Writer's Note: This is a story for adults over eighteen years of age about adults over eighteen years of age. While the story line is true the dialog has been compressed for the sake of time and space. Safe sex was not an issue in the early seventies but should be a concern for everyone today.
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It was a small store located on a backstreet in downtown Tampa and pressed between a five and dime store on one side and a lawyer's office on the other. "Used Books" was painted on the one large plate glass window along with the hours and days operation. When I opened the door a small bell mounted above the door rang loudly to announce that someone was either entering or leaving the store. I looked down the long aisles between the high book shelves for someone who was working before calling out.
"Hello."
After several minutes I heard footsteps on the creaking wooden floor and saw a woman making her way down one of the long aisles toward me.
When she got closer she smiled, "Hello."
"I was in the back cataloging some books when I heard the bell. This must be your first visit; most people just come in and look around."
I replied, "Yes, it is my first time here."
She extended her hand and smiled, "Welcome, I'm Sarah, the owner. How can I help you today?"
"Well, I would like to find a nice first edition of Robert Ruark's, Something of Value, I think it was published in 1955."
As I followed her down one of the aisles I took note of how attractive she was; she was maybe forty something and in her heels she was a few inches taller than my five foot, ten inch height. Her walnut colored hair was done in a bun piled on the top of her head where she also kept her pencil; I love women's hair styles that reveal the nape of their neck and ears. She wore large dark rimmed glasses secured by a chain around her neck which seemed a stark contrast to her bright red lipstick.
Her pleated linen slacks and silk blouse were a light peach color and flowed over her body to show the full, round curves of a mature woman. From the back I was able to make out the arch and clasps of the garter belt she wore to support her stockings; a perfect frame for her very perfect ass. There was a hint of an arched line that would have been the crotch of her panties but, the absence of a low waist line suggested she wore full cut panties.
Sarah moved one of the ladders which hung from a track above the top shelf out of the way and helped me look for the book. She described her cataloging system so I would be able to find any book in the shop. We talked about our favorite authors and books as we searched the shelves.
I told her, "I don't mind looking for this so you can get back to your work."
"Nonsense," she replied, "I enjoy getting a chance to talk to someone about my favorite books. Besides we close at one o'clock on Wednesday afternoons and it is almost that time."
We found the book at almost the same time and our hands touched as we both reached for it. For several seconds we held our hands together on the book; I resisted the urge to release the book and just hold Sarah's hand. As I slid the book from the shelf I noticed a first edition of Horn of the Hunter, also by Ruark, and decided to purchase it too.
I announced, "This should be enough for now."
I had another opportunity to admire her as I followed her back to the front counter.
"I hope that means you will visit us again then." Sarah said.
I replied, "I have no doubt I will be back. I enjoyed talking 'books' with you."
As she slipped my books into a bag I mustered enough courage to ask, "Since you will be closing for the afternoon would you have lunch with me?"
I was almost in a panic as she thought about the invitation; after all she was probably twice my age.
She smiled as if to let me down easy then replied, "Would you consider having lunch here? I brought my delicious chicken salad today and I have some cheese, homemade rolls and, I think some wine."
Of course I eagerly accepted her invitation and was probably grinning from ear to ear.
She added, "Maybe, after we have lunch, you could help me pull a few books I need to ship out today."
"I would be delighted to help you." was my eager reply.
We moved to the back of the shop where there was a small kitchenette, office, and reading area which took up most of the back of the shop; on the opposite corner were men and women restrooms. Sarah directed me to a large wicker sofa then moved into the kitchen area and busied herself with slicing some cheese and pouring the wine.
She placed a tray on the coffee table, already covered with books and magazines, then took her seat on the sofa beside me; she turned sideways to face me then pulled her legs up under her. We sipped wine and talked about the shop and how she found used books for the shelves. After our first glass of wine she refilled our glasses and brought back a bowl of her chicken salad and crackers. We sat closer facing each other as we ate lunch.
When I excused myself to use the restroom I noticed a section of shelves turned opposite of all the other shelves; it was labeled, "Adult Material".
I stood staring at the blank wall while guiding my stream into the bowl; my aim was true until I heard Sarah's footsteps approaching the women's restroom. I heard the door open, the light switch click, a few more footsteps then a short pause. The next sound was that whizzing sound that women make when they pee.