The Christmas Present

“Have you finished all your shopping now?” Mitchasked Sharni

“Yes I’m all done.”

“Being new to this I’m just hoping I haven’t forgotten someone.”

“Just get a card tomorrow and have some money ready. If you have forgotten someone you’ll be covered.”

“Good idea” he said looking at her with admiration “and speaking of tomorrow. If you’re finished shopping would it be too soon to get together again?”

Sharni’s heart rate stepped up and with a smile she agreed. “No, it wouldn’t be too soon. I’d like that.”

“How about breakfast then?” he asked.

“Sounds good” she said. “Where?”

“Do you know the nursery next to the strawberry farm?”

“The one in the next suburb? Yes, I know it well” Sharni said.

“How about we meet at the café there?  At nine?”

 “Okay.”

“Good, now can I get you another drink?”

“I can get it” Sharni said reaching into her bag for her wallet.

“You can get the next one” he said holding up a hand to stop her. “I owe you at least one drink for standing you up the other day.”

“It’s fine” she said with a smile. “You couldn’t help it.”

“I still felt bad” he said.

Sharni searched his eyes for a second and then in an impulsive gesture she leaned over and kissed his cheek.

His eyes darkened. “Thank you” he said. “Mind if I return the favour?”

She swallowed and shaking her head, watched as his face came closer. He didn’t kiss her cheek however. His lips came down squarely on hers and for a moment they just stayed like that. But on a sigh Sharni’s lips parted and now his kissed her properly. For several seconds their mouths were locked together.

Mitch sat back and smiled. “Nice” he said.

Feeling a little self-conscious she looked away, but she was smiling.

“Yes?” he said.

Sharni lifted her head and looked at him. “Yes” she said.

His smile widened. “I’ll go and get those drinks. Don’t go anywhere.”

Still smiling Sharni shook her head.