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

Chapter Twenty-Two

An aroma of coffee and maple syrup filled the air, the sun beginning to peak above the horizon, casting shadows about the home. Taylor snuggled deeper into the down comforter, not yet ready to leave her warm cocoon and start a new day. Abel lay next to her, in the spot Jax had once occupied, holding a bottle between his tiny hands, soft coos flowing around the nipple as he enjoyed his breakfast. Taylor couldn't look away from him, this little miracle baby, who had defied the odds and was growing like a weed. He was so beautiful; he had Jax's eyes and pouty lips, and she could only hope that she would be around to continue to watch him grow.

A tapping drew her eyes away from Abel, and she peered at Jax over the heap of blankets she was encased in. He leaned against the doorframe, his arms crossed over his bare chest, his gray sweatpants hung low on his hips leaving very little to the imagination, and she blushed remembering the night they shared together just mere hours before.

"Breakfast's ready," he said through a grin. "Unless you want me to just come back to bed and pick up where we left off." He winked and her body tingled. Her stomach growled, apparently answering for her, and they both chuckled as she tossed the covers back and jumped to the floor, bringing Abel with her. She was drowning in Jax's t-shirt; he had never seen anyone more beautiful.

She placed Abel in his high chair and he wasted no time diving into the pancakes that Jax had cut up for him, trying to shove fistfuls into his mouth. Taylor didn't waste any time either, but she was a little more graceful than the baby, though she couldn't blame him; the food was delicious. Jax sat across from her as they ate, they smiled at each other in between bites but enjoyed the silence. It was a comfortable one, neither one of them felt pressured to fill it. Exactly what both of them had always wanted.

After they had their fill of pancakes and bacon Jax began cleaning the kitchen while Taylor took to watching him; again. She couldn't help it. She was drawn to him, not only in a physical way, but mentally as well. His presence was mighty, at first a tad bit overwhelming, and he commanded every room he was in. His biceps flexed as he scrubbed the dishes, and Taylor, convinced drool was forming at the corner of her mouth, forced herself to look away before there was no turning back. She scrolled through her phone, checking her email, and cursed under her breath at the first one in her inbox. How could she have forgotten?

"Hey boss?" She hollered at Jax. He chuckled and turned to face her.

"Mmm. Boss, huh? I like that. But I think 'Master' or 'Sir' would suit me better." His lips curled over his teeth and she choked on her juice.

"Good God, Jax," she said with a laugh. "That's not- I'm trying to talk to you as my boss. You know, since you pay me to watch your son." He arched an eyebrow. "I need a few days off. Next week. I know it's short notice and I'm sorry, I totally forgot."

Jax placed his hands on the table and leaned forward so his face was mere inches from hers. "Guess I'm gonna have to spank you then."

"Jackson!" She squealed as Abel laughed. He laughed too, a hearty laugh, and she shook her head as she smiled.

"It's fine, darlin. Whatever you need. Everything okay?"

She looked up at him from underneath her bangs. "I have to go to Sacramento for a few days. I have a three month follow up with my oncologist, make sure there's no new cancer." She swallowed hard just at the thought. She'd been in remission for almost nine months. She could only pray that wouldn't change.

Jax squatted in front of her, his strong hands resting on her thighs and squeezing gently, his eyes transformed from playful to sad in mere seconds.

"Let me come with you." He kept his words steady, trying not to allow the anguish overtaking him to be known to her. "You shouldn't have to go alone."

"Jax, I- what about Abel? The club? Can you just leave?"

"I can do whatever I want. I'll take Abel to my moms. And the club can survive without me for a few days. This is more important." He brushed her cheek and she nuzzled into his warm, calloused hand.

"Thank you," was all she was able to get out. She couldn't remember the last time she hadn't had to go to her appointments alone. This had to be what true love is, what everyone spends their lives searching for, this feeling of support and sacrifice and closeness.

****

"Gemma here?" Jax asked Kozie as he walked through the lot. He nodded and motioned toward the office and Jax stomped off that way, bound and determined to set Gemma straight and get her off Taylor's back.

"My baby!" Gemma cooed as he strolled into her office. She stood from her desk and extended her arms, beckoning Jax in. He gave her a stiff hug, his eyes roaming over the mountains of papers that littered her desk.

"I need you to watch Abel for a few days next week so I can leave town." He pulled back from her and she resumed her place in the black swivel chair.

"Clay didn't say anything about you guys leaving town next week," she murmured.

"It's not club business, it's personal."

"Well what about your little 'babysitter' you hired? She flaking out already?"

Jax sneered. "She's not available. Can you watch him or not?" Gemma crossed one leg over the other and tapped her long nails on the desk.

"Well of course."

"Good. And while I'm here - back off of Taylor. I mean it, mom. I'm not asking. I'm telling. I don't want to have to make you."

"Make me, huh?" Gemma arched an eyebrow and pushed her glasses up so they were resting atop her head. "And how are you gonna do that?"

"Maybe it'll accidentally come out that your little weekend visits to check up on grandpa are actually drunken nights at a cheap hotel with Clay's Sergeant-at-Arms."

Gemma's mouth fell open in shock. "Are you blackmailing me, son?" She gawked.

"You know what, mom? I guess I am. I certainly learned from the best." His eyes softened a little as Gemma continued to sneer at him. "I mean it. I'm not going to let you walk all over her for no fucking reason other than because you can or because you feel entitled or whatever you tell yourself. You don't know her; you're not even trying to know her. If you did you'd realize how amazing she is." Gemma scoffed. "You should be grateful for her. She's wonderful with your grandson, and she makes me so incredibly happy. I don't know what more you could want from her."

"Are you with her now or something?"

Jax glanced out the window behind her, the shining sun bouncing off of his bike, some of the Sons and other shop workers mingling in the lot. He cracked a smile.

"Yeah. I am. I- I'm in love with her. So please, do this for me. You don't have to gush over her or anything, but just be respectful."

Jax leaned forward and kissed Gemma on her cheek before turning on his heels and walking back out into the warm afternoon.