Charlotte's Secret
Marc Nobbs
Marc Nobbs
Northampton, UK
3rd Kindle Edition published 2021 by Parkland Independent Books
Text, Copyright 2021 Marc Nobbs
Cover Art, Copyright 2021 Marc Nobbs
Kindle Edition, License Notes
This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to any actual persons, living or dead, organizations, events or locales is entirely coincidental.
The right in UK Law of Marc Nobbs to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by him in accordance with section 77 and 78 of the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright holder.
This ebook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This ebook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Amazon.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.
Mature Content
This ebook contains sexually explicit material and is intended for free‐thinking individuals over the age of 18. By downloading and opening this book, you are stating that you are of legal age to access and view this work of fiction and that doing so is legal in the territory where you reside.
This book uses uncompromising adult language to depict uncompromising adult activities. If that is likely to offend you, sorry, but you downloaded the wrong book, please go and do something else.
Author’s Note
This story, Charlotte's Secret was originally written for the weekly Illustrated Online Erotic Magazine, Ruthie’s Club. Ruthie’s published their commissioned stories with fantastic original artwork.
Sadly, Ruthie’s Club is no longer with us, but here are the three illustrations they commissioned for this story. Aren't they great?
Dedication
This release of Charlotte's Secret is dedicated to Ash.
If it wasn't for her, it would still be sitting on my hard-drive collecting virtual dust.
Chapter One
May 2010
David sat on a bench under one of the young oak trees that lined the pedestrianised main shopping street in Westmouth. He could see Charlotte’s Secret, less than fifty yards away, and a fierce debate raged inside him. Should he go in and see her or not? Common Sense said not. But Common Sense didn’t have a heart.
Or a soul.
He’d walked past the upmarket lingerie store almost every day since its grand opening nine months ago simply because it was located between his office and his favourite sandwich bar. But he’d never set foot inside despite his history and relationship with the proprietor—or perhaps it was because of his history and relationship with her.
He’d often see her as he passed, ringing up a sale on the till or helping a customer choose items. She still looked lovely. Sometimes he’d stop and stare, until he felt her sense his presence, then he’d hurry back to his office and lock himself away, burying himself in his work. He didn’t know if she’d ever seen him watching. It had never gotten back to him if she had.
He sighed and stared at the display of conservative garments in the window, all of them simple designs in pastel colours. He’d bought his wife something similar for their honeymoon close to a year ago. That was the last time he’d purchased lingerie and what an awkward experience that had been. It was more awkward still to think that she’d only worn the set twice.
He nodded to himself, decision made, then stood and strode the short distance to the shop. He steeled himself with a deep breath before stepping over the threshold. If he did this, there would be no way back. No rewind button. Everything would change. Especially if—no, especially when—his wife found out.
It took his eyes a few seconds to adjust to the lower light levels—not that it was dark inside, just that it was a bright, sunny day outside— but when he glanced around the shop, he couldn’t see her anywhere. Perhaps this wasn’t such a good idea. It wasn’t as if he could just walk up to the counter and ask if she was in, was it? Who asked to the see shop owner? People with complaints, that’s who. And David didn’t have any complaints. Well, not about the shop, at least.
And he couldn’t just stand around looking awkward until he saw her. He needed to look like he had a reason for being there—in a ladies' underwear shop. In summer. It wasn’t even as if the place was full of men panic-buying for Christmas or Valentine’s Day. Still, there was always the birthday excuse, wasn’t there?
Mind on auto-pilot, he picked up a pair of lacy white French knickers from the nearest display stand and held them in front of him to view them from all angles. He tried to imagine how they would look on his wife, failed, and put them back on the rack. The garment was part of a costly set by a designer he’d never heard of. Jacques Surmount. He sounded French, which probably explained the cost. The most expensive item was the thong. He picked one up and examined it.
“Can I help you, sir?” said a bubbly voice from behind him.
He jumped and turned to face the assistant. Her handwritten name badge read ‘Jakki’ and she’d drawn a tiny heart above the ‘i’. She was young—she might even have been a schoolgirl with a weekend job. She was also attractive—far too attractive if she was a schoolgirl with a weekend job. The top few buttons of her blouse were undone and her cleavage was so prominent that it had to have been enhanced—perhaps by a bra they sold in the shop. David forced his gaze upwards and discovered that she had pretty, light blue eyes too.
“I was just wondering why the price seems to go up as the amount of material used goes down,” he said with a lopsided grin.
Jakki giggled but answered as if it was a serious question. Perhaps they didn’t teach sarcasm at school anymore. “No, sir. The thong is expensive because of the diamonds.”
“Diamonds?”
Jakki took it from his hands and turned it over. Five tiny diamonds formed a “T” shape in the centre of the waistband. “They’re for wearing with hipsters.”
David’s furrowed his brow. “Sorry, you’ve completely lost me.”
“Low-slung jeans,” she explained. “They sit on your hips and show off your thong. Look…” She turned around and wiggled her hips. He noticed her thong didn’t have any diamonds.
“Oh, I see.”
“Were you looking for something in particular, sir? Or just browsing?” She made it sound as if men regularly came into the shop to browse. He knew the store was supposed to be ‘man-friendly’, but still…
“Yes. Actually, I’m here to see Charlotte.”
She opened her mouth to answer but stopped when a woman placed her hand on her shoulder from behind. “Jakki, there’s a lady in cubicle three who needs help squeezing into a corset. Pop along and help her, there’s a good girl.”
Jakki rolled her eyes and muttered, “Again?” She turned to face the woman. “Can’t Ruth do it?”
“Ruth’s busy with someone else. Off you pop. Chop, chop!” She clapped her hands together and Jakki scurried away.
The newcomer smiled at David. She wasn’t wearing a name badge although her cleavage was just as prominent, if not more so, than Jakki’s. Her long dark brown hair shimmered under the bright spotlights, highlighting the many subtle shades it contained. Her eyes matched her hair and twinkled when she spoke. She looked just as beautiful as the day he met her.
She offered her hand. “Long time no see, David.”
“It’s been a while, Charlie.” He shook her hand. She gently pulled him towards her and leaned forward to kiss his cheek.
“It’s been too long. Far too long. How have you been?”
“I’m fine. Fine. I like what you’ve done with this place. I was expecting something a bit more risqué after the newspaper reports. You looked good in the photo, by the way. You know, I can’t believe there are people so small-minded as to kick up a fuss about expensive knickers.”
“David.” She shook her head. “I’m surprised you haven’t realised just how small-minded this town can be. How long have you lived here now?”
“Five years, as you well know. Have things calmed down?”
“It took a few weeks, but the busybodies got used to us. Business really picked up after the protests stopped. There’s no such thing as bad publicity—isn’t that what they say?” Charlotte laughed. Her dark eyes danced. “I heard you had a bit of trouble yourself.”
“The break-in?”
Charlotte nodded. “Chrissy told me about it. It must have been awful, having your home violated like that. Was anything taken?”
“Nothing that can’t be replaced. I didn’t even bother the insurance company with it.”
“Still, I’m sorry it happened. Horrible thing to have to go through. So, are you here to buy Susie something nice? Finally decided to get her out of those god-awful cheap knickers and into something decent?”
“That’s unfair, Charlie. Her underwear isn’t that bad.”
“Isn’t that bad? Seriously? I took her to London once to look at some new ranges. Before… well, you know. When I was a buyer for Arnold’s before they went under. I tell you, I was shocked at what she found sexy.” She shook her head. “She has no taste, that girl. Sometimes, I wonder if she really is my sister. Maybe there was a mix-up at the hospital.”
“You’re more alike than either of you realise.”
“Well, I suppose you’d know that better than anyone.”
David ignored her remark. “We missed you at the wedding. Both of us. I can understand you not wanting to be Susie’s maid of honour, but why didn’t you come?”
Charlotte huffed. “Hardly appropriate, was it? The man I loved marrying the sister I hated.”
“Hate is a strong word.”
“You didn’t grow up with her.”
“True, but nevertheless, I’ve never seen the evil Susie you talk about. She’s always been good to me.”
“Too good, once.” David winced and she quickly added, “Sorry, I didn’t mean that. I don’t blame you for what happened. I never have. I blame her. You were drunk. She wasn’t. I trusted her. Although God knows why—guess I was drunk too, huh? You let me down but she betrayed me. Betrayed my trust. Still, it’s all in the past. You’ve got your family now. And I have mine.”
David couldn’t hide his surprise or confusion.
“This place,” said Charlotte, gesturing to the shop. “Jakki, Ruth and the other girls that work for me. They’re my family.”
David shuffled his feet. “Well, er… How’s business?”
Charlotte stared into his eyes for a moment, making him feel uncomfortable. She folded an arm under her bust, held her elbow in her hand and tapped her chin with her finger. David tried not to stare at those magnificent breasts.
“Oh, you know—steady. We had the usual rush at Christmas and again at Valentine’s. Men can be so unoriginal when it comes to gifts. But that’s what I’m banking on, isn’t it? This set that you were looking at has been very popular. I guess that's because of who endorses them.”
He thought for a moment. “I knew I’d seen the design somewhere. It's Tina Thomson, isn't it? She's gorgeous. Bit skinny, but gorgeous.”
She nodded. “That’s the one. Sound marketing strategy if you ask me, getting the Nation’s Sweetheart to model them.”
“Nation’s Sweetheart? I thought that was Chloe Goodman.”
“The nation’s favourite Sex Kitten then. They’re best friends you know. Apparently.”
“Who?”
“Chloe and Tina. Do try to keep up, David.” She chuckled and once again her dark eyes sparkled.
“Oh, right. You know, those adverts leave little to the imagination—especially that one in the cinema.”
“Did you know they can only show that ad with ‘18’ certificate films? I always wonder if it’s aimed at women or their partners. Anyway, this diamond-studded thong is well worth the money. Susie’s got some thongs, hasn’t she? Cheap ones.”
“She has. I don’t know. I think thongs are a bit tacky. I prefer something… Something with class, I suppose. You know, the sort of thing you used to wear.”
“I still do, sweetie.” She winked. “I still do.”
“Look, Charlie, I really need to talk to you about something. Something… er… Is there somewhere private?”
“Sure. Follow me.”
She led him toward the back of the store and through a curtained doorway. The house lights were dim here with coloured lights above the displays.
“This is where we keep the stock for the more discerning shopper. The stock that caused all the fuss when we opened. You’d be surprised at just how well it sells. Considering…”
David looked around. There was a lot of leather and rubber on display—it was no wonder the locals made a fuss. They passed a red leather outfit with holes in the chest and the crotch. “What are the rings at the end of the sleeves for?”
“To attach the chains to.”
“Chains? My God! Charlie, I never thought—”
“Oh, don’t get me wrong, I’d never use any of this stuff myself. I’m just filling a gap in the market. Someone has to.”
They came to a door with an electronic lock. Charlotte tapped the entry code into the keypad and held the door open. “After you.”
Chapter Two
She followed him into the darkened storeroom, let the door swing shut behind her and switched on the lights. There were large cardboard boxes piled high all around the room. In one corner was a small desk covered in papers. The jacket from Charlotte’s suit hung on the back of the desk chair. She sat down and offered the only other chair to David.
“Okay, what’s so important?”
David looked at the floor. He thought for a while then looked her in the eye. “Have you noticed anything… unusual… about Susie lately?”
“I can’t say that I have. But then, I haven’t seen her very much.”
“Didn’t she come around to see you last week?”
Charlotte shook her head. “No.”
David grunted. “She must have gone to your parents then?”
“What’s wrong, David?”
“Ever since Ben’s birth, she’s been… I don’t know. Different.”
“In what way?”
“It’s hard to say. I mean, it’s not like we were particularly close or anything before she got pregnant, but… Look, I can understand her not wanting to make love on our honeymoon. After all, she was six months pregnant. But even after the birth…” He shook his head and wiped his face with his hand, running it up into his hair. “We’ve been married nearly a year and we’ve only made love something like half a dozen times. It’s just not… It doesn’t seem right.”
Charlotte shuffled in her chair. “David, I’m not sure I’m the person you should be talking with about this.”
“Why not? If not you, then who? Huh? You’re my best friend, Charlie. Or, at least, you were.”
“No, David. I was your girlfriend.”
“True, you were my girlfriend. But you were my best friend too.” He sighed. “Charlie, I’m worried about her. I think she’s depressed—you know, a postnatal thing or whatever. And I don’t know what to do about it. You’re her sister. You know her better than me. You can help her.”
“You’d think, wouldn’t you?” She held her hands out away from her and then slapped them down on her thighs. “Look, David, the only way I know to cheer Susie up is to buy her something nice.”
“You think that’ll work?”
She shrugged. “Probably. She’s very materialistic like that. Ask any of her ex-boyfriends. Ask Dad!”
“I suppose it’s worth a try. But it’s not like I haven’t bought her things before. I’m all out of ideas. What do you suggest?”
Charlotte grinned. “I know exactly what you can get her.” She stood and went over to a stack of three storage boxes marked with the word ‘Admirable’ in cursive text. She opened the topmost box and took out some of the contents. “This line has just come in. They don’t officially go on sale until next week, but I can make an exception for you. The fashion magazines have all been talking about this new designer so I’m certain that Susie will appreciate it.”
She peeled the cellophane covering off the garments and held them up. The first item was a black bra with a red flower pattern and wide straps. “This is the full-cup bra—best for seeing the design. Comfortable, practical and a little bit sexy. If you like this, the rest of the range is even better.”
“It’s certainly interesting. Bet it’s expensive, though.”
“I thought you said price wasn’t an issue.”
“Did I? I don’t remember.”
“I’m sure you did. Susie deserves the best doesn’t she?” She flashed a sweet smile and winked. “This range is by a new French designer, Camille Tucson. Very talented young lady and, as I said, much talked about by the industry writers. Right across the range, the inside is made of a unique micro-fibre that is very soft and comfortable against the skin—even sensitive skin. On top of that is a layer of satin that carries the pattern, and that is covered by a layer of lace that gives it the ultimate sexy appearance. It makes it perfect for everyday wear, while making you look your absolute best if this is all you’re wearing.”
“Did you read that from a script?”
“It’s straight from the literature.” She grinned. “I have to practice my sales pitch for next week, don’t I? So, do you like it?”
David nodded. “It’s nice.”
“I knew you would. I’ll show the whole range in a second, but not all of it is suitable for all women. What size is Susie these days?”
“Erm…”
“Don’t you know? Tsk, tsk.” She shook her head and wagged her finger at him.
“I think she’s the same size as before she had the baby.” He held out his hands. “About that big.”
Charlotte stood with one hand on her hip and the bra dangling from the index finger of the other. “You are joking?”
David shrugged.
“Men!” Charlotte smiled. “Well, she was the same size as me, so that’ll have to do. I’d say you could easily get away with the demi-cup or the push-up. It just depends on the look you want to achieve. Or you could get both and give her the choice.”