I always hate shopping for clothes or shoes. The high street stores hardly ever seem to cary anything I like and the smaller stores are usually too expensive. But I had to now, my mother was getting re-married and I had to show up dressed to the nines. My usual "casual/alternative" look would not do as I, as the eldest son, would be giving my mother away at the altar. So I gritted my teeth and braved the crowds to get myself a proper outfit for my mothers big day.
After about an hour the only thing I was missing was a pair of shoes and I was starting to feel better about this. I mean, how hard can it be to find a pair of shoes? I regretted my optimism as I seemed unable to find a decent pair. Too pointed, too square, too round, yet I was unable to figure out what type I was actually looking for. After another hour of fruitlessly going in and out of store after store I was ready to give up. Sheer stubbornness made me try one last shop I remembered being in the area, but glancing over the selection on show I decided that I would not have any luck here. I was about to leave when I heard a deep voice behind me.
"Can I help you with something?"
Something in his tone made the hair in my neck start to tingle as I turned around, fully intended to politely decline and leave.
But when the owner of that deep voice came into view my mind went blank for a moment. He was slightly taller than me, maybe just over 6 foot, shoulder length dark hair and deep green eyes that seemed to trap me the moment I stared into them.
"Sir? Everything alright?"
The question shook me out of my daydreaming and I felt myself start to blush a little. I couldn't remember the last time some one had such an immediate impact on me.
"Sorry," I manged to stammer "I'm looking for some shoes."
It was the only thing I could think of to say and I immediately realized how lame it sounded, what else would I be doing in a shoe shop.
"You have come to the right place then." I was sure I saw a little twinkle in his eye then and was that a slight smirk on his mouth? I now noticed his mouth, full smooth lips and when he talked I could see his tongue moving behind his white teeth. And I thought I saw a slight glint that could be a tongue stud. Wait, was he talking me to me?
"Sorry, again. I was miles away. What did you just say?"
"What type of shoes are you looking for? Casual? Or are they for a special occasion?"
I was grateful for the chance to think about something else than this man before me and started explaining what I was looking for. I didn't think they would have anything I would like but didn't want to leave his presence just yet.