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

Chapter Seven.

Jax could hear Abel beginning to fuss across the hall and he huffed, jumping out of bed and pulling a shirt over his head. He hadn't slept at all last night, his mind was too convoluted and he couldn't turn it off. Taylor had poured her heart out to him, divulged her struggles, her heartbreak. It was so raw and real, more so than anything he had experienced with any other woman. Before she left she had expressed to him that the last thing she wanted was his pity. He couldn't help but pity her a little, every human would after hearing all she had been through, but pity wasn't the feeling he was experiencing the most. In fact, it was something entirely different.

"Hi buddy!" Abel was standing at the side of his crib and he smiled when he saw Jax, reaching out his arms and beckoning him to pick him up. Jax did just that and cuddled him tightly to his chest. Hearing Taylor's story was suddenly making him feel so thankful for everything he had; his son, his brothers, his life.

Jax heard a soft knock at the front door, followed by creaking as it opened. He took a step out into the hall to greet the visitor, hoping it was who he thought it was.

Abel spotted Taylor and squealed excitedly, clapping his hands which made Jax and Taylor chuckle. She hustled over to where Jax was standing, and kissed Abel's cheek as he was still wrapped in his fathers arms. She then turned her attention to Jax, and gave him a soft, sideways smile.

"Sorry to just drop in. I tried calling. I didn't know if you needed me today." She paused. "You should really lock your front door, you know."

"Yes ma'am," he replied. "I actually thought I'd spend the day just me and my little dude. Sorry to make you drive all the way over here."

"It's okay, I was out anyway. You two have fun. See you later, bubs!" She said, running her thumb across Abel's cheek. She flashed Jax a wide grin and turned towards the door.

"Hey, Tay?" She stopped and turned back around to face him. "There's a big get together at the clubhouse tonight. Food, drinks. Everyone will be there. You wanna come with me?"

"Jackson are you trying to ask me on a date?" She chuckled and Jax tried to hide the fact he was blushing.

"You wish, darlin'," he replied. "It'll be a good time. Opie and Lyla will be there. I'll pick you up at seven?"

Lyla was quiet a moment, pondering his offer. This would be the first time she would meet anyone from the club, besides Opie. She was quite surprised Jax had even invited her. It was probably a pity invite, which was the last thing she wanted. She wanted to say no. But instead she found herself nodding her head. "Ok. See you then."

&&

Taylor shrugged into her jean jacket, using her flat iron to smooth some wrinkles at the bottom of the white T-shirt she wore underneath. She stepped into her boots just as there was a knock at the door, and she hollered for Jax to let himself in. Her stomach was doing flips, had been all day. There was so much uncertainty. Jax and her had been getting closer, she had shared her story with him, and he had been so kind. Now he was inviting her to a get together with his friends and family, they would be spending time together that didn't involve Abel, and she wasn't sure what to think. Surely it was just friendly, they were kind of friends now. Was it turning into more? Did she even want it to? Never did she ever think she would be having any feelings for Jax Teller other than sheer indifference. Even if she did, the feelings surely wouldn't be reciprocated. She didn't fit in with his world, with the secrets and the violence and the flocks of women.

"You about ready, darlin'?" Taylor nodded her head as she approached him. "You look great."

Taylor thanked him under her breath and followed Jax out to his bike. He placed his helmet on her head, snapping the buckle under her chin, and motioned for her to sit behind him. She sat down on the leather seat, pulling her legs up onto the bike, her arms encircling Jax's waist. He patted her hands where they met on his belly before taking off into the night. The wind was intense, and Taylor pressed her body against his, using him to shield her from the cold. Jax was cold, too, but the feeling of her body up against his practically set his skin on fire.