"Welcome to being in love Josh." Her words were simple, a slight head tilt allowed her to closely examine him but also allowed his lips more access to her neck.

JC let out a soft sigh, leaving his lips against her neck. "If this is what being in love is really like, I can safely say I've never truly been in love before you."

Sam smiled and nodded slightly. "I can't say that I'm upset about that, baby. I'm glad no one else was really able to make you fall in love before I came along. Just as I'm glad I've never had the feelings about another man the way I do for you." She grinned slyly. "Told ya that you were husband material."

He smirked as he pulled himself up, biting his lip. "You know what? I'm taking you out tonight. Yep. So you get your pretty little ass in any dress you want to wear. I'll show you husband material."

Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she watched him and let his words sink in. "Any dress I want, baby? I can do that for you..."

He laughed softly, pulling her off the counter next. "Okay. So not a see through, ass hugging dress where I'm going to be watching everyone around you kinda dress. I mean, if you own any of those..."

Sam grinned. "My ass hugging dresses aren't as ass hugging as they used to be. But I can take that shit out just for you alone one night." She stood up once he helped her down on the ground again.

"Oh, my eyes only shit. Mmmk. I'm gonna go make us a reservation, and you can go ahead and get yourself in gear. How hungry are you on a scale of 1-10, meaning 2 hours from now when we are actually sitting in front of food."

"Yes. That'll be for your eyes only shit." She took a minute to touch on his face softly. She had a look of love in her eyes for him. He was the perfect gentleman. "I'm pretty hungry, so like, an 8. But I will love wherever you choose to take us, baby. I'll doll up for you." She kissed his forehead, "You gonna dress up for me too?"

JC grinned, "Of course I'm going to dress up for you." His eye contact with her was flirty and playful. "I'll be down here waiting for you. Be ready in an hour." He placed the softest kiss on her cheek. 

She grinned, leaning in against his lips. "Mmm. See you in a bit my love."

JC let his hand softly caress at her back, needing to make himself pull away. He needed to get in the shower, or he knew he would continue to love on her all damn night. "Fuck."

Sam laughed softly, making her way upstairs to the guest bathroom. She knew there wasn't a way they could be in the same room. As playful as JC had been in the last few weeks, the shower was a favorite spot of his for some late morning loving, followed by the bathroom counter. She knew the solitude was just what she needed to get ready. She started the shower, washing down with body wash, shampooing her hair and getting lost in a daydream about everything that was happening around them.

JC was all smiles and was in and out of his shower within ten minutes. He stood in a towel in their walk in closet on his side, searching the racks for something to wear. He wanted to look sharp, but didn't want to be overdressed. "Ugh this woman," he laughed to himself. He settled for a pair of dark grey dress pants and a crisp white button down. He grabbed his new Gucci belt and his cufflinks. He meandered back into the bathroom, spraying himself with some of his Envy cologne. He ran his fingers through his damp waves, slicking his hair back just slightly. He grinned at his reflection in the mirror; he looked sharp. He made his way downstairs to continue making his plans for the evening. 

Meanwhile, Sam finished her shower, wrapping up in a towel as well. She walked down the hall into the master bedroom, peeking to see if JC was still in the closet. The light was turned off, but the lingering smell of his cologne filled the room and it made her smile. She slipped on her lingerie, a matching navy bra and panty set and slipped her robe on. She walked into the bathroom, blow drying her hair. With her curling iron, she put loose waves in before pinning them back loosely from her face. Her makeup was light, but just right with a little extra gloss and bronzer with a touch of mascara, nothing fancy. She stopped and sprayed her Honey, making her smile. She could see that she was glowing and she couldn't stop smiling. Back into the closet she went, getting into a navy lace dress. She had just picked it up in London a few weeks before she came home. It was designed to fit her curves, a sleeveless lace dress. It wasn't tight but fitted, classy and elegant. Off of her shoe organizer, she pulled a pair of navy Louboutin heels that looked like they were designed for the dress. She stepped into the heels and spun around in front of the mirror with a grin. Now she was ready to slay.

Downstairs, JC had one hand in his pocket, the other holding his phone. He was on the phone, plotting to get a table at one of his favorite hidden swanky places in town. It wasn't too far away and it was a part of a new vineyard that had opened. "Yes, that's correct. A table for two within the hour if possible."

Sam's heels clicked down the stairs to see JC on the phone. When he heard her heels, he grinned. Still on the phone, he turned around. "Chasez. Josh." He took one look at her and almost dropped the phone. "Oh god."

Sam watched him almost drop the phone and it made her laugh softly. She walked over to him and brushed her lips against his cheek while he was on the phone. 

"No, no, not you sorry. Yes. We will be there then. Thank you. That's great." He hung up the phone and made a low noise. ".....My God."

Sam smiled, placing her hand over her heart. "How did I end up with the most handsome man in the world?"

JC took a step back to look at her. "You are gorgeous. My goodness." He brought his hands to her waist, feeling the soft lace of the dress and the way it hugged her curves. Her body was his new favorite thing. "Wow."

She smiled as she caught his eye. "It's brand new. From London, actually. A new designer created it. I had to have it."

"Well, it's made for you. I love it." He took her hand and pulled it up to his lips to gently kiss. "We should go baby."

"Lead the way handsome, I'm all yours tonight," she smiled. 

"Yeah. You are." He smirked, grabbing his keys and walking her out to the garage. He opened the door of his car for her. He always did this when they went somewhere together, but tonight it felt different. 

She smiled as she watched him open the door to the garage and to his Mercedes. It made her sigh softly as she got into the car, buckling herself in. She had a different feeling of butterflies in her belly tonight.

JC looked over at her with a smile. He was feeling some kind of way this evening as he held onto the steering wheel with one hand, the other holding her hand. They drove for most of their way in silence, with some light jazz on in the car. Every so often they exchanged glances at each other, exchanging quiet smiles. He was feeling so content and in love and the feeling was completely foreign to him. After their 20 minute drive, he pulled down a long driveway that was all lit up by solar lights, with nothing but field and vines on either side. 

She looked out the window as his tires made noises on the gravel driveway. She snuggled up to him as they pulled down. She had been getting little glances and smiles at him paired with little kisses for the car ride. She felt a deep connection to him and couldn't help but want to touch him as much as she could. As the car came to a stop, she whispered, "It's so pretty here."

"It is. I happened to come here with the guys for a soft opening and have been wanting to come back. I couldn't think of a better place to bring my lady tonight." He smiled as the valet immediately opened up her door and his almost simultaneously. 

She looked over at him and smiled as she stepped out of the car, fixing her dress and taking a peek around. "Oh wow," she said.

He walked around and took her hand before walking up to the gorgeous setting. It was outdoors and all lit up on top of a hill. You could smell the faint aroma of grapes and the wind was just there, not even enough to be described as breezy. "Do you like it?" He asked, proudly. 

"Josh. This is absolutely breathtaking. I love it." Her eyes were sparkling as he led the way. 

JC pulled her close as they approached the host. He kissed her face as they stepped up to the podium. "Chasez. Table for 2."

Sam grinned, leaning into his body. She mumbled softly near his ear, "Chasez party of two."

JC grinned so hard as he followed the host to the table. It was on the farthest corner of the patio, away from the others. The atmosphere was romantic, the small table clothed in white linens with two wine glasses already out with a bottle of the Santa Clarita Cabernet blend decanted and wanting for them. "You'll be saying Chasez before you even know it."

She laughed softly as he helped her sit down, so attentively. "I already do, it's your name after all," she said playfully. She took a moment to take everything around them. The ambience was calm and grown and romantic. It wasn't a club or a fancy party, it was just right.

He poured her a glass of wine as he watched her taking the scene in. He was letting her get completely comfortable and smiling to himself. "I meant saying it as your name." He poured his own glass and had the cutest little smile.

She looked up at him, pursing her lips so cute to suppress the smile that was fighting her so hard. "Samantha Chasez?"

The smile already plastered on his face got big as hell. "Samantha Chasez." He took a sip of his Cabernet. "Yeah. That sounds pretty good."

"I could get behind it." She grinned and held her glass up to his. "To the Chasezes." Her giggle was soft and cute as their glasses clinked and she took a sip of her Cabernet. It was so full bodied, she made a soft contented noise. Her boyfriend certainly knew good wine. 

He tilted his head and let a couple moments go by in silence. "In case I haven't said it enough, you are beautiful."

She smiled, taking a moment to study him. "Thank you Josh. I appreciate it. But something about you makes me feel even more beautiful. You bring it out in me."

"Maybe it's just how well we work together. I've never wanted to be this much of a romantic before. Not because I thought it was bad or cheesy... I think that no one was worth it. I just feel different around you Samantha," he stated. 

"I'm happy you're my partner. I've never felt specifically like that about a man before. Boyfriends are one thing but I feel like you're meant to be the one I share all those moments with," she replied.

"I agree. Honey, I have NEVER missed someone as much as I missed you this last go of touring. I cannot go that long without you ever, ever, ever again. I knew I was falling in love with you..." his voice trailed off. 

She nodded. The little smile on her face wouldn't go away even if she tried. "So we don't spend that much time apart ever again, we can both make adjustments in our schedules."

"Done deal. Even if you're mad at me and not talking to me, I'm still coming home to you and will force a smile from those lips." He grinned, then pulled the menu up to hide half of his face.

She laughed so soft and sweet. "Likewise, blue eyes. Even if you storm home mad as fuck like you were this morning, I'm gonna get you relaxed again." She grinned too, pulling up the menu. 

"Pffft. That's no challenge." He smirked and put the menu down.

She laughed, "It's never a challenge. What are you thinking about for dinner baby?"

"Mmm. I'm thinking about trying the half duck with the bernaise cream sauce and the broiled double baked potato," he stopped to rub his tummy, "What looks good to you mama?"

"Everything sounds amazing! I'm going to try the duck breast with brandy sauce and truffles. You want to share the ceviche with me as an appetizer?"

He reached across the table and took her hand. "Anything you want, baby, it's yours tonight."

***

Several hours passed and they were on their second bottle of wine. Dinner was superb and they both ate lazily, feeding each other and enjoying easy conversation. The sun had set over the vineyard and the stars began to sparkle over the fields.

Sam leaned forward and took another sip of her wine. She was feeling nice and toasty from their big amazing meal and the wine. The breeze was cool around them but you could barely notice. She gave him a smile as she took her sip of wine. Her eyes hadn't left him for very long tonight. JC hadn't stopped looking at her for more than 2 or 3 moments at a time. He leaned back in his chair, glass of wine just leaving his lips. He had a little smile, one of those little just past a grin smile. He was in awe that she was his, and she was the person that he gets to love. She was pretty perfect, and this evening was helping him to realize just how lucky he was. 

"Mmmm," she put her wine down on the table and stretched a little bit, "This was one of the most amazing meals I have had in a long time. The farm to table idea is amazing." She sighed softly, "You knocked it out of the park with this date, honey."

"I just knew I wanted to take my boo on a really nice date." He put his glass down as well and let out a sigh. "I forgot just how good the food was, but I remembered the view and I wanted to see the stars again with you."

"Looking at the stars with you is better than being apart and thinking about looking at the same sky as you." Her voice was thoughtful.

He reached across the table and took her hand gently. "I know. I never want to have to say those words through a phone again. It was too long."

"What does the rest of your year look like baby?" She gave his hand a little squeeze.

"It looks like I'm going to be spending it with you. That's all I'm gonna say." He smirked.

She laughed softly. "Oh that's all you're going to say about that?"

"Yeah. Because right now I don't know the rest of the year. We have a few interviews and TV shows lined up but most of them are in LA. So we're good through the fall at least with the exception of two weeks. What about your schedule?"

"Couple of interviews and talk shows to do. Either LA or New York. I kind of said I needed to slow down for the rest of the year. I don't know that I was in one place longer than a week from February until now. I'm ready for a break."

He pulled up her hand to kiss it. "I'm so happy that you know you need time to recharge. If you don't tell them, they will just continue to run you down baby. Trust me on this one."

"Last year was exhausting but this year has been even crazier. My body was starting to tell me I was having enough. So yes." She smiled, "I need some time for me." Her head tilted as she studied him with a smile. "Though now my ‘me' is more of an us."

JC smiled again, putting her hand down. "I think we should go for a little walk. I don't want to just sit across from the table from you anymore."

She smiled and nodded, "I would love that baby. I'm ready for you to hold me."

Before her words were even finished, he was out of his seat helping her out of her chair. "C'mere you." He pulled her all up into him and he smelled of red wine, just like she did. 

She smiled, wrapping her arms around him and snuggling in for a hug. "Now this is what I love." She leaned up to place a kiss on his wine stained lips. 

"Mmmm," he made a soft hum before he cracked a smile as his arms enveloped her into a tighter hug, "Me?"

"You are kind of a big deal in my eyes, baby," she said softly. 

He pulled back just enough to look into her eyes. "You're a big deal in my eyes. Like I hope you know you're the biggest deal I've ever had." He kissed her forehead before taking her hands, linking their fingers.

She smiled and gave their hands a squeeze. "You are the lead singer of arguably the biggest pop vocal band in the world in this decade. Pretty sure you've got bigger deals than me." She started to mosey along the path with him. It was a slow and lazy pace. 

"Uh, you are the biggest and most searched model on the Internet right now. Probably more hits than me," he smirked real cute. "You know what I meant. Regarding my heart, you're the biggest deal ever honey."

She grinned cute right back at him. "Sorry I get more hits than you baby." She couldn't help but giggle lightly. "And you've got my heart as well. Like no one else ever."

They walked along a little path that was right up against the vineyard. He stopped at one of the posts, pulling off a grape. "Do you know that I have never once in my life thought about marrying someone?"

"I gathered that from your feelings about women before we met." She watched him with the grape in between his fingers with a light smile. His fingers were delicate with the small fruit. It made her smile.

"All the women before you were just leading me to you. I think you were supposed to come into my life at this exact time." He continued to push the grape between his fingers.

"I'm glad that we found each other in that case." She tilted her head as she watched him. "If you asked me 10 years ago what I'd be doing by the time I was 27 I would have told you that I wanted to be married and a mother. My life went in a different direction but I can't say that I'm complaining."

He smiled and let the grape fall from his fingers so he could slide his arms around her again. They were alone in the field and there was only a faint glow of lights from the patio lights where they were sitting. "Do you still want both of those things?"

She smiled softly, sliding her arms around him again when he did the same for her. She brought her forehead to rest against his. "I do. I'm in absolutely no rush. It'll happen for me someday when it's meant to happen."

JC nodded and held her to his body. They stood in silence while the summer crickets chirped just enough in the distance. He leaned in and kissed her ever so slightly. It wasn't hard, just a soft brush.

She smiled on his gentle kiss which she met with a brush of her own before whispering, "What about you Josh? What do you see for yourself?"

He sucked in a breath lightly and let it out on a soft sigh. "Honestly, all I see right now is you. My future is all you and I've never had that before."

She placed the softest kiss on his lips in return. "Well, I am honored that is the case." She slid her hand up to touch his jaw. "The future has the potential to be absolutely wonderful."

"I know it will be." He leaned his face into her hand a bit while continuing those soft kisses with small breaks between each few. They were so connected and it love, it couldn't be hidden anymore, no matter if they tried to hide it in the future, it just wasn't happening. 

She whispered on to his lips, "Will you lay here with me for a while? I don't care if we both get dirty." She stole a few more kisses. 

He smiled for a long pause on her lips. "Do you want to be here, or go home and sleep out on the patio with me? I'll make my famous blanket bed for us..."

"Ohh, you had me at blanket bed!" She grinned, "I still have the picture of you setting up that bed the night of the gala by my fireplace. Should have known then you were serious boyfriend material."

"Wait. You have a picture?" he laughed, kissing her cheek as he led her back to the valet.

"Honey, I have every single picture you've ever sent me, and a bunch that I took before we started dating." she smiles, "I'm a picture taker. Memories are my thing." She slipped her fingers in his as they strolled back together.

"I love memories. I just don't remember there being a picture taken of me," he grinned, "I better not have a double chin in it or anything." He handed the ticket over to the valet and less than 3 minutes later, the Mercedes pulled up.

"Baby," she laughed, "I dont think it's possible for you to have a double chin." She hit him playfully. "We can see it when I get home. My phone is in the kitchen."

"Good because mine is too," he opened her door and then got in after her. He drove off, leaving his hand on her leg. "I wanted to give you my full attention."

Her head rested against his arm. "Likewise. And I appreciate your full attention. We haven't always had the opportunity to give it to each other."

"I know, and I kinda like that we both recognize it." He kissed her head as he drove. "We're pretty awesome together you know."

"Oh I'm aware," she grinned and snuggled into him a bit more.  They drove up into the hills and before they knew it, their house was in front of them all lit up.

JC pulled into the garage, closing it after turning the ignition off. "Just making sure you knew." He got out, opening the door for her again, offering out his hand.

She took his hand, letting him help her out of the car. "Welcome home, baby."

JC smiled, "Welcome home sweetheart," He led her inside, flicking the lights on. "I want you to go get comfortable and wash your face and take all the time you need. I'm going to make our bed. Just come back soon ok?"

"I'll be there in a few minutes," she leaned up on her tiptoes and gave him a soft kiss, but this time it lingered longer than it did on the vineyard. 

HIs eyes closed for the moments her lips were on him. He returned just the right amount of kiss before he took a step back. His eyes were still closed as he hummed an "mmm" before he opened them. "I'll be outside," he stated simply as he needed to walk away from her. 

Sam took her time washing her face and moisturizing, and doing her thing. She was moving slowly, daydreaming about JC as she braided her hair in a side braid so it was out of the way. She was upstairs maybe a half hour, lingering and taking her time, full and happy from dinner and the wine. She finally emerged in one of his hoodies and her own little black pajama shorts.

JC had prepared another perfect blanket bed on the patio-- pillows everywhere and even more blankets. He brought out one of the living room lamps too for ambience. He had tossed on some sweats and a deep vneck tee himself. He stood there untwisting a water bottle when she came out onto the patio. He took a sip with a cute smirk.

"Thereeeee's the fluff bed master," she giggled, holding out her phone with the picture she took of him on the night of the gala. He was in his full dress pants, tucking in the blankets of the pillows. It makes her smile to hold it out to him. 

"I'll take that name gladly." He smiled when she walked over, and he leaned down a bit to see the picture. "Oh my god. I look so serious about what I'm doing." He laughed softly. "That was from the gala night and that is legit taking me back to that moment right now..." He looked at her with warmth in his eyes.

She giggled. "Exactly why I took it. You were so intent and I loved that." She watched him closely, letting herself appreciate him and take it all in. It made her smile. "You asked me out that night." She sighed softly, letting herself be taken back as well. 

He put his arm around her, leaning down to kiss her head a little bit. "Do you remember how I asked you out? Because I don't. I just remember thinking you were the most beautiful woman in the entire world that night. That dress you were wearing..."

She smiled, cuddling up to him. "Of course. You bid on me at the gala for a date in the silent auction. And you lost. But you asked me to dance anyways and we went to the deli. You told me you wanted to ask me on a date of your own and didn't need an auction." 

"Ohh... THAT I remember. I don't like losing but I knew that I would have a better chance asking you out for real than to use that as an excuse." He rubbed her back softly then pulled down all the blankets so they could get in and comfortable. "I wouldn't change a thing about that night."

"Me either," she smirked, "That was some song and some kiss." She crawled into the bed he made. "And was the real major event that started all of this."

"You know, even if you didn't go to that gala, I would have been drawn to you. Whether it would have been because of Justin or Ashley, or just because it's written in the stars for us." He leaned back on his elbow.

"Ashley brought us together at that Halloween fashion show," she grinned, "I need to remember to thank her more when I see her." She laid flat on her back for a minute, looking up at the stairs.

"I need to be thanking her more," he grinned, "I definitely wouldn't have thought she would be the reason for introducing me to the woman that I would fall in love with," he lowered himself to lay flat too, sliding his arms up under his head, "because I am completely in love with you."

She smiled as she looked over at him. "Falling in love with you definitely wasn't what I had in mind, but I'm glad it's where my life has taken me."

"Falling in love for real wasn't actually something I thought was going to happen to me. Here you are, the one that changed it all." He peeked over at her. "What does love feel like to you, Samantha?"

"Mmm. What does love feel like to me?" She rolled onto her side and leaned up on her elbow so she was right next to him. "It feels scary and thrilling and comfortable all rolled into one. It's the way that you make my heart race with little things that you do, but the way you make my heart feel the most content it's ever been when you hold me. How sometimes I can't get a smile off of my face when I think about you or I talk to other people about you." She reached up with her other hand to touch his face. "Or how I want to be there with you for everything. To hold you when you're upset and celebrate with you when you're happy. It's just this overwhelming feeling of wanting it all with you."

JC gazed back at her with love in his eyes, a cute soft smile played at his lips the entire time she was speaking. When her hand came up to touch his face, he barely blinked, but nodded a slight bit as if he agreed he was feeling the same way. He let a few moments pass after she finished talking, really wanting to take the time to process everything." "So it's not just me then. I'm not actually losing my mind. The way my heart starts racing sometimes when I get around you, that's never happened to me before. When I'm not around you I feel myself missing you like I haven't missed anyone before. I miss your company, I miss your friendship, I miss your witty comebacks. Mostly, I realize how happy I genuinely am because I am with you. I never realized it, but you were the missing piece of me."

She smiled softly, shaking her head real cute in response. "Nono. You're not losing your mind baby, just your heart." She reached over to take his hand and gave it a light little squeeze. "You're my missing piece too. I was always Miss Independent who said she never needed a man to make her happy. But you do. I need you."

He smiled and snuggled his way down into more covers, getting all closer to her so they could feel each other's body heat. "Hey Samantha?" He was all in her intimate space.

"Mmmm. Hey Josh?" she smiled. She loved being this close to him. He was warm and solid and everything about it was amazing.

"I promise that I'm never going anywhere. I'm yours now, and that's the end of that." He slowly brought his face to hers. "I need you probably more than you need me."

"I'm not going anywhere either baby," she smiled, "I'm yours for the long run okay?" She let her lips brush against his cheek. 

He moved his face just enough to brush his lips against hers, and it wasn't even much of a kiss, more of a presence. His hand rested upon her hip and just enough under the hoodie, but not the shirt yet. He was breathing and enjoying the feeling of what they had going on right now. 

She whispered on his light kisses, "I'd love to invite your family to come and see us. I can't wait to meet them for longer than 15 minutes," She snuggled in a little more, sliding her hand under his shirt. It rested on his stomach, not rubbing or copping a feel, just resting for comfort. 

He nodded in agreement and kissed once more. "Maybe we could invite both parents for a weekend out. Everyone should meet. How do you feel about that baby?" He was making lazy circles with his fingers, getting her t-shirt tangled within them. 

"I'd like that baby. I think it would be good for everyone to meet. See the house. Be with us together. We can make it happy." She brought her head to rest in the crook of his arm. 

"Mmm, I'll think about a good time to ask my parents to come out," he kissed her head again, "By the way, is there anything you actually want for your birthday honey?"

"Welll, I didn't get a studio built for me by my girlfriend," she giggled. "Honestly? I don't want anything. I've never been happier before in my life and it's all thanks to you."

He let out a low laugh. "Pffft. Right. Because I'm totally going to go on with your birthday in a week and do nothing. I just wanted to know if there was anything in particular you had been thinking of."

She laughed softly. "I know you're not just going to let it go by. I know you baby." She looked up at him with a soft smile.

He grinned all cute and proudly. "Just know I'm going to take care of you the whole day..." he kissed on her nose and then her lips. 

"Don't doubt for one moment that you will. Just like two days after that I'll be taking care of you from the moment you wake up." She kinda studied his face and it made her smile. 

"Mmm, we'll cross that bridge when we get there," he grinned, smiling and kissing along her cheek, and along her jaw. 

"Why did I feel like you'd say that," she giggled, smiling at his kisses.

JC closed his eyes, taking a deep breath in. Never in his wildest dreams had he imagined he'd be laying on his patio with a woman, with the same woman he had kept around for nine months, and enjoying it as much as he did. As he sucked in a good breath, he knew that her birthday needed to be one that she would never forget.