One Of The Guys

by Johnson, Ashley

  I wake to find Sam fixing a cup of coffee in the kitchen. She grabs an extra cup handing it to me. This woman is perfect. I kiss her on the forehead as I sit at the table. She stands up on her toes to pull two bowls out of the cabinet and pours some Lucky Charms in. As she slides the bowl to me, I smile. “Thank you baby. This looks delicious.”

  She rolls her eyes as she fixes her own bowl. “I’m terrified to cook for you. I honestly have no clue if I even know how to and trust me, it’s probably best I don’t. I don’t want to burn your apartment down.”

  I have to laugh, she’s so damn cute but the look on her face is telling me she’s not lying. She can throw a punch but probably couldn’t scramble an egg to save her life. “Can you cook toast? That’s a start at least babe.”

  She glared at me and it took everything I had to not continue laughing. “For your information, I have never burnt a piece of toast!”

  “For the record Sam, I would eat dirt if that’s what you fixed for dinner.”

  “Oh, how’d you know what we were having tonight?” She threw her head back laughing but stopped when he phone rang. She grabs her phone and groans. It slides across the table when she sets it down.

  “Something wrong babe?”

  “Everything’s fine babe, my stepmom keeps blowing up my phone. I guarantee it has something to do with the truck incident two weeks ago.”

  How could either one of us forget that? I have to admit I thought she was a little nuts when she grabbed that bat and swung at the windshield of her truck but at the same time, it was so hot. She’s very lucky the cops didn’t come after her again to arrest her for that little stunt.

  “Do you need to call her back?”

  “Nah, it can wait until later,” she answered carelessly.

  Once I finished my bowl of cereal, I held onto the cup of coffee finding myself nursing it the same way Wendy did that morning she told me she was moving out. It’s now or never, I’m going to ask her to not fight anymore and we’ll see where this goes. I have a fight tonight and I don’t want to be worried about her getting in the ring and getting herself hurt. She belongs ringside now where she’s safe.

  “Hey babe, can I ask you something?”

  Once she brushed a piece of hair behind her ear, she grabbed my hand. “Of course.”

  Now or never Cole, now or never. “It’s been two weeks. Now that you are out of your Dad’s house are you going to quit fighting? I know it’s probably none of my business and I don’t have a say but I would like you to quit fighting. I’m not asking you to quit coming to the gym but I just, I don’t want to see anything happen to you. I’d die if anything happened to you Sam.”

  She jerked her hand away and stared at me in disbelief. “I’m not quitting Cole. I like it ok? I’ve talked to Wendy; I know why you started fighting. Why haven’t you stopped?”

  Ouch. That hurt. That’s right; she had to have known about my parents when the baby shower conversation came up. I didn’t even think about that. “Our parents died Sam. They were run off the road by some idiot who had too much to drink. They ran into a tree and were killed instantly leaving their two kids behind. Rocky was what saved our lives, it gave us purpose. I’m a guy, it’s different.”

  “What do you mean it’s different? All this time I’ve been treated as if I was one of the guys and all of a sudden you’re in love with me and you want me to change.”

  I drew in a deep breath suddenly regretting this whole conversation. “I’m not asking you to change anything Sam; I’m just saying I don’t want you getting hurt. I’d quit in a heartbeat, don’t think I wouldn’t. If you wanted me to, I would. You think I need to be in there doing that? No, but I love doing it.”

  “I’m not going to get hurt and if something was to happen; it can’t be anything worse than my Dad has done.” That’s all she could say. She didn’t say anything to my comment about me quitting. She had no idea. I would if she asked. I’d walk away in a damn heartbeat and not look back.

  “I love you Sam. I’m sorry I brought this up. I’ll get over it ok? I’m getting ready to head to the gym. Want to ride with me?”

  She huffed and puffed for a second obviously still pissed about what I asked of her. She was so damn cute when she was mad. Leaning forward, she planted a kiss on my cheek lingering her lips there for a minute. “Yeah babe, let me get changed.”

  Rocky pulled her into the office the minute we walked in. No good morning Cole or anything like that. What the hell? Wendy came running up throwing her arms around me. “I know I’m late with this because of everything that’s happened but I love the baby’s room, thank you so much!”

  An instant smile spread across my face. “You’re welcome. Hey what are they in the office for?”

  She glanced towards the door that was open and shrugged her shoulders. “I’m not sure. So, how are things going?”

  I ran my hands through my hair searching for the right words to say so I wouldn’t set off hormonal Wendy. She was getting worse throughout this pregnancy and thank God she lived with Rocky. “It’s great but I upset her this morning because I asked her to quit fighting.”

  Her eyes grew wild like I just told her I committed murder and hid the body in the woods somewhere. “You did what? What did she say?”

  “She said no. I just worry about her Wendy. The same way I used to worry about you.”

  “Cole, that’s her decision and I know she will make the right one ok? Don’t think too hard on it.”

  “I know.” I grumbled as Sam came walking out the office. She briefly smiled at me before making her way to Trey who just walked in. I should have guessed that would happen. I guess old habits die hard. Really, it was probably for the best since we were sleeping together now. Rocky joined me on the mat helping me get ready for tonight. I was ready to get back in the ring, it’s been a while and there’s been way too much going on. I missed it. It was second nature to me and for Sam to turn everything around on me and ask why I hadn’t quit? Well, she didn’t understand.

  *********************

  The crowd was as I expected tonight. Blaize and Rocky stood in the corner getting the list together for what was sure to be a good night. Trey was supposed to be fighting tonight too and he and Sam were too busy goofing off when he needed to be preparing himself mentally for this. I love her to death but they both act like a bunch of kids. I know his mom still isn’t doing very well. At least his dad got the job he interviewed for at the lumber yard. It wasn’t what he really wanted but it helps pay the bills and that’s all that matters right now to them.

  “Hey babe.” I said as I kissed Sam on the head. “Make sure you stay by Wendy or Trey once I’m in the ring tonight.”

  “Got it babe, you’re going to be awesome.” I knew I loved this girl for a reason. She believed in me.

  Blaize interrupted every thought we had as he came over the speakers. “Hey hey party animals. Do we have a lineup for you! Tonight we have Trey Miller against Harley Trent, Cole Johnson against Blaine Smith and our main event is one we can promise no one is backing out of this time.” The last part caught my attention as I tried to find Sam. She must be by Wendy because I don’t see her anywhere. “Get ready for our main event tonight y’all…the one and only Sam Montgomery and Travis Pierce!”

  Not even the crowd roaring could keep my thoughts from screaming in my head. What the hell? And she didn’t even talk to me about it. We’ve fought about this before when we were supposed to be up against each other and this time she went behind my back. Before I could go find her, Rocky pulled me towards the back to prep me since I was up first tonight.

  “What the hell Rock? No one was going to tell me?”

  “It was her decision Cole. She didn’t tell you? She came to me this morning and said she wanted to do it.”

  Motherfucker. He finished wrapping my hands and helped put the gloves on. I better not lose tonight because I’m already far from focused. She wouldn’t show her face and that aggravated me a little m
ore.

  In the ring, I was more than thrown off. Blaine got more hits in than he should have. Rocky kept screaming at me to put my head back in the ring but I couldn’t get it there no matter how hard I tried. I swung at Blaine missing him completely. The crowd reacted wondering what the hell was wrong with me. I tried to focus as I maneuvered the ring but the other time I tried to move, Blaine took me down and for the first time in many fights, I lost. I couldn’t even tell him good fight because he got lucky beating me. Trey tried to talk to me before his fight but I wasn’t having it. I walked into the room I got prepped in and punched a hole in the wall. Sheetrock crumbled and crashed to the floor. I’d be in trouble later over this but right now, I don’t care. Betrayal is a bitch, a mean ugly bitch and she betrayed me. After I poured my feelings out to her and told her I loved her, she still betrayed me.

  I notice her phone is sitting on top of her clothes and a call is coming through. Brenda is calling her and I wonder if she’s ever called her back like she said she would. It’s been two weeks and by the way our conversation went earlier, I doubt she has called her back. Knowing I’ll face ten kinds of hell if she finds out, I decide to answer. Not that it matters, she’s already putting me through it.

  “Hello?”

  “I’m sorry; I must have dialed the wrong number. I’m trying to reach Samantha.” Samantha huh? I knew it even though she never would admit that was her real name.

  “This is her phone. I’m her boyfriend Cole. I happened to see her phone ringing.”

  “Oh, ok. Can you give her a message for me please? I’ve been trying to reach her.”

  “Yes ma’am I sure can.”

  “Please tell her that her father has been talking to me and he wants to sit down and talk to her before he puts himself in rehab for his anger. He wants to meet in a public place so it’s not awkward. You are more than welcome to join for support if you’d like, just please let her know that’s why I’m calling. He really loves her more than anything Cole and I worry about the two of them. All that matters is he’s trying to be better. He knows he’s made some very poor mistakes.”

  Wow. I sit there listening to Brenda slowly forgetting I was ever mad to begin with. I promise to make sure I give Sam the message and vow to myself I will help her make things right.

  Trey has just won his fight and is talking to Sam minutes before she steps in the ring with Travis. Travis is tough, I’ve fought him before and he definitely gave me a run for my money. Her eyes meet mine but she looks away quickly. I wasn’t even trying to show her I was pissed. I just got her; I won’t fight with her and drive her away. I watch as she steps in and shakes Travis’ hand before the fight begins. I watch as she maneuvers around trying to get the best angle for a shot at him. I watch as she blocks the first hit he throws and my stomach is sitting in my throat right now. I can’t breathe watching this. The first hit she gets in on him has me and Wendy fist pumping in the air like a couple of Jersey Shore rejects. Rocky is in his own little world cheering and hollering tips to her. She’s in there because she feels she has to prove herself. I know it. I know she feels as if she looked like a coward the night we were supposed to fight. She’s proving herself rather well and I hope this is over soon. The minute his fist connects with her jaw, I catch myself wanting to jump in there and defend her but Rocky caught hold of my arm keeping my distance. I almost had to walk away when her little body hit the mat with enough force to have everyone in the crowd gasp. I closed my eyes blinking back a tear but when I opened my eyes I couldn’t believe what I saw. She had Travis on his back and the crowd was going wild. They were eating this shit up and here I was having a damn heart attack. He fought against her trying to get up but after a few seconds he tapped out and Rocky, Wendy and I all jumped up screaming. I could see Trey across the ring looking just as insane as we were. Holy shit she did it.

  I jumped into the ring so fast pulling her into me crushing our lips together. “That was fucking crazy Sam; I can’t believe you did that. I wanted to be so mad but I’m just glad you were ok.”

  “I’m so sorry I didn’t tell you Cole. I know you were mad to find out like you did, but I had to do it.”

  “I know you did.” I said as I pulled her in again kissing her head.

  Blaize pulled her away to congratulate her and the crowd continued to chant her name. Trey ran up in the ring alongside us and suggested drinks to celebrate. Sam looked at me smiling and I knew even if we went, we wouldn’t be there for very long.

  Chapter 30

  Sam

  Cole had every damn right to be mad at me. We’ve been together two weeks and for someone who never dated before, he’s awfully good at it. We’re a team, like Batman and Robin. I know I hurt him, I could read it on his face. His eyes wore an expression that was hard to shake. Seeing him lose his match was unbearable for me. If it were unbearable for me, I don’t want to think about how it made him feel. I knew it was my entire fault and I should have discussed this with him but at the table this morning he was so adamant about me quitting. I understand he cares and I thank him for that, but I’m a big girl and I don’t need him to monitor every single thing I do.

  Travis was what I expected and more. He was quick on his feet, but so was I. I knew Cole was standing ringside, I never laid eyes on him, but I could feel him. And that told me everything was going to be ok. I was going to be ok. Rocky served as my personal cheerleader as well as my coach the entire fight. I tried to make out what he was saying but anytime I tried, my focus left and that’s when I would be taken by surprise. Knowing what I’ve been taught, I knew what I could and could not do and to say I was thrilled is an understatement. When Travis tapped out, I was elated. I was ecstatic. There are no words. The moment got a thousand times better when Cole ran up to me kissing me some kind of fierce.

  To hear the crowd chanting my name, there were no words for that either. I was thrown off when Blaize grabbed my arm pulling me away from Cole. With my arm in his hand, he threw my hand in the air, causing the chanting and cheering to escalate. Oh. My. God. I can’t believe I did this. And I won. I threw my other hand in the air, cheering about as loud as everyone else. As exciting as this was, my body was exhausted and I wanted out of this ring. Trey ran up to Cole and mentioned drinks to celebrate. Hell yea, I was game.

  Joe’s was packed. Cole bought us a round of shots. “I’d like to give a toast.” I rolled my eyes wondering if he was serious and he was as he continued. “To my stubborn, sexy ass girlfriend. She’s one badass woman and I love her so fucking much.”

  “I fucking love her too!” Trey chimed in. What a bunch of gaywads. But I clinked my shot glass against theirs and let the liquid slide down my throat.

  “I fucking love you too Trey.”

  I instantly smiled pulling Cole in for a kiss. “I love you way more though.”

  “I hope so or we’re going to have issues.” He stood there trying his best to keep a smile from showing, he failed miserably.

  Trey gagged as he began scoping the crowd for any girl in a short skirt that would look his way and well right now that was a good bit of the women in here. His eyes were dancing around trying to decide which conquest he should go on next. Was it the pixie blonde in the corner or the busty brunette by the bar? His body pointed towards the brunette and that was the last we saw of him.

  “Cole, I know how mad you must have been.”

  He looked at me that same pain I could see earlier came back haunting me completely. I hoped he would understand I had my reasons and I’m sure he did but he had a hard way of showing it. This wasn’t the place to have this conversation but it weighed heavy on my heart. I was a coward to go behind his back and not be honest but I felt I had no choice. All I wanted to know was he still loved me, that he forgives me for my selfishness.

  “I don’t want to talk about that right now.”

  “We need to eventually. I know I did wrong.” Please forgive me.

  “Babe, I was upset. It’s not worth fighting over th
ough. Just promise me you won’t do that again.”

  I leaned in until I could feel his rugged breath on my lips. “I promise.” To show my sincerity, I crossed my heart. It was out of my system. I was good to go. Although proving myself wasn’t worth possibly losing Cole, I did it and I was hella proud. I also had a good chunk of change in my pocket to show for it.

  I called the bartender over ordering a beer for Cole and a panty dropper for me. Before I could savor the first sip, my phone began vibrating in my pocket. Brenda. Shit, it’s been two weeks since she first tried to call and I haven’t called her back yet. Cole looked over. “You going to get that babe?”