One of the Guys (7 page)

I couldn’t be mad about it at all. I’m the jackass who made a shitty ass comment. This girl is a firecracker and she’s already blowing my world up. She doesn’t even know it. I tried to complement her on her punch and shake her hand but she wasn’t having it. This girl pinned me to the ground and all I could do was grin at her. I was so aroused it wasn’t funny and I prayed she couldn’t tell. Her blonde pony tail was on the side of her shoulder hanging where the breeze could catch it sending a whiff of her shampoo my way. Damn.

Once she made it very clear to me she wasn’t a dyke she let me up. Then Rocky called her name. Once he announced she was part of our group now, I made a mental note to start trying to show her I’m not a complete asshole.

Wendy shot me a look from hell as I threw my hands up admitting defeat. Yes, I know I was way out of line and damn this girl definitely showed she can take care of herself. In no time, she has the potential to be as great as Wendy if not even better.

Wendy led Sam over to the punching bags and began showing her the proper technique of how to hit them the right way so she didn’t hurt her hand. Sam was a natural. She didn’t miss a beat and she seemed so focused almost like she was imagining punching someone’s face in. I’m almost positive that face is mine.

Wendy throws a few punches in and I stop sparing with Trey to walk over there. She doesn’t need to be messing with any of this in her condition and if Rocky saw, it would be her ass.

As soon as Sam sees me coming, I can’t help but grin. She rolls her pretty little eyes again and I can’t help but smile bigger. “Wendy, I can help her. You don’t need to be doing any of this.”

Wendy began to try to protest but I put my hand up to her and she backed down. She began mumbling as she walked off. No doubt she’s pissed at me and by the scowl on Sam’s face, she is too.

“I can do this by myself. I don’t need your help. Not unless you want to be my practice dummy.” She got in three or four good jabs as she talked to me and the sound of her voice absolutely mesmerized me.

I held the bag for her as she continued to wail on it, showing no mercy. Since I was safe from any of her lashings, I couldn’t help but make a very Cole-like remark. I’d start being nice after this, I swear. “I’ll be your practice dummy anytime babe.”

“I’m not your babe.”

I smirk even though she’s practically spitting fire. I throw my hands up in the air for yet another attempt at truce with her. “Whoa now, don’t kill me I’m sorry. It was just a figure of speech.”

“Just don’t call me that again, got it?”

This girl is some kind of strong because the last punch she gave the bag before she walked away almost knocked me down. I could see Wendy shooting daggers in my direction but I could do nothing but shrug my shoulders and stalk back to Jack and Trey.

“Geez dude, she’s gonna bust your damn nuts if you don’t watch yourself. I thought your sister was mean but I think she may have her beat.” Trey was laughing and I wanted to punch that smug smile off his face. He’s lucky we’re in here with Rocky or I’d probably have him sweating.

Jack just stood there laughing. Asshole. He walked off to go lift weights and Trey followed to spot him. That left me right here on the mat with Sam making her way to grab some water.

I really want to show this girl I’m not an asshole. Wait, what the hell am I thinking? Cole Johnson is not an asshole but he also doesn’t care about what girls think of him unless it’s just for that split second before he makes them forget their own first name. She seems so innocent and I guess that’s what has me torn up. Girls like her usually don’t end up in places like this unless it’s for a reason and I am determined to find out what brought her here. I can’t imagine seeing her little body take a hit or get pinned down on that hard mat. I’d lose every match for the rest of my career just to make sure she was safe.

The more I hear myself think, the more I realize I’m losing my mind over some girl I don’t even know so I decide it’s time to call it a day. I’m going to be the nice brother and help start packing Wendy’s stuff so that way her and Rocky don’t have too much to do. There’s no way I’m entangled over this girl already. I only know her name and she seems she’d rather know nothing about me.

Sam is in the office when I walk in there to tell Rocky I’m calling it an early day. The scowl on her face tells me she isn’t too thrilled to have me in the same room as her but her majesty will just have to wait for a second longer then I’ll be gone but I’ll be back tomorrow.

“Hey man, I’m heading out early. I’m going to help get some of Wendy’s things packed out of the apartment.”

Wendy jumps out of his lap and into my arms. I accept her hug and kiss the head of the only woman who has a place in my heart. The one woman who will never break my heart.

“You are the best brother ever! Don’t just throw shit in trash bags either. I have boxes under my bed.”

“Well damn, you’ve been planning this haven’t you?”

Rocky let out a small chuckle as he told Sam he was going to help her get some techniques down as soon as I got my stubborn ass out his office. What I would do to be the one down on the mat with her. I say my goodbyes then I’m out the door and sitting inside my Silverado wondering why I’m so intrigued by the girl who’s managed to punch me and pin me to the ground all within a few minutes.

Chapter 7

Sam

Never in my life would I think I would be so happy but sad at the same time to see someone walk out a door. Cole was some kind of intriguing to me and I knew I had to stay away. When he left, I so desperately wanted to run outside and ask if he was leaving because of me. Of course he was, I practically assaulted the man.
I didn’t mean to and honestly I had no idea I could even do anything like that. But in my defense, he totally loved it. My intentions were never to be so damn mean but my guard is up, I can’t help it.

Once he’s gone I’m able to focus on what’s important right now and that is training. Rocky leads me over to the weight benches and I wonder just how well I can manage this without looking like a total idiot. I’ve never lifted weights in my life so when he asks what I can bench, I give him the strangest look.

“Oh Sam, we’ve got some work to do.” Rocky lightly chuckled before adjusting the weights for me. “Have a seat and lay back, see how this feels. I’m going to spot you, don’t worry.”

I couldn’t help but feel my face flush. How big of an idiot can I be? At least Cole isn’t here to see this one. “Is it that obvious I’ve never done this?”

I placed the gloves on my hands so the bar wouldn’t be slippery as I adjusted them and lay back gripping the bar as if my very life clung to it, Rocky simply smiled and replied, “Sweetheart, you don’t look any worse than Wendy did when she started here.”

That made me feel a little better and as I lifted the bar, I prayed to God I didn’t drop it on my chest. I could feel my muscles working and I just knew they were going to kill me later for this. Rocky had set it just right and after a few repetitions he brought me to the mats where he taught me how to block hits and trust me, once or twice he got a lick in but I always retaliated. We practiced without gloves for a few rounds and then Rocky handed me a pair of gloves to put on. I’ve never worn anything like this; it took him helping me to be able to get them on my hands. I bore holes into them trying to figure out just what I was doing. Punching with the gloves was a whole other feeling, confidence flowed through me as we began sparring and when I brought him to the ground, he just looked up and smiled.

“I definitely know I’m not going to regret this Sam. You’ve got it.”

Wendy walked up and threw her arm around me. “Fucking nice Sam. I wish I could help you train but I’m not in the shape to do that since I’m carrying a baby. Rocky’s the best though. Taught us all everything we know, huh babe.”

Rocky leaned down and kissed her forehead and smiled. “Sure did.”

I must be doing decent because he paired me up with Trey as he went to spar with Jack. I removed the gloves, my poor hands relieved to be able to breathe again. Trey immediately smiled as he shook my hand again. At least everyone here was friendly. He smiled rather slyly the more we stood there and I was only imagining the crazy thoughts he was having float through his head at the moment. With what Cole said earlier, I wouldn’t be too shocked to hear anything else.

“What’s on your mind Trey?” The suspense was literally killing me and if he had some sexist comment to make, I was hoping he would just come out and say it to get it over with. Nothing about him screams quiet, matter of fact everything about him screams extremely loud and outspoken.

“Don’t take this the wrong way and knock me on my ass, but Cole is gonna shit when he hears I got to spar with you. He’d practically give his left nut to be near you.”

I cut him a dirty look and I felt my jaw drop. Seriously? The guy just met me, although I’m not denying the fact that I’d do anything to be near him right now. Just breathing the same air as him earlier had me feeling all kinds of giddy. The kind of giddy I didn’t think I could ever feel again in my life. “What the hell? He just met me Trey, he doesn’t know me.”

Trey immediately got into stance when Rocky cleared his throat. Fun time was over and it was time to see if I can really hang but I’m so unfocused because of what Trey just said.

Before Trey went for the first swing, I couldn’t help but ask what he meant. “What the hell are you talking about Trey? You didn’t answer me.”

“Look Sam, I saw the way he looked at you. He was drooling like a love sick puppy. He won’t admit it but I know that guy like the back of this damn glove on my hand. By the way, these are my favorite gloves.” His wink almost threw me off and I had to do my best to ignore everything he was saying.

Bam, one hit blocked and I swung at him only to get knocked on my ass. Trey reached down and I gripped his glove in mine to pull myself up. “You distracted me. I could have had you.”

“That’s your first mistake sweetheart.” I looked at him puzzled. “You let yourself get distracted. Cole doesn’t date by the way if that’s what you’re thinking.”

“Who the hell said I was thinking that? I can’t stand his arrogant ass already.” Shit, am I that obvious? So what if I’ve been secretly drooling over him since I met him just earlier. I didn’t want anyone to pick up on that but well Trey must have a damn good radar.

This time I didn’t block the hit and I felt it. Shit, Cole isn’t here and he’s throwing me way off. “Darling, no one is blind here. We all see. Even though this is your first day, we see.”

I mumbled under my breath as I vowed he wouldn’t get another hit in and after I pinned him to the ground, I smiled with satisfaction. He gave me a big sweaty hug when he stood and we sat back down on the mat. Laid was more like it. I’d have to sit here for a minute before I could even think about getting up.

Rocky and Jack were now lifting weights and I started to walk towards them when Wendy stopped me. She looked so perky and excited I couldn’t turn away from her. “Please don’t mind my brother. He can be an ass but he means well.”

All I could do was smile and pray I didn’t look goofy. He was definitely an ass but he was a sexy ass and oh god the things I’d love to do to him.
Shut up Sam. That’s not why we’re here
.

“I’m used to that kinda crap, its ok. You don’t have to apologize for him.”

“I like you Sam, you’re spunky like me. We could be good friends. Want to come back to the apartment and order a pizza? Have a little gal time? Cole may be there but he never sticks around when I have company so you don’t have to worry about him.”

She brushes her hair away from her face and her eyes shine with hope that I just may take her up on this offer. There’s a chance to see Cole. Oh, and pizza of course. I am hungry I can’t lie about that. Dad didn’t buy any food this week so we’re down to a few cans of tuna, some ravioli, green beans, and a few frozen dinners. These Banquet meals just aren’t too appetizing most of the time, my stomach is turning flips just thinking about them.

Dad will most likely be pissed when I don’t come home right away so I decide to text him and let him know I’m going to eat pizza and I’ll be home later. He responds almost immediately.

Dad: Have a good time. See you when you get home.

I hope I don’t have to see him when I get home but I keep that thought to myself.

Smiling, I look at Wendy and reply, “Sounds fun I’ll be there.”

She started jumping and clapping as she ran to tell Rocky bye. He waved to me and I began walking to my truck. Maybe, just maybe walking in there today was a good decision. I’m in need of good decisions right now. I need a way out of where I’m at and after this first day, I’m really confident in my choice. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed a vehicle that seemed a little all too familiar to me, but it can’t be. But it is. It’s Marsh and Adryian and they just pulled up. He got out and opened the door for her like a gentleman. He always was the perfect gentleman. She just couldn’t wait to make her move on him and well he sure didn’t seem to mind which sorta pissed me off a little more. I could see their fingers intertwine which made me want to gag and when she reached up for a kiss, I had to fight back tears. I let him go like an idiot and now he’d never be mine again.

Before he could notice my truck, I hurried and jumped in. I tried to smile at Mom’s picture and hold my tears back but this was just getting harder by the minute. It was then I realized I have no idea where Cole and Wendy live. Fuck my life. I got out and met her by the door. She rattled off directions and when I looked like a deer caught in the headlights, she just simply said to follow her.

Their apartment was a few blocks from the gym. I have no earthly idea how I couldn’t figure this out from her directions. There was a security gate and everything about it screamed safe and sound. Flowers lined the immaculate iron gate and once we were inside the complex, there were trees and bushes on almost every corner. The landscaping was perfect, not one blade of grass stood higher than another. I parked beside her and saw a dark gray Silverado on the other side that I presumed to be Cole’s. I hope he’s in his room because I just don’t think I’m ready to see him again and especially not after what Trey told me just earlier. Could he possibly like me? But then Trey said he doesn’t date. I’m not ready to date though either and I feel horrible even looking at another guy. Yeah, I hope he’s planning on leaving.

As she unlocked the apartment door I sucked in a deep breath as I entered their home. For just the two of them, they kept a tidy apartment. It was comforting. Everything from the vase on the cherry wood table to the pictures on the cream colored wall, to the worn couch in the living room. A couch people actually sit on. No one has ever really sat on our couch. I mean of course we sat on it but barely. The couch has been there for about three years and looks brand spanking new. Brenda was always out running errands and then Dad was at work. We barely sat at the table for a meal. I was beginning to think that the furniture was just to take up space in the house. Wendy tossed her keys on the counter wasting no time hollering at her brother. “Cole, order some pizza will ya?”

Silence. Then his voice came calling from down the hall, “Sure thing, you want the usual?....”

He stopped the minute he saw me standing in his living room and his eyes lit up. I rolled my eyes and that only made him smirk more. Not sure why I opted for that response, in reality I wanted to talk to him but uncertainty washed over me. What if he didn’t want to talk to me and was just being an arrogant ass? For all I know he could be leading me on. That’s what guys like him do, they lead on poor unsuspecting vulnerable girls so they can get what they want and then they leave them broken in two when they leave. I won’t be that girl. My stomach was twisting in more knots than should be possible.

The tension could be cut with a knife. I hate that feeling. My palms were getting sweaty and I tried to hurry and wipe them off on my shorts. Cole caught me, I felt vulnerable as he watched me trying my best to hide how nervous I was and leaned in to where I could smell his freshly showered body.
Oh Mylanta….
I could see the small spots on his chest that he didn’t finish drying through his shirt and I could see the beads of water hanging from his hair. “Do I make you nervous….Sam?”

The way he said my name…oh my god, I’m going to melt. Silently, I thanked myself for not being stubborn and coming here tonight. He practically purred it and what the hell am I thinking? It’s way to soon to be swooning over someone. Or is it? Marsh sure wasted no time swooning over Adryian.

“No, you make me want to punch you in the face again.” That’s what I’m able to stammer out and he leans in closer placing his finger on his cheek tempting me. Those plump lips of his are sticking out just right and part of me wonders what they taste like. I wonder just how amazing it would be to feel his body against mine. No matter how I feel, the tough girl is the only part I’m able to play around him. My guard is up and everything about letting it down terrifies me.

“Baby, I’d let you punch me any day.” He’s still smirking, in fact it never left his face and I raise my hand to knock that cockiness away and he grabs my hand enveloping it in his. Our fingers don’t intertwine, but then they don’t need to for my body to react to the jolts of electricity that are shooting through from this simple touch. I notice how well my hand fits right there, it’s almost perfect.

My hand sits in his five seconds too long which seems like five minutes or even five years and I jerk my hand away and try to turn before he can see my blushing face. But it’s too late and I can feel the temperature in my body continuing to rise along with my heart now hammering in my chest.

Lucky for me, Wendy came back in the living room and Cole took about three steps back from me but he was still wearing that stupid smirk. What was going on in his mind? Would he have leaned in closer and kissed me if she hadn’t walked back in? Not knowing is driving me insane. Because dammit, I would have kissed him. I would have kissed him with everything I have.