Bookstore princess

Chapter 13

Nadia

I'm surprised at how quickly James picked up on everything that Jacob does in the run of a day, and how confident he seems to do all of Jacob's duties. Jacob stuck around long enough to make sure he had the hang of things, but we could tell he was getting worn out quickly. He doesn't get sick often, so when he does, Jenny and I worry. James helped multiple customers and seemed to clue in when Jenny was getting overwhelmed and went to the rescue there too. He took orders and she showed him the register on her side so all he had to do was put in the orders and she made the coffees. After a while, he started helping a little here and there with the coffees as well. I'm a little worried he's going to get coffee on his pristine suit, but all he did was take off his black suit jacket, loosened his red tie, and kept on going. There's a woman watching me from the corner, and she's on James' computer. They seem like they are friends. She's beautiful, and I sneak a few glances at her. The store is pretty busy today, so it's hard to look for long. Besides, most of the time I'm sneaking glances at James as he goes back and forth. I badly need a pee break since Jenny keeps refilling my coffee and water bottles, and something must be showing on my face because James leaves the floor and makes his way to me with ease.
"What's wrong, baby doll?" James asks, looking overly concerned.
"I really need the restroom" I flush, and look down.
"Okay, go" he stands behind the register, looking confident.
"You don't even know how to use that" I point out.
"Show me, I'll be your pupil" he gives that half smirk that makes my knees go weak. I give him a run down with the next few customers who pay not only with cash, but with cards as well. I also make sure that he knows each customer gets a flower with each purchase, no matter what. "Go, I've got it from here" he says with confidence. I stand and watch him take the next customer and he does so with ease. I feel a little relieved and I run through the employee entrance/exit and run to the main floor bathroom. I didn't think I'd make it, but I did.
As I'm washing my hands I can't help but think of how much I owe James for helping us out. I want to pay him, but I'm not sure he will take the money for helping out today. I come back out and peek through the door and he seems to be doing really well, so I run upstairs and take out a few pork chops for supper. I can at least feed him if he will accept it. I stay long enough to put out the pork chops and race back down the stairs again, feeling a little winded. I come out and James gives me a smirk.
"Better?" he asks.
"Much, I took out some pork chops for supper. I hope you're hungry" I smile lightly.
"You're making me supper?" he asks.
"Yes, I also want to pay you for today," I tell him in my no nonsense tone.
"I'm not accepting money. I have the spare time" he shrugs. "I do have someone that is looking for work though" he points to the woman in the corner. "Her name is Maria, she's my best friend's wife and a hard worker. Why don't you go talk to her?" he asked me.
"I guess I can walk away for a moment" I bite my bottom lip and his gaze flicks to my lips.
"I also take payment in kisses" he says softly.
"Watch the till" I giggle and walk towards the beautiful woman in the corner. I see Jenny watching me curiously as she cleans up and I give her a quick thumbs up. "Maria?" I ask the mysterious woman.
"Hi Lu... I mean miss...?" she trails off and I smile warmly at her.
"Just call me Nadia. James says you're looking for a job?" I ask her and she stands up to shake my hand. I see the small baby bump and I feel so excited for her.
"Yes, I was just working on my resume" she nods. "It's nice to meet you Nadia" she adds quickly.
"It's nice to meet you too" I sat down across from her, my sore feet appreciating the moment. "Have you worked in a bookstore before?" I ask her.
"No, but I have worked in a coffee shop. I read a lot, and I'm a quick learner" she tells me quickly.
"Did James tell you we are only hiring part time?" I ask worriedly.
"Oh yes, I'm good with that. I'll be busy with life anyways, and I do have a baby on the way" she rubs her tummy.
"Are you bondable?" I ask her hopefully.
"Yes, very much so. I've never committed a crime in my life" she nods and gives a warm smile.
"Well, there's two other people to talk to. But you have my vote" I smile warmly. "I have a good feeling about you" I say, and I really do. She smiles broadly and I see Jenny tip toe up behind me and I look over my shoulder. "I think you have some help coming Jenny" I tell her, turning to look at her.
"Can I see your resume? I was listening in" she admits.
"Sure, it's only on the computer right now," Maria smiles. "I'm Maria, it's nice to meet you Jenny" she reaches out a hand and shakes Jenny's.
"I'll go watch Potions" I stand up and let Jenny take my seat as she scrutinizes the computer. Jenny already has everything cleaned up, and James seems to be comfortable behind the cash. I take a few coffee orders that were thankfully basic while Jenny gets to interview Maria. I can tell by the way Jenny is leaning in and talking to her, that she has her vote too. Now we just need Jacob to give the all clear, which will be fairly easy. Maria's more experienced with coffee, so it's more Jenny's opinion that matters.

James

"I have it on good authority that you are closing on time tonight" I grin at Nadia who looks exhausted. We've worked all day, only taking small breaks here or there. I've grown an appreciation for all the hard work the three of them put into their little store and coffee shop. And as I suspected, Jenny does share her tips with everyone that worked the floor. I refused it, and put it aside for Jacob if he comes back into work tomorrow. I already decided I'm coming in early to see if they need help again. Maria saved me, after she finished with her little interview, she brought my laptop in behind the cash register while I worked the floor, and she took care of more of the families that were coming. She worked with Sam and Steve to make sure everyone was accounted for, and even found hotel rooms for all of them until I can get them sorted into the houses I rented. There's so much furniture to buy, and I don't have the offices set up for some of them to start working yet.
"I feel like closing early, but I can't," Nadia groans, flexing her legs a bit. Even something so small and I'm rock hard in my pants at the thought of rubbing her legs for her. "There's still the paperwork and balancing the tills" she sighs softly.
"What time do you usually go to bed?" I ask, even though I already know the answer. Over an hour after closing, she has a cold supper and either takes a bath or goes straight to bed. I also know that she's probably too tired to make a hot supper, but she seems determined to do it anyway.
"It's pretty empty in here, why don't you get started on the paperwork now?" I offer. I can tell she's going to reject the offer right away. "I can watch the floor, and take care of some of the clean up" I give my best smile.
"No, I'll clean up. Why don't you sit down for a few minutes. You've been on your feet all day" she says with an air of authority.
"I'll sit when you sit" I chuckle.
"You'll be waiting a while" she tells me and her eyes flick to the front door where a worn out Rieta is coming in.
"Hey girl" she says with a croaky voice. "I'm not coming in too far," she says with a sniffle.
"You caught it too?" Nadia asks sympathetically.
"Yeah, Jacob might be out again tomorrow" she tells her, looking at me curiously. "James, you're still here?"
"I found a damsel in distress and couldn't help myself" I chuckle.
"I'd be careful, the flu is going around" she sniffs again, and starts to cough. She looks like she wants to vomit. "I'd better go" she says quickly.
"Tell Jacob we can hold down the fort for a bit while he gets better. I'll be here" I tell her and Nadia looks at me in surprise.
"James" she gasps, and damn if I wasn't already hard, I would be now. I want to see if she sounds that way in bed too. I have to keep reminding myself she's human and I have to move slowly.
"Maria's got my back for now, so does Steve and Sam" I tell her, giving an easy smile. Her cheeks flush and I feel proud of myself.
"Yeah, he's a keeper" Rieta coughs again. "I'll see you soon" she quickly leaves.
"I'll tell you what baby doll, I'm going to take a small break and head to the diner. I'll pick us up something to eat and bring it back. We will save the pork chops for tomorrow" I walk towards Nadia and she looks at me like I'm her hero.
"I'll give you money for supper" she immediately takes her tips out of her pocket.
"No, I'm buying. I'll take partial payment now" I lean forward and pucker my lips. She instantly grabs my shirt lapels and pulls me in and presses her lips to mine. I know she wanted to dominate the kiss, but I quickly turned the tables. The familiar spark reaches down to my toes and I pull her impossibly closer as I lick her lips. She gives a small gasp, and I take advantage, licking her tongue and kissing her deeply. I hold her close, enjoying her soft curves until I hear the door chime again and I pull away. She looks almost dazed and I chuckle. "Later I want to rub those sore legs of yours" I wiggle my eyebrows at her.
"Okay" she breathes, and I really can't wait for the end of the night.
"Welcome" I turn and smile at the two wolves that just came in, they look surprised. At least they are from my pack. "I'll be back for you baby doll" I tell her and turn on my heels before she can argue.

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