The weekend finally came and with the back and forth bantering between Jax and Aubrey, these days off were desperately need. She was driving him insane. Teller this. Teller that. He was starting to hate his own last name. Not a minute would go buy without her having something to say. He was just grateful Andy would be there to lighten the tension. Who did she think she was to be talking to him like that? Even his mother knew better than to use that tone with him. It took everything in him day in and day out not to lose his shit. She was so different out of work he wished he’d seen that side of her more often but at this point her voice just made him want to kill her.
Enough about her. He had a busy day ahead of him. A couple of days ago he’d purchased a Dodge Ram that was ready to be picked up today then he had a meeting with a real estate agent Norma had recommended to look for a house. Taking one more swig of his drink, he placed the bottle on the nightstand and got up to get dressed. Throwing on a clean pair of jeans with a white t shirt, he pulled on a red flannel shirt, leaving it unbuttoned before slicking his hair back and heading outside. Jerry was supposed to drive him to the dealership. He couldn’t bring himself to sell JT’s bike so he needed the ride.
“Bout time you showed your face boy. Been waitin’ damn near an hour.”
“My fault, Jerry. You ready?”
The older man grunted as the two walked out into his truck. Jax hopped into the passenger’s seat, rolling down the window to take in the warm summer wind. Leaning back in the seat, he watched Jerry’s intense focus on the road. He could tell the old man was having trouble driving but he prided himself on his ability. Independence was important to Jerry and Jax could respect that.
“Norma got you meetin’ with Sam later?”
“Yeah, I need to start lookin’ for a place. Don’t get me wrong – It’s been great having breakfast and dinner every morning..”
Jerry let out a raspy laugh as he turned his aged eyes to look over the younger man.
“Miss havin’ a mama takin’ care’a you huh?”
“Somethin’ like that.”
Jax’s eyes went dark as he looked out the window, the image of blood splattered roses and his mother’s body on the ground came to mind again. The same image that haunted his dreams at night. He closed his eyes tightly trying his hardest to erase all thoughts but it was useless.
“You alright son?”
“Yeah..just a little car sick.”
“Well hang on, we’re almost there.”
The rest of the car ride went by relatively silent aside from Jerry’s off tune humming to the radio. They pulled into the lot where Jax was dropped off to go sign the rest of the paperwork necessary before they handed him the keys to the truck. Taking a look around it to make sure everything was cleaned and proper, he shook the guys hand before hopping in and driving off the lot.
Main street was busier than usual with it being a Saturday. People were walking up and down the street, sitting outside at restaurants, at the farmer’s markets. It was nice seeing a town like this. He parked the truck in an available spot and got out walking into Minnie’s Cafe where Sam the relator was supposed to meet with him. He looked around to find a small redheaded woman waving at him and made his way to the table..
“You must be Jax.”
She grinned, standing to shake his hand before motioning for them to sit. Jax took in her tan pantsuit with a red blouse underneath that almost matched her hair. The freckles on her cheeks noticeable against her tan skin. She was in her mid-forties. Her age only shown by the creases in her laugh lines and her eyes but other than that she looked wholesome like the rest of the women in Maple Hill. Jax’s lips curved into a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes as he shook the woman’s hand before taking a seat.
“I’m Samantha Garner. Norma told me a little about what you were looking for. Single family – bedroom, kitchen and bath?”
“Sounds about right.”
“Seems simple enough. I pulled up a few we can check out today if you have the time?”
“Works out for me”
He nodded as they both stood up walking out to their cars. As she took off, Jax followed her closely taking in the scenery. The cookie cutter houses, the lake, the trees still in full bloom for late in August. His eyes caught a father playing with his two boys in a large front yard and sadness came over him as his mind wandered to Abel and Thomas. This was the life they should have living had. The life they’re hopefully experiencing with Wendy and Nero. Who would’ve thought Wendy would’ve been the better parent out of the two of them. She’d came around so well and he was thankful she stepped up after Tara’s murder.
Tara – this was the life Tara always wanted. The life she deserved. The one she’d fought so hard for, but he was too stupid to see. Didn’t want to lose his club – his family. He was so stupid. Now look where he was. The perfect little town for kids, families. If only he’d gotten his shit together all those times he’d promised her he would’ve but no. It was one thing after another with the club, his mother, the guns, the drugs. There was always something that “needed” him there.
The two cars pulled to a stop in front of a white house. The roof was black with black shutters and a red door. Seemed nice enough on the outside with a large back yard and well kept lawn. He followed Sam inside to see the rest of it. It had dark hardwood floors, tan furniture, dark wood tables. Much nicer than his old house. The bedroom was a good size as it was the only one along with the white tiled bathroom. This was the one. Quiet, big enough for him, and right by his job as well as town square.
“This is the one.”
Sam stopped her explanation of the back yard and turned to look at him. His tone was decisive but the house was so small. Surely a man in his peak would want a wife, maybe kids. With a quizzical look she pressed a smile on her face.
“Wouldn’t you want room for a family one day? This seems a bit small, honey. I have two others I could show you.”
“No this is it.” His tone leaving no room for argument.
“Well alright, I’ll give the owners a call and put in your offer.”
Jax shook her hand before walking out the front door towards his car. Stopping in front of the home once more to take in the home. He felt the guilt deep in his stomach. Guilt that he wasn’t able to do this with his family. Starting a new one wasn’t in the future for him. He could never have what he had with Tara. He could never replace his boys. He needed a fucking drink.
“Hit me again.”
Jax hung his head, staring down at the empty glass while he sat at the only bar in town. With it being Saturday night, the place was busy. Not as busy as the clubhouse used to be, hell this was a lot more tame, but none of this mattered to him. He just couldn’t bring himself to go back to the Inn yet. Being in a room by himself would only further immerse him in his thoughts. At least here, he’d have the distraction of shity country music, people drunk off their asses, and whiskey. So as the bartender poured him another drink, he took the first sip and stared at his distorted reflection in the glass, seeing all the wear and tear on his face.
This was all so strange to him. So hard to adjust. He’d never been alone this long. Never truly alone. He’d always had his brothers with him – whether in person or in spirit. But not this time. His club probably thought he was dead. His mother was. His wife was. His kids were somewhere far far away from any harm that he and the club had put them through, with his ex wife. And Jax had nothing. He had lost his soul. Lost his way. What kind of a man kills his own mother? What kind of grandmother kills their grandkids mother? What kind of stepfather sabotaged his best friends bike? What kind of life was he raised in?
He took a larger sip, feeling his pain dwindle in the slightest. It was too late to question any of that. He was 34 years old and had burned every bridge he’d ever crossed. Now he was just here to pass the time until his death. He had nothing to live for. No family, no life – he had become a mere shadow of the man he’d once thought he was.
“Hey Austin! Let me get a bourbon on the rocks!”
He heard a familiar voice yell out next to him. Turning his head, he caught sight of those perky blonde curls he’d grown to love just as much as loath. Aubrey. Goddamn he just couldn’t escape this girl, but looking at her now – he wasn’t sure he wanted to.
“Jackson?”
“Hey, darlin’.”
The way she said his full name. Fuck. He raised his glass to her before taking another pull as his eyes wandered down to her outfit. Damn she looked good in her light denim top tied under her chest showing off her amazing waist with the slightest hint of abs that lead down to those low cut dark denim shorts with a large dark brown belt. Her long legs glowing in the lighting of the bar of as they lead to her dark brown heeled ankle boots. She’d let her hair down. How had he failed to notice how long it was? Hanging down to the curve of her back. He licked his lips, putting his glass down again as she took a sip from hers.
“What’re you doin’ here? You here by yourself?”
She asked as she took a seat on the stool. He watched as she adjusted her top causing her chest to jiggle just enough that he could see the glimmer of sweat from her dancing in the crowded dance floor.
“Yeah, needed a drink after the day I had. You?”
“Out with some friends. You should join us!”
“Nah. You go on. I’m heading out in a bit.”
“Guess I’ll see you at work Jax. Do not be late!”
She pointed her finger in his face playfully before placing her small hand on his arm for balance as she hopped off the barstool, grabbing her drink. Her fingertips on his skin gave him goosebumps. Like she’d lit a fire inside him. He watched as she went off, seeing her ass shaking as she walked and found himself wanting to feel her again. Even just for a moment. Shit he shouldn’t be thinking about this. Not her. Not anyone. What was it about her that she could so easily get under his skin whether it was good or bad?
Several empty glasses later, Jax found himself laying his head in his arms on top of the counter, letting all his memories play out in his head. He felt a hand on his shoulder then through his hair, the gentle touch of fingertips running slowly through the strands. He looked up to see Aubrey standing next to him again and though she was blurry to him, her beautiful blue eyes were crystal clear.
“You okay? I’ve said your name like 6 times.”
“I’m good darlin’.”
He shook his head only to make the room spin faster. He felt her small arms slide under him as he stumbled in his seat. She laughed as she helped him straighten out.
“Jesus boy, you can not handle your liquor can you? Come on let’s get you home.”
She grabbed his arm helping him stand up off the stool. It took both hands to wrap around his bicep as she helped him stabilize. She’d be lying if she said she’d never noticed how good looking he was. The way his muscles protruded under his t-shirts, the way the sweat gleamed off his body in the shop, even when he was dirty and oil covered from working under cars all day. He was extremely attractive. His looks couldn’t be compared to anyone else’s – especially in this town.
As he stumbled off the stool, she threw his arm over her shoulder carrying a majority of his weight as they walked outside. Jax leaned his head over hers. The smell of shampoo, perfume, and sweat was intoxicating but he couldn’t keep his eyes open for long without losing all balance. When they walked to her car, Aubrey helped him into the passengers side before buckling him in and getting in on her side.
“Jax? Jax, honey, where do you live?”
She patted his cheek gently but there was no use, he was one big lump passed out in her car. “Shit” she muttered as she started the car heading towards her own home. While driving, she would see him flinch or hear him whimper, but only for a moment before he went quiet again. She placed a hand over his, stroking it gently with her thumb for comfort as she pulled into the driveway.
Aubrey helped the heavy man out of her car, carrying his dead weight on her as she got him up the front steps and into the house before letting him drop down into the couch. She watched as his body instantly moved around to get comfortable then walked over to the spare bedroom grabbing a blanket to throw over him. While tucking him in, his hand reached out and grabbed hers. It was a solid grip, one she couldn’t pull away from and at first it scared her but when she saw tears falling from his tightly shut eyes she sat down on the edge of the couch rubbing his forearm with her free hand.
“I’m sorry.” he cried. “I’m so so sorry.”
She cocked an eyebrow placing a hand on his cheek as she soothingly shushed him. What was he sorry about? Being drunk? No. Jax didn’t seem like a man who would shed a tear lightly. This man laying on her couch was one she’d never seen before. He was hurt. Broken. She felt the sorrow radiating off of him and couldn’t bring herself to walk away until he had stopped. Every time she looked in his eyes she could see the darkness within. It reminded her of her father when her mom had abandoned them. This man was shattered inside.
The light shining into his eyes, woke Jax up. He fluttered his eyes as he tried adjusting to the light while he sat up but the pounding in his head told him that wasn’t a great idea. Laying back down he placed his palms against his eyes, rubbing the sleep from them before he looked over onto a coffee table where a glass of water and two pills laid. Trying his best to sit up again, he leaned himself up on his elbow to grab the pills and down them with the glass of water.
Where the fuck was he? Finally managing to sit up he took a look around the room he was in. White sofas, a large wood finished coffee table, hardwood floors, a fireplace with a tv hung over the mantle. Did he go home with someone last night? No, he wouldn’t have woken up on the couch. He stood up, looking across the room the the large white kitchen, before he spotted a hallway and made his way down.
Opening each door, he saw that they were vacant. What kind of person would leave a stranger in their home alone? He opened the last door and froze in his tracks as he saw a figure taking a shower through the clear shower curtain. Focusing his eyes he saw Aubrey rinsing off her long wet hair. He could see the water flowing down the curves of her naked body. The clear image of her round perky breast as drops of water dripped off her hardened nipples, wasn’t one he could ever forget. He watched as her back arched into her perfect round ass and he bit his lip, feeling his pants tightening as his dick hardened.
“JAX!”
He heard her shriek before realizing that none of this was a dream. Aubrey was naked in front of him and he was just staring at her. Not that he regretted it – she looked fucking sexy – but shit.
“JAX, WHAT’RE YOU DOING?! GET OUT!”
She yelled again and he quickly stepped out shutting the door behind him. Oops. He leaned back against the door, leaning his head back against it. He was in Aubrey’s house. She’d been the one to take care of him last night. “Jesus Christ” He muttered, praying that he hadn’t done anything embarrassing. That was the reason he didn’t go to bars anymore.
Making his way back to the living room, he folded the blanket that had been thrown over him and sat back down on the couch resting his head on his hands as he leaned forward onto his knees. He hoped she wouldn’t think less of him, hell he didn’t think any less of her – quite the opposite actually. As he closed his eyes all he could see was her gorgeous figure all wet in the shower. How badly he wished he could’ve hopped in there with her, lifted her up against the wall, wrapped her legs around his waist, and had her screaming his name some more.
Shit, this was Aubrey – his boss. The woman he couldn’t go a day without wanting to strangle, why the fuck did she have to look like that?