Breaking the Ice

f i v e

Tatum Marshall

I laid my head on my soft silk pillow and shut my eyes.

Sure I was a little freaked out by the stalker-dude but Seb was next door and I had a louisville slugger next to my bed. I could hold my own.

My mind drifted to the mental recall of Travis squawking One Direction out the window. It's like I can hear him saying my name right now.

I fluttered my eyes open,

"Tate?! If you touch her i'll kill you!" Travis screamed. I sat up and rubbed my eyes.

Jesus christ what did he want at 1 am. I slid out of my warm sheets and shuffled into the living room and to the front door. I looked through the peep hole.

Travis was pacing back and forth in front and I grumbled a few choice words before I swung the door open.

Travis stopped pacing and snapped his head to me. He took a look at me top to bottom, checking if i'd been stabbed probably. He took one big step and wrapped his arms around me.

"Travis I can barely breathe." I wheezed and he let out a short laugh before he pulled back. He stepped back and ran a hand through his hair.

"Sorry about all this it's just that I thought something bad was gonna happen. But why didn't you tell me about what Cassie said in the car? I was scared to death." He sighed. His green eyes were flooded with worry. I took a deep breath.

"Travis," I started. "you don't need to be my body guard. I can handle myself."

He didn't look convinced, "Tate, he was stalking your and Cassie's apartment. He's been watching you guys for a while. That's creepy and dangerous. We don't know if this guy is a physically dangerous guy but he's a threat and i'm gonna protect you." He told me. He closed the door behind him and kicked off his shoes. I put my hands on my hips and watched as he plopped down on my couch.

"Um, what do you think you're doing?" I sassed and he shot me a lopsided smirk as he sat up.

"Well, gorgeous, tonight i'm gonna sleep on the couch and make sure no bad guys come near you. Kay?" He asked as he laid back down and clicked on ESPN. I rolled my eyes.

"Fine. But no sneaking in my room to spoon. You stay here. Capeesh?" I warned.

"Caposh" he replied.

My phone alarm blared at 6 and I instantly perked up. I'm a morning person.

"Wake wakey, Trav!" I chirped as I danced into the living room. But he was already awake.

I saw Travis' tan back, making something on the stove. It smelled like heaven.

"Good morning, sunshine. Made you some French toast." Travis cooed as he placed the toast on a plate and doused it with maple syrup. He slid the plate to me over my island. I plopped on the bar stool and grabbed the fork he set out.

"Well thank you very much!" I chuckled as I cut off a piece of the food he made. My fork hovered over my mouth as I noticed Travis staring at me. I scrunched my nose at him.

"Travis, most people don't like to be stared at while they're eating." I pointed out. His defined cheeks went red and he looked down.

"Sorry. I just wanted to see if you'd like them." He mumbled. I took a bite and my taste buds thanked me. Travis could make a mean French Toast. I devoured my breakfast and brought my plate to the sink.

"So...?" He asked nervously. His green eyes watched me intently. I shrugged.

"I mean they were okay." I replied passively. His whole exterior kinda sank and I instantly felt bad. I was joking obviously. I ran over hugged him.