Page 37 of Saving Tatum (Trace + Olivia 4)

“We can’t live our lives worrying about the unknown,” I stated. “Every day and what it brings is a mystery, a gift to be unwrapped and treasured. All we can do is find happiness in the little things and peace in the chaos.”

He was quiet, absorbing my words. “I can so tell you’re a writer.”

I laughed. “It’s not about being a writer, I’m just a deep thinker.”

We sat like that for a while, side by side with my head on his shoulder.

Eventually, we headed back downstairs and helped Jerry clean the dishes. I gave the man a hug before we left, holding him tight.

“You come back now,” he told me, walking out onto the porch as Jude and I headed towards his truck.

“I will,” I assured him, wondering when I returned whether I’d be Tatum or Julia.

???

Jude parked his truck in front of my driveway, and turned to face me. “Thank you for coming with me tonight.”

“Thanks for inviting me,” I smiled, grabbing the handle to open the door.

“Tate?”

“Yeah?” I looked back at him.

“Goodnight,” he murmured, his eyes darkening. He leaned closer, and pressed his lips against my cheek in a kiss that was so light it didn’t even seem real.

My eyes fluttered closed and I sighed breathlessly. I hoped he didn’t notice but based on his smirk my reaction hadn’t gone unnoticed.

I forced my Jell-O-like limbs from the truck and watched his taillights disappear as he left.

I brought shaking fingers up to my cheek and swore my skin felt heated where his lips had seared it like a brand.

It wasn’t until I was inside and getting in my pajamas that I realized I still wore his sweatshirt and I had no intentions of giving it back.

Chapter Nine

I strode across campus, looking for Jude. He hadn’t been waiting for me by the fountain like he said, so I figured he was at his truck.

I heard shouting up ahead and slowed my steps.

I wasn’t sure if I should turn around and haul ass away from whatever was going on or check it out.

Since I wasn’t ever one to back down from anything, I strode forward with my shoulders squared. If some idiots were fighting, I figured I could either break it up, find someone to help, or ignore it if need be.

When I rounded the side of the building and the parking lot came into view, I saw two large figures arguing on the sidewalk. Hairs on the back of my spine stood up as I recognized one of the guys as Jude. No wonder he hadn’t been at the fountain. He was clearly occupied trying to defend himself against the mammoth hovering above him.

The guy swung out and his fist connected with Jude’s face, causing him to stagger a few steps back.

Without thinking, I dropped my books on the ground and ran towards the guy. “What the hell is your problem?” I screamed at him.

“My problem,” he shoved a finger in Jude’s direction where he hovered behind me, “is that prick sleeping with my girlfriend.”

“I didn’t fucking sleep with her!” Jude cried.

I didn’t care whether he had or not, something inside me felt the need to defend him.

The guy tried to lunge for Jude again, and I cocked my leg back to kick him. My foot connected sharply with his kneecap and he dropped to the ground. I think he was more stunned than hurt.

I stood there, my mouth hanging open in shock that I’d actually managed to bring a guy of his size to the ground. That was a pretty damn awesome, if I did say so myself.

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