Page 198 of Brie's Submission
He broke out in a huge paternal grin. “I’m not going to be a great-uncle, am I?”
She stared at him in shock. “No! Oh no, Mr. Reynolds.”
He chuckled good-naturedly. “I’m just kidding, Brie. Have to admit, though, the look on your face was priceless.”
She wasn’t able to go to her purse, so she stuffed her camisole underneath the register. Brie definitely felt more exposed, knowing her white bra could now be seen through the thin material of her blouse, yet Sir’s unique challenge also made her feel more alive than she’d ever felt at the tobacco shop.
At four, Brie was able to avoid asking Mr. Reynolds, who happened to be at the back door signing for newly arrived shipments. She went directly to Mike, instead. “Can you man the register until I get back?”
“I haven’t learned how to work it yet,” he protested.
“That’s okay. If a customer comes, just tell them to wait. I won’t be long.”
“You need some Pepto-Bismol or something? I’m sure the old man must have some stashed somewhere.”
Brie unintentionally snorted in laughter. “Ah, no…”
She closed the bathroom door and started giggling quietly to herself. In no time flat, she had her shirt off and her bra undone. She took a picture of the frilly thing and sent it to Sir.
His response was,Now you will truly be on display.
Brie balled up her bra and stuffed it behind the trashcan. With Mr. Reynolds in the back, she had no way to deposit it into her purse. Did Sir know how difficult this assignment was?Probably…He must have counted on the fact she was being challenged by the task.
She took a quick glance downward as she walked back up to the front. Sure enough, her pert nipples were poking through the thin blouse. She picked up a box and covered her chest with it when she addressed both trainees. “You guys should put out these tins. They go over on the end display by the door.”
Laurel grinned, although Brie wasn’t sure what she found so amusing. “Sure thing, princess.”
Mike took the box from her and headed straight for the display. Brie took heart that Mr. Reynolds would have a fine replacement. It made leaving him much easier.
One of their regulars came in and asked for his normal carton of Salems. His eyes went straight for her chest as he handed her the money. Brie held her head a little higher to fight the urge to bolt.
She handed over his change, counting it out quickly. “And thank you for coming today, Mr. Abrams.”
“Have a lovely day, Miss Bennett,” he replied, tipping his hat.
She struggled with her feelings of embarrassment and feminine pride.
At ten before six, Mr. Reynolds came up to her. “You must be anxious to get home. Go ahead and cut out a little early. Hopefully whatever ails you will have passed through your system by tomorrow.” To his credit, his eyes never traveled from her face.
“It’s really not necessary,” Brie told him, feeling a little guilty.
“No, Brie. I insist.”
She went to the back to gather her purse. Laurel met her there and, holding up Brie’s bra, demanded, “What kind of game are you playing?”
She snatched it from the girl. Since she made a lousy liar she didn’t even try, instead Brie answered with a simple, “It’s none of your business.”
“Hey, I’m just telling you there’s no need to try so hard. Mike is an easy catch. He’ll bed any girl who gives him the time of day.”
“I’m not interested in Mike.”
“Oh! So it’s the old man you are gunning for.”
Brie shook her head. “No, it is not like that. You have no idea what you are talking about.”
Laurel laughed, obviously not believing her. “Hey, don’t worry, chickie. Your secret’s safe with me.” She leaned in and whispered, “Personally, I think you should set your sights a little higher. That old man is married and doesn’t make all that much.”
Brie looked at her in disbelief. “Thanks for the advice, Laurel. I’ve got some, too. If you aren’t going to work hard for Mr. Reynolds, quit now and save everyone the trouble. He deserves only the best.”
