Chapter Four:

I remember the first time your lips met mine
We were young and innocent, we had plenty of time
The years have gone and passed us by, don't run and hide
Think of all the things we had, and what you're feeling inside
Feeling inside
Take me, take all of my love
Take me, I can give you so much
Only a heartbeat, only a heartbeat away
Only a heartbeat, only a heartbeat away

So close, but so far away,
You say you love me, but you can't stay
Hear me now, we're wasting time
Take a chance, loves on the line
Love's on the line
Take me, take all of my love
Take me, I can give you so much
Only a heartbeat, only a heartbeat away
Only a heartbeat, only a heartbeat away

Only a Heartbeat Away-Pantera

Waking up without a hangover was a pleasant surprise, but realizing that Jax's arms we wrapped around her waist was not pleasant. Juliet slowly got her bearings noticing that she was in Jax's dorm, shit. This was not where she wanted to do end up. Muttering to herself, she was happy to see that she was still in last night's clothes. Juliet wiggled out of Jax's arms, as he continued to snore. Looking back at Jax she smiled, before grabbing one of his SAMCRO shirts throwing it on over her shirt and sneaking out of the door. She had made it down the hallway, and was tiptoeing passed the kitchen when Gemma ruined he hopes of escape.

"Where are you sneaking off to Sugar?" Gemma asked, a hand on her hip.

Shit, she was caught.

"Home."

"Nice shirt. Sit down, have some coffee."

Juliet had been through this scenario enough times to know the best thing to do was just to sit down and let Gemma interrogate her. Cooperation was always the best route with Gemma, so she walked into the kitchen and grabbed a cup of coffee.

"Thanks."

"Sleep well?"

Juliet raised an eyebrow at Gemma,

"Yes."

"Should I be expecting any more grandkids soon?"

Juliet let out a laugh,

"Sorry to break your heart Momma Bear, but nothing happened."

"Then why were you trying to sneak out?"

"So I could avoid questioning."

"Some things never change. Ten years later and I'm still catching you leaving my son's dorm." Gemma had a smirk on her face.

"Jax and I are just friends."

"Your definition of a friend must be different than mine, didn't know friends slept together. You two looked very cozy last night. I saw you dancing."

"Gem, I hate to break your heart, but last night won't be happening again."

"You can claim innocence all you want baby girl, but the chemistry that you have with Jackson is anything but innocent. Tara could only pray for that kind of chemistry and spark you get out of my son. Now, how 'bout you take me for a ride in that fancy Mercedes. I want lunch."

Juliet laughed at her surrogate mother, "Yes, Ma'am. Just let me change."

"You got five."

Tara Knowles was happy, although the bane of her existence had moved back; Juliet was almost nonexistent in her life. She was over at Jax's house every night, made her presence known at the club house and loved doting on Abel. Tara was in domestic heaven, Gemma was still distant but she was at least trying to be friendly to her. So when she saw Gemma walking out of the local deli, she smiled and walked over to the matriarch.

"Hey Gemma," Tara greeted, "Neeta have Abel?"

Before Gemma could answer, Juliet walked out of the deli with Abel on her hip. The warm content feeling that Tara had was washed away the moment she laid eyes on Juliet's form. To add insult to injury, Juliet was wearing a SAMCRO shirt, short denims shorts that displayed her long tattooed legs and Abel was smiling in her arms. Juliet looked perfect with Abel and Gemma, breaking Tara's heart.

"Didn't need her today, thought we might have a family lunch." Gemma jabbed at Tara.

All the progress the two had made was gone; Tara knew Gemma wanted Juliet as Jax's Old Lady. It had been that way since Tara first started dating Jax, hell even John Teller had made it known that Juliet was going to be the next Queen. Gemma might be throwing Juliet in her face, but Tara had Jax in her corner and he was the only person that mattered. Juliet just stood silently next to Gemma, her murderous glare hidden by sunglasses, she was in public, and she'd have to play nice with Tara. Tara did not bother to hide her distaste for Juliet holding Abel.

"Didn't know you allowed trash to look after your grandson?"

"She doesn't. That's why he's not with you." Juliet growled.

"Bitch."

"You'll have to excuse Juliet; she had a late night at the clubhouse last night. It was a wild Friday night. Might want to go check on Jax, he's still recovering."

Gemma stepped in between the pair, as Juliet smirked. This is why she loved Gemma; she didn't need harsh words to crush you and boy did she know how to hurt you. It was times like these Juliet thanked the lord that Gemma loved her. Tara's face scrunched up realizing that not only had Jax stayed at the clubhouse but Juliet too. Tara's gaze focused on the SAMCRO shirt, Juliet was donning, and it was one of Jax's. Without saying anything Tara stormed off, leaving Gemma smirking.

"I think she is going to go kill your son now."

"I'd like to see her try."

"Then we better get back you back to the clubhouse."

The two women pulled up to the club house, and as Gemma opened up the Mercedes door, the screams from Tara and Jax poured in.

"Looks like the war has begun. Do me a favor honey, take Abel for a little. I'll come by and pick him up before dinner."

"I can't take this shit anymore." Clay declared storming out of the clubhouse.

"That's my queue; see you in a bit."

Juliet watched Gemma stride over to her husband and kiss him, Juliet sighed and turned her attention to Abel in the back seat.

"What are we going to do when we get home little man?"

Abel let out a yawn, "Great idea," She muttered, as she headed home.

Nap time was an awesome idea.

Waking up with a pissed off woman in his face was not how Jax pictured waking up. He'd fallen asleep with Juliet, and was looking forward to waking up with her. They hadn't had sex much to his dismay having her back after 5 years felt too damn good. But the slam of his dorm door and the shrill screech Tara let out ruined any plans he had of spending time with Juliet. After a fight with Tara about Juliet, and Church all Jax wanted to do was go home with Abel. He'd heard from Tara all about Juliet and his mother's "family lunch", he was angry at his mother for setting Tara off. For once he wished Gemma could hide her distaste for Tara better.

Jax knocked on Juliet's door, to pick up his son when he heard her yell to come in the house. Opening the door the delicious aromas of roast chicken filled Jax's nose, oh god she was cooking and his stomach began to growl. Jax walked in and saw that she was in the kitchen, and it was a wonderful sight. Juliet was stirring something in a pot and Abel was on her hip smiling.

"You're late Gem" Juliet said, not even turning around.

He leaned against the kitchen doorway and just watched her move around the kitchen paying no attention to him.

"Didn't know I had a curfew,"

Juliet whipped around surprised to see Jax, the sudden movement caused Abel to let out a delighted squeal. She looked great with his son on her hip cooking dinner.

"Gem didn't tell me you were picking him up."

Jax resisted the urge to tell her it was a surprise to him as well.

"Thanks for looking after him."

He took Abel from her arms, kissing his son's cheek as Juliet brought out a roasted chicken from the oven. Jax took in a deep breath, his mouth watering, her cooking was always amazing.

"You want to stay for dinner? Or is Tara waiting with it for you?"

Jax let a smile creep onto his face; Juliet knew Tara couldn't cook for shit. Not only was she still angry as hell, if there was dinner waiting for him it was frozen lasagna.

"It'll be ready in just a second if you want to take a seat."

Juliet grabbed Jax a beer as he sat at the bar in her kitchen, watching her pull everything out from the oven and serve him a plate. Once everything was ready she took a seat next to Jax and smiled.

"Dig in."

And that was all the encouragement he needed.

"You still have the appetite of an elephant."

Juliet laughed as she put the dishes in the dishwasher. Jax's has eaten three plates of dinner, almost consuming the entire chicken.

"It's you're cooking Darlin."

While Juliet cleaned up the kitchen, Jax played with Abel on his lap, last night had been rocky and the fight with Tara was wearing him down, but right now with a full belly and his son on his lap Jax was at peace. The years had gone by and passed, but the feelings they both had couldn't be buried. Could they take this chance at this?

His cell phone rang; taking it out of his pocket Jax realized it was Tara. His heart tightened, he still loved Tara and after all she had done for him he couldn't just throw that away.