"Really Daddy…Charming? That's where you want me today?
Baffled, I sat in my father's obnoxiously large office during one of our regular Friday morning meetings. It wasn't unusual for him to ask me to oversee projects in Charming because of our connection to SAMCRO, but I just wasn't up for the two-hour drive today. It was nothing against the small, desert town. In fact, I rather enjoyed spending time in Charming. The cozy inn where I always stayed I swore had beds more dream-inducing than my own. The tiny day spa next door always fit me in no matter how late I called for an appointment. And of course he lived there. I had been crushing on Jackson Teller for nearly two years. He was the epitome of two things in a man that never failed to capture my attention, bad and beautiful. No one really knew about my feelings except my best friend, Harrison, and for the time being I intended to keep it that way.
"Yes, baby girl. I need you to get the details worked out so we can move forward on those projects."
"But why does it have to be me? Can't you send Natalie? I whined a little and gave Daddy my most convincing pout. He wasn't moved.
"Yes, I could send her but I'd rather it were you, Henderson. You're most up to speed on what we're doing there and if there's any hesitation on their part I want a friendly face there to smooth things over. You're good at that sweetheart. You can warm even the coldest hearts and open the most closed minds. I need you on this because it's not just a typical business venture. Besides I know you love Elizabeth's place and I've already reserved a spa day for you."
"Fine. I'll go." Playfully snatching the files, I got up to leave. "But you owe me more than a spa day for ruining my weekend." I said over my shoulder as I walked towards the door.
"Whatever you say, baby girl. But your big date with your favorite wing-backed chair and latest novel will be waiting for you when you return."
I frowned as I left Daddy's office because he was right. He and Harrison were constantly on me to get out of the house and get a social life. Truth is, most men I met bored me to tears. As far as I'm concerned Daddy and Harrison are the only men I really needed. Though as I made my way to the parking garage, I had to admit there was one man I really wanted. I always keep a travel bag in my car since I lived outside the city and having to run home to pack every time I had to go out of town was a pain. Plus it was a good excuse to go shopping wherever I ended up going.
I arrived at the TM parking lot just after mid-morning parking my luxury SUV across from the row of bikes I was hoping weren't going to be there. Coming to Charming always brings up so many conflicting feelings. On the one hand, I love being around all the guys, most of them anyway. It's so laid-back and different from the corporate world. I get to let loose and be myself around them. But it's just too much being around Jax. He's always nice to me but I know he's serious with his high school sweetheart. I'm not one to interfere in someone's relationship so I try to keep my distance. I doubt he even knows how I feel even though we both flirt a lot. After a deep breath and a quick glance in the rearview mirror, I step out of my SUV and head for the office to see Gemma. A few of the guys were taking a smoke break outside the garage bays. I smiled and waved as I approached them.
"What's up fellas? Working hard or hardly working?"
"Ah you know how it is, doll, we're always working hard for the money." Tig said as he leaned back on his elbows with his long legs stretched out in front of him.
"Yeah and you know you gotta work a lot harder when it's honest." Bobby added.
"Aww," I said with an exaggerated pout. "Keeping Redwoody and Diosa going must be really hard." The guys laughed and whistled at my innuendo.
"Anyway, fellas," I said holding up the files in my hand, "I've got business with Gemma. Can one of you fine gentleman have a drink ready for me when I'm done?"
"Absolutely darlin'. I'll take care of you. I know what you like."
I turned around to see Jax walking toward me with that grin that melted a million hearts, including mine.
A shy "Hi Jackson" was all I could muster after his suggestive comment. Thankfully, Gemma chose that moment to appear.
"Hey, sweetheart!" she said wrapping me in a warm hug. "Haven't seen you in a while. We have to catch up."
"Yes we do but work first, then gossip." I said handing her the files.
"Oh yeah that." she grumbled. "Anybody else I'd be a lot less nice about all this. Come on, let's get this over with" she said as she grabbed my hand and dragged me toward the office.
"Have fun." Jax said with a wink.
Most people were afraid of Gemma. She is unapologetically outspoken and extremely protective of her family. Especially Jax. No one was right for him and she was very honest about her thoughts on his love life. If you hurt him, no one could save you from her wrath. That was what I loved most about her. I was a lot like her and she adored me for it. Sitting across from each other with papers spread out in front of us, Gemma and I painstakingly went over the details, one by one. SAMCRO had been trying for years to maintain legitimate businesses after their bloody run in guns and drugs. Now that Clay was gone, Jax was president and had been able to set them up in a few businesses that weren't as lucrative but kept them alive and out of jail. My father and SAMCRO have been working together for decades and had established a great partnership. I was truly proud of what they had built.
"So sweetheart, what's new with you? Getting laid yet?"
"Gemma!" I said gasping even though I wasn't really shocked by her bluntness. "Now you know that's none of your business!"
"Mmm hmm" peering at me over her glasses. "So that would be a no."
"Oh my God, Gemma. Why are you like this?" I said laughing. "Can you please stay outta my pussy?"
"Oh honey, it's not me that wants in your pussy."
"What? Gemma what are you talking about?"
"Oh please sweetheart. Don't play dumb with me. I've seen the two of you. I know you want to be with my son. Hell, who doesn't?" True. I certainly couldn't argue with her there.
"Gemma, it's not like that. We're just friends." She just stared at me. She knew I was lying. "Besides he's quite occupied with Tara."
"Hmph, that gash. I forgot you haven't been around in a while. Things have changed baby."
"Changed? What do you mean things have changed?
"She's gone. Left him and went back to Chicago. And good riddance. That stuck up bitch was never right for him anyway."
I just sat there stunned. I didn't really know Tara all that well. It's not like I was eager to be around them and witness how in love they were. But I never would have expected her to leave him.
"When did this happen? I thought for sure they were headed for marriage?"
"Yeah maybe at some point they were but she couldn't handle the life and bailed. I tried to tell her things would settle but I guess she couldn't see it. Around three months ago, she up and left one day while they were out on a run. Didn't even say goodbye."
"Wow. That's crazy. Poor Jackson, he must be heartbroken. And Abel. She was essentially his mother with Wendy out of the picture."
"Yeah no kidding. It's no secret that I wasn't a fan of hers but I put that aside for Jax. I am mad as hell about her breaking his heart…again. Now Abel. I'll never forgive her for leaving him the way she did. That bitch can choke."
"Gemma! Please tell me how you really feel." I said sarcastically. I couldn't believe Tara had just up and left like that. Even I knew they were getting out of guns and drug muling. It was slow and bloody but that's what was happening. It had to be something else that made her run. Just as I was getting lost in my thoughts, Abel burst into the office.
"Gramma, Gramma…look what I got!" Abel shoved the back of his hand with a stamp on it in Gemma's face. "I got it for being good today in school!"
"Oh wow. You are such a good boy! I'm so proud of you. Hey, look who's here" she said pointing to me.
"Henni!" he yelled, jumping out of Gemma's arms and over to me.
"Hey, little man!" I said in between kisses all over his face. "I've got a little present for you." I reached into my bag and pulled out a toy motorcycle set. One of my favorite things was spoiling Abel. He was just so cute and sweet. I always had to stop and buy him something on my way into Charming.
"Wow Henni thank you! It's just like Daddy's. Can I go show him?"
"Of course you can. Gramma and I are all done here so let's go find him."
Pulling me behind him, Abel tore out of the office towards the clubhouse. I don't know how I managed to keep up with him in four-inch heels but I made it without eating the concrete. We entered the clubhouse to see all the guys sitting around drinking and playing pool. Abel pulled me right up to Jax and shoved his new toy right into his chest.
"Look Daddy, look! Henni, got it for me. It's just like yours, Daddy!"
"Yeah little man, it's really cool. Go sit over there and start putting it together. I'll come play with you in a minute, okay?"
Abel jumped up and down."Ok Daddy!" We laughed as Abel ran over to one of the empty tables and started tearing open the box.
"So you ready for that drink?"
I glanced at my watch. It was no where near happy hour but the guys were obviously done working for the day and so was I. "I am Mr. Teller. Serve me up."
For the rest of the afternoon into early evening, I laughed with the guys and played with Abel. It was such a good time that I sorely needed. Thank you for making me come here Daddy, I thought to myself. We were listening to T.O. tell a story about the last run the guys made to Nevada when Gemma slid into the seat next to me and pulled me close to her.
"You know Henni, Tara never did this. But you…you fit right in even though you're bougie."
Wrinkling my nose in confusion, "What are you talking about now Gemma?"
"I'm just saying, you're family sweetheart and your high-class ass belongs right here with us outlaws."
"Okay, I'm sure there's a compliment in there somewhere. I love you guys. Especially you Gemma. I've learned the best place to be is on your good side." I gave her a squeeze and a kiss on the cheek. "And with that I better get going." I stood and stretched. "I haven't check into my room yet. I'm sure Elizabeth is wondering where I am."
"She knows where you are darlin. Word got around that you were in town as soon as you hit San Joaquin County." Jax said.
I'm pretty sure I would never tire of hearing him call me 'darlin'. I knew it was a term of endearment he used with all women but when it was directed at you, it felt like you were the only one.
"You're probably right. I know how news travels in small towns. I better get going anyway, I'm exhausted."
"Yeah spending the day with Gemma will wear anyone out, " he said looking over at his mom.
"Fuck you shithead." she said giving him the finger.
"Aw Gemma, you know I love you." I said rubbing her arm.
"Of course you do sweetheart. How long do we have you anyway?"
"Oh 'til next week sometime. Daddy told me to check out Redwoody since I haven't been here since we moved into the new building. I also haven't been to Diosa since the expansion. Plenty to do here so I don't have to rush back. I don't plan on spending the whole time working though."
"Oh really." she said with a little grin, cutting her eyes over to Jax and back at me. "Then we'll have to find something or someone to entertain you while you're here in our fair town. Can't have you getting bored over at that little inn all by yourself."
"I'm sure, I'll be just fine Gemma." I walked over to the other guys to say goodbye. I hugged and kissed each of them and Abel purposely leaving out Jax. Knowing that he's now available I didn't trust myself to behave. I headed out of the clubhouse toward Gemma's office to grab my bag. As I was leaving, Jax stepped in.
"So I don't get a hug and kiss goodbye?"
"I'm sorry. That was rude. Of course you do." I walked up to him and slid my arms around his neck. He smelled like beer, cigarettes and Jax. I was instantly aroused as I breathed him in. He pulled back from the hug but held on to my hips.
"Let me take you to breakfast in the morning."
Looking into his mesmerizing blue eyes, I hesitated to respond. Do I really want to do this? He just broke up with Tara and his reputation with women is atrocious but it is just breakfast. I'm so tired of eating alone anyway. "Okay. Should I meet you at that diner down the street from Elizabeth's?"
"Nope." He said taking my hand and walking me towards my car. "I have someplace special in mind for you. A new place that just opened. Pick you up at 8:30?"
I noticed that he was still holding my hand as we walked over and stood next to my SUV. "I'll be ready."
He leaned in to kiss me on the cheek. "Bye Henni." He opened my door and I slid as gracefully as I could into the seat. "Bye Jackson. I'll see you in the morning." He closed the door, looked at me for a few seconds, then turned and headed back to the clubhouse. I pushed the ignition and put the car in reverse, glancing in the mirror toward the clubhouse. I could see Jax watching me and smoking a cigarette. This is such a bad idea. That man is nothing but trouble.
A few minutes later I arrived at the inn. I checked in and after chatting with Elizabeth for awhile, I finally made it up to my room. Falling back on the king-sized bed, I stretched out and toed off my heels. When I reached over to grab my phone out of my bag to set the alarm, I noticed I had two text messages and a missed call. I opened up my messages to respond to Harrison's texts.
I know you're in Charming.
I'm not expecting a response because your ass better not be in that bed by yourself!
Laughing I text him back. You're awful. Seconds later my phone rang. "Hello Harrison."
"Why are you not under Mr. Teller right now?"
"Because Harrison, I'm not a ho. At least not today."
"Well you should be. How long has it been anyway. Probably got cobwebs by now!"
Laughing I said "Harrison, you are too much but you ain't wrong! How'd you know I was in Charming anyway? I'm sorry I forgot to call you on my way out."
"I went by your office to see if you wanted to have lunch. Amy told me Amos sent you to Charming. So did you see him? That ugly ass girl was wrapped around him the whole time I bet. You know he wants you though right?"
"Harrison, Tara is not ugly. And no she wasn't wrapped around him. They broke up. She's back in Chicago."
"What! So why the hell are you on the phone with me? Get your ass over to that man's house now!"
"Now you know I'm not doing that. It hasn't been that long since she's been gone. Maybe he needs some time."
"Bitch whatever. That man probably had warm puss in his bed before her plane took off. And ain't none of them croweaters lettin' him be alone."
"Exactly. I don't want to be just another girl in a long line of girls trying to get his attention. Besides he asked me to breakfast so I'll see him first thing in the morning."
"Well why didn't you lead with that! Get off this phone and get your beauty sleep! You don't want to be looking like a zombie in the morning!"
"I know right! I'm going to bed soon. I'm exhausted from the drive and going over documents with Gemma today."
"How is Gemma? Tell her I said hello. I know she's glad that ugly ass girl is gone. She couldn't stand her."
"Harrision, please stop calling her ugly, you're killing me! But yes, Gemma is happy about it."
"I know she is…she wants you with Jackson."
"I guess." I wanted to change the subject so I brought up the missed call. "I got a call from Anthony today."
"Snooze, what did he want?"
I giggled. Harrison was no fan of Anthony. At least not the idea of him with me. "I don't know. He must have called while I was at TM. I'll call him back sometime tomorrow."
"Why bother, he's so boring, Henni. You need to be concentrating on that fine ass Jackson Teller. You're going to let him get away fucking 'round with bullshit ass Anthony."
"Wow, that's harsh. Anthony is not bullshit and he's not boring. A little predictable maybe but not boring."
"I'm sorry what? I fell asleep while you were talking."
"Oh my God, Harrison, stop!" I was laughing so hard. Harrison was spot on about Anthony. I just didn't find him the least bit interesting. He was a great guy but there was no spark between us.
"Listen, Henni. Forget about Anthony. Wear your cute boots and some tight ass jeans tomorrow. Let Mr. Teller see what he's been missing out on. And show some titty!"
"Over breakfast, Harrison? Really! Bye, I love you. I'll call you tomorrow."
"Love you, too. At least get you a lil-"
"Bye Harrison." I ended the call and shook my head. I giggled as I slipped out of my dress and thought about what Harrison said. As soon as I fell back into bed, I was fast asleep.