I want Channing Tatum to stop being in stuff

A wave of goosebumps ran down her back when she felt his hand on her face, and for a minute she let herself get lost in this moment. The danger of it all was the fact that she wouldn’t be able to stop once she let herself get lost in his kiss, so she pulled back just to take a breath. “You’re incredible,” she uttered before going in for another kiss. Maybe she shouldn’t have opened up for another distraction, even if it felt amazing. “We’re definitely gonna do more of that later,” she grinned once she pulled away. “So, we agree on the route, right?” She pointed to every stop they had discussed just now on the map, tracing the route with her finger. “And check if there’s a good campground close to the route in Big Sur?”

“So are you“ he smiled. Her kisses... they tended to be very distracting. They were fantastic. The road trip planning was long forgotten as all Mike could think about was how good her lips felt when they moved against his own. Mike didn’t want to stop but the promise to pick up where they left off was enough for him to behave. He pouted playfully. “We agree on the route” he confirmed “and yes, definitely the camp group” he added before taking her hand and kissing her palm. He couldn’t help the smoldering look even if he willed himself to focus on what they were supposed to be doing. “Where to next?”

“Well, if we’re roasting marshmallows, we have to make s’mores,” Marley grinned from one ear to another, already falling in love with the image of them being with each other in the quiet nature, just enjoying each other’s company with no distractions. Something in her stomach did somersaults, the sensation putting yet another smile to her already glowing face. Her eyes met his, an immediate tingle rushing through her spine and body when she saw the way he looked at her. She didn’t know how he could make her feel so seen and adored with just a look, but somehow he had that ability. “That has sort of been all I’ve been thinking about,” she said, her voice so soft it was just about a whisper. She bit her lip slightly, feeling her body gravitate closer to his as she let herself lean in for a kiss.

He smiled. Seeing her so happy and excited filled him with joy and at moment, it was clear. He loved making her happy. It was something he wanted to talk about once on the road but it was happening naturally, which would make it easier for him to mention. There would be no wondering if it was the right time or if they were both ready for this but after all, he’d never know if he didn’t bring it up. Mike brought one hand up and ran his fingers down her cheek. It felt electric and stirred something inside him. “Me too” he mumbled, leaning in to deepen the kiss.

Oh I’m sure it would! Embarrassing stories and all!

Of course, otherwise it wouldn’t be fun.

I think that’s a wonderful ideas. Do you think she would be up for it, or is she camera shy? I say go for it– I imagine others would love to participate! I’m glad they did too. Sometimes things happen for reasons that can’t really be explained.

She’ll probably argue that she’s a bit too rusty for that but it shouldn’t be hard to convince her. I’m confident. You’re right. It’s just the way it is.

“Hmm,” Marley muttered as she sunk her shoulders dramatically. Her face brightened up a bit once she felt Mike’s lips on her cheek. “Let’s think about that later. If not, there’s always another time.” She looked up at him with a reassuring smile before temporarily laying her head on his shoulder. “It’s been so long since I’ve done anything close to camping, so I don’t even remember if I actually like it or not,” she laughed. “But I’m up for it. We could drink some hot cocoa and hope for a starry night.”

“Okay” he smiled, completely smitten and willing to agree to anything she asked. Besides, she was right. They could still decide another time. “That would be great, we could even roast some marshmallows”. He could already imagine it. Being out there enjoying the beautiful landscape and sky, being carefree and being with the woman who who put a spring in his step. What more could a guy want? “And did I mention snuggling in the tent?” he teased, his gaze searching for hers.

Any ideas so far? What about teaching a class together? Oh it absolutely is, yes. Maybe it’s just hard for people to understand until they see a point of view that’s not biased. 

That’s what I was thinking. We could come up with something and do a video so people can learn the routine and post their own video in return. We could call it the dancing mom challenge or something haha. I guess you’re right. I’m just glad things turned out well.

I could see it! Sitting around drinking coffee or tea and gossiping. She is! Back when my dad was around she didn’t have as much time to read for pleasure, but now she does quite often.

But I have a feeling that the conversation would inevitably focus on us and our childhood at some point.

Well, perhaps you still could, maybe? I’m really glad for that. It’s nice to have that kind of support system; sometimes I think they just need to hear it from other people.

Maybe. I just need to come up with the perfect idea for us or maybe it doesn’t have to be something complicated like a video. You’re right but it’s kind of sad, don’t you think? That it has to come from other people.

I think so. I would absolutely never force her to, but if she mentions the idea again, I won’t knock it. Right? Our moms could be besties! Lol.

That would be amazing. Imagine them starting some kind of club, like I don’t know... is your mom into books?

Even if they hadn’t talked about being exclusive yet, it seemed like they both were on the same page, and he didn’t even wince a little when she said romantic things about him or to him. Marley had the habit of falling hard and quick when she first met someone she truly connected with, and while it had gone well once or twice before, it didn’t always go her way.  Though, it was the price to pay for wearing your heart on your sleeve. Mike was, however, more calm and thoughtful than most guys she had met before, which was a big factor in making her feel more comfortable and less scared than she usually would be in this stage of dating. 

Marley sat down on the couch, patting the spot next to her for him to sit down. “San Diego sounds like a good start,” she agreed as she began to jot down the destinations on Google Maps. “They have SeaWorld too, right? We could consider that as well, even though I’m conflicted about the way they treat the animals there.” She pouted her lower lip as she briefly disappeared into her thoughts about the topic, but just as quickly snapped out of it. “So maybe we could spend a day there and continue to Santa Barbara? I really want to see Big Sur too, but I think we could make that a short stop on our way north.”

“Anything you want” he smiled. Between the different attractions and rides, there would be enough for them to do and spend an entire day at SeaWorld. There was however the issue she just brought up and as Mike observed her, he knew it wasn’t something he couldn’t ignore. Marley was so kind and thoughtful. She was a woman of conviction and he liked that about her too. Not to mention she was being very cute right now and he really wanted to kiss her.

He leaned over to press a sweet kiss to her cheek. “Are you sure about SeaWorld? We don’t have to go if you’re not cool with the way the treat the animals there”. And he meant it. He remembered reading about the lives of wild animals in captivity and the least he could say was that it made him think. “I think it’s important” he added, reaching over to gently run one hand up and down her thigh “But Santa Barbara and Big Sur sound good. I really want to see it too. We could stop there on our way to San Francisco and even find a campground to spend the night there if you’re into that”.

That’s true, Mike. Spontaneity is underrated, glad you guys are getting the chance. And that’s awesome too, I’m glad to hear it. Really? You mean the road trip back home? Well hey if there’s anything at all I can do to help, just say the word!

That’s another great reason to do it too, yeah! Oh cool, are you? How’s that going with you guys anyway? And sure! I’m definitely down for that.

Marley closed the door behind him, unable to keep the grin off of her face. It was difficult not to smile when she was being graced by Mike’s presence, possibly explaining why her cheeks always hurt after being with him. “So am I. I’ve been dying to go on a romantic road trip with a special someone, so I’m very glad you wanted to do this too,” she said genuinely, letting out a tiny squeal of excitement as she began walking into the living room. 

Besides the occasional trip to Nashville and New York through work and Lima for visiting home, Marley hadn’t really been traveling much just for the sake of exploring. And she definitely wasn’t spending her time traveling being in good company, either. Everything about this road trip seemed wildly exciting, both for her own sake and her new relationship with Mike. On her coffee table, she had her laptop, a guide to California and the veggie snacks ready and lined up, as well as a plate of some leftover chocolate chip cookies she baked the other night when she couldn’t sleep. “Sure, maybe you could check out the guide while I write everything down and do the extended research on the computer? I honestly don’t know how good or updated that guide is - I think I got it at the school library back in freshman year when they were handing out free books to get rid of them.”

“Sounds good” he nodded, playfully waving the map he’d brough. If talking about this trip was exciting, actually working on it made things more... real. There were so many possibilities and Mike anted to make the most of this opportunit, make memories with Marley and just enjoy. When was the last time he’d taken a real break? He couldn’t even remember but as he sat down on the couch and opens the map in front of them, he could already tell it would be a memorable one.

“So” he started as he grabbed the guide a began leafing through it. He didn’t have everything in mind but Napa and San Francisco were on top of his list. “What should our first stop be? San Diego? The guide says it’s been called the craft beer capital of America” he offered, a smile playing on his lips “but there’s also Balboa Park. We could do that and then head north before following the coast when we go home Unless you want to head north first?”

You never know, you could have though. Oh yeah? I think so too, much easier to travel in a pack, plus that way it’s a lot harder to get bored too. Not that I’ve heard either, but I can be open to whenever people want to go. You too, huh? Man it’ll be a little weird, but I’m looking forward to it.

Oh really? Well then, I don’t want to interrupt that, of course.

For sure it has. She’s dated around in Lima, but not with much luck. Might be time to look elsewhere. I hope so too. And if they did, at least they’d know each other here too, right?

Theres just no set date yet so we’ll see.

Well I’m really glad she’s understood it all, even though it’s sad she didn’t have that same chance. At least she gets to see you do what you’re passionate about. And your dad has changed his tune now, hasn’t he?

I know, right? I wish she’d had that chance too. We could’ve even worked on something together. And yeah, he did. I had already given up to be honest but I have to say tings got better thanks to Tina and my mom.