The Christmas Present

“You don’t need to do that” Sharni said.

“I’d like to” he said with a smile.

Sharni hesitated. She was unsure about the wisdom of such a move. No matter how gorgeous he was, she didn’t know anything about him.

“If you have time that is?” he added.

She didn’t really have time but looking into those eyes she was having trouble saying no. Figuring as she was in a shopping centre with about a million other people she was reasonably safe she agreed. “Okay, thanks.”

His smile widened. “Good” he said “let’s go.”

With Mitch pushing the trolley they walked back through the carpark. He deposited the trolley in one of the collection bays and they made their way into the shopping centre. Dodged milling shoppers he said “where’s the best place to go? I don’t come in here often enough to know.”

Sharni smiled and pointing to the left she said “there’s a little place down here that’s quieter than the food court.”

He smiled “sounds good. Lead the way.”

The café Sharni led him to wasn’t full but they were busy. Most people it seemed were too busy shopping to sit so they were just getting something to go. They sat down at table and after asking her what she’d like Mitch got up and went up to the counter to order. Sharni watched him as he stood at the counter. His long legs were encased in jeans that fitted him well. On top he was wearing a red polo shirt that hugged his toned upper body. He really was a gorgeous looking man and Sharni couldn’t believe he was there with her.

A minute or so later Mitch came back with their coffees and sitting down opposite her he held up his cup and said “cheers.”

Sharni smiled and reaching out she clinked cups with him before taking a sip.

“Is this your local shopping centre?” he said.

“Yes, pretty much. You?”

“I guess so” he said. “But as I said I don’t come here much. I have to say I avoid shopping as much as possible.”

Sharni smiled “at this time of year I try to avoid it too.”

“Are you finished now?”

“I hope so. I don’t want to come back here before Christmas, except for food. How about you, are you done?”

“I just have one more, but I have no idea what to buy so I gave up on it for tonight. I have no idea what teenage girls want these days.”

Sharni smiled “they can be difficult. What’s your budget?”

“Fifty dollars, it’s for my niece.”

“I could help you after we finish our coffee if you like” she said with some hesitation. She wanted to help him but didn’t want to push herself on him.