Page 110 of Saving Tatum (Trace + Olivia 4)

He clenched his teeth and a muscle in his jaw twitched. “I don’t like it, but deal.”

“I don’t have any clothes,” I frowned.

Jude’s eyes brightened as he grinned. “That is not a problem.”

I rolled my eyes. “I don’t think you want me going to school naked.”

“True,” he agreed. “We’ll figure something out. I’m sure Rowan would bring you some clothes to wear. Y’all are about the same size. I’m definitely not letting you go into that house tonight.”

“Aww,” I smiled, “look at you being all protective.”

“This isn’t a joke, Tatum,” he sobered, “he could hurt you.”

I bowed my head and my shoulders fell slack. “Yeah, I know.” It was easier to make a joke and pretend the situation wasn’t as serious as it was.

Jude hopped out of the truck and grabbed his backpack. I did the same, following him inside.

Inside we found Dylan and a guy I hadn’t met yet playing Xbox in the family room. Neither of them looked up when we entered the room.

“You’ve met Dylan,” Jude said, “and that’s Grant,” he pointed at the other guy. Grant had a sweet face, floppy brown hair, and wore thick-framed black glasses on the end of his nose. “He lives here too.” To the guys he asked, “Where’s Jacob?”

“Who knows,” Dylan replied with a shrug, his eyes never leaving the video game.

Jude shook his head and we headed upstairs to his room.

It was only eight o’ clock in the evening, but I felt like I could sleep for years. All the studying, paper writing, and the event with my dad had zapped my energy.

“You want to call Rowan?” Jude asked, stripping his shirt off and working on his belt buckle as he head towards the bathroom. “It’s getting kind of late.”

I shrugged. “Yeah, I guess so.”

I pulled my phone out of my pocket and called her. The shower started and then Jude reappeared, kicking off his shoes and jeans.

His boxers soon joined them in a pile on the floor and I instantly became distracted by his naked body.

“Hello? Hello? Tatum? Are you there?”

I shook my head and turned away. Jude chuckled, knowing he’d succeeded in distracting me.

“Oh, sorry. Uh…” I couldn’t remember why I called. Oh. Clothes. Right. “I hate to ask you this, but I was wondering if I could borrow some of your clothes?”

“Of course, but why?” She sounded worried, not curious.

I bit my lip and mumbled, “Um, something happened with me and my dad so I’m staying with Jude for a few days while it blows over. He doesn’t want me going home to grab any clothes, so you’re kinda my only hope right now.”

Rowan laughed. “I’ll bring stuff over within an hour.”

“Thank you so much,” I told her, and meant it.

I didn’t know what I’d do without Rowan as my best friend—my only friend, but when one friend was as amazing as her you didn’t need anymore.

“You don’t need to thank me, Tate, but you’re welcome.”

We hung up and I tossed my phone on the bed.

I jumped when a hand came around my stomach. I thought Jude had already gotten in the shower.

I was pulled against his body and I leaned my head back against his chest, letting out a happy sigh. He pulled my shirt off my shoulder and kissed the exposed skin there.

---