Trust the Cowboy

Chapter Thirty

After our kind of heart-to-heart, Tatum and I made our way back the West ranch house. After we put the horses away and we helped with chores, I grabbed my suitcase and Tatum led me to a guest bedroom. This house has more rooms than I'd know what to do with. I set my duffel bag on the bed and took in the room I was staying in.

It had its own bathroom and a small closet. The whole room had a rustic feel to it. I liked it. It was cozy. Tatum came back in the room. 

"I hope you like it." He said.

"Like it? I freaking love it!" I exclaimed. 

He just chuckled at me, "Good."

He stepped closer to me and I suddenly became nervous. I could tell he wanted to kiss me but I wasn't quite sure if I was ready to kiss him... again. I think he's an amazing guy and I really want him in my life but... Hunter. And my dad. I can't drag him into that whole mess of my life. Tatum came closer to me and I tried to stand my ground.

"Can I hug you?" He asked me.

"Yeah," I said with a smile, my heart melting a little. Dang you Tatum, I'm trying not to fall for you.

Tatum wrapped his arms around my shoulders and I hesitantly wrapped mine around his torso. As soon as I did, I didn't want to let go. I have never in my life felt so comfortable and safe in someone's arms. We stood like that for a long time. 

I felt him put his face into my hair and I pressed myself even closer to him, inhaling his scent. Oh why does he have to smell so damn good? 

Slowly, Tatum pulled back and he gave me one of his killer smiles that literally makes me weak in the knees. 

"Goodnight Gem, sleep well. I'm right across the hall if you need anything." He said. 

While he kissed my forehead I replied, "Thank you Tatum. Goodnight."

He pulled away and shut the door and left me in the unfamiliar room. I got ready for bed and as soon as my head hit the pillow I realized how exhausted I truly was. 

*****

"I'm scared Amber," Rhett said. 

I looked at him and tried to hide the terrified look on my face, "You have nothing to be scared about bud. Everything will be fine." I turned to all three of my brothers, "Now you know the plan, Just take the bags and get to the Tesch's house as fast as you can. Tonight this ends, ok?"

They all nodded and I heard my father burst through the door, stumbling walking around in his drunken state. We jumped as we heard glass shattering and  I cringed at the string of  curse words my dad used. 

"All right, go. I'll be there in an hour. I promise." I said and watched them run to the barn to take the horses over to the Tesch's. As soon as they got away I was tossed to the side by my father because I didn't hear him creep up behind me. Seriously how does a drunk guy who usually makes so much noise, sneak behind someone? 

"There you are, you ungrateful bi-!" 

I woke up in a cold sweat. Panting and trying to grasp for air. I couldn't breathe. I don't understand why these memories are all coming back. He's in jail, he can't hurt me or my brothers anymore. I glance at my phone to see the time: 1:30 AM. 

Before I even realize what I'm doing I get out of bed and walk across the hall to Tatum's room. I lightly knock and the door opens and shows a groggy looking Tatum.

"Is everything all right Gem?" he asks. 

"Can I lay with you?" I ask, "I can't sleep."

"Of course."