Back to Basics

Chapter 5: Coffee

"Not a coffee person?"

"Coffee is for 5 am, this is breakfast time.."

"5 am? You're an early morning riser?"

"Yea, I have horses to care for. I wake up with the sunrise and work til the sun lowers again."

"Horses?" Jax leans forward completely intrigued by their conversation. 

"I own a ranch in Texas." Jax lets a whistle out making her giggle gently. 

"That's impressive Talia..."

"How bout you Jax?"

He studies her for a moment looking at all her features. He couldn't help but get lost in her beauty. It was easy to see when she pulled up, her truck towered over all the cars near her. He was thrown back seeing her dressed similar to yesterday and still looking sexy as hell. She drew the attention without noticing it or seeming to care for it. He liked that. She wasn't trying to be anything she wasn't. He however did NOT care how other males seemed to notice her entrance as well. Call him selfish but placing his hand on her back gave him a small amount of satisfaction. It was his way of staking a claim on her. 

"I'm a manager for a label here in town. I help watch over clients and keep them on track."

"That... doesn't sound fun." She paused before answering honestly. This made Jackson freeze momentarily before he laughed. A boisterous laugh that made her smile. He hadn't laughed like that in years and it felt good.  

"It isn't always. I have the pleasure of watching over some real drama queens and brats."

"Client confidentiality?"

He nodded his head as the server sat down his coffee and her orange juice. She once again gave a polite thank you making Jax smile gently. She was polite and had manners unlike most the people he knew. 

"How was meeting up with your friend?"

"It's going good. She was happy and it was well over due."

Jax relaxed and was happy more than he would like to admit hearing it was a woman. When he requested dinner yesterday, he quickly shot her down and he was worried she was taken. That all the thoughts he had been having would have been down the drain. So he was happy he tried again which ended up with a breakfast date. 

"Do you plan on staying in town long?"

"I was-"

"Jackson!"

Nat was cut off as a man approached the table. His blonde hair freshly styled and he was wearing a tailor made suit. His eyes kept moving from Jackson before landing on Nat and she didn't not appreciate the look he was giving her. Her eyes narrowed slightly as he stood at the side of their booth. 

Jackson watched as Marcus scrolled over and clearly was checking out Talia. He didn't appreciate it at all and clearly neither was she. His so called friend did not take notice and continue looking at her like a piece of meat. His eyes finally turned him and he once again didn't seem to notice the irked face he was presenting. 

"Hey Jackson, sorry about yesterday man. The girls already had plans and I couldn't leave. Glad to see you made it back okay."

"Yea"

His tone was clip and short and Nat was quick to figure Jackson didn't really want this guy here either. 

"And who might you be?"

"She's none of your concern Marcus."

Marcus turned his attention to Jackson before smirking and turning back. Raising his hands in a surrender motion. Nat stayed quiet but was watching intently. 

"My bad man, didn't realize you claimed her already. She is-"

"MARCUS!" 

Jax raised his voice cutting him off. Natalia had enough and slowly dabbed her lips before placing the napkin down. Slowly standing up to look at the snake that slithered their way.

"Marcus, do you know what I like about snakes?"

Marcus grinned and leaned closer to her. "No... What sexy?"

Quicker than he could see coming, she throws the orange juice in his face before taking the back of his neck and slamming it down making his head hit HARD on the edge of the table. His body instantly collapsing on the floor. 

"Absolutely nothing."

Jackson sat there with a slack jaw but couldn't help but feel amazed by this woman. She wasn't waiting for a man to save her, she took it in her own hands and sure as hell was going to let someone talk to her like that... and he fucking loved it. 

The cafe had went dead silent watching the exchange. Most men had slack jaws and some of the woman looked at her with a wicked grin. It's not everyday something like that happens for spectators to watch. The waiter not having seen what happened came from the kitchen with their food to halt in his tracks seeing an unconscious man lying on the ground with his guest hovering over him. 

Nat raises her eyes to see everyone looking at her and runs her hand through her hair. She reaches into the booth pulling out her purse before getting a few bills. Her movements are stopped feeling a hand on wrist. Looking up, her eyes meet with those sparkling blue eyes. 

"I got this"

Jax turns around seeing the waiter slowly move towards them. He pulls out his wallet and hands him a few bills before thanking him and taking Talia's hand. He graciously steps over Marcus's body and leads her out the door. The cafe begins talking while a few staff walk over trying to help with the body on the floor. 

Walking out of the cafe, Nat releases a breath she didn't realize she was holding as Jax puts his arm over her shoulder. Her head unconsciously lying onto his shoulder as he leads her towards the parking lot. Her phone begins ringing and she is quick to pull it out. Keith's name showing up. 

"Morning Sis"

"Morning Keith, is everything okay?" Jax stiffens hearing a male's name but continues ushering her over to the parking lot. 

"Yea, you didn't call to let me know you arrived."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I spaced it last night. I got here just fine and am already enjoying my time."

"Alright, I won't keep you then just don't forget to check in with me."

"You got it, love you."

"Love you too sis"

Nat disconnects the call and puts her phone up before looking to see Jax with a tight jaw and standing near a sleek car. 

"Sorry about that. It was my brother. I forgot to let him know I arrived yesterday."

Jax's body visibly loosened making Nat smile. He went to open the passenger seat of a car making Nat raise an eyebrow at him. 

"Care if I take you somewhere?"

"I don't mind following you but I ain't leaving Luke here to the vultures."

"Luke?" Jackson's eyebrows furrowed in confusion. She pointed over to her truck and he laughed yet again. It was a hearty laugh that made him feel lighter. This girl doesn't seize to amaze him. "Alright, when then you and... Luke follow me."

She grinned widely putting her glasses back on as she walked back over to her truck. Jackson couldn't help but look at her backside and the way her hair swayed in the wind. It was enough for him to release a small groan. 

Jesus, he was screwed.