Chapter 9.2

Sensing that she had let go and relaxed, Jeff took the opportunity to embrace his woman as he deepened the kiss. His technique was a bit sloppy, but she wouldn't know since it was her first kiss. Same with him. She was his first everything.

Having her so close to him confirmed that everything was real. He had pursued her, and she had accepted him. Now even if the business collaboration ended, she was going to remain in his life, and him in hers.

He wanted to keep the kiss going, but he also didn't want to frighten his little woman, so he pulled away gently. He replaced the long kisses with short pecks, and it was hard to hide the smiles on both of their lips. It was simply bliss.

"Pasta!"

Heaven was really helping him out. He wasn't the best cook, but the pasta he made was very delicious. He had absolute confidence in his pasta cooking.

"How is it?" he looked at her without lifting his own fork.

Tina nodded with a huge smile on her face, "it's delicious. I like it." Then she went ahead to take a bigger bite.

Confirming that she was genuinely enjoying the meal, he started on his own meal too. It wasn't bad at all.

'As expected of the pasta-master,' he gave himself a thumbs-up in his mind.

The meal ended and he invited her to go on a walk with him. They strolled down the subdivision hand-in-hand.

"Tell me about your parents," Tina said suddenly.

"You really want to know?" he asked carefully.

She shrugged, "I told you about my family."

"Have you told your family about me?"

He noticed that she stiffened a little when he asked his question.

"Not yet. I'm waiting for the right time," she looked at him while tightening the hold on his hand.

"Well, my dad is an army veteran. My mom inherited her family textile business. She helps me with my company sometimes, that's why she's the bigger boss. I envy their relationship. My mom rules our home. Her word is law. Still, she can be adorable when she wants to, and my dad allows her to be willful."

He held on to their interlocked hands with his free hand and looked at Tina.

"I hope that one day, we'll be like them too. Loving each other through the years and letting you be boss over me."

Tina giggled and she nodded happily.

"I hope so too," she said as she stood on her toes to leave a smooch on his cheek.

They continued their stroll for a while more before returning home. 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.

Jeff couldn't believe his eyes. What were these people doing at home? Hadn't they come to an agreement that they wouldn't return until late in the night?

"Why are you guys here?" he asked his family members in a hostile tone as he pulled Tina behind him, as if protecting the prey from the predators.

As if not hearing him, Mrs. Strider and Sia made their way to see their family's newest addition.

"You must be Tina," Mrs. Strider beamed happily.

While Tina had already stepped forward, Jeff still held on to her and kept her at a safe distance from the piranhas.

"Good afternoon Mrs. Strider, Grandma Strider, and Mr. Strider. I am Tina Lawrence. Jefferson's girlfriend." She introduced herself shyly.

Jeff's head went dingggg!

Whenever his mother was angry, she'd call him Jefferson. His granny called him that once in a while too, but hearing Tina call his name sounded different in his ears.

He wasn't a huge fan of his full name, but he could listen to Tina call him Jefferson all day long. It sounded better when she said it.

Mr. Strider nodded in acknowledgement and looked at his son and nodded again. It was his secret way of saying "Good job son!"

He was happy that his dad like Tina. Like what's not to love about her? She's smart, beautiful, and such a heart stealer.

"Don't be so formal. Address me the way Jeff does. Call me granny," Sia said, taking Tina's hand into hers.

Not to be outdone by her mother-in-law, Mrs. Strider echoed along, "yes dear, just call me mom. If it's too much pressure, call me aunt."

Tina glanced at Jeff as her eyes screamed for help.

"You guys haven't answered me yet. What are you doing back home?" He took back his girl's hands from his mother and granny and held it in a protective manner.

"What else is there to do? We dropped by to see my daughter-in-law. She's the joy of this family. You cannot keep her hidden," Mrs. Strider sneered at her son.

Sia nodded in agreement while Mr. Strider just sat there in silence watching the drama unfold.

"Did he feed you, my girl?" Sia asked again, totally ignoring her fuming grandson.

"Yes, he did. We just came in from a stroll also," Tina answered.

"Good good. Now, we'll leave you young lads alone. If he treats you badly, remember that granny is right behind you."

Mrs. Strider rose to her feet and held her mother-in-law before looking at Tina, "his father and I are right behind you too. Don't worry."

After spending some time assessing their new daughter, the bunch left as fast as they came.

Regaining silence, Jeff looked at his girlfriend apologetically. He had assured her that the family was away, only for them to make a surprise visit.

Tina sank into her thought for a while but soon snapped out of it.

She gave him a quick smile while resting her head against his chest and wrapping her arms around his waist.

This was their second close contact. The first being the kissed.

Then he heard her say in a small voice, "they really are lovely."