One of the Guys (12 page)

“Hey Sam, where are you going?”

“Home. I came in a little early today.”

“Aw hell, I was hoping to have my partner but I guess I’ll settle for Cole.”

“Yeah, I’m sure you’re just going to have to settle for second best. Were you a good sugar daddy last night?”

He simply smiled and winked while I waved as I left.

How the hell am I supposed to stay away from Cole until this heals? He’s going to think I’m avoiding him and that I regretted last night but not a single fiber in my being regrets any of it. If anything, I regret not staying in his bed lying on his chest. I know he’s not as cocky as he makes himself out to be, just like I’m not the heartless bitch I pretend to be. I felt safe there with him. Damn, I hate myself for all this mess. If he never speaks to me again, I completely understand but I hope he doesn’t do that. I’d be completely broken.

I picked up the phone and called the one person I missed more than anything hoping to get to visit with her.

“Hello?”

“Brenda?”

“Samantha, how are you hun? I miss you.”

“I’m, uh, ok I guess. Can I come see you?”

“Of course.”

I pulled up at Brenda’s apartment still wearing my sunglasses and as she opened the door, I gave her the biggest hug I could. “I’m so glad to see you Brenda.”

“I miss you so much Samantha. Come in.”

Her apartment was very relaxing. Maybe it was the black raspberry vanilla candle that was lit in the kitchen or maybe it was the silent hum of the television on the local news channel. I don’t know what it was but I felt at peace.

I sat on the couch beside her and took a deep breath as I removed my sunglasses. She threw her hands over her mouth and a tear silently slid down her cheek. “Did he ---“

“Yes.” I whispered.

“You can’t stay there anymore Samantha. I have a spare room, please come here.”

“I can’t Brenda. I joined a gym and I’m taking classes until I can save money to move out. I’ll be ok.”

If looks could kill, I’d probably be getting ready to be placed on the BBQ pit. She wasn’t buying it and her blood red face was all the proof.

“No Samantha, he can’t do this to you too. You’ve done nothing to him.”

“It wasn’t him though honestly Brenda, it was the counter. He threw me forward and I lost balance. He was mad because I went out with a friend of mine. I shouldn’t have gone.”

She raised her voice as she responded, “Do not try to justify any of this Samantha. He’s wrong and he knows it. Get out of that house at least until he can get some help, please.”

“I’m working on it Brenda. I met a guy. It’s funny because I can smile again. The worst part is I was with him last night and he doesn’t know about this. I’m scared he’s going to think I regret everything but I don’t. I can’t let him see me like this.”

That made her smile a little more. “I’m happy for you Samantha. If he really likes you, he will understand but you have to be honest with him. I know none of this is easy to admit especially to someone you like who may judge you.”

“I know. Look, I gotta go, I just wanted to stop by and see you. I love you.”

Her arms wrapped around me like she was never going to let me go. She squeezed tightly as she kissed my head. “You know you are welcome here anytime. I don’t care what time of day you hear me?”

“Yes.”

I stood and as I made my way back to the door, I smiled before putting the sunglasses back on. Her words played through my head over and over again. Yes, I should be honest with him completely but I’m not ready yet. This was my fight and I know everyone wants to help but I can do this and I will.

Chapter 13

Cole

All I was looking forward to when I showed up at the gym today was seeing Sam. She skipped out before I woke up and I prayed she didn’t regret any thing that happened. She had kissed me first and dammit if I d
idn’t want to keep kissing her and run my hands up and down that sweet body of hers. Today was the day I was going to ask her out. I was on the road to becoming a new man; Wendy was going to think I was possessed; hell I was already beginning to think I was.

Trey looks like shit and that serves him right for drinking like he did last night and I realize that he’s who I’m training with because I’m looking around and Sam isn’t here. She should have been here by now.

Shit. I fucked up by listening to her and lying beside her in the bed. I should have slept on the couch like I originally planned to. She wanted me to though, that can’t be it. Maybe she’s just running late.

“Damn Trey, you look like shit.” I smile as I approach him. His face looks worn and tired and what I’m assuming is from his drinking last night could very well be from home.

“Yeah, fuck you Cole. Let’s get this over with.”

I could have easily knocked him on his ass but I’m sure I would enjoy that a little too much. “How are your mom and dad?”

He looked at me for a second before staring at the mat below him. “Dad and I think Mom’s getting worse but she still refuses to go to the hospital. She was throwing up this morning. I was the only one there to take care of her. Dad had an interview somewhere; I really hope he gets it. I’m so scared to lose her Cole.”

I take in a deep breath as I reach to touch his shoulder. I know none of this is easy for him at all, clearly now I can tell why his face looks so worn today. “I know, but whatever happens I’m here for you to help anyway I can.”

Awkward silence. My mind wanders back to where Sam is. I can’t help but be upset she isn’t here. I also can’t help but to feel horrible for possibly pushing her away even if I didn’t do anything wrong. “So uh, where’s Sam?”

Trey’s facial expression changed as he proceeded to make kissy noises in my face and it was that moment that I kicked his legs from under him and pinned him to the mat.

“Shit Cole. What the hell did you do that for? She came in earlier and was leaving when I got here. Maybe she’s avoiding you.”

“She’s not avoiding me.” Is she? Dammit, she’s got to be. That’s the only explanation I can come up with after everything from last night and I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t hurting like hell. I wanted to ask her out on a good honest date and treat her like the beautiful woman she is. I also want to make her forget about that ex of hers.

Wendy came walking by looking a little less than her chipper self. It’s got to be the pregnancy hormones. This girl has more mood swings than I can keep up with so I pretty much don’t mind the fact that she moved out. “She’s fine Cole. Give her a damn break.”

Puzzled, I looked at Wendy. “A break from what? What are you not telling me?”

“Nothing. All I’m saying is chill out. Leave her be.”

Why the hell is everyone against me right now? If I knew her phone number or even where she lived I’d go see her without a doubt. I need to know that last night didn’t scare her off and that I’m not the reason she isn’t here with everyone else.

I regret nothing from last night. If anything, I’d have made more conversation with her at the bar and I’d have told her that I couldn’t help but like her and hoped she’d say the same about me. I’d have told her just how beautiful I think she is, but I didn’t.

Before another thought can hit me, Trey has me pinned on the ground. Fuck. This is why I don’t focus on anything but fighting. This girl who’s barely been around has consumed my thoughts to where I can’t think straight and I surely can’t concentrate right now. Maybe it’s best to forget she ever came walking into those gym doors, leaving her mark on me. Maybe its best that I go back to myself and pretend I never laid eyes on her. But how in the hell can I ever forget those beautiful blue eyes of hers? I’m so screwed.

Chapter 14

Sam

I can’t lie. It’s been a miserable week and a half trying to avoid Cole at Lou’s. I felt horrible and I was terrified he’d want nothing to do with me again. I don’t know him so I can’t just go to him and tell him everything
even though Brenda suggested I do so. He’d surely run away from me. No one wants the girl with daddy issues. Rocky continued to help me train and even set up a few matches that he knew no one would really be at from our gym for me. I won all of them and had never been more proud of myself. Winning was nice indeed, I had managed to put at least five hundred dollars up in a shoebox in my closet. Maybe a little less once I put aside money for fuel and food. The two f’s, is what I liked to call them since I was pretty much fending for myself at this point. No way in hell was I relying on Dad for anything anymore. It didn’t seem safe.

I’d say I was getting along pretty nicely. No run-ins with Marsh and Adryian which I was completely grateful for and Dad seemed to have turned over a new leaf for the time being. I guess seeing your daughter with a black eye changes your perspective on things. He never apologized but he hadn’t put his hands on me. That doesn’t mean he didn’t talk to me like I was lower than dirt on occasion. Once or twice he called me names but that was it. Shit, I’ll take that any day compared to the other horrific things he’s done. Once or twice we’ve even held a civil conversation and it broke my heart to see the side of him I missed so much. The side who loved his daughter and would never do anything in this world to hurt her. I saw the man who used to give his daughter piggy back rides around the house and build forts with her in the living room. I embraced it though and enjoyed every second of being with him. I know he can get better and I’m just waiting for it to happen.

Relief washed over me as I stood in front of the mirror applying my makeup and the bruise barely showed. It was fading day by day and I felt confident enough to step outside without any sunglasses. The gym was the only place I felt like going right now and I vowed to myself nothing would keep me from training with everyone else again. I can’t be a coward all my life.

No one was there yet but that didn’t stop me from stretching. My mind was racing in about fifty different directions. Most of those directions involved having to see Cole again. He was bound to ask where I’ve been and I’m just not ready for that yet.

“Whoa, a stranger! What’s up Sam?”

I turned to see Trey approaching me. Thankfully it was only him; I was scared for a minute that Cole was with him but nope. He joined me on the floor but just sat there.

“Yeah, yeah. I’m here.”

“I saw you kick ass the other day. I didn’t know you were even fighting. Rocky never mentioned it for anyone to know, I just happened to show up.”

“Oh really?” Wonder why that is? Was anyone even asking about me? Wendy got my cell number and had texted me just about everyday asking about me and I wanted to ask about Cole but I couldn’t bring myself to. That would have been just plain awkward. Her and I even had lunch a few times and I was more and more thankful for her friendship during all this.

“Yeah. I don’t know if you heard but Jack moved. His wife got this amazing job offer she couldn’t turn down in Dallas.” He slowly started to stretch as he continued to talk. “I’ve known him since I was like 4 or 5. That’s as long as I’ve known Cole.”

My face turned red, I could feel the heat that was beginning to radiate. Of course Cole’s name was going to come up. “Oh wow, that’s a long time.” That’s the best I could come up with.

“Yeah, practically grew up together.” He raised his eyebrow as I stood to walk to the weight benches. “You haven’t been avoiding him have you?”

Turning slightly I raised my eyebrow to match his. “Negative Trey. Not everything in this universe revolves around him.” Then I quickly added, “Why does he think I’ve been?”

“You two crack me up. Seriously. Tell me Sam, what are you doing tonight?”

“Uh, probably nothing. I think I have a fight tomorrow.” Lifting weights had become one of the easiest things I’ve done. Even with Trey trying to discuss Cole, focus wasn’t an issue.

“Come out tonight with me. Well not with me, but just come out and relax as friends.”

I handed the bar back to him and sat up trying to catch my breath. “What’s the catch Trey?”

“No catch, scouts honor.”

“Fine, I’ll come for a little bit and that’s it.”

“Well since you already agreed, I should go ahead and tell you that I was never a boy scout so that honor shit means nothing to me.” His grin stretched a mile wide and I smacked his arm as Rocky called me over towards him.

Wendy gave me a quick hug before I got to Rocky. She wasn’t quite showing yet but she had the most adorable glow about her. She and Rocky were going to be the cutest parents.

“I’m ready to start back with everyone else.”

He smiled and embraced me in a quick hug. “Everything at home ok?”

“Actually yes, knock on wood. I’ve put all my winnings into a shoebox and I’m just waiting until I’m comfortable enough to get out.”

“I want to run an idea by you and it’s totally up to you.” He nodded towards the office and I followed him wondering what he wanted to talk about. I wasn’t sure what he had up his sleeve.

I sat in the chair and crossed my legs trying to get comfortable. My nerves were getting the best of me and I wasn’t sure why.

“You, Sam, when you walked into here, I wasn’t sure you had what it took to hang around here. But you proved me very wrong when you drug Cole down. He doesn’t lose. Period. And I guarantee you he didn’t just let you do that to him. What I’m getting around to is this, women can fight against men and the payout is a little more than if you were fighting a woman. I’m only suggesting this because I’ve seen you fight and I know you can handle it. Think about it and let me know. If you aren’t comfortable with the idea, then we will forget it was ever brought up.”

I stared at my hands for a second thinking about what he just told me. No doubt in my mind I could handle it, but did I want to put myself through that? All I can think about is the ridicule from the crowd but when I win, they will absolutely love me. Popularity wasn’t a problem, people were used to seeing me now and I had a small fan base. It was pretty awesome and humbling at the same time.

“I’ll do it.”

Rocky raised an eyebrow and gave me a serious look. “Are you sure?”

“More than anything.”

“I’ll call Blaize and get it set up. Get back out there and practice with Trey. Don’t hold back on him and he won’t hold back on you.” He patted my shoulder before he walked off. I’m glad he believed in me and offered this. No way in hell could I pass up something this big.

I couldn’t help but smile, I mean if I could win this match then I could definitely be out on my own by next week and that was enough motivation. Once I was out the house, then Dad and I could work on our relationship and maybe he could get back to his old self.

********************

I walk into Joe’s wondering if it were a good idea that I came tonight. The last time I came here was with Cole and that night didn’t end anything like I hoped it would have. Spotting Trey was almost too easy. He was next to the pool table trying to get some girl to show him whether she had a bra on or not. By the look of the blouse she was wearing I was fairly positive she was missing her bra but hey who am I to guess? I rolled my eyes and punched him in the arm.

“Hey perv, I made it.”

“You’re killing my game Sam!” He laughed as the girl made a mad dash away from him. It was quite hilarious. He took the last sip of beer before he threw it in the trash can. “Hey, be a doll and go get me a beer. I have a tab, get you something too.”

I glared at him wanting to seriously hit him but instead I took a breath and replied, “What am I? Your bitch?”

“Not at all, what if I say pretty please with a cherry on top?” He had to be drunk, if not he definitely had a buzz. His face should be hurting with how big his smile is.

“Whatever.” I stalk towards the bar and order him a beer and myself a panty dropper. What? I really liked it last time but I definitely know to take it easy this go around.

“Well, well look who it is. Long time no see.”

I turned to see Cole standing beside me wearing a shirt that was so tight it should be a crime. The sip I took was bigger than I needed it to be and I found myself almost choking right there in front of the bar. His smile was quite seductive and it felt like a million jolts of electricity were igniting inside me. Damn him and his sexy self.

“Uh, hey.” Son of a bitch. This is why Trey sent me over here. He set me up. I had to give him props though, I was blindsided by this but I didn’t mind.

Before he could say anything else, a blonde haired girl stepped up beside him and began running her hand down his chest to, oh god she’s practically grabbing his dick! Right in front of my face! The drink I just bought was inhaled within a few seconds and I flagged the bartender down for a second. There goes taking it slow this time. Trey was paying for this one too especially after me having to see this woman groping Cole in front of my face.

Surprisingly, he moved her hand and told her no to whatever it was she wanted. I blocked her out, I didn’t want to hear any of it or I was bound to puke right here. A few sips into the new drink, he put his hand on mine. “Hey, slow down. You’re going to get sick.”

I shot him an icy glare. “Don’t tell me what to do. Why don’t you go find your friend? No need to turn her away because of me.”

He frowned and that about broke my heart. “Who are you here with? The guy from the fight last week?” He just went there. Why, was he jealous? So what if I was here with Marsh, which I totally am not.

“Um, no. I told you he was my ex. Not that it was any business of yours. If you must know, I came to meet Trey. He invited me. This is his beer; I should get it to him.”

“Wait,” he reached out to my hand one more time and I felt a whole new jolt of electricity with his touch. “Where have you been?”

The concern in his eyes made me want to tell him everything but reason stepped in and I simply smiled. “I’ve just been training early but I’ve started back with everyone. Don’t act like you missed me.” I teased.

“Think what you want Sam.” He said in a quiet voice before he called the bartender and ordered himself a shot of patron.

“I’m fighting again. I’m going against a guy this time.”

He threw the shot back then slammed the glass on the counter. His smile faltered and he just stared at me. “What did you just say?”

I dared him to say something stupid to me in here. “You heard me. Rocky asked and I thought about it and I know I can so I am.”

“Don’t do it Sam. Please. Listen to me, those guys in there, they won’t care that you’re a woman. I don’t want you getting hurt.”

“Look this is all sweet that you care, but you don’t have to. I’ll be fine. Case closed. I’m bringing Trey his beer.”

He ordered himself another shot of patron and then a beer and followed me like a lost puppy dog. Trey was trying to work his magic on another unsuspecting girl and again I ruined his attempt when I placed my hand on his chest and purred, “Hey babe, here’s your beer.” If his looks could kill, I’d be dead. He was 0-2 tonight because of me and I thought it was hilarious.