Bookstore princess

Chapter 20

James

The customers were clearly unhappy that the store was closing early today, but one look at Nadia, and their attitude changed. She's pale, and her usual pleasant smile and chirpy voice is clearly diminished today. I made sure each customer got their flower and bagged their purchases while she put them through the cash register. Maria's helping Jenny with cleaning up. Things are going quickly with the four of us working at it. Once the last customer leaves, Nadia starts printing out the sales for the day, and Jenny goes and does the same. I see Nadia is starting to count her till, but she keeps stopping and recounting, like she's lost count. I can't help it. I take over and she looks at me, with visible relief on her face.
"I'm counting my till buddy, I'll do the close out of sales for today. You go upstairs and lay down" Jenny says with a bit of sass.
"I've got your till" I murmur to Nadia. "I'll help her, don't worry" I assure her.
"Do you want another tea before going upstairs?" Jenny asks when Nadia is clearly hesitating.
"Yes, please" she nods. "A cold one again," she brings over her cup and Maria takes it from her easily.
"I've got this one. How do you like it?" Maria asks her.
"Three sweeteners, half ice, and use two teabags" Jenny instructs. "She likes it sweet but cold most of the year" she grins. "Go with peppermint, it's one of her favorites of mine" she adds.
"Got it" Maria goes about her work.
"Thank you" Nadia looks very thankful. Jenny finishes with counting out her till, and then counts out the tips and divides them into four. She puts one fourth in her pocket, and puts another fourth in front of Maria. He hands the other half in two separate hands to Nadia who grins. She comes to me and stuffs a hand in my front pocket and deposits the bills and change before she puts her tips in her own pocket. I chuckle, because I already know where she keeps all of the tips in the kitchen. And that's exactly where it's headed once she's asleep. Nadia stops and wraps her arms around my stomach and leans her head on my back between my shoulders and I feel her leave a soft kiss. I want to turn around and do a reenactment of last night with her, but I know she needs rest. Maria brings over the filled 40oz cup of iced peppermint tea and a broad smile.
"Thank you for the tip, although I didn't do much" she tells Jenny.
"You helped us close out, that's enough" Jenny says quickly. "We usually split the tips between all of us, although James has been refusing it," she frowns.
"James has always put people before money" Maria grins. "He has enough of it, he doesn't care about it."
"James should be paid for his time" Nadia says softly.
"I'll take my payment in kisses, cuddles and a lot more dates" I say proudly.
"Once Jacob comes back we are hiring someone else so you can get back to your life, sir" Nadia says, giving my back another kiss.
"I like the way things are right now" I grin, enjoying the time with my mate. I know I'm shirking my Alpha responsibilities right now, and I really should be out there doing what Maria has been doing for me. But even the very idea of being away from Nadia for even an hour feels physically painful. The mate bond is strong with her, and I have to wonder if it's like that for other wolves. I finish what I'm doing and write down the tally on a spare piece of paper and put it on top of the till. Jenny walks by and picks up the cash register, receipts, and the piece of paper and heads into the back, leaving the employee door open.
"I'm going to get going, but it was so nice to see you Nadia. Looking forward to tomorrow Jenny! Talk to you soon James, and read your emails" Maria says with a bit of sass and heads to the front door. She walks out and Nadia rushes over to lock the door behind her. Jenny comes back out with her hands on her hips.
"Alright buddy, don't make me call your mom. You know I'll do it" she warns.
"I'm going" Nadia grabs her cup and reaches for my hand. Grinning like a fool I take it and we head upstairs leaving Jenny with the end of day responsibilities.
"What do you want for supper tonight?" I ask her as we reach the top steps.
"Are you on the menu?" she asks coyly, and a slight flush on her cheeks.
"Oh baby doll, maybe after a nap" I say, thinking that's an offer that's hard to refuse.