One Of The Guys

by Johnson, Ashley

  “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.

  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 blond
e 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.