One of the Guys (27 page)

“Thank you Dad. Hey this is Rocky. He’s taught me everything I know.” The two briefly shake hands and my eyes start roaming looking for Cole. I know he was here, I saw him. Trey stepped into the ring and I stood beside Rocky and my dad as we watched him beat the same guy I did. I kinda had to laugh about that. I almost told my dad I’ve fought Travis, but I wasn’t sure how he would feel about it. Better to save that for a whole other day and conversation. Dad and Brenda hugged me telling me goodbye before they headed out. A few months ago I don’t know if I could have ever seen this coming. It was the rainbow at the end of the storm, but the rainbow wasn’t complete yet. Not until I quit being a coward and decided to talk to Cole.

Trey came bouncing up to me pulling me in for a huge hug. “Drinks tonight, my treat. Cole doesn’t come out anymore; it’s up to you to continue the legacy.” Oh damn, the last time I went out, everything went up in flames.

“I don’t want to drink tonight but I’ll go.” He shot me a look and I knew by the end of the night I would have one drink and most likely he’d do the Dougie. Oh Joe’s wasn’t anywhere near ready for this tonight.

I went home first and changed into the sequin tank top I bought at Express that first time I saw Marsh and Adryian together. My blue jean skirt and a dab of lip gloss later and I was ready to head out. Trey stood by the bar holding a shot in his hand. Dammit. He proposed a toast to us being “badass bitches” and we clinked our glasses together before shooting the liquid. An hour later, he’s working his skills on the women but he doesn’t leave my side. Maybe he’s making up for that night he left me and I stupidly called Marsh.

A few people have come up to us congratulating us on our victories tonight. Almost all of them offered to buy us a drink but I respectfully declined mine. I meant every word I said when I said I wouldn’t be drinking tonight. Alcohol wouldn’t be playing any factors in any of my decisions tonight. All it did was make me a fool, a fool in the eyes of myself and most likely everyone who knew me. A clear mind is what I need, even though it seems to haunt me bringing up memories I don’t care to think about. Memories of Cole. Memories of our short lived love, would we ever have that again? Any guy that even thought about looking at me the wrong way got the look from Trey and they backed off almost immediately. That was pretty damn amusing.

I’ll be damned if he didn’t suddenly jump up and grab my arm dragging me towards the dance floor because he wanted to Dougie. “Let’s go show them how the hell it’s done.” I stifled back a laugh because I wasn’t sure he knew how it was done. Most of the time we were laughing our asses off trying to not look stupid. He had beads of sweat dripping from his hair when the song ended. Immediately after, ‘I love Rock n Roll’ by Joan Jett came on and we looked like a bunch of rejects jumping around singing and occasionally shaking our asses. I grabbed a chair from a table next to the dance floor and climbed up on it dancing my ass off. Trey danced behind me for a minute before trying to climb on the chair with me. We almost fell, both of us dying laughing as he grabbed another chair and placed it next to mine. The crowd was worked up, singing along with us. It was a blast. That was fun, a little too fun because people were clapping for us when the song ended. My face flushed a little hoping I didn’t look too incredibly stupid. The tone changed when “Come Over” by Kenny Chesney came on. I caught Trey’s attention before he turned to dance with some girl to let him know I would be at the bar. I pinky promised and everything. Before I could walk off, I felt some arms wrap around my waist pulling me back. They tried to turn me around but I hesitated, I just wanted to go stand by the bar like I told Trey I would. Slow dancing with a stranger was not on the agenda for the night. The person leaned down by my ear and just feeling their breath along my neck sent chills down my spine.
Don’t panic Sam.
The thought to pull away and run off crosses my mind for a split second until the voice speaks and my whole world stops.

“I love you Sam.” My heart dropped in my chest and every breath I had was sucked away. It’s Cole behind me and I’m fighting off tears that I refuse to shed inside a bar full of people.

Hesitantly I turn around to face him, I’ve thought about this moment every day for the last two months. I’ve missed him more than he’ll ever know. I suddenly have the urge to interrupt Trey’s dance and hug him because I know this was set up, it had to be. Cole’s eyes gaze into mine while he’s waiting for me to say something. There’s so much to say I’m not sure where to even start. I wrap my arms around his neck pulling him closer. My head rests against his chest, the soft fabric of his polo adds to the comfort and I feel complete. “I love you too.” I say into his chest. He raises my chin up bringing our lips to a stand still. Before I crush my lips to his, I choke out, “I’m so sorry Cole. Please forgive me.”

His lips linger on mine for a moment before he just simply sways to the music with me. How did I survive without him for two months? I didn’t. That’s the truth. I just got by. Truth is I was miserable every single day. All we ever want in life is to be accepted and loved, but when we throw that away it’s a struggle to get it back and I missed that so much. If this is my chance to get that back, I swear with every fiber in my being I’ll never let him go again. I glance down to notice his bright blue polo shirt is now soaked from tears I didn’t realize I was shedding. His thumb wipes away the remaining tears from my eyes as the song ends. Trey steps behind me making a ‘Sam’ sandwich. I’m trying to groan but all I seem to be doing is laughing like a hyena.

“It’s about damn time, you two were killing me! If ya’ll want to leave and go have some  hanky panky time, that’s fine with me. Plenty of ladies here to keep me company.” Oh damn, it’s going to take one hell of a woman to settle this man down. God have mercy on her soul, whoever she may be.

Cole just rolled his eyes but when I leaned up to his ear and whispered, “Want to get out of here?” The crowded bar just wouldn’t do anymore; it felt like I’ve waited a lifetime for this. I’ve wondered these past two months what it would feel like when I finally let myself see him again and well it just feels out of this world.

The minute we stepped out into the night air, his lips were on mine. I moaned as he worked his tongue against mine deepening our kiss. He pressed me against the side of his truck, my legs raising up to wrap around his waist. I felt one of my shoes fall off my foot and hit the gravel parking lot with a light thud. Screw it. I moan as his hand slides under my skirt. I know he can feel just how much I want him. His groan is ragged as he slides his finger around the outside of my panties before sliding a finger or two inside practically making me come undone. The butterflies are unreal. My hands wrap around his neck, occasionally moving up to tousle his hair. Neither of us can breathe normal once we stop. Oh. My. Freaking. Gosh. That was so hot.

Once he sets me back down on my feet, it takes a second to adjust to standing. I grab my shoe and put it back on before stepping in the truck. Cole pulls me in for one more kiss before leaving the parking lot of Joe’s. The drive isn’t awkward; it feels like I’ve been here all along. He reaches for my hand but instead I scoot across the seat until I’m right next to him. He brings his arm up laying it around my shoulder as I lean into him feeling safer than I ever have before.

Chapter 39

Cole

Trey came to me a few days ago before he mentioned Sam was fighting tonight trying to convince me that I needed to go out with him. I haven’t been out since she needed her space. I didn’t want anyone else, not even a quick fuck in the back of the bar. There was nothing that would do except piss me off even more and make me miss her more than I already did. I went to her fight like I’ve been doing. Her dad was there, that told me they must be making progress. He looked so proud of her. In that moment, I missed my dad. He was taken away too soon, yes I had many wonderful memories with him but I’m selfish enough to admit I wanted more. I left right after her match. Making eye contact with her was a little too much for me, this was the first time she’s noticed me here. I wasn’t in my shadow and I wish I had been.

I sat in my apartment hating myself for not sticking around and trying to talk to her. What would I say? Would she even talk to me? Trey’s offer kept coming up to haunt me. I walked into my room grabbing a polo shirt and a pair of jeans. I rode in silence the whole way to Joe’s hoping I was making the right decision to go out tonight.

The bar is crowded; people are dancing to that god-awful song Trey always dances to. A cold beer is placed in my hands and by the time the song is over, the bottle is empty. My eyes caught Trey’s on the dance floor, he nodded in front of him and my stomach began cutting flips. This is why he wanted me out. Sam is here. The lights on the floor hit her body the right way, her body glowing like an angel. I hoped for a slow song but they played Joan Jett next and I was subjected to watching Sam and Trey sing about how they loved rock and roll. They were dancing on chairs, this was a picture worthy moment but I was too busy laughing my ass off and being worried at the same time about what I was going to say to her. I missed her so damn much it hurts. Good lord, what am I going to do with these two? Everyone clapped for them afterwards, she looked a little embarrassed but from where I stood, she looked amazing. Breathing seems to be something I have to keep reminding myself to do as I begin walking towards her. Without giving myself a chance to second guess my actions, I wrap my arms around her waist feeling her body instantly tense. I lean towards her neck letting my breath linger there for a minute, she still doesn’t move.

“I love you Sam.” I say as she slowly turns around to face me. She says nothing as she just looks at me. God, thank you for dragging me here tonight. She steps in closer resting her head on my chest soaking my shirt with her tears.

“I love you too.” I wasn’t sure I would ever hear her say those words again. All my life I never believed a relationship would ever be worth it, when I met Sam she changed all that. When she left me, I was torn in two but now, I’m a new man.

Slowly I raise her chin lingering my lips a few mere inches from hers. Before she kisses me, she tear-filled eyes continue to gaze into mine as she tells me, “I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.”

How could I not forgive her? I pull her in closer holding her as if my life depended on it. When she asks if I’m ready to go, I don’t hesitate. I’ll thank Trey later.

Outside against the truck with her legs wrapped around my waist I want nothing more than to bury myself inside her and show her just how much I love her. I want to show her how much I missed her. I don’t think I’ve ever sped so fast before in my life trying to get home.

I scooped her back in my arms from the truck, her legs once again wrapped around my waist as we made our way inside the apartment. I kicked the door shut; my hands were cupping that perfect ass as I carried her into the bedroom. I carefully laid her down showering her neck with kisses. She sat up eagerly to take her shirt off. Her chest rose and fell with her breathing; I licked my lips as I hovered over her breasts lowering myself to taste them. She arched her back letting out a moan. Her fingers run through my hair slowly, she pulled harder when she got a little more excited. Fuck. She’s gonna kill me before we even get started. Sam reaches down trying to lower my pants but she gets frustrated and cups me from the outside. I groan, pulling them off as quickly as I can. Her skirt is off just as quick and damn she’s just as wet as she was outside Joe’s. I can’t wait any longer; I need to be inside her. I need to feel what I’ve been missing. She doesn’t object as I get ready to bury myself inside her, in fact she’s almost begging me to. I enter slowly, she gasps as she steadies her breathing. She begs me to go faster, harder and once her legs are wrapped around my back, I thrust into her feeling her every inside continue to beg for more. I can feel her body tense as she begins to release herself; I’m right behind her collapsing on her as we try to gauge our breathing.

Lying next to her, I briefly glance up at the ceiling offering a silent prayer to God for this perfect moment. Sam’s eyes are closed; the faintest smile is on her lips. I lean in and kiss the corner of her mouth. She leans in sealing the deal. God I love this woman.

“Cole, that was absolutely amazing but we do need to talk.” Damn. I was hoping to avoid this conversation. Forgive and forget…I’m not sure if it’s truly possible but I was willing to try.

“Whatever I did Sam, I’m so sorry sweetheart. I should have never raised my voice at you like that. I wasn’t even thinking, you know I would never hurt you right?”

She closes her eyes taking in a deep breath before opening them again. “I know that now. Wendy did a lot of talking for you these past two months. I was upset first of all because you invaded my privacy by answering my phone. I would never do that to you and wait to tell you about it. When you raised your voice, all I saw were flashbacks of my dad. I will never be in that situation again. I should have trusted you but I was scared.”

I feel like such a dick as she’s telling me this and I feel like hugging my sister the minute I see her for at least seeming to be on my side with all this. She was scared of me? I would never in a million years put my hands on her in any way that would harm her. I grab her hand pulling it into mine holding onto it for dear life.

“Sam, I’m so sorry. I’d never do anything to hurt you in any way. If I could take back that night, I would do it in a damn heartbeat. I want to spend the rest of my life making up these past two months with you. I want to spend every day giving you everything you want and need. Being without you, it felt like a damn knife was in my chest. If I ever have to be without you again, I don’t think I can make it.”

Sam’s eyes are wet from tears that have yet to fall. I don’t want her shedding another tear. I kiss her forehead letting my lips linger for just a moment longer.

“I love you Cole. I’m as sure of that as the sky is blue. I wanted to talk to you so many times but I was a coward. I was so scared you wouldn’t want me back or that you had moved on. I couldn’t put myself through that again either. The last time I needed space, he moved on.” She’s talking about her ex, I see the pain in her eyes it’s easy to read but she quickly pushes it away.

“Sam, there was no moving on. There was only you. If I couldn’t have you, I didn’t want anyone else. No one could ever make me feel the way I feel when I’m with you. He was stupid to move on like he did, I would never. You hear me? Never.” Never in my life did I think I would become a sap like this but there was no way I could continue to go on not having her fully understand exactly how I feel.

“I’m so sorry I called him that night. Nothing happened Cole, I swear on my life. I was drunk and fucking stupid. He’s in love, I’m happy for him. She wasn’t there that’s the only reason I stayed the night to sleep it off. I was embarrassed of myself, I love you Cole. I only love you. I’m so sorry.”

Did it hurt that she called him? Yes, it hurt more than she could ever know but I believed her when she said nothing happened. “It’s ok Sam, I swear. I wish you hadn’t called him but we can’t change that. We’re here together now, that’s the past.”

“Does this mean you think we could have a second chance?” The nervous expression on her face is enough to hurt me again but she should already know the answer to that question.

“I’ve never wanted anything more in my life Sam.”

I run my fingers through her hair before kissing her temple and pulling her into me. I hold onto her finding myself staring at the ceiling once more thanking God again.

The next morning I snuck out of bed while she was still peacefully sleeping. I wanted to do something special for her. I whipped up some pancake batter and fried some bacon. I half expected the smell of the bacon to wake her up but she was still sleeping. I grabbed a coffee cup filling it with the hot dark liquid before setting it on the table. I can’t help but smile as I think of being able to walk into my, I mean our room and wake her up. I know before this whole fight, she was already staying with me every night. Pieces of her were all over in this apartment but I wanted to officially ask her to move in with me.

She’s lightly snoring when I walk back into the room. The covers are around her waist, her bare chest facing down onto the mattress. I sit beside her planting a kiss on her shoulder. She stirs only a little, groaning before grabbing the covers and attempting to throw them over her head. I catch them laughing pulling them away. “Wake up baby. I cooked breakfast for you.”

The mention of food and her head lifted a little out of curiosity. “What’d you cook?” She asked groggily.

“I heated up some pop tarts for you. You like strawberry right?” Her head shot up more, her eyes practically bugging out of her head. “Think it’s a game?”

“You so better be kidding.” She laughed. She slowly got up grabbing one of my shirts off the floor. She looked perfect in it; I’m almost one hundred percent positive we aren’t leaving the house at all today.

Her eyes light up when she sees the pancakes and bacon on the table. I can’t help but laugh when she turns around glaring at me for lying to her. Her attempt to punch me in the arm fails when I catch her hand pulling her into my chest. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it. Sit down and eat.” I pull her chair out so she can sit. I sit across from her handing her a plate. As we eat in almost complete silence I feel my palms getting sweaty as I think about asking her to officially move in with me. I hope it doesn’t weird her out or send her running. I’d have to say though; I think she’s now officially done with running now that she’s back with me.