One of the Guys (6 page)

“Shit.” He runs his hands over his blonde hair like he’s thinking. “She’d kill me if I told you or any of the guys out there before she does, but Wendy is pregnant and well she won’t be fighting anytime soon obviously. I’ll sign you up and we’ll see what you’ve got. If you can handle it, you can take her place. Pays pretty damn well if you win. And if you don’t want to fight, then you can train here with no strings attached for as long as you need.”

My eyes got wide as I listened to his offer. I just originally wanted to be somewhere to learn how to defend myself when Dad was in a drunken pissy rage, or just a plain pissy rage. I never wanted to feel his boot kicking into my ribs again if I could help it. The thought to hug this big burly man in front of me crossed my mind but I figured the shit eating grin on my face told him my answer and expressed my gratitude.

“Oh god, thank you so much Rocky. I won’t let you down, I swear on my life.”
I promise.

“No problem Sam, let’s get you out there and get you started.”

“Wait, Rocky. How much a month is this?”

He didn’t answer me as he opened the door and led me out into the sweat infested area. Part of me wanted to press the issue and make him answer me but I didn’t want to push my luck either so I just followed him. Mats were lined from wall to wall and in one corner were at least two large punching bags and in the opposite corner were a weight bench and a few other machines. Everyone was goofing off in the middle taking cheap shots at each other laughing.

The laughter stopped when Rocky’s voice came out loud and gruff. I couldn’t help but flinch. “Listen up ya’ll. This here is Sam. She’s joining us as of today so let’s all welcome her.”

There was a little bit of clapping and cheering as Rocky walked back into the office for a second. It was then that I locked eyes with the most gorgeous human being I’ve ever seen in my life. My breath was taken from me for a few seconds, holy crap. Maybe it was those gorgeous blue eyes but dammit, I needed to look away because someone that looks like that will do nothing but distract me from what’s important here.

Wendy ran over smiling and threw her arms around my neck. “I’m so excited! Come meet everyone.” She pulled me over to where the blue eyed hottie was along with two other guys. “Hey guys, this is Sam. Sam, this is Jack, Trey, and this is Cole.”

Jack and Trey came over and shook my hand then turned it into a hug. Jack was about 6’1” with sandy blonde hair and deep brown eyes. His whole chest and arms were covered in tattoos, he was like a walking art exhibit but it was all so very cool. Trey was maybe an inch shorter and he had green eyes and light blonde hair. He had about as many tattoos as Jack did. The last to come up and acknowledge me was Cole. He walked over like he knew he was God’s gift to women wearing nothing but his shorts and a cocky grin on his face. The first thing I noticed was he didn’t have a single tattoo on him. Tattoos were hot, sexy even but the fact that he had not a single one drew me to him more. His chiseled chest was flawless and I caught my eyes looking down until that ‘V’ started by his shorts. As he cleared his throat, I caught myself and looked back up like nothing happened. He had little beads of sweat hanging on the ends of his dark brown hair and well that same sweat was beaded across his perfect chiseled non-tattooed chest down to his perfect abs and
oh God Sam get it together before your eyes wander back where they shouldn’t be.

I rolled my eyes as he inched closer wearing that same ridiculous grin.
I can’t let him see through me
. You’ve got to be kidding me. “What’s your name? Sam? You aren’t a dyke or anything or you? With an ass like that I’d pray not.”

Before he had a chance to smirk one more time, my fist connected with his jaw and Jack and Trey began laughing and slapping each other on the back. Shit, my hand hurts right now but I don’t let him see that. Cole touched his jaw and looked at me. His eyes weren’t angry in fact he was amused and that kinda pissed me off.

“Damn girl nice punch.” Cole stepped up and put his hand out wanting truce but I had a feeling there would be none just yet. He’s too cocky and his comment pissed me off. I knocked him to the ground and pinned his arms by his side which is something I wasn’t sure I could even do. I’m pretty positive I caught him by surprise because by the way Jack and Trey were jumping around and laughing, this didn’t happen often with Cole.

I leaned down to where only he could hear me and whispered into his ear, “I’m not a dyke got it?” I pushed down on him almost letting myself get caught in his eyes. Even with me pinning him down, he still didn’t look pissed. If anything, he looked like he was enjoying this. What the hell? My breathing was uneven as I noticed the dimple in his cheek as he smiled, why was he smiling? I got up which earned me more hugs from the guys. I kinda had to smile at what just happened once I moved away from him but when Rocky came out the office hollering my name, I knew I had done something wrong.

“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have done that. He pissed me off.” An apology was the only thing I could think to come up with. I’d barely been out there five minutes and already taken a guy down like I had some clue what I was doing.

Wendy was in the office with Rocky and neither one of them looked pissed. They were both grinning and at each other and looking at me. I was ready to get my ass handed to me for just going out there and laying some guy on the ground like I’ve been doing this for quite some time. “Sam, you ready to start training? Seriously training?”

Rocky shook my hand while I grinned like a kid on Christmas morning. He explained a few things then handed me back over to Wendy while he stepped back into the office for a second. Wendy smiled and gave me a hug, “I think you’re gonna be fucking awesome. My brother deserved that and you took him down like a pro. I couldn’t have picked someone better to take my place.”

I couldn’t help but smile as I thought about what she said. I was really going to do this; I was going to train to be a fighter. Rocky said if I won, the pay was good and I could start saving to get my own place and away from Dad. A new Sam Montgomery was born; she’s taken the place of the one who died the night when she removed Marsh from her life. She’s ready to take this new life on and change all the hurt in her life, and she can do it. I thought of my Mom and smiled. I can do this. I continued to cheese it up until I realized the first thing Wendy said. That arrogant, perfect, sexy blue eyed asshole was her brother.

Chapter 6

Cole

I woke up this morning to find my sister sitting in her usual chair at the kitchen table slowly nursing a cup of coffee. This was typical for Wendy but this morning was a little more off than usual. She looked nervous and if you know my sister, nothing about her is nervous I mean she’s dating Rocky from the gym for crying out loud. Never thought I’d have pictured them together a few years ago but she softened him up and he fell head over heels for her. He hated watching her in the
ring though. Every time she steps in there, he’s ringside cringing and keeping a watchful eye on her. If she ever got hurt, well that person would be hurt. In the hospital. She’s as tough as I am though and rarely lost a match. Must be that Johnson blood we have running through our veins.

“Hey sis, what’s going on?” I say as I stand on the side of her.

You’d swear someone just lit a bottle rocket next to her head because she practically jumped out of her seat. She glanced up at me and gave me a half smile. Oh shit, something is wrong and if Rocky hurt her in any way, I’ll kick his ass to the ground when I get to Lou’s then walk out and find a new place to train. No one is going to hurt my sister and get away with it.

Her hand rests on the table, slowly massaging the fabric tablecloth, and I pull it into mine wondering what’s going on with my twin sister. We aren’t identical twins; we’re fraternal which is why people that don’t know us can’t tell. They always assume that we are just about thirteen months apart. As kids we were inseparable and had each other’s backs no matter what. I got into more fights than I like to admit because of Wendy. She had a bit of sassiness about her and I always had to kick some guy’s ass when she stuck her foot too far into her mouth.

She looked at me and gave me a half smile before she opened her mouth to speak. “I wasn’t sure how to tell you this. I’ve wanted to for a week now but I just, I want you to remember I love you so much Cole.” I’m not a fan of conversations that start like this. My mind feels like it’s boggled down in a cloud of fog and I have no idea where she’s going with this. All I can think is its not good. “I’m pregnant and well, Rocky and I are going to move in together.”

She kept talking but I heard nothing she said because all I could hear was Cole, I’m leaving you alone in this apartment and you’ll never have to see my bras hanging all over the bathroom anymore. Thank you Lord, I’m eternally grateful that I don’t have to see her lacy bras and panties ever again. She’s my sister and I love her more than anything in this world, but I just don’t want to see all that. I at least try to be mindful and keep my boxers out of her view.

“I know you’re going to have this apartment to yourself finally so that should make you happy right?”

I snapped out of my thoughts and replied, “Yeah Wendy, whatever makes you happy. A baby huh? I’m going to be an uncle? Rocky’s excited?”

She instantly began beaming as she startled rattling on. She began talking with her hands like a damn girl. I mean I know she’s a girl obviously, she’s my sister but usually when she talks it’s without all the dramatics.

“Oh god Cole, he’s thrilled! I know I’m not showing or anything but he talks to my belly and kisses it and ah, he’s so amazing.”

I can’t imagine Rocky any other way but showing me the best way to take someone down or how to block some kind of hit they may throw. I definitely don’t see him being all mushy but I guess the news of becoming a parent brings all that shit out in us.

“That’s awesome. I’m happy for you guys. Why’d you seem so upset to tell me though?”

She moves her hand from mine and brushes a piece of her dark hair out of her face before answering me. She’s always been considerate; I guess she figures I’ll never survive without her. We’ve been through more than we like to admit together. Without her then, I’m not so sure I would have made it. Definitely something that will take some getting used to, but no doubt I can do it.

“I wasn’t sure how you’d take it honestly. I mean we’ve lived together for years now and soon it’s just going to be you. On the bright side, now you can bring all the women here you want.” She slaps my arm trying to get a rise out of me. I know she’s kidding but she also knows that I don’t take women home. For one it’s disrespectful to her being my sister and all. She’s never brought Rocky here to spend the night and I’ve never brought a woman. Second, I don’t put women in my bed at all. For what? For it to be some shitty reminder of my piss poor mistakes? To only be reminded of what, the girl who was there the night before? The girl I’d have no intentions of talking to ever again? No thank you. Usually it’s just plain sex in the back of a vehicle or in the closet at Joe’s. It’s just a quick fix for me and nothing more. I don’t want any of that emotional baggage bullshit with me. Girls lead to love which leads to broken hearts and I just can’t see putting myself through that. Maybe the right girl will come along but she hasn’t yet and I’m not looking for her.

“Yeah, this place is gonna turn into a regular whore house as soon as your gone. Let me go put an ad in the paper and get a sign made to put on the front door.” Wendy smacked my arm on that one. Rather hard if I might add. “Um, you’re not fighting anymore right?”

“Do I look stupid Cole? I’m pregnant. No. Looks like it’s just you, Jack and Trey now.”

“Hey I was just checking. I’m about to head down to Lou’s, you coming?”

“Rocky’s picking me up but thanks big brother, I appreciate you.” She leaned in and kissed my cheek as I shook my head laughing. I was born about three minutes before she was and when we were younger I always made it a point to throw it in her face I was the older sibling. She was my little sister, and she still is. To me she will always be the little girl with pig tails making mud pies in the backyard. She beat me to the bathroom so I sat there looking through my phone as I patiently waited my turn.

This phone had turned into nothing more than a little black book for me. Most of these girl’s numbers I couldn’t remember their faces if you lined them up for me. Like I said, usually nothing more than a quick fix. Who knows why I even bothered getting numbers. Call me a pig, call me whatever you want. Going through the list I deleted more numbers than I want to admit and now there were maybe only ten contacts inside my phone. My phone felt like it got a ton lighter once everything was deleted. Sometimes you just have to put a chapter behind you.

Wendy finally came out the bathroom and I told her I’d see her at the gym as I stepped inside to shower. I ran the towel over my hair once and then just left it. I’d be full of sweat later so it didn’t really matter. I shouldn’t have even taken a shower this morning but I went to the bar last night with Trey and I reeked of the bar and sex. Trey’s been out a lot more lately. His family is going through their own turmoil, they have been for awhile. His dad just lost his job and even though he should be saving his money to help pay bills in the house and his mom’s medical bills, he deserves some time to himself. That’s exactly why I didn’t let him pay for a single drink last night. He was able to clear his mind; it was nice to see my best friend smile again. This red head just wouldn’t quit trying to throw herself at me though. She was sexy as hell though with her little black dress that barely covered her ass. When we went into the closet, it didn’t take much for me to fuck her and leave. She was ready the minute I slid that dress up and the fact she was commando made it that much easier. Easy access, that’s all I’m saying. It’s convenient as hell and no strings are attached.

I like the no commitment thing. We both got what we wanted then she was off doing her own thing on the dance floor. Maybe I’m a pig, a selfish bastard but I have a good heart. It’s just caged where it should be, where none of these ruthless women can get to it.

Once I got to Lou’s I walked in to see Wendy just hanging out. I know it must be pretty awkward for her to walk in and not be able to spar around with me or one of the guys. Rocky was talking to Jack and Trey on the mats and once I took my shirt off, I was standing beside them.

I clapped my hand on Rocky’s shoulder and congratulated him on the news Wendy shared this morning with me. Once all the happy congrats were out the way, we paired up and began going through our normal training routines. Once Rocky decided he had enough, he retired to the office and Wendy played supervisor.

For almost a year and a half it’s just been the five of us here at Lou’s. The sign still said Lou’s Gym but this place was far from just a gym. Rocky was big into the fighting scene and recruited Jack. Trey found out through Jack and jumped aboard to help his family out and once I caught wind of what was going on after my parents death, I had to get in on it and I was pretty damn good. I’ve only been defeated maybe ten times in two years. I’m quick on my feet and if the opponent gets a shot in, they are a lucky bastard.

The door opened and all of us just looked over towards it. No one comes in here usually, but in walks this beautiful girl in these pink shorts and a dark gray shirt. Poor thing must be lost; maybe I should go see if she needs any kind of help. This just isn’t a place women randomly walk into and I can’t help but feel a little concerned for her.

Wendy beats me to her and does that whole arm linking thing that girls do before she leads her into the office where Rocky is. When Wendy walks out of the office I motion her over and begin interrogating her. “Is she lost?”

“No, she said she wants to join so I showed her to Rocky. Maybe she is the one who will take my place.”

I had to laugh. No one knows what we do here. How could this girl possibly know this? “Yeah, ok because you’ve met her before haven’t you? Oh wait, I’m right you never have and you’re just doing some wishful thinking.”

She glares at me daring me to say another word. “Pregnant or not, I’ll knock you on your ass Cole, don’t get sarcastic on me.” Her finger was in my face and it was waving around. I had the idea to grab her hand and piss her off but before I could do anything, the office door shut and we all just looked at it like some strange alien specimen.

The door never shuts and it’s kinda got us all wondering what the hell is going on and who the hell this girl is. I turn to Trey who doesn’t look half bad for having drank as much as he did last night. “How you feeling today?”

“I’m good. Dad’s out job hunting today. I have enough saved I can take care of things a while longer until he finds something. Thanks for last night, I needed that.”

I clapped my hand on his back pulling him in for a quick hug. “Anytime, you’ve helped me before. Anything you need, I’m there for you.”

“It’s just getting so damn hard. She’s refusing to go to the doctor anymore. Says they don’t know what they’re doing. We can’t make her.”

“I’m sorry Trey.” Really I was. I remember his mom from us being kids. She was the mom who had the best snacks in her pantry. Almost any Little Debbie cake you could think of, she bought them. She was the one we loved to carpool with the most, she was my second mom. His poor dad was trying everything he could to continue to take care of his family. I hated seeing them in this pain.

A few minutes later, the door opens and we all stumble over each other trying to pretend we’ve been actually doing something productive.

Everyone stopped when Rocky began speaking. He stood there with this girl standing right beside him. She looked a little nervous to be in here. Her blue eyes looked a little weary. As she scanned over us, I noticed she stopped and looked at me. I flashed her a grin and she quickly looked away. Damn, I wish I could have approached her before Wendy got to her.

“Listen up ya’ll. This here is Sam. She’s joining us as of today so let’s all welcome her.” Rocky’s voice boomed throughout the gym. The guys immediately hugged her and Wendy was more than thrilled to have another woman in here with her.

Sam. My guess is that it’s short for Samantha. She is beautiful. Like an angel and I want to go to her heaven. I can practically feel myself starting to get hard just thinking about her. The fact she’s in here is screwing with my head. I’m worried she’s going to distract me and throw off my game.

I stepped closer to her once I adjusted myself and decided to give her a proper greeting and she rolled her eyes as I took that step. She has no idea how much that just turned me on. Being the ass I usually am, I spoke without thinking.

“What’s your name? Sam? You aren’t a dyke or anything are you? With an ass like that I’d pray not.” I knew what I said was fucked up and I figured she would run out crying but instead her fist connected with my jaw and I had to give her props, she could throw a punch.