Read Online The Beginning of Us by Brandy Jeffus Corona - Free Book Online Page A

skating around. Parents were scattered around the table area, busy looking at their phones instead of their children. How many times did I look like that? I shook my head at such a sad thought and finished lacing up my skates.
    Jax stood up quickly and glided around the table. I on the other hand was a tad bit wobbly, taking baby steps.
    “Show off,” I muttered. He smiled in response then skated beside me.
    “Come on, girlfriend; I won't let you fall.” His whisper in my ear made my heart flutter for a moment. I grabbed his warm hand and we were off.
    The first couple trips around the rink were slow, with me getting the hang of the whole process. The little kids stared at me and Jax and he waved hello to most of them. He was really happy, his grin plastered on his face the whole time. I finally got the hang of it and we skated faster and faster. Different colored lights chased each other on the rink floor and the music was upbeat and sassy. A song by Pia Toscano called 'This Time' came on and I squeezed Jax's hand.
    “Oh my gosh, I love this song!”
    “It's a man-hatin' song!” he scoffed.
    “Nah, it's an empowering, women-won't-take-no-crap song,” I rebuked. He made his way to where he was facing me, skating backwards.
    “Ugh, you are such a show off!”
    “Darlin’ I’m just trying to impress you,” he smirked and took my other free hand. As we skated around, I saw a few parents smile at us. Heat spread across my chest and made its way to my cheeks. The way Jax was so unashamed at being so overly sweet and cute towards me was astonishing.
    He slowed down and turned back around. “I'm freakin' thirsty. I forgot how much of a workout this was. Let's go grab a drink.”
    Taking a break, we sat side by side in the uncomfortable chairs and shared a drink. My feet and calves screamed at me, and I knew that tomorrow I would be paying for it. Happened every time. Jax was right; it was a workout, but it was actually a fun one.
    “I bet they have that skate dance thing, where the guys and chicks line up on different sides and pick each other,” Jax said, looking out into the rink. A group of little girls was holding hands and moving slowly around. One almost fell and the rest of the line teetered along with her.
    “What are you gonna do if some little girl comes picks you?” I asked, the thought making me smile.
    “Jax Donney is a heartbreaker, but I can't break a little elementary girl's heart. You'll just have to take a back seat and wait your turn,” he joked. Rolling my eyes, I poked him again in his ribs.
    “Well same goes for you if some little dude wants to skate with me,” I scolded. He turned toward me and leaned in. He made my body go on alert, being so close.
    “As long as you keep your kisses for me and me alone, I'm cool with it,” he replied, brushing his lips across mine. He got closer to my ear and whispered, “A part of me wishes I hadn't picked such a public place to go. All I'm thinking about is making out with you, with you sitting on my lap like you did at the party.” He leaned back and smirked taking a drink. He knew exactly what to say to incite a reaction from me. I loved and hated it equally.
    The rink DJ made an announcement for the hokey pokey and we went back to the rink. For the next hour we had so much fun, that my stomach was in knots from laughing so hard. When I fell on my ass at one point, Jax hurried to my side and picked me up. He held me close and asked if I was alright.
    Embarrassed, all I could do was shake my head. It had knocked the wind out of me, but I didn't want to seem like a whiny brat. Nevertheless, he led me out of the rink and to a table.
    “Just sit here for a minute. I'll be back,” he softly commanded, and he took off. When he came back he had another soft drink and offered it to me. “That was a tough fall. If you wanna leave, we can, babe.”
    I shook my head no and gave him a small grin, “You still owe me that skate dance mister.”
    He smiled