Charlotte: Dr. Richards' Littles 7 Read online

  Charlotte

  Dr. Richards’ Littles 7

  By Pepper North

  Text copyright ©2017 Pepper North

  All Rights Reserved

  Author’s Note: The following story is completely fictional. The characters are all over the age of 18 and as adults choose to live their lives in an age play environment. This is a series of books that can be read in any order. You may, however, choose to read them sequentially to best enjoy the characters. Subsequent books will feature characters that appear in previous novels as well as new faces. Prepare to enter the new world of Dr. Richards’ Littles. Enjoy!

  Other titles by Pepper North

  Zoey: Dr. Richards’ Littles 1

  Amy: Dr. Richards’ Littles 2

  Carrie: Dr. Richards’ Littles 3

  Jake: Dr. Richards’ Littles 4

  Angelina: Dr. Richards’ Littles 5

  Brad: Dr. Richards’ Littles 6

  The Digestive Health Center: Susan’s Story

  Table of Contents

  Chapter One

  Chapter Two

  Chapter Three

  Chapter Four

  Chapter Five

  Chapter Six

  Chapter Seven

  Chapter Eight

  Chapter Nine

  Chapter Ten

  Chapter Eleven

  Chapter Twelve

  Chapter Thirteen

  Chapter Fourteen

  Chapter Fifteen

  Chapter Sixteen

  Chapter Seventeen

  Chapter Eighteen

  Chapter Nineteen

  Chapter Twenty

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Chapter Twenty-four

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  Chapter Twenty-six

  Chapter Twenty-seven

  Chapter Twenty-eight

  Chapter Twenty-nine

  Chapter Thirty

  Chapter Thirty-one

  Excerpt of Zoey: Dr. Richards’ Littles 1

  Excerpt of Jake: Dr. Richards’ Littles 4

  Chapter One

  Charlotte stumbled down the stairs of the city bus. She was about 5 blocks from Gordon’s. It was a large department store that only catered to a select clientele. No one could name any people who shopped there. It was a well-guarded secret. Charlotte started walking as she thought about the events that had brought her here.

  Charlotte had graduated from a well-known local university one year ago. She had thought that her degree making her a certified designer and decorator would immediately open the doors to several prestigious companies. Unfortunately, those companies were only interested in hiring individuals that were already acquainted with the type of customer that utilized their design services. Charlotte had attended the university thanks to a large endowment from a local charity for high school students raised in foster care. She did not have the family name and background that would allow her to move easily in this elite circle. Her limited wardrobe and lack of designer brand apparel was an immediate red flag to employers searching for a person that would convey an image of wealth and prestige.

  When school ended and her free room and board evaporated, Charlotte was forced to accept any job that she could find in the challenging job market. She began working at a large discount store with branches all over the United States. Charlotte thought that she’d be able to distinguish herself by showcasing her talents and be able to climb the ladder of success once she had proven herself. Unfortunately, the store manager was only interested in following the dictates of the national directors.

  When Charlotte had daringly redesigned a display in the housewares department, the visiting district manager had blown a gasket. While yelling at the store manager for failing to follow the display regulations, he had thrown his arms out with so much force that he struck a shiny, aluminum skillet launching it across the aisle where it hit a sixty-two-year-old grandma who was walking with a cane. The store manager promptly fired Charlotte when the elderly client filed an injury lawsuit. He also refused to give her a reference and warned her that it would be a good idea to never list her job at the store on her resume. She took this wise advice.

  Unfortunately, now Charlotte was faced with a gap in her resume and no current references. It also appeared that the store manager had spread the word that she was a rogue employee and no one would hire her. She’d lost her apartment last week and her meager belongings consisting of a sleeping bag, a rolling suitcase and her portfolio had found a temporary home in the unfinished basement of a former classmate’s home. She would have to leave that sparse space soon. The classmate was beginning to drop hints that she was in the way.

  Charlotte had found a listing for a cashier at Gordon’s. When she contacted the phone number listed, she had talked to a man with a very, deep voice that sent shivers down her spine. He had given her directions to the store and a temporary passcode to get her in the gate. An employee would meet her there and guide her to his office. As she hung up the phone, Charlotte realized that she did not know the name of the man that had answered the phone. She’d left the contact number and the store name on a tag on her luggage just in case she disappeared and her classmate bothered to phone the police to report her missing.

  Chapter Two

  Her high heeled shoes were beginning to wear blisters on her toes when Charlotte arrived at the keypad guarding the gate. She could see many cars in the parking lot. She was reassured that this looked like a prosperous business. Maybe there would be some possibility that her skills as a designer could be used. Charlotte rifled through her portfolio searching for the slip of paper where she had jotted down the code. “Oh, no!” Charlotte began to panic when she still couldn’t find it among the pages stored carefully in her portfolio. She remembered that it started with a 4, 5, 0, and one more number. She started trying different numbers without success.

  “Ahem,” said a stern voice behind her. “Do you need some help, miss?”

  Charlotte whirled around and teetered off her spike heels. “Snap.” Her right shoe heel broke under the stress. She raised her head to look at the man that had startled her. She took an involuntary step backward and almost fell when she stepped on the broken shoe. This man was huge. He loomed in front of her. She hadn’t even heard him approach.

  Benton moved quickly to wrap an arm around the tiny girl’s waist to prevent her imminent tumble to the concrete. “There is nothing to this child,” he thought as he steadied her on her feet. He stepped back when she seemed to have regained her balance and studied her from head to toe taking in the carefully pressed navy suit which had seen much better days. If he wasn’t mistaken, he would guess that it had recently hung on the racks of the local second-hand shop. She’d tried to spruce it up with a bright scarf and bright lipstick. But she still looked very young and very alone. Benton prided himself on his business skills and his ability to focus on the bottom line without compassion but there was something about this waif that made him want to help her.

  “I’m so sorry, sir. I have an appointment for an interview at one. I was given the code but it’s become lost in my portfolio. Do you work here? Could you let me in or call the store manager to let him know I’m here?” Charlotte asked blushing as she looked up to make eye contact with the huge mountain of a man. She had already lost the code and now her shoe was broken. She wasn’t making a very good first impression. She would leave and try elsewhere but she needed this job. Badly.

  Benton held out his hand and introduced himself, “You must be Charlotte Sanders. I’m Benton Gordon. This is my store. I hope I have the code to get in.” His brown eyes twinkled in merriment.
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  “Yes,” Charlotte answered simply and then blushed again when she realized it sounded like she was commenting on whether he should have the code to his own store. “I mean, yes, I’m Charlotte Gipson. It’s very nice to meet you, Mr. Gordon.” Charlotte stepped forward to shake hands but forgot the broken heel and the kind man caught her for the second time. “Sorry!” she mumbled in embarrassment. “They just don’t make shoes like they used to.” She really didn’t want him to know that her shoes were second or third hand from the thrift store’s discard pile. She’d colored them in with a blue marker and they looked pretty good. They just were too worn out.

  “Let’s get you inside and you can take a seat in my office, Charlotte. I have been looking forward to meeting you,” Benton pressed in his personal code and took Charlotte’s elbow to guide her inside and help her hobble on the broken heel. Once inside off the hot concrete, Benton commented wryly, “You are going to sprain your ankle walking on that broken shoe. Would you like to take your shoes off?” When Charlotte shook her head no in panic, he knew she was concerned by the unprofessional look of not wearing shoes. He picked her up before she could react and walked briskly into his office setting her in one of the plush chairs facing his desk.

  Waving off her protests, Benton simply said, “You are as light as a feather, Charlotte. I didn’t want you to hurt yourself. Who knows maybe you would have sued me?” Benton watched her face immediately crumple and she began to sob.

  “How did he know?” Charlotte was so overwrought. Obviously, her former manager had spread his inaccurate story blaming her for the lawsuit even to this remote store.

  Chapter Three

  Charlotte felt herself plucked from the chair and carried to the other side of the huge desk. Mr. Gordon sat down and simply held the distraught young lady on his lap. She was even beyond protesting. It had been so long since anyone had shown her human concern and caring. Charlotte felt like her whole world was collapsing. She’d been counting on this job. What would she do now?

  Finally, her sobs began to slow. Charlotte accepted the tissues pressed into her hands. She attempted to repair her appearance as she wiped the tears from her face and blew her nose. She patted her long hair back out of her face and looked up slowly at the large man who held her so gently against his rigidly, muscular frame. “I am so sorry, Mr. Gordon. Thank you for your compassion. I understand that this interview has not been productive for me to apply for the cashier’s job. Thank you for your time,” Charlotte said slowly with as much dignity that she could muster. She scooted off his lap to get her feet on the ground and stood up only to sway on the broken heel.

  “Damn shoe!” She muttered leaning over to slide the shoes from her feet. When she stood back up, she looked at Mr. Gordon and apologized again, “I’m so sorry to waste your time. Thank you, sir.”

  Before she could take a step to leave the office. Benton reached out to halt her progress with a firm grip on her elbow. “Charlotte, you have not interviewed with me, yet. Please take a seat,” he said firmly walking her around to sit on the chair across from his desk again. “I will be right back.” He took her shoes from her grasp and carried them out to his secretary’s desk.

  “Beverly, would you call the shoe department and have them find a replacement pair of shoes that are this size or maybe a size larger. I think I saw blisters on her feet. Please bring in some tea and sandwiches for the two of us. Be sure to add some sweet treats. I think Charlotte could use some calories. Treat this as if it is the normal routine here for interviews,” Benton requested softly from the kind woman who he relied on for many years to keep his business running smoothly. Seeing her nod, Benton turned and returned to the young lady in his office.

  Looking at her face now wiped clean of all makeup, Benton knew his intuition was correct. This was a young lady with a good heart that needed his help. He tried to ignore the whisper at the back of his brain suggesting that he should get to know her personally. He was very drawn to the woman with such an innocent demeanor. She was stunning to him. He took a deep breath to force himself to concentrate on conducting the interview as businesslike as possible. Somehow, he needed to convince her that she’d be doing him a favor by taking the job.

  Chapter Four

  “Thank you, Charlotte for excusing me to give my staff some instructions. Now, tell me about your educational training and experience,” he instructed calmly. When she began to unzip the large portfolio, he said quickly, “I prefer to hear from you about your skills. I do not want to see a typed resume.”

  “Oh, okay,” Charlotte stumbled over her words. Was he really going to interview her after she’d burst into tears and sat on his lap? “I have a degree from Summerset University in Design and Décor. I worked while in school at the university bookstore for four years at night. I also worked at local 24-hour diner three nights a week after my shift at the bookstore. I used a cash register regularly at each place of business.” She looked at him with hope in her eyes. “I am a hard worker, Mr. Gordon. I will learn quickly and I will be here every day. You will be able to rely on me.”

  “I believe you, Charlotte. I am currently looking for an entry level cashier. Would you be able to work full time? Forty hours a week?” Benton asked seriously. She already had the job if she would be able to work with his clientele.

  “I’d love to work full time,” Charlotte’s eyes shone with happiness before clouding slightly. “The ad stated you were looking for a part-time cashier.”

  Benton answered quickly, “One of my cashiers has gone on maternity leave. I now have both a full time and a part time position. I’m assuming that you would like to have the full-time position. Correct?” Benton asked.

  “Yes. I’ll work as many hours as you need me, too. I’ll be glad to fill in and cover additional hours – for no extra pay, of course,” she said quickly.

  “Charlotte, all my employees are paid based on their actual hours worked. It is illegal for me to ask you to work without pay. I do appreciate that you would be available if needed to cover an emergency. You will, however, be compensated fully,” Benton corrected her gently.

  At that point, Beverly swept in with a tea cart loaded with sandwiches, chips, brownies, and cookies as well as a pitcher of iced tea. Charlotte’s eyes widened as she looked at the display of food. Without realizing it, she licked her lips betraying her hunger. Beverly met Benton’s eyes over her head. She shook her head sadly.

  Chapter Five

  “Charlotte, I’d like you to meet Beverly. She is my right hand. If you have a question and I am not available, please ask her. She will have the answer or will find the information for you,” Benton introduced the older woman. “I, unfortunately, missed lunch today because of a mix up in an order. Beverly takes good care of us here at Gordon’s. Would you take pity on my growling stomach and join me in some lunch?”

  “Oh, that is very kind but I’ve already eaten lunch,” Charlotte tried to politely excuse him from having to feed her.

  “Nonsense,” Benton said brooking no refusal. “I insist.” He nodded at Beverly who handed Charlotte a plate already filled with a sandwich, chips and two brownies. She turned to fill another plate ignoring the young lady’s “Oh, really . . . “

  Benton started to talk to Charlotte about insurance and health benefits for full time employees to deflect any additional protests. He accepted his own plate and raised a sandwich half to Charlotte before taking a huge bite and then waiting. After several seconds, Charlotte took a bite. He watched her roll her eyes in delight before quickly taking another bite. He paused in his questioning to allow her to eat without having to answer. When she’d finished the first half of the sandwich and looked up self-consciously, he filled in the silence with information about her uniform she would be required to wear. He watched with a faint smile to see her avidly pick up the other sandwich half to eat while he talked.

  Gordon’s was a casual place. The cashiers and floor clerks through the management wore jeans and brightly
colored Gordon tee shirts. Usually, the cashiers were given three tee shirts and allowed to wear their own jeans and tennis shoes. He doubted that she had several pairs of jeans. He excused himself and sent a message to Beverly asking her to pick out three pairs of jeans and two pairs of tennis shoes that she thought would fit. Beverly had teen daughters larger than Charlotte, she’d pick out a perfect size to fit. He would present the clothes as if they were something provided to all employees.

  When she had finished her sandwich, and was eyeing her large brownie while rubbing her stomach as if it was already full but she couldn’t imagine not eating the dessert, Benton brought up the most pivotal piece that would determine whether he could give Charlotte the job or not. “Charlotte, how much do you know about Gordon’s?”

  “Well, I know all the wonderful things you’ve shared with me about your business,” Charlotte tried to gloss over the fact that she’d never heard of Gordon’s before answering the ad.

  “Let me tell you a little about Gordon’s. You may not feel comfortable working here.” He held up his hand to halt her automatic response to deny this possibility. “Gordon’s is designed to meet the needs of a special clientele. We specialize in providing all the products needed for people who live their lives in an age play relationship. Do you know what age play is, Charlotte?” Benton asked calmly watching her face for any negative reactions.