Photo courtesy Abingdon Press

You know how when you see a happy couple walking hand-in-hand, murmuring sweet nothings, you want to look away, but just can’t, because that’s the dream? Believe it or not, talking on the phone with two people who are madly in love elicits the same feeling. There are flirty laughs and kissing noises and it’s just the sweetest thing – especially when that couple is former Ohio State superstar Eddie George and his wife, platinum recording artist Tamara. On the phone from their home base in Nashville, the Georges spoke of their new book and, in honor of Valentine’s Day, recalled their favorite romantic moments.

The public tends to think that beautiful people live life in the smooth lane, their cruise control powered by fame, money and outright gorgeousness. Tamara (Taj) and Eddie George, however, are quick to refute such fantasies. “We are an average couple with the normal issues,” said Taj. “There were times we wanted to give up, adverse times,” added George. “That’s where the true work comes in . . . we are constantly growing together.” The couple’s success inspired them to write Married for Real, a book that “breaks the mold of all relationship books,” according to Taj.

The two believe in the Power of One. “That’s when two people are putting aside all outside issues and creating a union that is so fused that you can’t recognize them outside of each other,” explained Taj. Married for Real outlines six lessons to merge two ‘me’s into one unbreakable ‘we.’ Through personal stories of trials and triumphs, the book is remarkably honest. “We have a great story,” said Taj. “If we can help people, that is just icing on the cake.”

One of the great romantic moments in the couple’s narrative is when George popped the question. At the time, Taj was unsure of where the relationship was going. “I was thinking that he wasn’t serious,” she recalled. “Then he surprised me on the Brooklyn Bridge . . . I had no clue. He gave me a puppy and a ring, and had flown in my best friend and my family. I thought he was walking away from me, but he was walking to me.” For George, one of the most romantic things about his wife is the way she listens to him. “A long time ago, I told her that I always wanted to be a club DJ, but when I was young, my mom couldn’t afford the equipment,” he said. “On my 27th birthday, she surprised me with two turntables, an amp, and 27 records for my first set . . . I still got ’em.”

“Every day is a romantic day with her,” he added.

“That’s my baby,” swooned Taj.

And that’s when the kissing sounds commenced.

When in Columbus, Taj noted that Ohio Stadium is her romantic date of choice. Not having attended a big school, the hugeness of the Shoe is exhilarating. “I love, love, love going to those games,” she said. “Running onto the field . . . it makes me feel like I’m still in college.”

After 13 years together, the Georges still have game.

Catch a glimpse of such bliss when the two visit the Gateway Barnes & Noble on February 21st to sign copies of Married for Real at 7 p.m.