One Of The Guys

by Johnson, Ashley

  “No, never really been interested and by the taste of that beer, I don’t plan on it.” She scrunches her nose again and I smile.

  “Maybe you haven’t tasted the right thing.”

  “And what do you suggest? Please not another beer.”

  “No, calm down.” I flag the bartender over and when he’s in front of me, I ask, “Can you get her a panty dropper?”

  Her jaw instantly drops and I see her face turn about fifty shades of red. She looks like she wants to punch me as she responds, “What the hell Cole? No way in hell am I dropping anything for you!”

  I stifled a laugh as I explained to her it was a drink. She was so damn cute and I hope she wasn’t embarrassed. The bartender placed the drink down and I slid it over to her. She analyzed it as if it were some ticking time bomb she had to disengage and I couldn’t help but laugh.

  She shot daggers in my direction which I basically expected from her. “What’s so funny?”

  “Why don’t you just taste it instead of analyzing it? It’s just a drink. Worst case scenario is you hate it.”

  She glared at me once more. “Why are you being so nice to me?”

  “Why not?” I shrugged really wanting to say more than that. I hated having to be so cautious around her but I knew it wouldn’t be this way forever. It couldn’t. She’d have to give in sooner or later.

  She rolled her eyes and brought the straw up to her lips. One sip later and I saw a faint smile crawl up her lips. “This isn’t bad. How much do I owe you for this drink?”

  “You owe me nothing but your company.”

  She tried to slide a five dollar bill towards me but I pushed it back. “Take the money Cole.”

  Devilishly I smiled and she raised her eyebrow. “Don’t test me Sam; I’ll put it back in your pocket. I’m not scared. Punch me, pin me, do whatever you have to do but I’m not taking your money.

  After huffing and puffing for a few seconds, she put the bill back in her pants and took a big sip of her drink. “Don’t you dare try to get me drunk so you can take advantage of me Cole. I’ll kick your ass.”

  “Maybe that’s what I want you to do baby.” I wink at her playing along.

  She reached over and slapped my shoulder. She started giggling uncontrollably and more than half her drink was gone. The bartender gave her a double drink and that’s a big glass. I should have been more careful when I ordered it but all I usually drink is beer. I knew something was up when she poked at my chest and slurred something after she finished that one and then half of the next one she insisted on having. She’d probably die right now if she knew how she was acting because most times she acted like she couldn’t stand me.

  “You know Cole, you’re hot. I like you, and I mean really like you. A lot. And I really like these panty droppers. Why don’t you and I get out of here and maybe I can drop my…”

  Whoa, she’s said too much and it’s time to leave. “Come on; let’s get you out of here. Did you have fun?”

  “Are you kidding me? Best night of my life.” She fist pumped the air and I started laughing. This girl was in no condition to drive home and all she’d had was one and a half, well maybe closer to two drinks. No kidding she never drank before. I’d kill myself if anything happened to her while she drove home.

  Getting her in the truck was pretty entertaining. She thought she could get in herself but anytime she attempted to lift her leg to get in, she just broke into another fit of giggles. I had to basically pick her up which wasn’t a big deal at all. Her arms wrapped around my neck and she was so cute the way she laid her head against my shoulder. I’ve never been one to believe in fate but right now, how can I not? She’s meant to be with me, I can feel it.

  As I parked at my apartment, I gazed over at Sam who was sound asleep. She could sleep in my bed tonight, I’d take the couch.

  She gently stirred as I opened the door. When her face nuzzled against my neck, I let out a long sigh. I wish she were here under different circumstances like well awake and sober but I’ll take this.

  “Where are we?” She groaned trying to pick her head up.

  “Shh, sleepyhead. We’re at my apartment. You are in no shape to drive. I’m bringing you to my bed and I’ll be on the couch.”

  “No,” she whimpered in my ear. “Don’t leave me alone. Please.”

  I let out a deep breath and stared at my bed. It was big enough to where we could both sleep without touching but there was the temptation. If she touched me, I don’t know that I would be able to stop. Sure as hell wouldn’t want to. “Sam, are you sure?”

  “Yes,” she sighed.

  I handed her a t-shirt and stepped out of the room so she could change when I opened the door she was under the covers almost asleep. I slid in beside her and placed the comforter over myself and just stared at the ceiling. In my mind, I saw a million and one things we could be. A million and one scenarios and all of them had my stomach cutting somersaults. Sam was here and wanted me in the bed with her. But I couldn’t touch her. That would make me a total dick.

  “I meant what I said in the bar and Cole?” She asked rather breathy.

  “Yeah?”

  “Thank you.”

  “For what?”

  “This.” And then she leaned over to me, her brown hair lightly hanging over my face almost tickling me. She likes me, she meant what she said in the bar. My breathing stopped when her lips brushed against mine. Hesitantly I kissed back and when she kissed a little more forcefully, I was more eager. And so was another part of me, which means this didn’t need to go any further yet. When she pulled away, I noticed the sparkle in her eyes.

  “Sam?” It’s now or never.

  “Yeah?” She answered sleepily.

  “Can I see you again? You know outside the gym?”

  Her fiery eyes stared into mine as she replied, “I’d love that.”

  I couldn’t help but smile as I felt this feeling in my gut I’ve never felt before. Can’t be love, its way too soon. Or is it? I don’t know what this is but for the first time in my life I feel complete and I don’t want to spend a single moment without her.

  As her eyelashes closed, she laid her head on my chest and in a mere two minutes she was lightly snoring.

  Holy shit. I don’t think in my wildest dreams I would have imagined this happening tonight and here I am in my bed with the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen lying on my chest snoring. I’ve never brought a woman home and never had the desire too. Breaking the rules, that’s what I was doing tonight. Problem is, would she regret this in the morning because there is no way in hell I do. I don’t want things to be awkward at all but I’m so scared they will be.

  The last thing I do before I let myself fall asleep is breathe her scent in and take in everything about her. I kiss her hair and sigh again as her scent takes over my soul. I don’t want to sleep because that means morning is coming and in the morning she’ll leave and who knows when she’ll be back? If it were up to me, she’d be here more often and not just because she had too much to drink. She said she’d love to see me again outside the gym and I vow to ask her out tomorrow. I want to show her I am a gentleman and that I’d do anything in this world for her.

  But that’s fantasy land and this is reality. Who am I kidding? Fuck it though, I’m going to hold her all night long and not let her go. She meant what she said, I know it.

  Chapter 12

  Sam

  I opened my eyes and oh holy hell, I’m lying in bed next to Cole wearing one of his t-shirts and my head feels a little foggy. Damn panty droppers! I was officially going back to no drinking after tonight. Did we sleep together? Obviously we slept together because he’s next to me in his bed but I mean did we have sex? God, I really hope not. Not that I don’t like him but that’s not something I would want to do after having a drink and a half or two drinks, however many it was. I don’t want him thinking I’m some loose broad or anything like that. If and when we ever have sex, I want to be fully aware of ev
ery touch and every kiss involved. I want to experience everything he has to offer.

  I clapped my hand over my mouth to keep from shrieking, I kissed him last night. Kissed him in this bed and he kissed me back before I passed out. And damn what a kiss it was! I told him I freaking liked him, someone slap me! Ohmigod Sam, way to go! How am I supposed to show my face at Lou’s now? He’s going to run and blab to everyone and then I’ll be the biggest joke in there. My brain is as fuzzy as a peach right now and another moment from last night creeps in where he asked if he could see me again. I told him yes. Oh. My. Gosh. I told him yes! Did he mean it though? Please let him have meant it. Guess time will tell. The alarm clock read 3:35am and I all but flew out the bed without waking him. I had to get home before Dad noticed I wasn’t there, I was just supposed to be going out for a little, not having a sleepover and he was already not happy about me just going out.

  Blindly, I fished for my jeans which were lying next to my side of the bed and slid them on. As I buttoned them, I glanced over at Cole who was sleeping like a baby. I can’t sleep in jeans, sue me. The moon shining through the window cast the perfect light on him, I didn’t think it was possible for him to look better than he already did but in that light, damn. I hated to leave and not say anything but I honestly didn’t really want to face him right now. I mean I know I’m totally acting like we fooled around and we didn’t. I wish I could just open up to him but I can’t. Maybe one day, but this day or any day close to this isn’t it.

  Gah, I really need to get home before Dad gets any more pissed than I’m sure he already is. As I take one more look at Cole, I can’t help but lean over and kiss his forehead. My lips linger for a moment, long enough to remember what he feels like, what he tastes like. I can feel the tears well up in my eyes as I continue to realize that we just couldn’t be together no matter how bad either of us wanted.

  My truck is up front and as soon as I turn it on, I turn the volume all the way down as I slowly drive home. The lights are off in the house so I carefully tiptoe inside through the darkness and find myself jumping when Dad steps from the shadows of the kitchen and pulls me towards him.

  “Where the hell have you been?” He growls. The light isn’t on so I can’t make out any exact definitions in his face. That’s what I think scares me the most right now. The thought to run back out to my truck crosses my mind but I’m too stuck to get moving.

  Timidly, I replied, “I told you I was going out with some friends. I’m an adult dad, I didn’t do anything wrong.”

  “You’re under my roof; you do what the hell I tell you!” He screamed in my face, some of his spit sprayed in my direction and I was glad he couldn’t make out the disgusted look I was wearing.

  “Dad,” I choked out. “I’m going to bed, you should to. I love you ok? We can get you some help, you can be yourself again. I wish I knew what happened to you.”

  Walking away seemed to be the better option right now and that’s what I was doing until he grabbed me by my hair and yanked me back. Crying out I tried to stabilize myself but instead went face first into the counter. Shit, that fucking hurt. His footsteps faded out as he mumbled something I couldn’t make out. The room spun for a few minutes and everything blurred into one giant mess, like my life.

  Never in my life was I more than happy to get to my room and lock the door behind me. Collapsing into the bed, I drowned myself in my tears praying I could just disappear.

  Life used to be simple and it used to be a hell of a lot better than this. Why didn’t I just stay in Cole’s bed? At least I was safe there. Facing Dad was inevitable though, it was something that had to happen. Him being a cop made things hard because he could and he would find me no matter what. As I closed my eyes, I imagined myself with Cole next to me, the one person I wished I could open up to but couldn’t.

  I slept like shit. My head felt like someone hit it with a hammer over and over again while I slept. Fuck. Walking to the bathroom was a task in itself, but I knew once I had some ibuprofen I would get back to feeling normal again. The house was quiet and I hoped Dad wasn’t home. Two ibuprofen and a drink of water later, I looked in the mirror for the first time. No. No, this isn’t happening. I gasped and choked back a sob, wonderful. My eye is black and blue from the counter, it looks like someone decked me good and I can’t say it’s from the fight because I was with Cole after.

  No amount of makeup was going to cover this up and make it unnoticeable. I was so screwed. I couldn’t go into Lou’s like this. I can’t just not show up, Rocky is taking a chance on me and I can’t let him down. I slide on some black yoga pants and a green t-shirt deciding I need to let him know I can’t train today or well, until this bruise vanishes and believe me, it can’t vanish soon enough.

  My big sunglasses are on my face before I walk out the door to hide the nasty bruise. Tears are welling in my eyes for more reasons than I want. I’m embarrassed to show my face anywhere, even at the gas station. Even with the glasses on, I feel like every one driving on the freeway can see straight through to what I’m really hiding and I hate it.

  Relief washes over me when I see no one’s vehicle but Rocky’s and for a split second, I feel brave walking in. I don’t take my sunglasses off though. Rocky is lifting weights as I walk in and he stops as soon as he sees me.

  “You’re early Sam, what’s up?” There’s a light sheen of sweat over his skin as he makes his way towards me. Instantly I tense wondering if Wendy is here too.

  “I, um, can I talk to you?” I hate when I fumble for the words to say and he notices my anxiety as he points to the office. Wendy is of course sitting in there on the computer looking at baby stuff. She offers a wide smile and I try to reciprocate but smiling just doesn’t seem to be something I want to do right now

  “Hey Sam! I wanted to tell you good job again for last night. You’ll be amazing in no time. Oh, I heard you and Cole went out for a little last night. Was he a gentleman? If not, you tell me and I’ll kick his –“

  “Wendy, out for a second babe, I need to talk to Sam.” Thank you Rocky for saving the moment. Just thinking about leaving Cole this morning how I did made me want to cry and I was already on the verge of tears.

  As Wendy walked out, I touched her arm and responded with a half smile, “He was perfect Wendy, we had a great time.”

  She jumped up and down hugging me until Rocky cleared his throat one more time.

  “Sorry,” she whispered and went to walk around doing who knows what since she can’t train.

  The door shut and I stopped breathing for a few seconds trying to recollect myself. I needed to say what I had to and leave before Cole got here.

  “What’s going on Sam? Why in the world are you wearing sunglasses?”

  Tears sprung forward and it took everything in me to hold them back as I choked out, “I can’t come in today. I just wanted to let you know. I’ll come in when I can. I’m sorry Rocky.”

  “Is this because of last night? Are you overwhelmed because you lost? You did damn good in there against Marley for your first fight. You’ll get better. Don’t give up Sam.”

  “No, you don’t get it. I can’t train right now.”

  He was seeing straight through me and I know it. I can’t hide things very well and for crying out loud, I’m wearing sunglasses inside a building.

  “Take off the sunglasses Sam. Please.”

  “No,” I answered shaky. “I can’t.”

  His massive hand reached for mine and he continued to stare into my eyes begging me to trust him. Trust was so important and wasn’t something I was looking to give to just anyone, but I know I have to trust him. He already knows shit at home isn’t all rainbows and butterflies.

  Another two minutes of stare downs, I let out a huge breath and slowly remove the glasses. They aren’t even halfway off when his eyes widen and several cuss words fly from his lips.

  “That’s not from Marley is it? What the hell happened Sam?”

  “Please Rocky, I can’t
train with everyone. What am I supposed to say to them? I can’t do it. It’s not from her and everyone knows it.”

  The tears I fought back came out all at once and the big burly man that is Rocky came and held me in his arms telling me everything would be ok. And I believed him. “You and I will train when no one else is here until that disappears. If they ask where you are, well leave that to me, I’ll handle them. Are you ok at home? You can crash with me and Wendy or we can find you somewhere until you’re on your feet. I’m not ok with any of this going on, especially that.” He pointed at my eye and I hung my head in shame. “No one’s set to be here for at least two hours, are you up to getting out there for a little today?”

  “I am but what about Wendy? She’s going to see.”

  “She won’t say anything to anyone, I’m here to focus on you and help you. You can trust us.”

  Looking into his eyes, I knew he was right and I agreed, “Let’s do this.”