Free Just One Kiss by Amelia Whitmore

but
Ro was in one of her “don’t tell me no” moods. The dress is tight across the
bodice until it reaches my waist, where it flairs out a bit and ends somewhere
around mid thigh. It’s a silky fabric with mostly blacks, reds, oranges, blues,
and a bit of cream mixed into geometric angles. Kind of an Aztec print.
    I’ve matched the dress with a chunky necklace that matches
the bit of gold in the fabric. I’m also wearing a pair of flats that are an off-gold
color with beads along the edges. I’ve never been one for much jewelry, so
there are no other accessories. I figured that, between my hair, makeup, and
necklace, I’d be fine without anything else.
    “Wow,” I whisper, taking it all in. “Not too bad . . .”
    “Now all you have to do is name your firstborn child after
me and we’re even,” Ro says proudly.
    I laugh and nod my head. “I’d expect nothing less,” I assure
her with a smile.
    Downstairs, there’s a knock on the door. I turn to Ro with
wide eyes; Brayden’s about ten minutes early. I really didn’t want him to meet
my parents—well, my mom at least. I think my dad will be fine—he’s never been
one to embarrass me. I’m just worried that my mother will make some comment
that offends or embarrasses us. I quickly grab my pink coat, which is the only
nice jacket I own, and run downstairs. Brayden is being greeted by my sister
and father. They all turn to see me making my less-than-grand entrance, and I
watch as all three jaws drop.
    “Shut up,” I snap, even though nobody said anything.
    Dad smiles and says, “Banana, you look gorgeous.” I smile
softly and shuffle closer to Brayden.
    “Yeah, I mean, who knew you were beautiful?” Lena smirks. I
know she really didn’t mean it as rudely as it sounded, but it stung anyway.
    “I did,” Brayden says sincerely, sending me his amazing
smile that makes me warm inside, no matter what the temperature is. He steps
forward and helps me with my jacket as I blush and say “Thank you.”
    I’m about to lead Brayden out when Mom comes running in,
camera in hand. “Mom, what are you doing?” I groan. I knew she’d do something.
    “I need to take a picture of this. I mean, I never thought
you’d go on a date!” she babbles as she gets the camera ready.
    “Why wouldn’t she?” Brayden asks, sort of scowling. I nudge
him, shaking my head.
    “Well, Anna’s always just been so introverted. Plus, after
what happened last year, I never figured she’d open herself to somebody like
you.”
    Brayden puts a protective arm around me and, before he can
respond, I quickly mutter, “How about that picture now?”
    Leaning down, he whispers in my ear as my mother lifts the
camera, “Make a stupid face.”
    Right as her finger is about to press down, I part my lips,
showing both rows of teeth like I would to check for leftover food in a mirror.
I also squeeze my eyes shut. Brayden’s hand quickly moves from my back and in
the next second, a flash practically blinds me, even though my eyes were shut.
    “Time to go,” I grin, pulling Brayden out the door.
    We’re both laughing hysterically as he opens my door for me.
“I have been waiting years for something like that. Mom feels the need to
document everything with that damned camera. I hate it.” I shake my head with a
smile.
    “I think most moms are like that, Cutie. I didn’t like her
saying she never expected you to be with somebody like me. I mean, what’s wrong
with me? I’m amazing,” he finishes with a wink.
    I giggle a bit at that, thinking how amazing he truly is.
“Well, I think that’s why. You’re out of my league. Anyway you’ve met the
parents now and you know they’re crazy. We also just made some beautiful
Christmas card material.” I start laughing again. “I think this evening is off
to a wonderful start.” I climb into the truck and I can see my mom in the
rearview mirror opening the door to try to call us back for a real picture. We
are long gone.
    The way