Beautiful Beings by Kailin Gow Page A

the same little clutch I’d had at Kingsley’s, I made my way down to greet Brax.
    “Wow.  What a vision you are,” he said.  “I must be the luckiest guy in the world.”
    Mom and Dad were speechless, simply staring at their little tomboy gone girly.
    “And look at you,” I said as I ran my hand over the breast pocket of his tuxedo. “All dapper.”
    “You certainly make a handsome couple,” Mom gushed as she grabbed her little camera and gestured for us to cozy up.
    After a series of photos, repeated goodbyes and wishes for a fun night, Brax and I drove off, arriving at the formal ten minutes later than anticipated.
    Lively music wafted out to greet us and the excitement of the night took over me.  I wanted to let go, to have fun, to be wild and carefree.  The small reservations I’d had regarding my new gown quickly evaporated as one pair of admiring eyes after another held my gaze.
    Proud and possessive, Brax grinned and clutched my hand in the crook of his arm.
    In the distance, Shayne stood, watching our entry, her plastic smile unconvincing.  Her gaze dipped over the length of ruffled chiffon and a quick flash of disapproval blazed in her eyes.
    I refused to allow her displeasure to affect my night.  I was with Brax, I looked and felt great, and I intended to make the night memorable.
    “Care to dance,” Braxton asked with the gallantry of the highest knight.
    “It would be my pleasure.”
    Infused with the rhythm of the music and carried away on the melody, I took to the dance floor with abandon.  I ignored my lack of experience, erased the gaze of onlookers from my consciousness and enjoyed the moment.
    “I love the way you move,” Braxton hushed into my ear, his hands shadowing my moves.  “And you pretend to be a social outcast…”
    When the hyper beat gave way to a melodic ballad, he scooped me into his arms, pressed me tightly against his chest and brushed his smooth cheek along mine. Our bodies melded into one. In unison, we swayed to the music, disobeying the proper and predictable circular motion every other couple adhered to. 
    “This was meant to be,” Braxton whispered.  His hands gently caressed my skin, slow, patient, almost reverent.  His every move lacked the impulsive and heated nature of guys his age.
    I leaned into him, the sense of security and belonging complete.
    When the song ended, we remained still, both reluctant to break our embrace.
    “How ‘bout a drink and a stroll outside?” Brax offered.
    “Lemonade would be nice.”
    After a quick run to the bar, we headed out with our drinks. “You know, just about everyone here spikes their drink.”
    I smiled as my teeth gripped the straw.
    “I’ve never really understood the desperate need for a buzz.”
    We sat on a low retaining wall overlooking the soccer field.
    After a long and satisfying sip, I said, “Neither have I.  I kind of like having fun all while truly realizing that I’m having fun.”
    He chuckled.  “Interesting way of putting it.”
    I shrugged matter of factly. “Besides, just being with you is buzz enough.”
    “Really?”  He seemed genuinely surprised.  Setting his glass down, he took my hand in his and gently played with my fingers.  “I’ve wondered how you’ve felt these past weeks, with the tutoring and all.  I have a good time with you, and I enjoy every minute, but I wondered if you simply liked being with me because of the help I give you, or if it’s me you enjoy being with.”
    I turned to face him, my free hand drawn to the strong line of his jaw.  “I like being with you, very much.”
    He leaned in to kiss me, a sweet and delicate kiss that held so many questions.  The questions mirrored in his eyes as he withdrew and I responded with a kiss of my own.  His lips parted, received my kiss with reluctance.
    “For weeks I’ve thought of this moment,” he said before pressing his lips to mine with conviction. 
    The sweetness of his initial kiss was drowned in a