YOU BELONG TO ME

FRIENDS

"OK , I also want to talk to you. Would you like to go to The Coffee Shoppe? It's nearby and we will have privacy in the booth. Don't worry your fans will not bother us."

They were seated into a back booth and after ordering coffee Joe started the conversation. " Taylor I would like to apologize for the way I acted during the conference. I was inattentive and I even answered a call in the middle of the talks. I was quite rude when I stared at you." He added under his breath "'you can't blame me you're beautiful" hoping Taylor did not hear his last sentence.

'I remembered what you did but it's over; forget it. I'm sorry that you overheard what I said to my Dad. I'm not a bad person."

"So that's all cleared up. I'm glad we have this talk." Just then their order came and they stayed quiet. " So do you do this volunteer work regularly? How does your boyfriend cope with this? I bet he's pissed off."

"I started volunteering because of my boyfriend; he was the one who brought me to the soup kitchen and I have enjoyed it since then. Unfortunately he passed away 2 years ago" Taylor said with a sad smile.

" I'm sorry to hear that. Are you ok now" Joe had a sympathetic look on his face on his face.

They talked about their childhood and younger days until it turned dark. " So thank  you for the coffee and the nice conversation. I have to go".

"I'll drive you home, that's the least I can do." Taylor gave Joe her address on Cornelia Street; and shook her hand before he left.

Sunday morning, Taylor woke up to her alarm at 7 am and got ready for a quick jog in the Highline in order to beat the tourist crowd. She loves the stunning Chelsea views and could easily take a breather in one of the built-in benches. After a short warm up, she started her run at a minimum pace in order to conserve energy. Suddenly , she felt a tap on her shoulder and a runner on her side. " Good morning. Fancy meeting you here Taylor". Joe was running beside her with a wide smile on his face. " oh Hi Joe. Good morning to you too". They both continued going with a couple of bodyguards  a few yards behind them. They didn't talk but there was a comfortable silence between them. After rounding the park 4 times they sat on one of the benches and enjoyed the view while drinking enough water to maintain hydration. " Now I know where to find you on both weekends; Saturday soup kitchen; Sunday the Highline"." Yes I love it here, nice, clean, quiet as long as you get here early. They also serve healthy snacks and refreshments; speaking of I need my coffee. Let's go get some".

While having their coffee, they enjoyed the sun on their face and body. Joe couldn't help but look at Taylor with admiration in her shorts and tank top, showing off her nice figure. Taylor is also aware how masculine and hot Joe looks in his jogging shorts and muscle shirt.

"Are you busy tonight Taylor"

"yeah Sunday dinner with the family. It's our routine. Do you have family here?"

" No they're all in London but my family will be coming here next month. I can't wait to see them"

" I'm happy for you. If you want I can give you a list of places you need to see. Not the touristy spots but the hidden gems that only native New Yorkers know about."

"That would be great. I'm looking forward to know that."

"I have to go. Nice meeting you again."

" I will take you home if that's ok with you. Cornelia Street right?"

They meet up regularly for the next  couple of weeks  getting more comfortable with each other.  They joke and rib each other sarcastic remarks are met with laughter not frowns or dirty looks.  Joe  has been planning to ask Taylor for dinner just need the right time to ask her out. Taylor learned that another lawyer from their firm was assigned to take over Joe's case and he was happy with the agreement.  " So since you are not my lawyer anymore, would you like to have dinner with me?" 

" Yes why not, we're friends. Saturday evening 7pm ok?."

" That's great. I'll pick you up " Joe was beaming with delight and excitement

Saturday afternoon Taylor had friends over to help her get ready for the date with Joe. She had to try on so many clothes until they decided on a mini little black dress with an open back; high heel black shoes and a patent leather red clutch bag to complete the outfit. Martha styled her hair with beachy waves and wavy bangs.  Gigi is in charge of make up using smoky eyes, dark mascara accentuating her blue eyes. She applied red lipstick which completed her look . The girls were so proud of their handiwork and took selfies amongst themselves.

AS soon as they heard the doorbell, they all squealed with delight except Taylor who was quite nervous" will he like the way I look; do I look ok; am I overdressed" came into her mind. She opened the door slowly and saw Joe standing there dressed in a blue well fitted suit, his tousled blonde hair coif neatly  and he has the biggest smile on his face. Joe checked her out and could hardly peel his eyes off her. She turned around to her friends finding them all grinning with thumbs up signs. " He's HOT" Selena mouthed.

Joe drove his range Rover; no body guard in sight. They arrived at Le Bernardin in midtown Manhattan noted for their French and seafood cuisine. They got a warm welcome from the maitre d and was seated in  a secluded table for privacy. People were looking at them when they passed admiring the beautiful couple; some were whispering and discretely talking pictures which is a big no no for this restaurant. Joe had his hand on Taylor's bare back giving her chills when she felt his hot hand on her body. He kept telling  himself to keep his cool while guiding her to their table. Breathe Joe, breathe and enjoy , have fun. They decided on the chef's tasting menu with wine pairing per person. " So how were you able to get a reservation; I know that the waiting period for a table sometimes take weeks before you could be accommodated? " He gave her a sheepish smile in response. "Oh  celebrities are given preferences in places like this".

It didn't take long for their food orders to arrive and they dig in with gusto. Taylor offered a bite of her dish  for Joe to taste and in turn he fed her with what he has on his plate. They both closed their eyes while chewing and enjoyed the deliciousness of their meal. They chatted, exchanged jokes, looking deep into each others eyes as if they were the only people in the room. They 're both oblivious of the stares and whispers of people around them. They were just having a great time with each other. Two hours passed without them knowing it;  they were so full they forgo the dessert. They were ushered into the back door with the car waiting for them outside. He drove slowly back into her apartment not wanting to end this memorable night for both of them. Taylor has a private entrance and parking spot reserved for her.  They got into her apartment with no one seeing them.

"Would you like coffee, tea , water" Joe settled for tea and coffee for Taylor. While she was in the kitchen Joe looked around her neat and tastefully decorated apartment. He found family pictures  old and recent photos of family and friends. He found a cute pic of baby Taylor with curly unruly hair, smiling widely at the camera showing missing front teeth. "So adorable, someday our babies would look like that" he muttered under his breath. Taylor came back with two mugs of tea and coffee . They sipped their drinks in silence and Joe opened his arms wide putting them on the backrest of the couch, in doing so he touched Taylor's nape creating goosebumps all over her arms and neck. She felt a tingling feeling deep in her core. She was feeling turned on by this simple touch. Joe felt tightness on his groin area and slid slowly towards Taylor. they looked at each other with longing and want in their eyes. He held Taylor's chin while bending down slowly and planted a gentle soft kiss on her lips. She kissed him back and Joe inserted his tongue into her mouth deepening the kiss while running his hands on her cheeks, neck and bare back. Taylor placed her hands on his soft hair and moved down unto his hard chest. She was moaning softly  and he pulled her closely until she was sitting on his lap. She could feel his erection and she squirmed on his lap creating friction on his penis making him groan in return.