Chapter 1
"Oh, I'm good at following instructions and love to learn new things, kinda like a sponge," she said and smiled at the smart-looking gentleman who was about halfway between her age and her Dad‘s. "So you think maybe I might do? Shall I come back Friday? Anything in particular I should wear?" she asked.
He chuckled at the rapid-fire questions. "You'll definitely do,” he replied, “let's see how it goes Friday but I think we’ll be a good match. There's no dress code as such but smart casual. We cater to the well-heeled and usually gentlemen."
"Smart casual? So maybe a skirt? Blouse or is a t-shirt top ok?" she suggested, thinking through her limited wardrobe.
Smiling, seeing that she might be worried, a troubled look on her face as she glanced up at him, he said, "A skirt would be great and a smart t-shirt would be fine, or blouse if you have one. For Friday don't worry too much." Nick looked down at her reassuringly.
"Um, okay, I'll see what I've got."
Amanda frowned as she considered visiting the charity shops for more office-type wear. He put his hand on her shoulder comfortingly.
"Really, don't worry too much, Amanda. So eleven on Friday morning perhaps?"
"Sure, eleven it is, Nick," she replied, smiling up at him, hesitating at using his name but a little calmed by the physical contact.
Feeling like she'd been dismissed she headed to the door. He watched her go and as she walked out, taking a good long look at her, the brown hair hanging down past her shoulders, the slim waist. He smiled to himself happy with the potential.
She had wandered in because of an advert, a bookshop looking for a cultured university student to work weekends, a chance to earn a little money. To work surrounded by books would be great, she had thought. A luxury independent bookshop. It seemed she had passed the interview. She was too petite to do a manual job and didn‘t fancy working in a bar, and her dance and gymnastics flexibility would help with the bends and stretches of replacing books on shelves. Although Friday was going to be a Trial Day, she was pretty pleased at having found a job in her first few weeks of her first term of her first year. Go me! she thought.
As soon as she was out of the door she stopped to check the cash in her purse. She knew exactly how little was in there, but you never know, she thought to herself, it may have increased since I last looked. But no. She sighed and headed to the nearest charity shop.
Sitting back down Nick re-imagined her, the soft lips, the beautiful wide doe eyes, cute little nose. The obedient looks and the way she glanced up past her hair had stirred something animal in him. He ran his hand over his crotch and chuckled as he felt the swelling there. He thought about her often and found time to pass slowly as he waited for 11 am Friday. With a few minutes to spare he was making sure that the shop was tidy and checking himself in the mirror in the little bathroom at the back, hands running through his short hair, the white shirt crisp, sleeves rolled up, a small patch of dark chest hair visible. He nodded and headed back out to the shop turning the sign to 'Open'.
Waiting just out of sight, not wanting to be too keen, Amanda again smoothed the unfamiliar black skirt against her legs; hardly necessary since it was actually quite short and tight-fitting. Her dark tights complemented the skirt and the low black heeled pumps, but wearing the white button-front blouse she felt more like a waitress with its long sleeves and tight fit, just missing the little white apron.
Nick looked at his watch and leaned back in his chair, mind racing through all the scenarios. Bookshelves to pin her against, the desk to watch her bend over, what her small hands would feel like trying to wrap around his thick cock. Looking up at the clock he saw the time was nearly 11 and tried and banish those thoughts.
Taking a breath, Amanda opened the shop door and gave Nick a smile even though she was a little nervous at being on trial.
"Hello Nick, I'm ready to learn everything you have to teach me and do your bidding," she announced, putting her bag down on the floor by the till.
Smiling easily, he greeted her. "Amanda! Hi, so glad you made it. And right on time, punctuality test passed," he said, grinning. Nick stood and looked her up and down. "Very nice, very professional." He walked closer, his hands reaching out to her right hand. "Do you mind?" he asked with a raised eyebrow as he started to unbutton her cuff and slowly fold it up her arm.
"Oh, um." Biting her lip as she watched his fingers baring her wrist, adjusting her blouse sleeve, it felt deeply symbolic but she couldn't quite grasp the meaning beyond the obvious. Yet it did something to her, something just beyond her reach to explain.
His fingers brushed her delicate skin with each fold, taking his time until the sleeve hung loosely above her elbow, fingertips brushing down her forearm, giving her hand another squeeze with his thumb in the palm of her hand. "Other arm," he said as he held out his hands to her.
Amanda obediently held out the other hand, again feeling like she had crossed a line somewhere but didn't know what it was or what it meant.
He looked into her eyes, taking his time, his body close to hers, his hands slow but steady as they rolled up her sleeve. Finishing, he brushed her hair back behind her ear.
She bit her lip. He couldn't possibly know what he was doing to her, how he was confusing her, messing with her. She knew he was just getting her set up for work, it was just professional, and yet?
"Do you own a pair of glasses?"
She blinked up at him. "Um, g-glasses? Well yes, er, of course?" She gazed into his eyes, trying to understand what was going on, but it eluded her.
He gave her hand a squeeze. "Be a good girl and put them on for me."
"Um, of course."
Crouching down to her bag and getting them out, she then stood and faced him. He had noticed how her cute ass strained against the tight skirt and smiled to himself. Again taking a steadying breath, glasses ready, she half expected him to take them and put them on her face himself, and hesitated in case that was what he wanted.
As she stood there, glasses in hand Nick noted that she hadn't done anything unless specifically asked and his cock throbbed. Taking them from her and very slowly placing them on her face, he took his time to straighten them. His eyes looking into hers through the lenses, staring into them, Nick’s thumb grazed her cheek.
"Perfect." He took a step back and looked her up and down. "Very, very good," he added and grinned, biting his lip briefly.
Amanda blushed, and couldn't help glow at the totally undeserved praise, loving it, maybe even hoping to earn that 'Good Girl' at some point. Whatever just happened had been significant, and she felt like a changed person. She didn't pretend to comprehend it, but she was hooked on something she never knew existed. She wondered if he’d stroke her cheek again, or tidy her hair? Since he’d already checked out her choice of outfit, Amanda spontaneously twirled slowly so he could see her from all sides.
"So I'll do?" she asked, looking him briefly in the eye before dropping her gaze.
Nick felt every inch of him come to life as she spun for him, at the unexpected display of a desire to please. He had to compose himself before nodding and then slowly putting his arm around her shoulders, turning her slightly so their hips touched.
"You are perfect, Mands”--he paused--“let's show you around while it is quiet."
"Yes, Nick, good idea." She just managed to stop herself from calling him Sir, like at school. She had gasped a little, mostly at his comment but also at his touch, liking them both and needing more but not wanting to look desperate for attention.
He clearly heard the check in her voice as she said his name, and smiled. His hand squeezed her shoulder. Nick started to show her around the shop, how it was organised. With the tour finished he smiled. "Okay, now the real work," he said with a grin, his eyes on hers.
"Yes, S." She just managed to make it one word, an elongated yes, and reckoned he wouldn't have noticed. She needed to get a grip on herself. Suddenly the multiple layers of knickers and tights and skirt were too much, making her hot down there. She didn't want to give herself an infection. But first, work. Adjusting her clothing must wait until a break.
Nick pulled out a chair for her, a small wooden thing next to his big leather one. There was little space at the desk as he turned on the computer. Patting his hand on the plain chair for her as he sat in his, he commanded, "Come, sit.”
Amanda quickly sat where told and focused on the computer screen, trying to concentrate.
“Our real job is catering to our client's needs and wants. We must learn to know what they want before they know they need it. And sell them works of art at fabulous prices." He looked at her, so close, her hair had escaped from behind her ear and he brushed it back again with his fingertips.
"Catering to needs and wants, knowing what they want before they do, works of art." She muttered her repetition but she was distracted, his hand again in her hair. She almost closed her eyes and moved her cheek closer; thank goodness she hadn't, had she? What would he have thought of her?
Nick saw her eyes close, her lips just barely parted, heard her mumbles as she lost focus. He chuckled. "We make people happy, that's our job," he said, and pointed to the screen as they sat there shoulder to shoulder.
"This gentleman is coming into the shop after lunch, he drops five to ten thousand pounds most visits, a very loyal client. Your challenge is to get that number towards the ten thousand.” Nick turned to look at her again.
Meeting his gaze, Amanda sensed the challenge but frowned unsure of her ability to accomplish the task. "I'll do my best, Sir." Looking back at the screen as she swore silently at herself. She should have said, Nick not Sir, but perhaps he wouldn't have noticed again. She hoped.
Nick chuckled at the "Sir" and stood up. He pulled on his jacket. "I'll go get some coffees, if anybody comes in, don't let them leave." He grinned. "What would you like?" Nick stood there, looming over her, his crotch at Amanda’s eye level as he looked down at her.
"Er, what would I like?" Did she just ask his trousers that question? She looked up at him, "Um, mocha with a sugar, please?" she answered, trying to blink away her distraction. She chose to focus on her task, an order to carry out. She must keep any customers in the shop. She so hoped she wouldn't fail.
Nick brushed her cheek with the backs of his fingers. "Smile, don’t worry, I'll only be gone a few minutes." Grinning at her he walked out the door and headed to get coffees.
Amanda breathed out a long sigh of relief now that he’d gone. It was like the pressure was off. What on earth was that all about? What just happened to her? Nothing, obviously; and yet that wasn’t true. She sat at the computer a little stunned, her fingers stroking her cheek where he had just touched it.
The little bell above the door dinged and the prized customer walked through, early. Seeing the young student he did a double-take, then looked around. "Where's Nick?" he asked, a man in his sixty's, hands in his pockets, clearly wealthy and fully suited. He leaned on the nearest bookshelf with a practiced nonchalance.
"Oh, hello Sir, um, Nick said to tell you he'll be back shortly, and that in the meantime I'm here to look after you?" Amanda stood up walked over while keeping a respectful distance.
Nick saw a message on his phone. From him, Alan.
It said, "No need to hurry back".
With that message, he cursed himself for leaving her alone in the shop. His protective instincts for the young assistant hurrying the coffee girl along. He chuckled to himself that he was already calling her his assistant. Had she made that much of an impression on him?
Chapter 2
Nick could see the message on his phone and it was from him, Alan. He knew exactly what the man was thinking and willed the coffee girl to make the drinks faster, looking at his watch thinking how stupid it was to have left Amanda there alone.
Back at the bookshop, Alan smiled. "Here to look after me? Well, it is my lucky day isn't it!"
"Er, is there anything I can help you with, Sir?" she asked, biting her lip. Amanda already felt out of her depth.
Alan chuckled. "Child, I am sure there are so many things you could help with, for now, I will enjoy looking around. How long have you worked here for our Nicholas?"
"Um, well no time at all, it's my first day, and anyway if I muck up he'll probably sack me?" She was confused by the customer.
"I'm sure you won't muck up," Alan replied, "do you know if he has any new Austen first editions? Or any more of her private letters?"
"Um." She tried to give herself time to think.
Coffees in hands, Nick had walked back to the shop hoping Alan hadn't said anything or done anything or indeed left the premises. Opening the door with his hip Nick walked through and suddenly realised that he didn't have a coffee for Alan. Seeing Nick return Amanda blew out a lung full of air in relief crying, "Oh, Nick!" a little too enthusiastically.
Hearing her, Nick smiled at the way her lips form his name. "Mandy, here you go," he said, handing over her coffee. "Alan, you rascal, how are you?"
The valued customer grinned and gave Nick a hug. "Mandy is it? She's been very helpful."
Amanda looked up in surprise having done nothing at all, and Nick just smiled at her, seeing the mixture of panic and relief in her eyes.
"Should I go get a third coffee?" she asked, feeling a bit guilty having her own but nothing to offer the special customer.
"I was asking Mandy here about any Austen. No dear, no coffee for me, I have enough pep."
"Aha, it's your lucky day I have a new first edition, great condition I've put aside for you and also one of those letters you so love. The prices are steep but barely a drop in the ocean for you." By now Nick stood by Amanda’s side, establishing them as a team, but Alan’s lascivious eyes were still all over the young student. Amanda edged just a little closer to Nick, the customer’s stare making her feel insecure, her hip touching Nick and pressing in a bit for comfort.
Drumming his fingers on the bookshelf Alan weighed it up. "Come on now Nicholas, you know the price doesn't matter."
Nick suppressed a smile, loving how easily Alan had been played, wanting to show off in front of the girl. "Mandy, keep Alan company while I fetch them."
"Oh!" Amanda cried, disconcerted at being abandoned. Before leaving, Nick simply rested his hand reassuringly on her lower back, holding it there, holding her there. She sighed at the touch, her skin tingling. His thumb traced down her spine lightly feeling how small her body was under his big hands, how delicate the muscles felt through the thin shirt, before leaving to get the letter and the book.
Alone now with Alan, Amanda asked, "So, have you seen anything else that you like, that interests you, Sir?"
"Oh, I have deep and varied interests," his eyes staring into hers, twinkling with energy and he walked past her to sit in Nick’s leather chair, slowly crossing his legs and looking at Amanda in front of him. "What do you do when not here, little Mandy?"
"Oh, um, I'm at the University and I like to read a lot." She was still confused by him; he was not behaving like a typical customer.
Nick rushed back as fast as he could, his concern for Amanda clashing with the desire to make the sale. He walked back in just as he heard her struggling to make small talk.
He smiled at Alan. "A creative genius, our Mands, one day you'll be buying her first editions I'm sure," Nick said, handing him the examples and a pair of gloves. Alan gave Amanda a good long look, nodding before taking the gloves and turning to examine the cover of the book and the letter. With Alan’s back turned, Nick mouthed to her, "You ok?" Alan could be heard grumbling and mumbling as he looked through the book.
Again Amanda moved over right next to Nick, hip to hip, though actually it was more hip to thigh, and nodded, trying to relax now that he was returned and making her feel safe. For some reason she wanted his hand on her back again and twisted a little as if to ask.
Looking at her Nick put his hand on her shoulder and leaned in to whisper, "You're doing great," his lips almost brushing her ear. His thumb traced over the hidden straps as he held her and squeezed her shoulder, feeling her body so close, tension in the air as Alan looked at the book and letter slowly, taking his time, savouring it. Nick held her close, her body feeling soft and small against his own.
Amanda’s breathing became a little faster, feeling Nick’s hot breath on her neck. She swallowed, and moved her shoulders subtly, not to throw him off but to enjoy the pressure of his fingers, and again for reasons she didn't understand, she wanted Alan to see Nick’s hand on her.
Alan turned around and smiled. "Very good Nicholas, you do discover the most delightful treats," he said, looking at Amanda. "Let's not haggle, fourteen thousand for the pair?"
"What do you think Mandy, is fourteen enough? Fifteen thousand pounds is such a lovely round number," Nick countered and grinned at Amanda then back to Alan. She gazed up at Nick, not daring to offer any opinion, but pressed even closer into his side, then looked at Alan, noticing how he looked back at her. She was glad that Nick was there, and actually felt safe enough to almost enjoy Alan staring.
Eyes still on Amanda he made his decision. "Fifteen thousand it is. If you find a signed Austen letter do let me know, don't go to those horrible auction houses." He pulled out his phone pressing a few buttons and nodded. "Money has been wired." Alan rose to his feet. "Have these delivered to the usual address. Perhaps Mandy could bring them over."
Business over, Nick nodded. "We'll see how her schedule is."
Alan’s phone sounded and he made an abrupt goodbye leaving the two of them standing side by side as he waved through the door, Nick’s hand still on Amanda’s shoulder. He gave it another squeeze. "Go lock the door and change the sign to closed."
Amanda nodded, replying, "Yes, Sir," and reluctantly left his side, disappointed that the customer had gone even though he made her nervous. She did as she was asked and returned, standing close again but not actually touching this time. Taking a look at his watch and seeing it was twenty to one already, Nick grinned to himself and then smiled at her, the way her feet moved quickly in short steps, eager to please but almost silent.
He nodded again. "Come sit. " He took his own seat and turned the computer back on. Amanda pulled her chair close and sat down, leaning forward to watch the screen, arms resting on the desk surface.
Nick called up the System and begin to show her how to add a new entry and record the sale price, then turned to her, their faces so close together, the light of the screen reflected off her glowing youthful skin. "Congratulations on your first sale."
She turned her head to look hard into his eyes. "I, er, but I didn't do anything. I just stood there making a fool of myself, not knowing what to say." His face was so close, and he had lovely eyes.
