Chapter 9.1

Earlier that morning, Tina had texted Jeff for him to pick her up at Lina's workshop. That way, the people at home wouldn't be alerted about her changed relationship status.

"Big sis, wear this pants with this long-sleeved top," Lina said as she picked out another outfit to show to her sister. On the bed lay five different outfits, all pants with multiple buttons and long-sleeved tops with multiple buttons also.

Tina rolled her eyes at her sister, "you might as well throw me in a sack and tie me up."

Most of the morning was spent in front of the wardrobe before Tina finally settled for a jean trouser with a white off-the-shoulder top. She let her hair down and made do with lip gloss alone, as she had no skill to make herself up, and neither did Lina.

When they arrived at Jeff's family home, she was still skeptical about his family being away. What if his grandmother popped out unannounced? That'd be so scary for her.

The design of the house was simple yet detailed. Each room had different colors that blended in a very unique way. She could feel the unity of Jeff's family just from being in their space. The feeling was similar to hers, of course, when Martha wasn't there.

Being with Jeff was comfortable. Although her nerves would act up whenever he spoke about meeting his family, she didn't feel repulsed by any of his actions. It felt like they had been together for years. She loved when he held her hand. Her heartbeat raced and her cheeks flushed.

Sitting close to him with his breath spraying down her neck made the whole of her body tingle. Was this how it felt to be in love? Even though he falsely assured her that nothing would happen when they were alone, her heart still anticipated some closeness like kisses and cuddles.

To make that happen, she tried to pull away from him, so she could reposition herself well. Unfortunately, her body acted faster than her mind. As she tried her best to shirk away from it, she turned her head in his direction, coming face-to-face with him.

With the opportunity presenting itself, Jeff went in for a sneak attack, leaving a warm sensation on her lips as he leaned in for a kiss.

Although she anticipated it, even though she wanted it to happen, she couldn't process it when it actually did happen.

Her lips were warmed by his. The warmth spread gradually from her face to her whole body. It caused her heart to accelerate. She was excited. It was her first kiss. Gradually, she closed her eyes and let his presence dominate her thoughts.

This man that walked into her life and spun it around like a hurricane; This man that made her feel shy, nervous, anxious, excited, sad; This man that made a day seem longer when they set the time to meet; This man that spiced up her life; Her man.

After they both loosened up, she felt a pair of strong arms wrap around her. She instantly felt secure in that embrace. She returned the gesture by also wrapping him up in hers. This was the first time they were ever this close. The kiss went on for a while as if they were both trying to pass every ounce of love to each other.

A while later, only sounds of breathing could be heard. She graciously lay in his embrace as he lowered his head to plant smooth kisses on her hair.

As they both enjoyed the tranquility, a rumble broke the silence, and Tina straightened up instantly.

What she met was the look of jest from Jeff.

"You promised to feed me. It's your fault my tummy rumbled," she pouted.

"Yes yes. I am to blame for starving you," he replied lovingly as he stood up and pulled her along to the kitchen.

"What would you like for lunch?" he asked her as she took her seat while he poked his head into the fridge.

"Pasta!"

He looked back to gaze at her, but just that action alone was enough to make her whole body hot. Feeling his intense gaze, she looked away from him and admired the beautiful flowers on the table.

It didn't take long for lunch to be ready.

"What movies do you like?"

Thinking for a bit, she replied "romance. Very good romance."

The rest of lunch passed just like that, as they got to know each other better.

As they were about to get comfortable on the coach after strolling around for a bit to digest their meal, the door was pushed open.

The two of them looked to see who it was, and to her disbelief, her fears came rushing back.

Standing at the entrance were two women and a man.

Without having to think much, they were definitely his family; mother, grandmother, and father.

What a day it was going to be!