Natalia couldn't help but look around the little Italian restaurant. It had the feeling of home to it. She was pleased he didn't choose a big upscale high price restaurant. Cass had to argue with her just to get her in the dress. She didn't understand why she couldn't choose her own clothes but according to Cass she refused to let her go in a pair of jeans. 

"So Bella, how do you know my nephew?"

Nat looked to the woman who ushered them in. She did not appear to have any of the physical traits that Jax had. She looks to the man in question and can't help but study his striking features. His strong jaw line, or his sharp cheekbones. He reminds Nat of someone you would see in a magazine. His piercing eyes that hold anyone captivated. She blinks hearing someone clear their throat. Blinking multiple times, she realizes she spaced out while staring at Jax. His smirk evident proof while she blushed turning her attention back to the woman who had an amused smile. 

"He was broken down on the side road when I pulled over to help."

The woman whips her attention to Jackson. He cringes knowing the next words from her. 

"Jackson. Lee. Fillmore! Are you still driving that stupid piece of junk?!"

Nat's eyes go wide hearing her voice volume. The few people in the restaurant glance over to their table while Jax lowers himself in his seat. He reminds her of a kid getting scolded for stealing a cookie. She kept her eyes on going back and forth between the two. Jax looked to Talia to find her stunned in silence before answering his aunt. 

"It is currently in the shop Aunt Jenny. It will be retur-"

"You need to get a better vehicle. A reliable vehicle." She says stressing the word reliable. Glancing out the window she points outside. "Take that vehicle for instance, I bet it has plenty of stories and not many include the inside of a shop."

Nat couldn't help but giggle covering up with her hand as Jax grinned to her. His aunt was pointing at Luke parked outside. Out of all the vehicles, she could have chosen. Jenny looked between the two in confusion. 

"Thank you ma'am"

Jenny snapped her head to the Bella of the table before glancing to her nephew. The young man has a grin on his lips making her heart melt. He hasn't smiled in so long. His eyes turned to her. 

"That's her truck Aunt Jenny"

She smiles widely with her eyes misty before shaking her head. "I'll leave you two to it, be back soon for your order."

Natalia's eyebrows furrowed seeing her emotional face as she walked away before turning back to Jax. He had a gentle smile watching her retreating form before turning back to her. She locked her gaze with his not realizing his hand reaching onto the table to hold hers. Her hand instinctively gripping his. 

"You look beautiful Talia." 

"Thank you" She says with a gentle smile. 

They pick up their menus and beginning scanning through them. His aunt comes back to take their order before leaving again. Nat giving her a thank you which earns her a beautiful smile in return. 

"So Talia, tell me more about you." 

"Well I should start with my full name... Natalia Thornton. I go by Talia for short." Jackson nods his head while sipping taking a sip of his drink while listening intently. 

"Natalia..." He says slowly allowing it to roll slowly from his tongue. He thought it suited her. 

"Like I said, I'm from Texas, went to school in New York and then returned home to help with family ranch." 

"What did you study in school?"

"Went to school for Business.. wasn't sure what to do with the degree afterwards. I returned home and things happened that caused me to stay rooted there. I used my degree to help grow our ranch."

"May I ask what things occurred?"

Nat looked down at the table while taking a sip of her water. Seeing her reaction, he was about to correct himself when she spoke. 

"My father became ill and could no longer oversee the ranch. He passed away after a few years."

"I'm sorry Natalia" She gave a forced smile while a waiter brought out their plates. 

They ate while making small talk about random things. Nat couldn't figure out why his name kept ringing in her head. She's heard it before but can't recall from where. His dazzling smile throughout the meal made her stomach flutter and her knees weak. He truly was an incredibly handsome man. Yes Man, not boy.

Jax couldn't get over how easy it was to speak to Natalia. She was laid back and seemed relax. He almost choked on his water when she mentioned her friend hiding her jeans refusing to allow her to wear them tonight. Her friend, Cass, apparently laid the dress on her bed along with some lingerie and hid everything else.

"It's not funny!"

She whined playfully as Jax attempted to control his laughter. She reached over smacking him with a napkin making him acted like he was hurt not realizing the watchful eyes of an exuberant aunt. She has watched them carefully throughout their dinner. She was pleased by her nephew's choice. The young bella was not by any means high maintenance. She was wearing a nice flowy dress but she continuous tugged on it like she wasn't used to it. She was polite and kind each time she spoke to others but also spoke honestly. More importantly, the way Jackson looked at her... it was like he was already in love. She couldn't help but feel herself giddy watching them. Walking over, she interrupts the cute moment as her nephew looks up with tears in his eyes.

"What did I miss?"

Natalia turned to Aunt Jenny as her eyes continued to go between them. She turned to find Jackson sobering up from his fit of laughter.

"I was telling Jackson how I was forced to wear this dress."

"You look beautiful Natalia" Jackson says so lowly but full of admiration. Nat smiled gently and felt the blush rushing up her neck.

"So you didn't want to wear this?" His aunt ask pointing to the dress.

"No ma'am. I'm more of a jeans girl." Jenny smiled down at her as Jackson reached for his wallet. She was quick to stop him. "Don't even think about it!"

She turned around and walked away as Jackson just shook his head putting his wallet back up. Looking back to Natalia, she is smiling a genuine smile and laugh softly. God she was a sight...

"You ready to go bella?"

Nat nodded and gently stood up as Jax did the same. He laid a generous tip on the table before placing his hand at the small of her back. Leading her out, he let his hand gently glide to wrap around her waist. She didn't resist and he felt confident pulling her to his side in a comfortable embrace. Making it outside, he turns her in his arms and looks into those chocolate eyes. Her hands resting on his biceps to steady herself.

Nat was surprised by the sudden turn but refocused in those eyes that she knew she could get herself lost in. He didn't move but continued gazing deeply into her. Her heart rate accelerated as she gently moved her arms up to brace his neck. He must have taken the hint because he slowly leaned forward. She tilted her chin ready for the sensual touch.

Jax felt his nerves on edge as his lips connected with hers. It was a gentle touch to begin but as he began moving his lips against her, his nerves became inflamed and wanted... needed more. He gripped the back of her neck holding her close to him and felt her fingers running through his hairs making him groan against her lips.

Nat felt her lungs burning from lack of oxygen but did not want to pull away. His lips were demanding and passionate. She had never been kissed like this and she loved it. Her fingers ran over the back of his head feeling the softness of his hair. His reaction was instant as a throaty groan escaped him. She almost moaned from that sound alone.

He slowly pulled back leaving only a breath between them. Both of their chest heaving to collect air. It was hot and passionate and both their eyes were dilated staring at each other. Neither making the move to pull away. Jax leaned forward and gave her a gentle kiss before pulling back again. Nat almost whimpered by the lost of contact. This made Jax smile as he recoiled his arm around her waist leading her down to his car. She stopped and gave him a look.

"I promise Luke is safe here until we get back."

She glanced over her shoulder to the truck before sighing. Jax opened the passenger door as she slid in before going to the driver side door. He got in and started the car up. Reaching over, he slid his fingers through her palm resting on her lap. Her fingers wrapping with his perfectly before taking off down the road.

"I don't think I could live like this"

Jax glances over as she gestures out the window. He glances around at the endless amount of buildings and lights. The people walking the streets as sirens can be heard. He comes to stop at a red light taking a look at her. It's in that moment he understands. 

"City life?"

She nods her head before looking down to their intertwined hands. Her thumb rubbing gently back and forth over his. He grips her tighter and decides to take her back to his lookout point. The drive up there was swift considering the traffic of California. Parking the car, he gets out and hears the other door open. Natalia taking a deep inhale looking up to the darkness of the skies. The city lights illuminating making it hard to see anything. 

"I lived in New York for four years and couldn't stand not being able to see the stars. I constantly got homesick."

"How did you manage?"

"Cass..." She says walking over and sitting down on the bench once again. "Her family was some big CEO's and owned a huge building. Cass used to sneak me up to the roof and we would scream out over the city. We were too far for anyone to hear us but it didn't matter... it was the best stress reliever we had during our years there."

"I'm happy you had someone you could rely on."

"What about you Jax?" She turns her head and feels Jax sit down before wrapping his arm around her shoulders. 

"I went to college here in California for Business Management."

"Where were you born?"

"Nevada"

"Ah" Nat turns looking out as she rest her head on his shoulder. "So you have always known city life?"

"Yes" He rest his head on top of hers. It's quiet for a moment before Natalia begins giggling making Jax look down to her. "What?"

"Don't you find it interesting that you are a city boy yet your peaceful place is in country?"

She burst out laughing as he chuckles along with her. The laughter almost euphoric to Jax. He feels like weight he usually carries has been lifted off his shoulder. Even if only for a moment. 

DING

Nat quickly pulls out her phone to see a text from Cass. Jax looks down as her facial expression morphs quickly. 

Cass (9:26 PM) SOS

"We have to leave. Now"