Jackson rubbed the back of his neck leaning his head against the headrest. This wasn't what he wanted to do. Babysitting adults that act like children. He wanted to run his own management agency. He just never had the sources needed to do so. A long sigh escapes him thinking back to the meeting from yesterday. Cassie was not his typical client. She was attractive but behind those eyes, he could see her struggle. She puts on a polite smile but her eyes give away her pain.
Tate said she had been with the label for a few years and is almost up to renew her contract. According to him, she was easy to mold into whatever. This is the type of artist agencies love to work with. They could push them to do what they want. Jackson doesn't feel that is true about Cassie. She may not have said anything about him managing her however anyone could tell she did not want him. Tate said Landon has had relationships with a few of his artists and figured Cassie was just another victim of his.
Glancing at the clock, he sees it's almost noon. He reached out to Cassie yesterday evening to set a meeting up but wasn't expecting his Audi to start smoking. Now here he is stuck on the side of the road waiting for the tow truck to come get him. He called his 'so called' friend who didn't answer his call. So much for being helpful.
Jackson was pulled from his thoughts as a blue truck that was about to pass pulled over in front of his car. He watches the truck back up so it is directly in front of his car. It's a pale blue Ford Pickup with a few rust spots. Getting out of his Audi he watches the door open on the Ford. He stops in his tracks seeing a set of long jean legs swinging out followed by long brown hair. It's a woman! He wasn't expecting a woman to be driving a truck. The woman flips her hair and he can see her more clearly now, she has bronze skin and a fucking insane body.
"Do you need help?"
Her voice sounds sultry making his body stiffen. Mmm, her voice is like honey. She looks up and he sees her beautiful caramel eyes and sharp cheek bones. The woman tilts her head and he realizes he is staring and hasn't answered. Clearing his throat he steps around to the front of his car.
"Car is smoking and I don't know why."
The woman nods looking to the hood of his car. She doesn't seem to be paying attention to him anymore giving him a chance to look her over again. She was of average height if not a little shorter. Her dark hair falling half way down her back in soft waves. No product is in her hair or on her face. The features of her face on full display and he was enjoying it. She had large caramel eyes that seemed solely focused on his car while her lips were pursed.
"Can you pop the hood?"
Jackson blinked before walking back to his door and pressing the button releasing the hood. He watches as she runs her finger under the slit to find the latch and release it before pulling it up. He came back around to find her studying his engine while her upper body was partially leaning over. He had to inhale deeply to stop from groaning at the overall picture.
She reaches out touching a part of the engine and wiggling it slightly. He tries to focus on his engine but with an extremely attractive woman leaning over his engine, can you blame him? She stood back up and without an hesitation, began removing her flannel. Jackson's eyes going wide as she reveals a black tank top. The flannel is now wrapped around her hand as she leans back in and begins twisting lose something. His focus going between her hand and the view of her shape. The woman releases a cap and it releases a hissing sound that sounds like a tea kettle. That catches his attention and he leans forward to look at what she was doing.
"You have a cracked radiator and it looks like your coolant is depleted causing your engine to overheat."
She sits down the piece she took off and unwrapped her shirt from her hand. She then stretched it back out as she put her arms back into it. Jackson eyes following her movements as she pulls her hair out of the shirt. Her eyes locking with him with a raised eye brow.
"Uh.." Rubbing the back of his neck he tries again. "What does that mean?"
"You won't be driving it today. It needs to be in a shop. Do you have someone coming for you or the Audi?"
His eyes widening in shock. He was surprised a woman was able to know the name of his car.
"You know cars?"
"Enough"
She shrugs before taking the lid and handing it to him. She then closes the hood and turns to him. He still looks to her in amazement.
"Do you have help coming for you and the car?"
"I have a tow coming for the car." He leaves out the fact that he will probably have to ride with it. He wipes his hand on his slacks before reaching out to her. "I apologize for my manners, my name is Jackson Fillmore."
"Just call me Talia"
Jackson considers her name for a moment before he notices something about her speech.
"You're not from around here, are you?"
"No I'm not." She says glancing back at her truck. Wiping her hands on her jeans she turns back to him. "Alright well it be considered rude to leave you stranded out here. Come on"
She doesn't even wait for his answer as she begins strolling back to her truck. His eyes going to her fitted backside. Shaking his head, he turns back to his car grabbing his suitcase before hastily making his way to the old truck. He watches as she effortlessly climbs into her beat up seat. He smirks seeing a cowgirl hat sitting in the center. He opens the truck with a creak on the door. He sits down and wipes his hands on his slacks. Glancing around, he can tell this truck has plenty of stories. She starts the truck up before pulling out on the road.
DING
Pulling out his phone, he sees a text from his so called friend.
Marcus (11:48 AM) Sorry man, I am at lunch with the girls. Won't be able to make it.
Jackson rolls his eyes before stuffing the cellphone back in his pocket. Looking at the window he looks at all the scenery and inhales deeply before turning back to Talia. She seems care free humming to the song on the radio. She was like a breath of fresh air.
"So Jax, where can I drop you at? Keep in mind I have never been here before."
He smirks at the choice of nickname but feels his chest warm at the name. He then registers everything she said.
"You've never been here before?"
He watches as she shakes her head negatively and glances at him.
"I'm here to visit a friend."
He nods his head thoughtfully. She runs her fingers through her dark locks brushing it out of the way as the wind breezes through the truck. God, she was a sight to see. He couldn't get over how gorgeous she was.
"Where are you from then?"
"Texas" He chuckles putting two and two together. "What's so funny?"
He points down to the hat and she laughs as well. Nodding in understanding before focusing again on the road.
"I appreciate your help Talia. Maybe I can repay?"
He honestly just wanted to see her again hoping this would be a good opportunity. He watches as she bites her lower lip in thought. He has to hold in the groan from the simple action.
"You seem pleasant enough Jax but it isn't necessary and I am only here for a week."
He feels his mood deflate and is about to reply when his phone goes off. He pulls it out and sees a missed call from Cassie. Cursing under his breath, he sends her text saying he will be there shortly. Returning back to Talia, he then realizes how close they are to the restaurant.
"Turn here" Talia nods her head and gently does as he says. "Well I would like to either pay you or treat you to a meal."
He points again as they stop in front of the restaurant. He turns his body to her to see her dark eyes already looking to him. He can't help but feel drawn into her deep chocolate oasis'. She is stunning and he truly wants to blow off this meeting and stay here with Talia.
"I was helping which I hope anyone would do. I do not want nor need an award for that." Jackson goes to cut in but she continues. "In regards to a meal, time will tell."
He pulls out his phone handing it to her. She smiles gently taking his phone and typing her number in. He smiles down at it as she hands it back. Their fingers brushing making him feel warmth seep through him again.
"It was a pleasure meeting you Jax."
"The pleasure was all mine Talia."
He nods his head and begins getting out. Her phone goes off making her reach into her back pocket. Pulling it out she looks at it confused seeing an unknown number until she glances to Jax seeing a smile on his lips.
"Just checking"
She couldn't help but laugh making him chuckle along.
"Bye Jax"
"Later Talia"
Closing the door, he stands outside for a moment watching as the old pickup truck pulls out of sight. He sighs smiling before turning to the restaurant. Stepping inside he begins scanning the restaurant and finds Cassie sitting in a booth staring at her phone. He straightens his jacket and walks back over putting on his business face. The young blonde looks up seeing him and gives him a half smile while standing up with an outstretched hand. He takes it giving it a shake before they both get seated.
He watches as she glances a few times to her phone. She must be waiting for something important. She had ordered him a water which he sipped. His mind wandering momentarily to a dark haired beauty. Her phone lights up and she instantly reaches for it and a small smile graces her lips. It's the first genuine smile he has seen on her. He clears his throat gaining her attention.
"My apologies Mr. Fillmore" He nods his head in acknowledgment. The waiter comes over taking their order before leaving them alone. He watches as she straightens her spine before looking directly in his eyes. "Can I be frank with you Mr. Fillmore?"
"Jackson please and yes" He leans forward listen intently.
"I am aware of the reason you have be reassigned to work with me. It was not due to you being new..." He doesn't say anything but he can tell she understands. "I appreciate your help regardless. My music is currently not ready and honestly I'm stuck."
"Do you think you will have it completed by the deadline?" He can see in her eyes the answer. He takes a deep breath releasing it slowly. It is not unheard of for artist to get a writer's block. "How do you feel about song writers?"
"Absolutely not"
Her answer was immediate he could tell this was a no negotiation topic. He nodded his head and look down trying to think momentarily what would be best. She has to have an album of at least 16 tracks completed within the next three months.
"How many songs do you currently have?"
"4... but to be honest I am not a fan of them. I want to start complete fresh if possible."
He pinches his nose now completely frustrated. She doesn't have much time and she wants to toss the little bit of work she has done. He has to think of what would be best. He looks back up to see her looking lost in her own thoughts. Her fingers on her lap are twisting together. She looks like a lost soul right now and he's seen it before.
"Do you have any idea what direction you want to go in?"
She shakes her head negatively but she lifts her head and straightens her spine.
"I will, I just need... inspiration."