”

“Well, I couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you for encouraging me.”

“I did it because I believe in you. And I want the world to see how talented you are.” Camilla kissed her again. “Now, why don’t I give you a tour of our rooms?”

Camilla led Lindsey to the bedroom and opened the door, revealing a huge, light-filled space much brighter than Camilla’s old bedroom. She showed Lindsey their sitting room, and the parlor, and the huge bathroom which made Lindsey squeal with excitement.

“Can we get a bath like the one in your rooms?” she asked.

“We can get an even bigger one.” Camilla guided Lindsey back to the antechamber and out into a hallway. “Down this hall is my new study. Your new studio is right across from it.” She pointed to the end of the hall. “And through that door is the most important room of all.”

Lindsey’s eyes lit up. “Do you mean the playroom?”

Camilla nodded.

“Can we go inside?”

“Of course.” Camilla put her hand on the small of Lindsey’s back and led her to the playroom. “I took the liberty of furnishing it already. I know I said we were going to do this together, but this is the one exception.”

“I don’t mind, Mistress,” Lindsey said.

“I’m sure you’ll love what I’ve done with it.” Camilla opened the door and turned on the light.

Lindsey looked around the room. “It’s the same?”

Camilla nodded. “I had everything moved in here when you were in the city last week.”

And she meant everything. The four-poster canopy bed. All the cabinets and drawers filled with surprises. Even the dark wallpaper was identical.