Alex drove me to the beach, and we walked side by side along the shore. The beach here was in a remote area, far from the crowd. At this hour, the sun was slowly sinking toward the west, casting an orange glow over the water. The waves shimmered like they were draped in thin sheets of gold.
We were silent for a long while, our steps slow and unhurried on the soft sand, like a couple in perfect sync. Then, without warning, Alex slipped his arms around my waist from behind, halting us both.
He looked at me deeply, his blue-grey eyes holding an unreadable expression. His fingertips brushed against my cheek, slow and deliberate. His lips parted slightly, and the sea breeze whispered between us.
Then he leaned down, closing the space, and claimed my lips. The kiss was tender, almost reverent. I didn't pull away. When his tongue brushed against my lips, I let him in.
