"Don't make any plans for the 14th," David said while zapping between TV channels.
Veronica looked up from her newspaper. "Oh, why not?"
"Because it's Valentine's Day and I have something special in mind for us."
Veronica's interest was peeked. She sat up straight in the big sofa chair and looked at her husband.
"That sounds interesting, what have you been planning?"
David looked over at her with a mischievous grin. "Now, if I told you it wouldn't be much of a surprise, would it?"
"C'mon," Veronica pleaded. "Give me some hint!"
Her husband just smiled and went back to zapping the channels. Veronica went back to her newspaper, but her mind began to drift.
"I wonder what he's planning," she thought. "Perhaps dinner at some fancy restaurant? Or a weekend away?" She was getting very excited at the thought of a weekend away at some romantic hotel. Couldn't David at least give some hint?
"And there's no point in asking me," David said, as if he reading her thoughts. "My lips are sealed."
Veronica pouted and made as much sound as possible with the newspaper.
"You're such a baby," David said, with a hint of amusement in his voice.
#
It was Valentine's Day. The harsh sound of the alarm clock went off.
"Mphf, what time is it?" Veronica groaned sleepily.
"It's 6:00am."
"Six? I have a whole hour to go!" Veronica turned around, pulling the cover over her head.
As quiet as possible David got out of bed and into the kitchen. Quickly he made some cheese and ham sandwiches. A few minutes later he walked into the bedroom, carrying a tray.
"Wakey, wakey, babe," he said and sat down the tray on the nightstand. "Breakfast is served."
Veronica's sleepy eyes looked at him behind the unruly auburn locks. "Breakfast?"
"Yes, I've made breakfast for us," David smiled. "Would you like some tea?"
Slowly Veronica sat up in the bed and leaned against the wooden frame. "Wow, breakfast in bed. That's been a while!"
"I know, that's why I figured it'd be a good start to the day." David handed her a rectangular box with a red bow around it. "Here, Happy Valentine's Day, babe."
"Awww, darling, you shouldn't have!" She kissed him gingerly on the mouth. "Can I open it now?"
"I wouldn't want it any other way," David smiled.
With eager hands Veronica ripped away the red ribbon and opened the box. Carefully, and with eyes glittering of anticipation, she unwrapped the layers of thin see-through wrapping paper. A couple of layers down she began to see hints of red fabric.
"Oh David!" she exclaimed, holding up the short red kimono robe. "It's gorgeous!"
David looked pleased with her reaction. "I saw it and couldn't resist it."
She gave him a quick but passionate kiss. "It's so soft, and the colors are beautiful!"
Excited Veronica jumped out of the bed and tried on the robe. A cherry blossom pattern was printed on the red background color, and the silk felt cold against her naked skin.
"You really shouldn't have..."
"I wanted to, you deserve it."
Their lips met once again, this time in a more drawn out kiss.
"I can't give you my gift until later," Veronica said.
"That's fine," David said. "I don't want anything."
Veronica leaned her forehead against David's. "I'm giving you something, but I have to pick it up first."
"The only thing I want is for you to come home right after work," David said. "You haven't made any other plans, have you?"
"No, no other plans. I'll come right home after work."
"Good!"
"And speaking of work," Veronica grabbed one of the sandwiches from the tray. "I need to get ready." Giving her husband a fleeting kiss, she jumped into the shower.
#
"Morning Mrs. Cooper."
"Morning, Danielle." Veronica gave her assistant a happy smile and walked into her office. Lying on the big mahogany desk she found a single red rose wrapped in cellophane.
"Danielle, can you come in here?"
"Yes, Mrs. Cooper?"
"This rose, when was it delivered?" She pointed at the deep red flower.
"This morning," Danielle answered. "I believe it's from Mr. Copper."
"Aww, he shouldn't have," Veronica smiled.
"A good start to Valentine's Day, isn't it?" Danielle said. "Are you planning something special for tonight?"
Veronica sank down in the plush leather chair behind her desk. "David has some kind of surprise for me. He told me not to make any other plans."
"Sounds promising!"
"Mmm, very promising," Veronica mused. "And I got the most gorgeous silk robe from him this morning."
"I wish I had a man," Danielle sighed. "Instead I have to spend Valentine's Day picking up one in some club..."
Veronica laughed. "You're not fooling me, Danielle! I know you love to pick up some cute guy on the dance floor."
Danielle couldn't hide her grin. "Oh yes, it's like a smorgasbord, just take your pick..."
They both laughed out loud.
"Well, I'll leave you to it," Danielle said and left the room, closing the door behind her.
Veronica stood up and unwrapped the cellophane paper. For a long moment she looked at the rose, a feeling of warmth spreading through her body. She sure was a lucky woman. She swung the chair around towards the phone and dialed a number.
"Hello?"
"Darling, I got the rose, it's beautiful."
"Glad you liked it."
"Thanks once again for the robe and rose."
"You're welcome."
"I love you."
"I love you too."
Veronica hung up the receiver and swiveled the chair around once again – this time towards the big window behind her. For a long time she looked out over the city view that spread before her.
#
It was almost time for her lunch break. Veronica stood up and stretched her arms in the air. Her back was hurting from slumping over the desk and she was looking forward to a break. On her desk were now five red roses. A new one had arrived every hour since she got to the office. By now she had become awfully chummy with the delivery boy, and the other women in the office kept teasing her. They all admitted to being slightly jealous of the attention David was giving her. To Veronica the roses made her feel like when she had started dating David. It was nice to feel attractive and desired.
They had been married for five years, and although their relationship was overall good, there had of course been slumps. There was one period when David had been working very had and not up for anything romantic. When he finally got out of that period it was her turn. Work had taken up most of her time, and she had been far too tired for sex in the evenings. Before they knew it days and even weeks had gone without any significant sexual contact. It took them a while to get back on track, but it had been worth it. Their relationship had developed and their lovemaking had been deeper.
Lately their sex life had been cozy, but it seemed to be stuck in a rut. She longed for something out of the ordinary. There was no need for threesomes, whips or such things, but she wanted something different. It was the small details that mattered. Perhaps they could do it somewhere else, not just the bed? Maybe they could try out new positions? Anyway, she was determined to make this Valentine's Day special.
On her break Veronica went into a lingerie store around the corner from her office. A petite Asian shop attendant came towards her.
"Can I help you?" she asked.
"Yes, I'm here to pick up some items," Veronica said.
"Sure, and your name?"
"Cooper. Veronica Cooper."
The shop attendant went into the storeroom and came out with a big white box.
"Mrs. Cooper," she read on the note attached to the box. She opened it and unwrapped a purple corset. "Is this the correct order?"
"Oh yes, that's the one," Veronica said. She had seen the corset in the shop window and fallen in love with it. The main color was a dark purple in a satin-like fabric, and there was an Asian inspired black pattern over it. The seams and contours were outlined with delicate black lace.
"It's beautiful," Veronica said, holding the corset in front of her while looking in a mirror.
"Would you like to try it on?" the shop attendant asked.
"Yes, that might be a good idea."
"The changing room is over there," the attendant pointed.
Veronica walked into the unusually spacious changing room. Inside were three mirrors, some hooks and a small stool. She hung her purse on one of the hooks and her coat on another. While slipping out of her low-heeled shoes, she unbuttoned her blouse.
"How is everything going?" the shop attendant asked from the outside.
"I haven't put it on yet," Veronica replied while unhooking her bra.
Suddenly the curtain was pulled opened and the short Asian woman stood in the doorway.
"Do you need any help?"
"Eh, well..." Veronica stammered, a bit surprised at the woman's intrusion.
The attendant looked at her and gave her a reassuring smile. Veronica's shoulders began to relax and she smiled at the attendant.
"I guess I could do with some help, these hooks aren't as easy as they look!"
The attendant gave a soft laugh. "I know, they can be a bit tricky."
She stepped into the changing room and drew back the curtains. "Now, let's see if we can make this work."
"Thanks," Veronica said. "What's your name?"
"Lin."
"Nice to meet you Lin," Veronica smiled.