Should Have Kissed You at the Park

Taylor POV

I rolled over and slowly opened my eyes as to adjust from the little light that was shining in the room from the front room. I smiled as I saw Chris laying next to me sleepy soundly looking like an angel. I wanted so badly to kiss his lips, but I didn’t want to wake him up. I slowly and gently climbed out the bed, trying not to wake him up and went into the bath room to wash my face. I glanced at the clock which read 9:30am. I still had a few hours before I had to get ready to go to my parents house for Sunday dinner. If my mom had her way, we’d be having Sunday dinner as a family every Sunday, but she knows that we are all grown and have our busy lives, so she only request that we have dinner together as a family once a month. As I thought about what I was going to wear, I contemplated inviting Chris to join us. He already knows my family, J’s brought him to dinner before, so it’s not like he doesn’t know anybody. But how would he feel about it, would he say yes or would it freak him out? I finished washing my face and pulled my hair into a messy ponytail. I walked back into my bedroom and slowly climbed back into bed. As I got in the bed, Chris wrapped his arm around my waist and pulled me close to him.

“Morning teddy bear” he said kissing the back of my neck sending chills up the back of my spine

“Morning bae. Teddy bear huh?” I laughed

“Yeah, you were my teddy bear last night” he smiled as I rolled over to face him. “Why’d you get out of bed” he asked giving me a quick peck on the lips

“I was trying not to wake you up, but I had to the bathroom” I laughed

“I’ve been awake for about an hour, I was just watching Sleeping Beauty sleep” he smiled

“Oh is that so? Lemme guess you hurried up and closed your eyes when you felt me moving about?” I chuckled

“Yes ma’am, I didn’t want you to catch me watching you sleep” he blushed

“Why not, you just told me that you were watching me though”

“Yeah, but that’s different from you catching me in the act. It’s not the first time that I’ve watched you sleep though” he replied placing a soft kiss on my forehead

“Really? I don’t know why that doesn’t surprise me, especially since I just found out that you been checking me out for awhile now” I blushed

“What, you told you that, they lied” he smiled trying to sound all defensive

“I’m not telling you who my sources are” I laughed

“Oh is that so?” he said starting to tickle me in my sides

“Yes it is, I’m not telling you. Stop baby” I laughed trying to move his hands

“Nope, not until you tell me your source” he laughed continuing to tickle my sides

“I can’t sale my people out, what kinda friend would I be” I laughed squirming from his tickling

“You have to tell me, we don’t keep secrets” he laughed still tickling my sides, now straddling me as I lay there with my legs kicking from his tickling.

“So, this one’s going to the grave with me” I screamed

“Oh yeah, is that right” he replied continuing to lightly tickle me and slowly leaning over starting to plant soft kisses all over my neck. I wrapped my arm around his neck and slowly rubbed the back of his head and neck as he continued to kiss my neck up to my lips into a passionate kiss. He slid his legs down so that he was laying on top of me, slid his hands up my torso to my gently caress my face with the back of his hand.

“ You are so beautiful” he said when we slowly pulled out of our kiss.

“Thank you” I blushed

“I better get on my side of the bed before I won’t want to get off” he said rolling back over to his side of the bed. “I’m trying to respect your wishes baby, but its hard when you’re so damn sexy” he blushed

“I know you are baby, but it’s not for long, just a few weeks, if that long” I replied scooting over to lay on his chest as he opened his arms for me. “It’s not easy for me either, but I just think we should give it a week or two before we go there” I finished

“I know baby, and I do understand what you’re saying, give us time to just enjoy each other without the EXTRA” he said kissing my hair

“Yeah, that exactly what I’m trying to say, you so get me” I laughed looking up to give him a kiss

“I told I did” he kissed back. “whatcha doing today” he asked

“Well, I’m having dinner at my parents house, you know our monthly family dinners”

“Oh ok, cool” he smiled

“If you don’t have plans, I would love for you to come with me, that is if you want to” I said tracing his tattoos on his chest with my finger tip.

“That’s sounds cool, I love your family, they’re always so nice when I come over” he smiled

“cool, so you’ll go then?”

“yeah babe, I’ll go” he smiled leaning over to kiss me.

“well, I better get ready so that we can go to your house so you can get ready” I said giving him a quick peck then jumping out the bed going into my closet to get something to wear. I decided on a yellow strapless sundress with a black mini cardigan and some cute black flats. dress I heard Chris turn the TV on while I was in the closet and could hear SportsCenter giving updates on the Playoffs.

“So did Miami take the Celtics” I asked from the closet

“You know they did baby” he started “that’s one of the things I like so much about you, I can talk basketball with you, and I haven’t been able to do that with a girl in awhile” he smiled as I came out the closet

“Well, you get used to it when you grow up with 2 brothers” I laughed “I’m going to jump in the shower so we can get out of here” I said heading into the bathroom

“Mkay, I’ll be here” he winked

I took a shower and did my hair. I put on my clothes and came out of the bathroom to find Chris laying across the bed watching “Unstoppable”. He was so into the movie that he hadn’t seen me come out of the bathroom, so I leaned up against the door post and just watched him for a minute and smiled to myself. He was such a good person, with a big heart. I hope my parents will be okay with us being together.

“I didn’t think you could look any more beautiful than you already are, but I see I was wrong” he smiled turning off the TV then walking over to me taking my hand and pulling me close into him. He lightly lifted my chin as I blushed with his finger and softly kissed my lips. Then he wrapped his arms around me and I did the same as he gave me a big bear hug.

“You ready?” I giggled

“Yes ma’am, lets go so I can get changed and get to your parents house, I love your mom’s cooking” he smiled. He grabbed my hand and led me to the kitchen. I picked up my purse and both sets of keys and headed into the garage to get in the car. Chris only stays 15 minutes away from me and like 10 minutes away from my parents, so it didn’t take long to get to his house. We pulled up in his drive way, and got out the car. I had been to Chris’s house at least twice in the last few months that we had been hanging out. It was gorgeous house. He had 5 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. He had a huge back yard in which he likes to go ATVing in. He got out the car and came over on my side and opened the door for me. He took my hand to help me out of the car, then led me into the house.

“I’m gonna run upstairs and freshen up, you coming” he said giving me a devilish grin

“Don’t give me that look, that’s too tempting” I laughed

“I didn’t mean like that bae, I would just rather you be upstairs than sitting down here all by yourself” she said taking my hand leading me up the stairs

“Suurree, you would” I laughed “looks like I have no choice since I’m up here now” I replied

“Nope, you don’t” he said giving me a quick peck on the forehead. “How about, while I take a shower, you get me something to wear” he smiled.

“Ok, sure. But you want me to pick something out for you to wear?”

“Baby, I trust your judgment, I mean look at you, you look beautiful!” he said kissing my forehead before goin into the bathroom.

I heard the shower come on as I walked into his closet. I looked around and mentally thought about a time that we were hanging out at J’s house and how sexy he looked in a particular unit, and started to look for the shirt and shoes. I remember thinking that I could see myself with him one day, and how on that day, I started to look at him differently. I pulled out a pair of jeans and the shirt that changed the way I saw Chris. jeans

As I walked out of the closet to lay the clothes on the bed, Chris walked out of the bathroom in nothing but a towel, body glistening from the water. Now I know I said we were going to wait a few weeks before having sex, but the way he looked in that towel, mmm, made me wanna jump on him right then and there. He looked at the clothes on the bed, then turned to me

“Nice job bae” he said leaning over to kiss me

“You like huh?”

“I told you I trust your judgment” he smiled

CHRIS POV

“I told you I trust your judgment” I smiled

Taylor invited me to Sunday dinner at her parents house. I have to admit, I was a little nervous about it at first, but it’s not my first time being around her family. Me and J have been friends for a few years now, so I’ve been to their house on several occasions. They have some really cool parents. I was just a little nervous about seeing them as her boyfriend, how would they react to that.

“Babe, you okay” Taylor said bringing me out of my thoughts

“Yeah babygirl, I’m good” I said tying my shoes.

“Are you sure? Because you don’t have to go if you’re not sure” she said as if she read my mind

“No baby, I want to go, I love your family; they are always so much fun” I smiled getting up to straighten out my clothes.

“Ok if you sure, then we better get going” she smiled wrapping her arms around my waist.

“LET GO” I joked kissing her then picking her up and throwing her over my shoulder and going down the stairs

“Christopher, put me down” she laughed hitting me on my ass.

“There you go” I said putting her down as we reached the bottom of the stairs

“You are so silly” she laughed playfully hitting me

The drive to her parents house was nice, talking to Taylor was really easy; I could talk to her about anything. She could tell when I was being serious and when I was just joking. When we pulled up to her parents house, I felt a small lump develop in my throat. I tried not to swallow hard but I couldn’t. Taylor reached over and grabbed my hand.

“It’s okay baby, everything will be okay. Look at it this way, you’re not meeting them for the first time, and they already love you” she smiled

“Ok, you’re right baby, there’s nothing to worry about”

I got out the car and went around to open her door. Just as she got out the car, J and Tammy pulled up. Seeing Justin made me relax even more.

“What’s up man” Justin said getting out of his truck

“Man, you know, the same ole same”

“Hey Tay” he said giving her a kiss on the cheek

What’s up Tammy?” I asked giving her a hug

“Heeyy Chris” she laughed hugging me back

“I see you invited Chris to dinner” Justin said as Taylor gave Tammy a hug

“Yeah, I figured since he didn’t have anything to do, and I wasn’t cooking, then he should come to dinner with us” Taylor laughed

“Good looking out sis, but you know he’s gonna expect you to cook like mama now” Justin laughed as we walked into the house. Taylor grabbed my hand and gently rubbed her thumb across the top of my hand, and lightly squeezed my arm with her other hand, causing me to relax completely

“Shut up Justin” she laughed “Mama, Daddy, we’re here?” she called through the house

“Heyyyy babygirl” her dad said coming out of the kitchen with an apron on that read KISS THE BBQ MAN

“Hey daddy” she said letting go of my arm and hugging her dad tightly

“Hey babyboy” Mr. Martin said giving Justin a hug “Heyy, there’s my future daughter-in-law” he finished giving Tammy a hug

“Chris, hey kiddo, how you been” he said to me giving me a ‘man hug’

“I’m good sir, how have you been” I replied

“I can’t call it man” he laughed “Justin didn’t tell me that you were coming too, it’s always a joy to have you over son” he smiled

“I didn’t tell you he was coming pop because he didn’t come with me, he came with Tay” Justin smiled big looking at Taylor who was standing next to me holding my hand. “I didn’t know he was coming” he continued

“Oh well, now that comes as a surprise, but a very pleasant one” Mr. Martin replied smiling at me and Taylor “Ya’ll come on in, your mom’s in the kitchen. Fellas you can come out back with me after you speak to your mom, and bring us some beers on your way out” he finished leading us into the kitchen

Third Person POV

“There’s my babies” Mrs. Martin said

Taylor and Justin’s parents have been together for 35 years and married for 33 of those years. They met in college when they were attending Clark-Atlanta University. Justine Martin is an entertainment lawyer with her own firm in which Taylor’s sister Sydney is a junior partner. David Martin owns Martin Family Clinic.

“Hey mama, what you making” Justin said leaning over to kiss her

“Hey babyboy, I’m just fixing the potato salad for dinner” she leaned in giving him her cheek

“Hey mama J” Tammy said giving her a kiss on the cheek as well

“Heyy mommy” Taylor smiled kissing her other cheek “Hey Mama J” Chris said from across the counter

“Ummm Christopher, you better get over here and give me a kiss boy, don’t act like you don’t know what to do” she smiled at him

“Yes ma’am, I’m sorry” he replied

“I didn’t know you were coming, Justin didn’t tell me. Its fine, we always have enough food”

“No ma’am, that’s because I came with Taylor, not Justin this time” Chris smiled nervously

“Really, well I think that’s great” she replied smiling between the two of them.

“Well mama, me and Chris are going to go outside and help pop” Justin said going over to the fridge and taking out 3 beers, then giving Tammy a peck on the lips and Mrs. Martin and Taylor pecks on the cheek before heading to the door. Chris gave Mrs. Martin a kiss on the cheek and Taylor a quick peck on the lips as he followed Justin out the back door

. Taylor pulled out the tea pitcher and some tea bags to start making a pitcher of tea. Tammy took out another pitcher to make some kool aid for the kids.

“So Tay, you and Chris huh?” her mom smiled

“Yes ma’am, it happened yesterday. We’ve been hanging out and doing a lil flirting for the past month or so, so we decided to give it a try” she replied

“A lil flirting, yeah right, Mama C, you should see them when they would come hang out at the house, it was sickening” Tammy laughed nudging Taylor

“Well, however it happened, I’m happy for the both of you” her mom replied

“Really mama, you are?” Taylor asked surprised

“Yeah baby, he’s a good kid, he’s made some mistakes, but nobody’s perfect. He has a good heart, and the both of you deserve to be happy and if that’s what you do for each other, than that’s all that matters” she explained to Taylor

“Aww mama, thanks you. I thought you would trip on the age difference” Taylor said hugging her mom.

“No baby, age is just a number. I’m 2 years older than your dad” she laughed

“Are you really Mama C?” Tammy asked

“Yeah, I was in my 3rd year at Clark when I met David” she smiled remembering the day they met

“That’s cool, I didn’t know that” Tammy replied

“Hey ya’ll” Sydney said coming into the kitchen holding her daughter Maddison

“Hey sis” Taylor replied “hey auntie’s lady bug” she said taking Maddison out of Sydney’s arms

“Hey sis” Tammy smiled giving Sydney a peck on the cheek as she stirred the kool aide

“Where’s my baby” Taylor asked looking around for Matthew

“Girl, he ran to the back yard when he saw J’s truck” she said giving Taylor a peck on the cheek “We thought you weren’t here, we didn’t see your car, did you ride with J?” she continued

“Noooo, that’s Chris’s car you see outside” Tammy smiled at Taylor

“Chris huh? So I guess ya’ll cleared the air and decided to hook up huh?” Sydney asked

“Yeah, we did, and I haven’t been able to stop smiling since” Taylor blushed

“Well, I think it looks good on her” said Mr. Martin

***Meanwhile in the backyard***

“Chrrriiisss” Matthew yelled as he ran to him

“What’s up Matty” Chris laughed reaching down to pick him up

“I didn’t know you were coming” he smiled

“Hey nephew, what am I chopped liver” Justin said pretending to sound hurt

“No, you’re Uncle Jus, duhh” Matthew smiled as Chris put him back down

“Hey Grandpa” Matthew said hugging Mr. Martin around the legs

“Hey Grandpa’s man. Hey son-in-law, Sydney must be in the kitchen” said Mr. Martin

“Yea, she took Maddison in the house and I brought the boys back here, I figured you might need some help on the pit” he joked

“Now Keith, you know I got this. KJ, can Grandpa get a hug or something lil man?” he asked

“I’m sorry Grandpa” KJ said running over to him then running back to toss the football with Matthew

“Chris, babyboy didn’t tell us that you were coming, it’s good to see you again” Keith said dapping Chris up

“I didn’t know he was coming either brother-in-law, he came with you sister-in-law!” J teased

“Oh Word!! So, I guess ya’ll worked things out from the other night then huh, and decided to take it a step further.” Keith asked with a smile

“Yeah, but how’d you know about the other night?” Chris smiled back

“Dude, you’re dating Taylor. Her, Tammy, and Sydney talk about everything” Justin laughed

“Yeah, that’s true” Keith and Chris said at the same time

“Well, I’m just happy to see them both happy” chimed in Mr. Martin

“Yeah, me too said” both Justin and Keith said

“Uncle DJ” KJ and Matthew yelled running up to greet him and causing the other 3 men to turn around

“Heyy nephews, ya’ll are getting big! I missed you guys” DJ smiled. David Jr, or DJ as everyone referred to him as, is the oldest of the Martin children. He’s a physical trainer for the Atlanta Falcons. It’s been awhile since he’s been able to have dinner with them due to his job, but since it’s the off season, he’s been home a little more.

“Hey brother-in-law, its good to see you, glad you could join us” Keith teased giving DJ some dap and a hug.

“Jokes I see, huh?” he chuckled

“What’s up big bro” Justin said giving him dap

“Man babyboy, you know how it is” he smiled “I heard you doing big things over there at the J-Spot” he continued

“I’m trying to do a lil sumthin sumthin over there” he laughed

“Hey pop, whatcha over here burning?” DJ teased giving his dad a hug.

“Hey son! Don’t play, I ain’t burning nothing, this is called barbeque, you better act like you know” he laughed

“Chris, what’s up man, it’s been a minute” DJ said turning to Chris with a smile and dapping him up” Chris and Justin have been friends for a few years now, so the whole family knew Chris, and DJ hadn’t seen him in about a year.

“Man, yeah it has, good to see you again” Chris smiled

“Well, I’m gonna go in and speak to mama, did ya’ll need another beer” DJ asked

“Yeah son, just bring out one of the 6 packs that’s in there” Mr. Martin said.

“So Tay what’s your week looking like” Mrs. Martin said as DJ opened the door

“I have a photo shoot with Evan tomorrow. You know he’s working on his album, so he’s coming by the studio to do some promo pics” Taylor replied as DJ snuck up behind her giving her a peck on the cheek. She turned around to see if it was Chris and screamed when she saw DJ standing there

“Heyyyyy big bro” she smiled throwing her arms around his neck and causing the other ladies to turn around

“Heyyy baby girl” she smiled “You looking good girl, I’m so glad you decided to move back to the A” he replied

“Yeah, I am too, I’m loving being here with family” she smiled

“Hey Syd” he said giving her a peck on the cheek. DJ spoke to all the ladies in the kitchen and gave each of them a kiss hello.

“Where’s Angie?” Mrs. Martin said

“She’s on her way” DJ replied opening the refrigerator and taking out a 6 pack of Bud Lights. “I’m going to get out ya’lls way” he said opening the door and going back out side.