Chapter 2

After dropping Abel off at school and then dropping Thomas off at day care, I became aware that I was going to be alone with a woman who I was attracted to. As I walked back to my Chevrolet Tahoe, I let my thoughts run unchecked. I hadn't felt any attraction to anyone since Tara died and to say that this didn't feel right was an understatement. In fact, the last woman I had been with was a hooker named Winsome. I had thought that having sex with someone would take my mind off Tara but it only made me think of her more. The whole time I was having sex with Winsome, all I could see was Tara's face. And then I went and started crying like some type of pussy. I swore that day I wouldn't sleep with another woman until I could see her and only her. Don't get me wrong, I will love Tara until the day I die. She was my heart. Even if I end up with someone, Tara will never be far from my mind.

Climbing up into the Tahoe, I put it in drive and headed towards the exit of the parking lot. Realizing I didn't m is where I was carrying Savannah, I asked where she worked.

"I work for Charming Heights. I'm an accountant for them."

"That's right on my way. In fact, I guess in a round about way, we kinda work together. I run Teller-Morrow garage. We hold the agreement for all the maintenance vehicles for Charming Heights."

"Really? So I guess we will be seeing each other around then huh?"

"I guess so."

"So, this is going to sound strange considering I'm already in the car with you, but I don't even know your name."

"Shit, I'm sorry. I thought I told you. My name is Jackson but everyone calls me Jax."

"That's funny because my last name is Jackson."

"Interesting."

"Yeah, kinda like I was meant to meet your or something. Oh god, that totally made me sound like I'm crazy."

"No, it doesn't." I said laughing.

"It does. You must think I'm some kind of crazy lady. I mean I locked myself out of my house and then I go and say some mess like 'maybe we were meant to meet'. Who the heck does that?"

"You're just making conversation."

"I guess so. I just moved here from Georgia. Savannah, Georgia to be exact."

"Now that's funny.  I knew you were from the south some where from your accent. It's kinda ironic though that you're Savannah from Savannah."

"Like I haven't heard that my whole life."

"No offense."

"None taken. Like I said, I've heard that my whole life. I was born in another country and my mom was really missing home when I was born. When we moved, we went back to Savannah."

"I can understand that."

"Yeah. I miss home some times but I do like California life. Things are so different here. But different in a good way."

"I can understand that too."

I drove the rest of the way to Charming Heights with the radio playing and listening to Savannah humming along to them. Before I knew it, I was at Charming Heights. My time with Savannah had come to an end. I pulled into one of the parking spaces and and switched off the engine. Turning in my seat, I faced her.

"Thanks for the ride."

"You're welcome. What time is your landlord going to be back in town?"

"He said around 4:30 or so."

"Will you need a ride home?"

"Jax, I can't possibly ask you to pick me up from work. You have work and two boys. I don't want to be a bother."

"It's not a bother. I can pick you up and carry you home. If your landlord isn't back by the time he said, maybe you can help me decide what to fix the boys for dinner. Something that isn't chicken nuggets."

"Jax, I appreciate the offer but I don't want to intrude."

"It's not intruding if I want to include you. You said yourself you're new here which means you don't know many people."

"No, I done know many people. But you have a routine I'm sure. Throwing me in the mix is sure to throw things off."

"Savannah, I'm just offering to give you a ride home and a place to hang out if your landlord hasn't made it to your place yet. I offering to be your friend."

"In that case, I guess I can't refuse can I?"

"No, you can't. Now, what time do you get off?"

"5:00."

"Ok, I'll get back here by 5:00 to pick you up. I may have the boys with me though."

"No problem at all. They are really handsome boys.

"Thank you."

"Ok, I better get inside. I would say calm my cell phone when you get close but I don't have it so I guess call the office?"

"Ok. See you this afternoon"

"Thanks again for the ride."

"You're welcome darling."

I watched as Savannah climbed down out of the Tahoe and walked into the building, her hips swaying as her hair blew in the breeze. When she made it inside the building, I cranked the SUV and backed out of the space. I could still smell the scent of her perfume. It wasn't overly strong. I fact, it was kind of subtitle but smelt amazing all the same. Tara has always wore perfume that had vanilla tones to them. Pulling onto the highway, I headed for TM to start my day.

🍑 Savannah's Point of View 🍑I felt Jax's eyes on my ass as I walked into the building so I made sure to add a little extra sway to my hips as I walked. Most days, I hated my ass. It was a blessing and a curse. A blessing because while I didn't have great big boobs, I was given a great ass. Said ass was a curse because it made buying clothes a chore. I made my way to the break room and fixed myself a cup of coffee. While it brewed, I thought about Jax's offer of helping decide on dinner for the kids.Was he going to think this was a date?Was he going to expect some kind of "payment" for bringing me to work and then carrying me home as well?Well, that wasn't going to happen. While I had previously been a bad girl in my younger days, I no longer hooked up with men who I found sexy only because they were sexy. Those types of relationships had been toxic. I finally broke the cycle two years ago. Yep, I'd been celibate for two years... two very long years.

Once my coffee was done, I walked to my office and began booting up my computer for the the work day. Again, all thoughts returned to Jax. I'd be lying to myself if I said I wasn't attracted to him. He was the type I usually went for. He had the bad boy persona and the sexy as sin looks to match. I had never found blonde men all that attractive but this one, well, he was sexy as hell. Throw in two handsome boys, and he spelled trouble for her in great big capitol letters. All of a sudden, I heard a knock at my door that was soon followed by the receptionist, Abbie Lang, sticking her head inside the door. She was one of the few people I hung out with since moving her. If I'm being honest, she was the only person I hung out with. Work had been a major part of my life since moving here.

"I didn't know you were here. I didn't see your car in the lot." Said Abby.

"Long story. I locked my phone, wallet, and keys inside my apartment this morning. My neighbor give me a ride to work since my landlord was out of town.

"Is this neighbor a guy or a girl?"

"Why does it matter?"

"Because, you've been here in California for what, 4 months now? It's time you have a life outside of work."

"I do have a life outside of work. I run 8 miles every morning and I love to paint."

"Maybe I should have said you needed a personal life instead then."

"No, I don't have time for a man."

"Who said it had to be a man?"

"You know what I mean."

"I do. Savannah, you need to go out, drink to much, dirty dance with some stranger, and let off some steam."

"I will. Maybe this weekend?"

"Really? Oh my god, that would be flipping awesome! I'll make the plans!"

And just like that, Abby was gone. She had been begging me for weeks to go out and party with her one night but I had been coming up with excuse after excuse. Truth was, I was intimidated to go out in California. Back home, the bars I used to frequent were noting more than small, country bars. The bars here were huge. The bars in Georgia i parties the most at might have had 100 people on a good night. Here in California, anything less that 500 people seemed to be a slow night.

I started clicking though emails and sending replies when warranted, but all the while, my thoughts went back to Jax.

At lunchtime, my desk phone rang. I could tell by the flashing light that it was from reception.Lifting the receiver, I answered.

"What's up Abby?"

"There is a call for you on line one. Teller-Morrow Garage. Says it urgent."

"I don't know what would be so urgent. Patch it through anyway."

"Okay. Patching it through."

I waited for the phone to ring three times before answering.

"Charming Heights. This is Savannah Jackson, accounting manager."

"Well don't you sound professional?"

"Thank you. Now what can I help you with sir?"

"I'm hurt that you don't recognize my voice."

"I'm sorry. What can I do you for you Jax?"

"Have you had lunch?"

"No, not yet."

"Do you have lunch plans?"

"No, I was just gonna raid the fridge in the break room."

"Cancel the raiding. I'm bringing you something."

"Seriously Jax. You brought me to work, your bringing me home. You've offered to allow me to hang out at your place until the landlord get back to town. I can't accept lunch too."

"Sure you can. I'm pulling into the lot now."

She didn't even get a chance to reply. He had already ended the call. I checked my makeup in the computer monitor and then made my way tot he front desk. Just as I made it to the desk, I saw a sleek, black motorcycle pulling into the lot. Blonde hair blew in the breeze from under the helmet. My earlier thoughts of Jax being trouble couldn't be more spot on. This guy was definitely T-R-O-U-B-L-E. Walking outside, I met him by his bike, stopping by the front tire.

"That's a pretty bike."

"Yeah, I don't ride it much anymore. Two car seats don't fit too well."

"No, I can't imagine they do." I said.

"How's your day been so far?"

"Nothing exciting. Yours?"

"Same."

"So, what did you bring me for lunch?"

Looking at him sitting on his bike, the smell of fresh air, and the fact that I hadn't gotten laid in 2 years, left me wanting only one thing and I was positive that wasn't on the menu. And even if it was, I wasn't going to act on how I was feeling. I had came to far to cave so easily, no matter how much I wanted to be really bad.

"Earth to Savannah..."

"Shit sorry. I must have zoned out."

"Yeah, that happens to me sometimes too. I said I brought fish tacos and fresh guac."

"Oh wow. That sounds delicious."

"It was. I had the same thing. I wasn't sure what you liked but figured everyone liked fish tacos and guac."

"That's true."

"Look, is love to hang out but I need to get back to the garage. I just wanted to make sure you had lunch."

That's was extremely sweet of you. Thank you."

"Heard anything form your landlord yet?"

"No, not yet."

"Okay. Well if nothing changes, I'll see you at 5:00. If you do hear from him, just call the garage"

"Okay. I will. See you later."

And with that, Jax started his bike and tore out of the lot. I watched a he maneuvered the bike with expert skill.Yep, he was definitely TROUBLE.