It's Hard Not to Hate - An Outlaw Love Story

Chapter Three.

The car came rolling to a stop, the tires skidding across the gravel. Jax looked out the window, watching as Opie hustled toward the red car, opening the car door and pulling Taylor in for a hug. Jax watched her from where he sat, able to remain inconspicuous as he eyed her up and down; he couldn't help it. She was still small, that hadn't changed. She was obviously older. He probably wouldn't have recognized her if he passed her on the street. He watched her dark hair sway across her shoulders, and bit his lip as he noticed the way her shirt clung perfectly to her body. She was pretty, but in a different way than the other women in his life. She was kind of plain. That wasn't necessarily a bad thing, he thought. He shook his head and rose from the chair, trying to push those thoughts from his mind. She wasn't really his type, which was a good thing considering she was here to take care of Abel, not to entertain him.

"Hey," he said gruffly, his hands shoved into his jean pockets.

"Hi, Jax." Her voice was soft, softer than he had expected, and it sent chills across his skin.

"Thanks for coming," Jax said and Taylor nodded. "You wanna go meet Abel?"

&&

"He likes you already," Jax said, smiling at his son who was cradled in Taylor's arms. She was smiling too, her eyes glossed over with what Jax could only describe as wonder. It's made him feel something, something different. He wasn't sure what it was. Taylor felt it too, but shook it off, just as Jax had done earlier. It had to be a fluke.

"The feeling is definitely mutual."

Taylor passed Abel back to his dad, rocking back and forth on the balls of her feet. This had been awkward, it was pretty clear Jax felt the same
They had nothing in common, nothing to talk about, not really even anything they could reminisce on. Jax started toward the living room and Taylor followed, each step filled with more uncertainty than the last. Jax placed the baby in the playpen and then turned to face her, his lips pursed as if ready to speak.

"I really appreciate this, Taylor."

"Sure."

"There's just - the club."

"You don't have to say anymore," Taylor said, interrupting him. "It's not my business. My lips are sealed." Jax gave her a thankful nod and looked between her and Abel.

"I guess I'll see you tomorrow then. I'll get formula and diapers, and I'll get the guest room ready for you."

"Wow," Taylor exclaimed, earning a confused look from Jax. "That'll probably make me the only girl in Charming who's never been in your bed." Taylor's eyes widened, shocked she had said such a thing, but a smile spread across her lips when she heard Jax laugh, his hand coming up over his chest as if he'd been struck.

"Damn! That was rough." They laughed together, and both Taylor and Jax could feel some of the tension easing between them.

"I'll see you tomorrow," Taylor said, making her way towards the door.

"Hey darlin'," she turned to face Jax, the grin stretched across his face was devious. "That thing you said? If you ever wanna change that, you know where to find me."

Jax was kidding, and Taylor knew that, she was not at all interested in becoming another name on his long list of fucks, but as she made her way out to her car her cheeks turned a deep shade of red, her body flooding with warmth from head to toe.