Bookstore princess

Chapter 43

Chapter 43

James

We left Melody with a full can of wet food, a kibble dish, and lots of water in her little fountain before going downstairs. The jolly laughter came through the back employee door before we got to it, and I know somehow my brother is there waiting. I open the door for Nadia and she kisses my cheek before going through the door. The room is a bit cool, which is good since it's probably sweltering outside. Before coming down I did take the time to put on a black button up, and my dress shoes. I kept the jeans on because Nadia seems to like it when I wear them.
"Good morning" Jenny greets us as we come in, she seems unable to meet my eyes, however Jacob has a twinkle in his eye, like he's trying not to laugh. Steve sits at my regular table, while Reita, Jacob, Jeremy, Kate, Maria, Sam and Jenny have the other tables. Our coffees are in our regular spot, and I put my hand in the center of Nadia's back and steer her to sit across from my little brother who's grinning ear to ear.
"Good morning" Nadia says with a large smile on her face as she sits down. She carefully makes sure her dress doesn't ride up too far and she takes the corner so I can protect her properly as it should be.
"Morning" I say with a forced yawn, trying to evade the stares.
"How was your morning so far? Was it... eventful?" Jacob asks with a chuckle.
"I think it was eventful. There's no sound proofing jerk" Steve teases.
"Oh my goodness" Nadia's face turns red and she tries to hide her face with her hands. I wrap my arm around her proudly and kiss her temple because I want to show her in every way, shape, and form that I am with her to the end of the line and beyond that.
"It wasn't you that gave it away, don't worry" Maria says kindly.
"That would probably be me," I say, puffing out my chest proudly.
"We came to make sure you come to work today" Steve advises with a chuckle.
"And I told him it's a bad idea," Sam adds quickly, looking between myself and Nadia, with questions in his eyes. I give him a slight nod and he grins back at me with a light of excitement in his eyes.
"Don't worry James, she'll be fine with us" Jeremy promises, and I know deep down that's his oath. "And you kids remind me of when Kate and I first got together, it's a special time."
"We aren't much younger than you" I chuckle.
"Yeah, but I'm a dad to two young ones. I get to say kids now" he winks a little cheekily and Kate grins at him adoringly.
"That lineup outside is getting longer, someone must have missed your coffee Jenny" Steve points to outside.
"I better go put a few more coffee's on" Jenny starts to get up but Maria shakes her head.
"I'll get it" Maria says with a smile and slightly waddles in behind the counter at Potions.
"You're not even on the clock yet" Jenny tells her.
"Then put me on the clock" Maria shrugs and starts preparing a little extra for the day.
"Note to self, everyone gets paid from eight instead of nine" Jacob says, taking out his phone.
"Can you believe it?" Nadia peeks out from behind her hands and looks outside in shock. "I don't know if we ordered enough newspapers. We might have to go to the town hall to see if we can expand to put a patio out front so people can enjoy the outside and coffee" she says with a hopeful glint in her eyes.
"We know a few of them, they are more book readers" Steve looks outside with a smirk on his face. He knows about the allowance to spend at the store. It's mainly to give them a taste of what the store offers, but I have a feeling that it's going to become a tradition. A lot of the people in line are from my pack and they want a look at their new Luna. I look at Nadia, and she smiles at me with her slightly gap toothed smile. I know she's self conscious of it, but I love her just the same. She's beautiful inside and out.
"Should we open early?" Nadia asks softly, looking at Jenny and Jacob.
"Don't you dare, I'm enjoying my morning coffee," Rieta says. "Besides, these are precious moments with my husband before I don't see him until tonight" she adds, humming as she takes a sip of her iced coffee.
"So what's the plan today?" Jeremy asks, rubbing Kate's shoulders lovingly. She smiles at him and they share a brief kiss.
"Kate will shadow Nadia, and you are shadowing me" Jacob decides quickly. "Once you have a handle on things, we will have you take over and we will watch to make sure you've got it right.
"I think we will run out of flowers if this keeps up" Nadia says softly.
"I'll have Sam pick some up and bring them back for you, just in case" I pull her in close and nuzzle into her neck, taking in her scent.
"Thank you" she gives me a quick peck on the lips and I look at her forlorn. She leans in and gives me a lingering kiss, and I suppose I'll have to take what I can get.
"Almost time kids" Jacob stands up.
"I'll refill everyone's coffee first" Jenny comes over and takes all of our cups with our names on them.
"I'm gonna steal your man for a bit. But don't worry, I'll bring him back for lunch" Steve winks at my mate and I unintentionally let out a possessive growl. Jenny, Jacob, and Rieta look around in surprise. I shrug it off and Nadia's cheeks are pink.

Nadia

Saying goodbye to James is hard. A lot harder than I thought. These last few months of him being a constant presence, I almost feel naked without him. But we both have to go back to work, and start living our lives again. We will have each other in the evenings and at lunch, which does help balm my struggling nerves. I know that Jeremy is here as a body guard, and more than likely so is Kate.
As soon as Sam, James, and Steve leave, we open the store for business with Jacob and Jeremy ready to help people find their books, Kate standing with me while I explain each purchase at the register, the customer is getting a flower and then showing her how to scan books etc. The entire store is flooded with patrons, and I'm so excited to see so many new faces. Kate stands by my side proudly with her head held high, watching what I do with rapt attention. I'm excited to see little ones coming in with their families and half go into the store to look at the books we have on display while the other half line up out the door for their morning coffee first. Some of the regulars come to get their newspapers and ask if everything is okay now, and I assure them the police are working hard to make sure the store stays safe. I've even noticed out the store front window that the regular patrols have picked up, and a police car is driving by nearly every hour.
Everything is going splendidly, and I can't help but think that James has something to do with the sudden increase in business. I'm seeing the shelves empty and both Jacob and Jeremy are trying to keep up by keeping them stocked. We are tracking everything at the very least.
One thing that I did note as a little bit odd was some of the newest patrons were tilting their head to the side when they first came to the cash register, bearing their necks. Kate murmurs to me it's a sign of respect for their new Luna. I realize then, that there's still so much to learn. I'm glad I have Kate at my side and letting me know what is appropriate to do. A regal nod is all they need, or a smile and they will be more at ease. We almost ran out of flowers before lunch, but Sam stopped by with twice our normal order at the back door and Jacob restocked the front and told me the rest are in the fridge out back. I give him thanks, and then stand to the side and let Kate take over for a bit.
She takes to the register with ease, and I bag the books for a while. By lunch time I can't wait to see my James. When he walks in with Steve the room is buzzing with people. The crowd seems to part and he makes his way to me.
"May I take you for a break?" James asks softly, holding takeout in one hand and another hand is extended to take mine.
"I'll take over for a bit, Jeremy has got the hang of this" Jacob comes to the rescue to help Kate who is facing a long line of patrons.
"I am a little hungry" I admit, coming around to James who takes my hand and kisses my knuckles before pulling me in and kissing me on the lips.
"Come on baby doll, I'm famished" he says and we exit through the employee doors.

We get upstairs and Melody is yowling for her lunch. James puts the food on the table and goes to fill her kibble dish again, overfilling it a little bit.
"You're done at five, right?" James confirms and I nod. "Good, I'll be home by six, and then it's just you and me" he wraps his arms around me from behind and he starts peppering my neck with kisses. "How do you feel about a lunch time quickie?" he asks, his lips finding my mate mark and I shiver with anticipation. I'm wet for him, and I can feel he's hard for me, but the memory of this morning with everyone knowing what we did is still fresh in my mind.
"No sex until the store closes" I remind him and he audibly whimpers. "Make out sessions are okay though" I add with a devious smile.
"I'll take what I can get. Let's eat first" James nips at my earlobe and starts taking out the takeout boxes from the bag he had placed on the table. There's four in total and I look at them curiously. He hands me two and I open them up to see that he's gotten me a philly steak sandwich from Nat and Bruce's shop with their coconut cream pie. "For the record, this isn't the only cream pie you'll be getting today," James says with a wink. My cheeks flush, but I can't say I'm disappointed. I'm actually excited with anticipation of what comes tonight. I know it's going to be rougher than the last two times because of the spark in his eye and the way he's looking at me hungrily. He really wants to go again now, but I really don't want the entire town knowing what we are getting up to. We both eat quickly, and I only eat half my fries, giving him the rest. He eats them without complaint and I get up to clean up, and he comes to help. I think it's to make sure we get in that makeout session before we go back to work.