Tempting Tatum (10 page)

“Thank you, Blaise,” she says softly.

I smile and pull her to her feet, and lead her to my truck.

The last month has flown by. My job is great. Nancy, who has taken it upon herself to mother me, has been showing me the ropes. She and I have become close in such a short time. She found out I was looking for an apartment and suggested her daughter Ember was looking for a roommate. She insisted I come to their family’s Fourth of July barbeque to meet her daughter. I was reluctant at first, but she even invited Leah and Brent. Her sister Ruth is Brent’s office manager.

“We are all one big happy family,” she told me. “Besides, you and Ember will hit it off and I worry about her living alone.”

The guilt trip did it and is why Leah, Brent, and I are currently loaded in Brent’s SUV headed toward Nancy and Steve Richards’ house.

Leah turns around in her seat to face me. “Tate, we like having you with us. You don’t need to move,” she pouts.

I smile at her. “I know that, Leah. I need to do this. I need to start moving forward. I appreciate you guys for bringing me with you and being there to support me, but I need to let you live your lives so I can start living mine again,” I tell her.

My words sound way more brave than what I really am. The thought of being on my own scares me, even living with a roommate. My world is about to once again shift, but it needs to. I need to let Leah and Brent start their life as true newlyweds would. Living alone. I need to start mine as well, moving forward.

One day at a time.

“Nancy is great. If Ember is anything like her mother, we’ll be fast friends. I’ll be fine, promise,” I reassure her.

Brent and Leah share a look before she turns back to face me again. “You are a part of our family, Tate. You will always be welcome and have a place with us. Never forget that,” she tells me.

Tears prick my eyes. My best friend, my savior. “I love you for that, both of you. I need to do this.”

Leah nods her head, letting me know she understands. She may not be happy about it, but she gets it. The rest of the ride is filled with chatter of our work weeks. Leah started working part-time as a school nurse, just filling in here and there. She and Brent want kids right away, so working for the school system is the perfect job for her.

Brent pulls into a packed driveway. Nancy lives on the outskirts of town, but still within the city limits. This is a requirement for her husband, Steve, since he is the fire chief. Their twin boys, Asher and Blaise, also work for the department. Nancy says they are volunteers. The department is a big part of their life. You can tell just by the way Nancy speaks of her husband and kids she’s very proud. Hell, their names, Ember, Asher, and Blaise, alone speak volumes to the family’s dedication to the department.

Climbing out of the SUV, I grab the cake I made this afternoon. I found the recipe on Pinterest. I used strawberries and blueberries to make it patriotic. Leah grabs the cookies she made and Brent grabs the cooler with our drinks. We head toward the big white tent in the side yard. We don’t make it ten feet before I hear my name being called.

“Tatum!”

I turn my head to follow the voice, and I see Nancy headed toward me. She takes the cookies from Leah and tells her and Brent the drinks are at the other end. “Follow me,” she says, and I oblige.

“Tatum, I’m so glad you and your friends made it. I can’t wait for you to meet Ember,” she says excitedly.

We make a stop at the dessert table and drop off the cake and cookies. Nancy slips her arm through mine and leads me to a picnic table filled with people. I notice Blaise immediately, tracking me with his silver eyes.

“Everyone, this is Tatum. Tatum is the PR/Marketing person Harry hired last month. Tatum, this is my family. That handsome devil there is my husband Steven. Beside him is my son Blaise, who you’ve already met.” I offer Steve and Blaise a small smile and a wave, working hard not to let my eyes roam over Blaise and get lost in his mesmerizing eyes. “This is Asher and his girlfriend Grace, and this is Ember.”

I wave and smile at each of them. I can feel Blaise watching me, but I don’t dare look at him. He is too sexy for his own good. I do not need to embarrass myself in front of these people.

Ember stands up and offers me her hand. “It’s nice to meet you. Mom says you might be looking for a roommate?” she asks casually.

I nod in agreement. “Yes. I moved here with my best friend and her fiancé from Ohio. They are planning their wedding, and I want them to be able to enjoy their home as newlyweds,” I explain.

“We told her it’s not necessary, but she’s stubborn,” I hear Leah say behind me. I turn and smile at her before turning back to the group.

“Speak of the devil. This is my best friend, Leah, and her fiancé, Brent.” I step to the side so Leah and Brent have a clear view of the group. “This is Nancy, and her husband, Steve, and their children.”

Leah and Brent exchange pleasantries. “Thanks for inviting us,” Brent says.

Nancy waves her hand in the air to say it’s no big deal. “Ruth and Tom are here somewhere. Make yourselves at home.”

“So, Tatum why don’t we go chat about this roommate business,” Ember says to me.

“Absolutely,” I say. I turn to Leah and Brent. “I’ll catch up with you guys.” Leah waves us on with a smile.

“We’re going to grab some food. Did you see the spread?” Leah asks, already pulling Brent in the direction of the grill.

Ember leads me to a bench that has been strategically placed under a shade tree.

“So, the apartment is a three bedroom. It’s bigger than what I need, but the lease was a great deal. Besides you can never have too much space, right?” she asks.

“Think of the closet the third bedroom would make,” I say, mostly kidding. Ember’s eyes light up.

“Why didn’t I think of that?” she laughs. “Anyway, I propose we just split everything fifty fifty: rent, utilities, etc. We can take turns on groceries, unless you’re particular about that sort of thing.

“No, not really. I’ve only ever lived at home; well, until I moved here with Leah and Brent.” The words slip so easily from my tongue. Ember and Nancy are so kind; it’s easy to share a part of myself and my past with them. I know eventually I’ll have to talk about my parents, but I don’t want today to be about that.

“I can see the pain in your eyes. I won’t badger you with questions, but when you need a friend, I’m here. No questions, just support.”

I work hard to swallow back the emotions begging to break free. “Thank you, that means a lot to me.”

Ember places her hand on my arm and gives it a gentle squeeze. “So what do you think roomies?” she asks.

I can feel a grin taking over my face. “Roomies.” I hold out my hand and we shake on it. I don’t need to see the place. Nancy and her family are good people. I’m sure it’s great.

“Great, you can move in as early as tomorrow. I can have my brother’s help move your things.”

“Oh, that won’t be—”

She waves her hand in the air cutting me off. “Really, they won’t mind. Besides, if I don’t ask them to, Mamma and Daddy will. That’s the way we do it here in Tennessee.” She winks at me.

We both break out in laughter. It feels good to make a new friend, and try to begin picking up the pieces of what my life has become. It’s time to mend them back together.

I’m sitting at the picnic table with my family. It’s Mom and Dad’s annual Fourth of July get-together. I’m keeping a close eye on Asher, wondering if tonight will be the night he pops the big question. He met with Grace’s dad earlier this week. Dad and I are discussing a field fire we had last night when I hear my mom greet a newcomer. I lift my eyes, and it’s her. Tatum. The girl who has been in my head since the day I met her. I have no idea why, but something about her…she intrigues me. I will myself to look away, but I can’t. If I’m being honest, I don’t want to. I haven’t seen her since the day I fixed her car; well, not in person. She’s been haunting my dreams.

Tatum is sexy as hell. Those green eyes of hers are shining bright today. The image of her eyes filled with tears flashes in my mind. I feel that same tightening in my chest at the thought of her in pain. Her sweet voice rings out as she says hello and introduces her friends. I briefly take my eyes off her to glance at them. I spot an engagement ring on the girl’s finger and the guy has his hands on her waist. I feel a rush of air leave my lungs. The thought of her being here with someone doesn’t sit well. She told me about her best friend and her fiancé, but I still needed proof. I have Beth to thank for that.

I continue to watch her, uncaring really if anyone realizes it or not. Her long, dark brown locks are pulled up into a twist. Her tanned legs are encased in a pair of short denim shorts. Her green tank is the same color as her eyes. I love her eyes. She looks to be about five foot five or so. Almost a full foot shorter than me. She’s beautiful. I allow myself another long glance from head to toe. Yes, even her bright red toenails are sexy. My minds flashes back to me holding her on the side of the road. Yes, I was trying to comfort her, but damn she felt nice up against me.

I watch as she walks off with her friends and my sister. I vaguely remember Mom mentioning she might have found the perfect roommate for Ember. By the looks of it, she was referring to Tatum. A smile graces my lips. I’ll have to make sure I drop in to visit my little sister a little more often.

“Dude!” I hear Asher say. I blink to clear my head.

“What?” I ask him.

Asher reaches over and hands me a napkin. “I think you need to wipe the drool, brother,” he chides.

I scowl at him. “Shut it,” I say in reply.

I hear my dad’s deep belly laugh. “Son, you couldn’t have been more obvious. I don’t think I’ve ever seen you that enamored with a young lady before,” he says as he places a hand on my shoulder.

I shrug my shoulders. “Are you two blind? Did you see her? Of course I’m going to stare; she’s gorgeous.” I have nothing to hide.

“Yeah, you and the rest of the single guys here,” Asher says, pointing to where Ember and Tatum are now standing near the edge of the tent. “Hell, even the ones who aren’t single can’t seem to tear their eyes away from her,” he laughs.