One Of The Guys

by Johnson, Ashley

  I sat in my apartment hating myself for not sticking around and trying to talk to her. What would I say? Would she even talk to me? Trey’s offer kept coming up to haunt me. I walked into my room grabbing a polo shirt and a pair of jeans. I rode in silence the whole way to Joe’s hoping I was making the right decision to go out tonight.

  The bar is crowded; people are dancing to that god-awful song Trey always dances to. A cold beer is placed in my hands and by the time the song is over, the bottle is empty. My eyes caught Trey’s on the dance floor, he nodded in front of him and my stomach began cutting flips. This is why he wanted me out. Sam is here. The lights on the floor hit her body the right way, her body glowing like an angel. I hoped for a slow song but they played Joan Jett next and I was subjected to watching Sam and Trey sing about how they loved rock and roll. They were dancing on chairs, this was a picture worthy moment but I was too busy laughing my ass off and being worried at the same time about what I was going to say to her. I missed her so damn much it hurts. Good lord, what am I going to do with these two? Everyone clapped for them afterwards, she looked a little embarrassed but from where I stood, she looked amazing. Breathing seems to be something I have to keep reminding myself to do as I begin walking towards her. Without giving myself a chance to second guess my actions, I wrap my arms around her waist feeling her body instantly tense. I lean towards her neck letting my breath linger there for a minute, she still doesn’t move.

  “I love you Sam.” I say as she slowly turns around to face me. She says nothing as she just looks at me. God, thank you for dragging me here tonight. She steps in closer resting her head on my chest soaking my shirt with her tears.

  “I love you too.” I wasn’t sure I would ever hear her say those words again. All my life I never believed a relationship would ever be worth it, when I met Sam she changed all that. When she left me, I was torn in two but now, I’m a new man.

  Slowly I raise her chin lingering my lips a few mere inches from hers. Before she kisses me, she tear-filled eyes continue to gaze into mine as she tells me, “I’m so sorry. Please forgive me.”

  How could I not forgive her? I pull her in closer holding her as if my life depended on it. When she asks if I’m ready to go, I don’t hesitate. I’ll thank Trey later.

  Outside against the truck with her legs wrapped around my waist I want nothing more than to bury myself inside her and show her just how much I love her. I want to show her how much I missed her. I don’t think I’ve ever sped so fast before in my life trying to get home.

  I scooped her back in my arms from the truck, her legs once again wrapped around my waist as we made our way inside the apartment. I kicked the door shut; my hands were cupping that perfect ass as I carried her into the bedroom. I carefully laid her down showering her neck with kisses. She sat up eagerly to take her shirt off. Her chest rose and fell with her breathing; I licked my lips as I hovered over her breasts lowering myself to taste them. She arched her back letting out a moan. Her fingers run through my hair slowly, she pulled harder when she got a little more excited. Fuck. She’s gonna kill me before we even get started. Sam reaches down trying to lower my pants but she gets frustrated and cups me from the outside. I groan, pulling them off as quickly as I can. Her skirt is off just as quick and damn she’s just as wet as she was outside Joe’s. I can’t wait any longer; I need to be inside her. I need to feel what I’ve been missing. She doesn’t object as I get ready to bury myself inside her, in fact she’s almost begging me to. I enter slowly, she gasps as she steadies her breathing. She begs me to go faster, harder and once her legs are wrapped around my back, I thrust into her feeling her every inside continue to beg for more. I can feel her body tense as she begins to release herself; I’m right behind her collapsing on her as we try to gauge our breathing.

  Lying next to her, I briefly glance up at the ceiling offering a silent prayer to God for this perfect moment. Sam’s eyes are closed; the faintest smile is on her lips. I lean in and kiss the corner of her mouth. She leans in sealing the deal. God I love this woman.

  “Cole, that was absolutely amazing but we do need to talk.” Damn. I was hoping to avoid this conversation. Forgive and forget…I’m not sure if it’s truly possible but I was willing to try.

  “Whatever I did Sam, I’m so sorry sweetheart. I should have never raised my voice at you like that. I wasn’t even thinking, you know I would never hurt you right?”

  She closes her eyes taking in a deep breath before opening them again. “I know that now. Wendy did a lot of talking for you these past two months. I was upset first of all because you invaded my privacy by answering my phone. I would never do that to you and wait to tell you about it. When you raised your voice, all I saw were flashbacks of my dad. I will never be in that situation again. I should have trusted you but I was scared.”

  I feel like such a dick as she’s telling me this and I feel like hugging my sister the minute I see her for at least seeming to be on my side with all this. She was scared of me? I would never in a million years put my hands on her in any way that would harm her. I grab her hand pulling it into mine holding onto it for dear life.

  “Sam, I’m so sorry. I’d never do anything to hurt you in any way. If I could take back that night, I would do it in a damn heartbeat. I want to spend the rest of my life making up these past two months with you. I want to spend every day giving you everything you want and need. Being without you, it felt like a damn knife was in my chest. If I ever have to be without you again, I don’t think I can make it.”

  Sam’s eyes are wet from tears that have yet to fall. I don’t want her shedding another tear. I kiss her forehead letting my lips linger for just a moment longer.

  “I love you Cole. I’m as sure of that as the sky is blue. I wanted to talk to you so many times but I was a coward. I was so scared you wouldn’t want me back or that you had moved on. I couldn’t put myself through that again either. The last time I needed space, he moved on.” She’s talking about her ex, I see the pain in her eyes it’s easy to read but she quickly pushes it away.

  “Sam, there was no moving on. There was only you. If I couldn’t have you, I didn’t want anyone else. No one could ever make me feel the way I feel when I’m with you. He was stupid to move on like he did, I would never. You hear me? Never.” Never in my life did I think I would become a sap like this but there was no way I could continue to go on not having her fully understand exactly how I feel.

  “I’m so sorry I called him that night. Nothing happened Cole, I swear on my life. I was drunk and fucking stupid. He’s in love, I’m happy for him. She wasn’t there that’s the only reason I stayed the night to sleep it off. I was embarrassed of myself, I love you Cole. I only love you. I’m so sorry.”

  Did it hurt that she called him? Yes, it hurt more than she could ever know but I believed her when she said nothing happened. “It’s ok Sam, I swear. I wish you hadn’t called him but we can’t change that. We’re here together now, that’s the past.”

  “Does this mean you think we could have a second chance?” The nervous expression on her face is enough to hurt me again but she should already know the answer to that question.

  “I’ve never wanted anything more in my life Sam.”

  I run my fingers through her hair before kissing her temple and pulling her into me. I hold onto her finding myself staring at the ceiling once more thanking God again.

  The next morning I snuck out of bed while she was still peacefully sleeping. I wanted to do something special for her. I whipped up some pancake batter and fried some bacon. I half expected the smell of the bacon to wake her up but she was still sleeping. I grabbed a coffee cup filling it with the hot dark liquid before setting it on the table. I can’t help but smile as I think of being able to walk into my, I mean our room and wake her up. I know before this whole fight, she was already staying with me every night. Pieces of her were all over in this apartment but I wanted to officially ask her to move in with me.

  She�
��s lightly snoring when I walk back into the room. The covers are around her waist, her bare chest facing down onto the mattress. I sit beside her planting a kiss on her shoulder. She stirs only a little, groaning before grabbing the covers and attempting to throw them over her head. I catch them laughing pulling them away. “Wake up baby. I cooked breakfast for you.”

  The mention of food and her head lifted a little out of curiosity. “What’d you cook?” She asked groggily.

  “I heated up some pop tarts for you. You like strawberry right?” Her head shot up more, her eyes practically bugging out of her head. “Think it’s a game?”

  “You so better be kidding.” She laughed. She slowly got up grabbing one of my shirts off the floor. She looked perfect in it; I’m almost one hundred percent positive we aren’t leaving the house at all today.

  Her eyes light up when she sees the pancakes and bacon on the table. I can’t help but laugh when she turns around glaring at me for lying to her. Her attempt to punch me in the arm fails when I catch her hand pulling her into my chest. “I’m sorry, I couldn’t help it. Sit down and eat.” I pull her chair out so she can sit. I sit across from her handing her a plate. As we eat in almost complete silence I feel my palms getting sweaty as I think about asking her to officially move in with me. I hope it doesn’t weird her out or send her running. I’d have to say though; I think she’s now officially done with running now that she’s back with me.

  Chapter 40

  Sam

  Last night was completely amazing with Cole. I didn’t quite expect the sex, although it was definitely the best added bonus. Talking to him was no where near as bad as I had imagined it in my head. So much relief washed over me to have that behind me. I went into the talk expecting to hear he moved on or just didn’t think I was worth the hassle, but I was completely wrong.

  I woke to Cole kissing my shoulder. Such a romantic gesture on his part but I’m tired and I just want to sleep a little longer. He catches the covers and mentions breakfast. Immediately my stomach began growling. Mmmm…food.

  “What’d you cook?”

  “I heated up some pop tarts for you.” He’s wearing that same cocky grin I’ve grown to love and hate. The same grin he wore the very first day I met him at Lou’s.

  “You so better be kidding.” I laugh, grabbing one of his shirts before walking into the kitchen. He’s the perfect gentleman pulling my chair out for me. My eyes catch the plate of bacon and pancakes and I’ve never been more excited to have been lied to. He’s forgiven as of right now. Those blue eyes, I can’t be mad at them nor do I ever want to be.

  I pop a piece of bacon into my mouth savoring every little bit. Any man that can fry bacon is a keeper in my book. He’s studying his coffee a little too hard. His knuckles are almost white from holding onto the cup.

  “Hey you alright?” He jumped at the sound of my voice quickly replacing his surprise with a smile.

  “Never been better. I wanted to ask you something Sam. I know you were already staying here before, uh everything. I’ve thought about this and I want you to officially move in with me. I don’t want to spend another moment in this apartment without you here with me. These past two months were miserable. I’m determined to do whatever I need to make sure you never leave me again. I want to keep you happy and I want nothing more than to see your beautiful face every night when I fall asleep and every morning when I wake up.” He pauses trying to read my face. “That is, only if you want to.”

  I grin because I don’t think I could be any happier. One look at my grin and his grip on the coffee mug is loosened. I know I belong here in his arms, I think I knew that from the beginning but I fought it scared of what could happen. Although he’s not holding the mug in a death grip anymore, he’s still just watching me waiting for my response. I can’t help but continue to grin as I respond, “I’d love to Cole.”

  My heart skips a beat or two or maybe three, who’s counting? I just told Cole I would move in with him. I’m elated as I jump up to go text Wendy.

  “Where are you going?” He asks trying to catch my arm but I’m too fast.

  I flash a grin before disappearing into the room. “I’m going to text Wendy. She’s going to be so excited!” Cole’s eyes practically roll out the back of his head. He starts cleaning up the mess, I want to go help him, but instead I continue with my mission.

  Sam: Omg, omg!! Guess what?!

  Wendy: I’m dying here…what?

  Sam: I may have run into Cole last night and we may have made up and he may have asked me to move in with him!!!

  Wendy: SHUT UP!!!

  Sam: I KNOW!!!!

  Wendy: Told you everything would work out

  The smile I feel inside spreads across my face before I close the message out. Cole has a fight tonight, but of course we’re all going to be at Lou’s most of the day. With my jeans and my favorite t-shirt on, I flash my sexy boyfriend a grin as I make my way into the living room.

  “I’m ready when you are.”

  “Then let’s go babe.” We ride hand in hand the whole way there until he decides to rest it on my thigh. There’s a slight tingle I can’t ignore and I try not to let him hear me moan. But he knows, he knows it all because that hand is cupping my jeans in just the right spot and it’s not fair. He smiles knowing what he’s done. Just as soon as we pull up at Lou’s, he cups my chin pulling my lips towards his. A brief kiss later, I’m definitely more frustrated sexually than I was before. But in my mind, I think of nothing but how happy I am. Cole makes me happier than I’ve ever felt in my life and I want to do nothing but make him happy.

  Trey jumps off the weight bench as soon as we walk in pulling Cole to the side bragging about his latest conquest. Gag. Works out because I wanted to talk to Rocky. I poked my head in the office to find him and Wendy hanging out. She immediately smiled, when she stood up to hug me her belly was nice and round. I touched her belly talking to the baby that we still were unsure whether it was a girl or boy, before straightening up and clearing my throat.

  “Rocky, I just wanted to talk to you for a second.” Wendy looked hesitant about whether she needed to leave or not. “Wendy, you don’t have to go anywhere, it’ll just take a minute.”

  “What you got Sam? You aren’t scheduled for tonight if that’s what you were wondering.” Rocky got used to me trying to get in on any fight I could during mine and Cole’s two month hiatus. It was the only thing that kept my head on straight. With the fights I was able to push him out of my mind for a few minutes but always after, his memory crept back in and made for many nights of lost sleep.

  “No, I know that. I wanted to tell you that I won’t be fighting anymore.” Suddenly all eyes were on me and Wendy started grinning like she knew something that I obviously didn’t know.

  “Oh. My. God. Are you….”

  “Oh God, no Wendy! I’m not pregnant! I’ve just given this some thought lately. I finished what I came to start and I am forever grateful for the opportunity you gave me when I walked in that door scared to death. If you guys will still let me, I want to still be here. I love ya’ll like my family. Hell, ya’ll are my family.”

  Wendy was damn near crying, hormones no doubt, Rocky stood there nodding his head fully approving of everything I said. “That first day when you sat down in this office, I told you if you didn’t want to fight you were always welcome here. I mean that now. I’ll make the call so you don’t get scheduled anymore. I’m assuming you’ve talked this over with Cole?”

  I glanced out to see him and Trey laughing over something. He has no idea about this but I know deep down he will be happy. It’s what he wanted, and now it’s what I want. I didn’t want him having to worry about me.

  “No, I’m going to tell him tonight after his fight. I just wanted to discuss it with you first and make sure everything was ok.”

  “Come here.” Rocky pulled me in for a hug and I had to laugh. My arms barely fit around the big burly man. Wendy jumped in, making sure she wiped he
r snotty nose on his shirt. He glared at her before planting a kiss on her forehead.

  I walked out the office like nothing happened and so did Wendy and Rocky. I couldn’t wait to see the look on Cole’s face tonight.

  ****************

  I sat on Cole’s lap in the back room waiting for his fight to begin; it was my turn to tease him. He had to grab my hand once or twice to make me stop. Every time he placed my hand back on his chest, I would run it back down just to hear him moan. He was up in about twenty minutes; we could hear Blaize’s voice booming through the speakers. I prayed he wouldn’t spoil my secret, every time he spoke my nerves were on end. Twenty minutes meant we could live dangerously if we wanted to. Unfortunately, Cole placed a kiss on my neck before helping me stand up. “I need to get out there babe. You going to be up front by Rocky?”