The proprietor of Dominion Books looked at the window at the deluge beyond, wondering if it would ever cease pouring. Unseasonably chilling too for spring, but the heat and humidity would descend, so best to enjoy this now.
But still, Colin Dominion thought, does it have to flood us out?
Truthfully, he wasn't worried. In 40 years, since his beloved father opened this place, and Colin taking over after he passed several years ago, nothing like flooding had happened. The book shop had insurance, of course, but torrential water and paper didn't mix well. But the street Dominion Books was located on wasn't flood-prone, and actually slightly elevated, near the top of a slight rise.
Lately, though, Colin had been itching to get back to his real work, his writing. Which was why he'd been actively seeking an apprentice. That way, he didn't have to spend most of his days here, when could be home working more on his second novel. The first one, SHADOW LUST, garnered decent reviews and his publisher wanted to put the second book, a follow-up, out within a year. So far, though, he'd only written barely a third and his deadline would be here too soon.
Unfortunately most of the applicants were students from the nearby college, many of whom hadn't impressed him. Some even kind of scared him, with the thought of leaving them in charge of the place for several hours during the day. It wasn't rocket science, being a bookstore clerk, but having a fair knowledge of books was nice, and not reeking of booze and pot was not what he was looking for.
Colin moved the rolling ladder to grab some extra books for the front window, when the front door opened, bell tinkling, and the drenched figure entered.
The attractive woman smiled, and when she shook off her coat, Colin felt his mouth go dry, heart thump hard in his chest.
Oh my, he thought. Please say you're interested in the job position here.
"Sorry for the water getting on your floor," she said as she draped the coat over one arm, and paused to shake water droplets from her rain-soaked long, thick mane of auburn hair. As Colin approached, smiling warmly, he held put his hands to take her coat. This close, the droplets of icy rainwater in her hair caught the store's light and glittered like jewels.
"No worries. Here, let me take your jacket," he said. "I'm Colin, what can I help you with?"
Her blue-green eyes sparkled warmly and he could see her hard nipples jutting out under the cream-colored long sleeved blouse. Her breasts were full, perhaps 36C or D size, and obviously braless. Odd to do so with the inclement weather. She wore dark gray slacks and closed toe black pumps, which made little sense on a miserable day like this. But maybe when she'd dressed earlier it hadn't been raining yet. Wearing stylish black framed glasses, she looked slightly nerdy but very sexy, her pale cream-colored face lightly beaded with either perspiration or rain water. She had shapely hips and coltish, long legs in the tight slacks. Colin imagined her perfect toes, manicured and painted some light pinkish color, or maybe burgundy or plum color. Her fingernails were cut short, but manicured. Colin wasn't a feet man, but he appreciated sexy feet, among other things. Sexy, flexed calves on a woman, for example.
Damn, he thought. She's absolutely gorgeous!
While he didn't make it a habit to openly, or surreptitiously, gawk practically open mouthed at attractive female customers, he couldn't help himself. But what she said in response was like wet dream come true.
"I'd like to apply for the part-time clerk position," she said, her voice sweetly soft, almost shy, but with an underlying determination. "I'm certain I'd be more than qualified."
While she possessed an indeterminate accent, her use of language was immediately a turn on.
Colin cleared his throat, still holding her coat. "Really? Umm, I mean...of course!"
She smiled coyly. "Do I need to fill out an application first?"
Colin nodded. "No, not that, but I'd need to interview you. Do you have a resume...not that you need one. I'm not looking for someone with an extensive retail background, um, Miss...?"
Blushing, she bit her plump bottom lip--something she did a lot and something that Colin admitted turned him on--and looked up at him through her big glasses.
"I'm Audrey," she said.
"Pleasure to meet you, Audrey," Colin replied, reaching out to shake her hand. For a moment as they touched, he felt a brief sizzle of electricity surge through him and they both jumped slightly. She blushed deeply, which given her creamy complexion, made her seem vulnerable and more alluring.
"And I'm Colin Dominion." As he turned to gesture to his back office behind the counter, Audrey surprised him by what she said next.
"I know who you are, Mr. Dominion, and I hope by saying this I'm not jeopardizing my chances of getting hired. But I'm a huge fan of your books. Have been since your first novel came out over ten years ago."
It was his turn to blush, and he smiled. "Thank you. I appreciate that," he said, a little shyly. "To be honest, I don't get outed a whole lot these days, not that I'm outwardly looking for that, but it's always a pleasure to meet a fan. Have to ask you, though, and please excuse me asking this, but how old are you?"
As she walked past him smelling faintly of sweet musk from soap, shampoo, perfume, or a mix of all three, she replied, "Not at all. I'm about your age. My folks moved here after Dad got a job in the city about 20 years ago. I took time off after a rough start to college, a failed first marriage and raising my kids, but now I'm back at it. I want to finish what I started a long time ago. Not sure what I'll do with a creative writing degree, though."