One of the Guys (10 page)

This girl has too much of a hold on me and it’s driving me up the wall. She’s up in the next few minutes and I’m not sure which of us is more nervous.

Chapter 9

Sam

Fucking Marsh. The first night I fight, he would be here. I didn’t even know he came to this sort of thing. He never once even mentioned liking anything like this the whole time we were together.
This was the first time we’ve been face to face since that day in his room when I left it all behind. We were all a little thrown off when the announcer said Wendy was due to fight tonight. Yea, that wasn’t happening. Cole looked pissed when I volunteered to. He acted like I just volunteered for the hunger games for crying out loud but I mean what was I supposed to do? I know I haven’t been training that long but I have trained so why not.

The worst part about Marsh being here is he has Adryian with him and she had the nerve to smile in my face. He had a pain in his eyes that I couldn’t place. Their hands stayed intertwined the entire time. She wouldn’t let him out of her sight; I mean do you blame her? I imagine he wanted to ask me if anything changed with my Dad. I’m sure he wanted to see how I was doing but he couldn’t and frankly I was ok with that.

“Who was that Sam? He’s cute!” Rocky rolled his eyes as Wendy started gushing over how cute she thought Marsh was. Gag me.

“Just my ex.” I grumbled hoping she would get the hint that this conversation was over.

Rocky grabbed my hands and started wrapping them before tossing some gloves at me. “Put these on.” After throwing a mouthpiece in my direction and one of Wendy’s extra sports bra and shorts he stepped out the room so I could change.

Noticing the odd look on my face, Wendy smiled and shook her head, “They’re just extras that I keep here, they’re clean I promise.”

“Is it normal to be this nervous Wendy? Shit, I don’t know why I stepped up to do this. Cole looked like he was going to kill me when I said I’d fight for you.”

“He likes you Sam, he’s just worried about you. He told me that by the way, but I didn’t tell you.” She winked and turned as I slipped into her extra outfit. I took one look in the mirror and couldn’t help but smile. I looked amazing. I looked like a fighter should be, but the question is, am I really ready like a fighter should be? My muscles were defined; I saw muscles I didn’t know I had, wow. My mind wandered for a few minutes when I realized what she said. Did she say Cole liked me? Maybe I can tone the super bitch attitude down; it’s not as if I don’t share the same feelings. He did have a sweet side that night at their apartment. The smile stuck as I realized that if I won this match, then that was a little money to start saving.

As I followed her and Rocky back out to the crowd, I could feel Cole’s eyes burning deep into my soul and I offered him a small smile. Within seconds, he was beside me.

“Keep your hands up Sam and well, do her like you did me that first day. You’ll be fine.”

“Thanks. I’ll try like hell.” I extended my hand offering him some sort of truce and he pulled me in for a hug and I swear he kissed the top of my head. Whether he did or not, it felt like it and that’s what I’m sticking with. Forget the fact that Marsh showed up and brought his new girlfriend or whatever she is to him.

Blaize called our names to the ring and I could hear my name being chanted along with Marley’s. No one in here knew me but what a thrill this was. My heart was pounding in my chest and the nerves I felt were starting to overpower me. Rocky was in my ear giving me last minute instructions before I stepped into the ring and I nodded in agreement but I was so nervous, I hardly heard a thing. The last thing I heard was the music playing overhead. “Girlfight” came blasting through the sound system that sounded like at least one of the speakers had been busted a long time ago and I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. Really? They can’t come up with anything better than that?

Marley was my height and didn’t look too powerful but that first hit caught me by surprise. I could hear the crowd gasp and I realized my first mistake. I was brought back to that first day when Trey got me. I was too worried about them and soon, I blocked them out. I shuffled around the ring focusing on her and her alone. She swung again and I blocked her hit trying to decide my move. The minute her hands went down, my fist connected with her jaw and inside I did a happy dance. Now Marley was pissed and the fighter in her began to come out. Most times I was able to block her hits and keep myself on my feet. Sweat was dripping down her face and her breathing was a little ragged but I knew she wasn’t ready to give this up. The last hit I got in knocked her a few steps back and when she began to fall she took me down with her and to her advantage pinned me to the ground. My body attempted to wiggle underneath hers looking for a way out and I could faintly hear Wendy and Rocky yelling something but I couldn’t make it out.

Defeat wasn’t what I wanted, especially with Marsh being here but it was happening and after struggling to get back in the match I finally tapped out. Marley was announced the winner and pulled me in for a hug. “Good job Sam.”

Before I could tell her thank you she was out the ring and I followed almost as quickly just to get away from what just happened. My breath was uneven and I felt like I was going to break down and cry at any minute. Damn. Cole popped out of nowhere almost giving me a heart attack. The quick pitter-patter of my heart was enough to make me stop in my tracks. He took my hand in his and I looked at him crazy until I realized he was merely helping me remove the gloves I was struggling to get off.

“You ok Sam? She got a good hit in.” His eyes were laced with concern and without a doubt I knew it was heartfelt. He scanned my face thoroughly looking for any sign of Marley’s hits. If only I could act on what I’m feeling, if only I could tell him he’s all I think about but I can’t. Ugh.

“I know, I felt it. I’m fine. I fucked up, I don’t know what happened. I really could have used that money.” Tears filled my eyes as I turned so he couldn’t see me. As I turn, I see Marsh and Adryian out the corner of my eye making their way over again. Great.

“Wow Sam, that was interesting. You ok? We just wanted to say goodbye.” He looked sincere but I know as well as he does that “we” didn’t want to say anything. I’m sure it was just him and it wasn’t necessary at all.

“I’m fine Marsh-all. Bye.” Calling him Marsh just didn’t seem right anymore and if she called him that and I heard it, my heart was sure to shatter into a million pieces. Adryian gave a half smile and they were soon gone. Thank god because I could only hold these tears back for so long before they spilled over. This seems like the worst night ever.

Chapter 10

Sam

Cole could see I was upset but he didn’t push to ask what was going on. He couldn’t
anyway; he had a match to get ready for. I’d be damned if I let him worry about this petty crap of having seen my ex in here when he was supposed to be concentrating.

“Hey girl, don’t stress. You should have seen me in the ring my first time.” Wendy stood beside me draping her arm across my shoulder. Rocky stood beside her and I waited for him to fuss at me for something I may have done wrong but he didn’t.

“You looked stupid like I just did?”

“Girl yes, if not worse. And for the record, you didn’t look stupid. Just ask Rocky. Want to know a secret? Marley was who I was against that night too.”

“She’s not lying Sam. She went up against Marley the first time and I’ll just say you got at least one more hit on her than Wendy did.”

Wendy nodded her head in agreement and I couldn’t help but smile. They were just trying to make me feel better but I felt like crap. That money could have been the start to me getting out of the house but it’d have to wait until the next match. Then, I would be ready and losing wouldn’t be an option.

“She’s tough Sam and considering you’ve only been introduced to this, you did better than I thought you would.” She hugged me and I let myself relax. Blaize’s voice came over the speakers announcing that Cole’s match was up. Watching everyone in this little building get worked up into a frenzy was rather exciting.

As he made his way to the ring, my heart stopped at least once or twice. Was that even possible? His whole demeanor was changed; he had this look on his face that was pretty damn intimidating. If I didn’t know who he was, I’d be scared shitless. He focused on nothing but the fight and it was almost a total knockout. This poor guy Brady didn’t stand a chance and when Cole took him to the ground, it was over. Cole was absolutely flawless as he moved through the ring; I couldn’t take my eyes away from him. Wendy and Rocky immediately ran to his side helping him make his way through the crowd of people. I fell in step behind Wendy and followed them to the same dressing room I was in just earlier. My clothes were still on the same chair so I scooped them up and ran to the restroom to get comfortable again.

When I walked back into the dressing room, only Cole was in there and he was still shirtless. Something felt different. Of course I’ve seen him shirtless in the gym and during his fight just moments ago but just the two of us alone, my mind was going all kinds of places it didn’t need to be. As much as I needed to drag my eyes from his chiseled chest, I just couldn’t. He grabbed his shirt and flashed a grin my way as he pulled it over his head. I swear a little piece of me melted and I was perfectly fine with that.

“I’m sorry; I thought Wendy was still in here…” Shit, I hate when I stutter. I always sound like a complete freaking idiot.

His eyes are kind, he’s half-smiling and I’m continuing to melt. “They left. She thought you did too. I was going to ask if that was your boyfriend tonight but by the looks of the girl beside him, I’d say not.”

I swallow trying to find the words to say when they just spill right out, “He’s my ex.”

“Sorry. So Sam, got any plans for this evening?” That half-smile turned into a sly grin that tells me all I need to know. Yeah, he’s sorry to hear Marsh is my ex but only for reasons that benefit him. Right now that doesn’t sound too bad because geez since I laid eyes on him in Lou’s he’s been all I think about but he doesn’t know that.

“Nope. I just think I’m going home.”

“Come out with me tonight. Not on a date or anything but just friends celebrating.”

I can’t help but scoff and laugh out loud. What are we celebrating because I’m pretty sure I just got my ass kicked earlier tonight? Marley handed it to me on a silver freaking platter.

His eyes sparkled with hope that I would say yes and as much as I needed to say no, my heart told me say yes. Since when does my heart know what’s best for me? I’d have to tell Dad I’d be late and pray there weren’t any consequences that came along with that.

“Uh, sure. I have my truck here so I can follow you.” I actually said yes; let’s just write this down in the notebook of ‘hopefully good choices’.

He smiled and that bright white smile melted my heart just a little more. Part of me didn’t think that was even possible but it was happening. “You’re so cute you know that?” Cue the blushing, dammit. “Follow me back to my apartment and we can ride together, the place is right around the corner anyway.”

Riding in a vehicle with Cole? Yes please! Sign me up! Speaking was apparently foreign to me right now so all I could manage was a weak nod and a cheesy ass smile. Fuck me, I feel like a cheap plastic Barbie swooning over hot sexy Ken. But then doesn’t Barbie always end up with Ken?

“Follow me out the back entrance, less people and we don’t have to fight the crowd.”

He reached for my hand and as much as it scared me to, I trusted him and placed my hand in his. I couldn’t see his face but I could see the corners of his mouth turn up into a smile as he led us out into the night air. On the way to his apartment, I texted my Dad who wasn’t too ok with me going out and having a life and I just shrugged my shoulders. I’m 21 years old, I’m allowed to have a life and there’s nothing he can do about it. I’ve been the perfect daughter and it’s not like I drink because I don’t. Whatever consequences are coming, I try not to think about. All I want to think about is spending this little bit of time with the guy who’s making me believe things can be good again.

Once we pull up at his apartment, I make sure to lock my truck out of habit and I slide in the passenger seat of his truck and buckle myself. I draw in a deep breath slowly letting it out as he climbs in the driver seat in all his glory. Oh my gosh, this is really happening. I haven’t died and gone to heaven but if I had and this is heaven, I’m fine with that. The leather seats are extremely comfortable and there isn’t a speck of dirt inside. He obviously takes pride in his vehicle, I shouldn’t be surprised. His apartment is just as clean as this. Cleanliness is next to godliness and Cole is pretty high up there right now. As he turns on his iPod, ‘Fat Bottomed Girls’ by Queen starts and he’s smiling at me singing along. I’m really trying not to be sarcastic but I just can’t help it.

“Is that a fat joke Cole? Because I really don’t appreciate that.” His eyes grew wide for a second before he realized I was completely kidding.

“Seriously babe? Not at all. What kind of guy do you think I am?” I was a little disappointed when he changed the song. ‘Absolutely (Story of A Girl)’ by Nine Days starts playing and my eyes just stare at him until he notices and he’s laughing. “What? Don’t dis my song ok? I won’t say anything about whatever you listen to.”

I fight back the laugh that’s threatening to come out. It’s not that I think it’s funny, it’s just I never pegged him to be this kind of guy. I’m not sure what I expected but everything about it is so freaking cute. “No it’s a cool song, from like back in the day. I can totally jam this. And for the record, I wasn’t really offended by ‘Fat Bottom Girls’. You could have left it on.” And just like that he turned it Nine Days up and we both sang along. What a bunch of nerds right? Maybe so but just for a minute, I was being allowed to see a little more of him and suddenly found myself wishing we weren’t going to a crowded bar.