Drops of sweat beaded on Ray's brow. Yes, how would it feel to ram his cock into that soft little belly? Christ, he groaned inwardly, how could he think of such things when he had a beautiful young wife upstairs at this very moment? He hadn't so much as looked at another girl since he married Sally.

Yet as he stood there in confusion, he was uncomfortably aware that his cock had in mere seconds responded to his lewd thoughts about the soda fountain waitress and it was now lying heavily against his stomach, fully erect. Turning hastily, he retreated to the prescription department. God, what would happen to his «good name» in this town if he started making passes at his clerks? As he sat there staring blankly at the forgotten list for the wholesale house, Miss Minnie suddenly entered the little cubicle, her face flushed with excitement.

«Mr. Denham!» she blurted, «he's going to sell the store, isn't he?»

«I -« obviously she knew something was up, so why evade her question? «That's what he's talking about, yes.»

«I knew it! I knew the other day that something was wrong. Mr. Blodgett brought some men from Memphis in, they was going all over everything … asking questions.»

«When was that?» Ray inquired.

«Well, you weren't here. Must have been the day you were in the city. See, he made sure to bring 'em when you wouldn't be around!»

«Look,» Ray said, «I'm sure it's as much of a shock to you as it is to me, Miss Minnie. More, because you've worked here a lot longer than I have. But I don't think you have anything to worry about. Whoever the -

– the new owner is, he'll need employees, and there's no one who knows the store like you do.»

«Mmmm … and what about you, Mr. Denham?»

He shrugged unhappily. «I don't know. We'll just have to see. If I can't get at least part ownership, then I don't want to work for someone else. I can do that anywhere, for a hell of a lot more money!