Unavoidable Bond

by C Bradley

  “No offense, but your boyfriend is quite the looker, Hannah. I’d milk it for a little extra TLC if I were you.”

  “We’re not together,” Micah and I say at the exact same time, clearing the air that we are not in fact dating.

  “But since he forced me to work out, I’m forcing him to pick up FroYo on the way home. See ya around, Addison.”

  My eyes slowly open to the sound of “Fade Away” by Breaking Benjamin, echoing off the walls. Still drowsy, I sit up and wipe the sleep from my eyes. Reaching for the nightstand to dismiss my alarm, I’m temporarily blinded by the sun peeking in through the blinds of my northern facing bedroom window. Holding my hand out to shield my eyes from the rays, I slowly get up, heading into the bathroom, when my left foot lands in a sticky substance, covering my mahogany wood floors. I lift it to find the remnants of a spilled beer with two additional empty bottles, sitting on my nightstand. Stepping over the pile of yesterday’s discarded clothes, I continue on to the bathroom, loathing the thought of cleaning my place later.

  After quickly washing up, I examine my stubble and decide to let it grow another day before shaving, and instead, I brush my teeth. The lingering scent of jasmine and vanilla assaults my nose, even in my spacious one-bedroom apartment, which is undoubtedly an indication of just how my previous night went. Another first and only date, my fault I’m sure. I don’t ask for much. I just want a woman with a strong personality and an ass that can stop traffic. I digress. Maybe I’m incapable of connecting with a woman because it’s never happened for me, yet I can’t stand the thought of an empty bed. After all, who the fuck enjoys being alone?

  Poor Brody. He’s never been in love with anyone, but himself. I can hear the guys on my crew laughing it up already. Shaking my head, I finish cleaning up and grab my work clothes from the small closet next to the window. I pull on a pair of tattered carpenter jeans, with both knees blown out from over wear, and a navy-blue V-neck t-shirt that is arguably one size too small.

  I grab my keys, Ray Ban aviators, and cellphone, before pocketing my wallet and locking the door behind me, making my way to my blacked-out Toyota Tundra. It’s sitting pretty in my parking spot with a freshly painted “2B” for my apartment number. Climbing into the truck, my stomach makes a loud gurgling noise. I agree, breakfast sounds good. Patting my angry abdomen, before securing my safety belt, I pull into traffic.

  Arriving promptly to the new job site with my breakfast and a coffee in hand, I stand and admire the familiar architecture of the mirrored glass structure. The building isn’t very tall, but it is as wide as a football field, and it houses five floors of office space.

  “Looks like you found your way, boss!” I hear a familiar voice shout from a few cars down the roadway, before spotting one of the men on my crew.

  Walking through the massive double entrance doors, we make our way over to the elevators, and my cell vibrates. It’s Addison. She is my sister by another misses and mister.

  Addy: Hey, butthead. Gym tonight? OMG, you should have seen what happened to this poor woman at the gym last night just after you left. She went flying off of her treadmill, and I felt terrible for her!

  Chuckling at her text, as I try to conjure the image of a not-so-graceful woman falling off the treadmill track, I fire off a response.

  Me: Fuck, yes. That sounds WAY better than another boring ass date. All these women just want me for my body Addison; I don’t know what to do about it.

  Addy: Hahahaha. Shaddup! You’re not even that good looking!

  Me: Ouch, you wound me. I’m waving the white flag. Listen, I gotta rush. I’m at JLC; it’s a pretty uptight environment, as you are aware. Gym at 8. See you there.

  Stepping off the elevator onto the fourth floor, my eyes gravitate to the stainless-steel lettering on the wall that reads “JLC.” Glass walls and doors lined with the same stainless-steel accents and recessed lighting, follows us from the lobby down the halls. Rounding the corner, I spot a gorgeous brunette in a khaki pencil skirt. Don’t judge me. I have a sister, which I’ve been forced to listen to talk about these things. She also has on a navy-blue button-down, and she is stalking down the hall towards me with paperwork in one hand and a leather portfolio in the other. Before she has a chance to glance up, and I fail to react due to checking her out, we collide into each other. Grabbing her arms to prevent her from stumbling down to the floor, her paperwork scatters and drifts down to the floor one by one, until it all rests on the carpet.

  “Whoa, easy there, Miss. Are you okay?” The brunette wriggles her arms free of my grip and squats down to retrieve her paperwork. I can’t help but look down, as she crouches down, and her top is bunched slightly, revealing supple breasts, while her skirt manages to sneak up her thighs, revealing tan, toned legs.

  “You should really watch where you’re going,” she snaps, keeping her head down and sorting the collected paperwork.

  I smirk at her short-tempered reply and lean down to help her pick up the remainder of the mess. Reaching my hand out, we grab the same sheet forcing her to finally make eye contact. This woman is stunningly beautiful with loose golden-brown ringlets framing her face and flowing down her top landing about mid-chest. Her chocolate brown eyes give off a startled look, as she stares back at me almost a little too long.

  Thrusting her arm towards the paper, after she adjusts her attire, her eyes take in all of me. Scanning me from my head to my toes, she must sense my eyes on her, as she snaps her eyes closed quickly before sighing.

  “May I?” I hand the sheet back to her without releasing my end, as she grabs it.

  “Sorry,” I apologize. “You seem to be on a mission this morning. I’m Brody by the way.”

  “Yeah, and I’m late for a meeting. Thanks,” she replies, failing to offer her name. Her eyes narrow slightly, as if she’s trying to assess me just before she takes off down the hall. She clearly hesitated, but there’s no way that gorgeous woman would be available for me to pursue. I glance over my shoulder, catching her eyes, as she does the same, before briskly escaping into a doorway.

  The guys on my team start elbowing me and making kissing noises, as the brunette disappears. Shit, I shouldn’t have let go. A quick pat on my back, by one of the other workers, startles me, as we make our way down the hall to the job site.

  Flicking my directional on and pulling into the gym, I climb out of my truck, and spot Addison making her way across the parking lot towards me. As we head into the gym, I finish giving her the details of my run in with the memorable brown-haired woman at the office, that we’d started on the phone earlier.

  “She sounds like she has her shit together, Brody. Not at all your type really,” Addy giggles.

  “Women can’t resist the Lucas charm,” I joke, flashing a wide grin and a quick wink at her. “Let’s go do my second favorite form of cardio,” I shout, as we approach the entryway.

  “You’re so charming, and yet such a pig all in the same breath,” Addy grunts.

  “You should have seen the ass on her though. Fuck me.” I say, grinning wide, before biting my fist.

  “BRODY LUCAS!” She yells, as she elbows me in the ribs. “You’re unbelievable sometimes.”

  I pull the door open and hold it for her, “You know it, babe.”

  Walking up to the front desk, I scan my key tag. “I’ll see you in a few,” I tell her over my shoulder, before walking into the men’s locker room and throwing my gym bag on the bench.

  After a few attempts at the locker combination, that I can never seem to remember, I swing the locker open, tossing in my bag and hooded sweatshirt. Putting my foot up on the bench, I firmly tie and double knot one shoe then the other. Grabbing my water bottle, I head out of the locker room to meet up with Addison, who is conveniently standing in line for the water bubbler.

  She spots me and waves at me to come over. “Hey, see that woman over near the treadmills?” She points, and I nod, but my jaw drops open, as the woman she directed my line of sight to turns aroun
d. “That’s treadmill girl.” Addison giggles, as I stare completely lost for words or a reaction. “Hey. Earth to Brody!”

  “Hello!” Addison shouts, as she punches my arm. And with a quick blink, I snap out of it.

  “Oh shit, that’s her! That’s the girl from the office today.”

  Addison stares at me, surprise taking over her features. “Treadmill girl is the brunette bombshell from the office?” She prods, before attempting to shoo me away with the flick of her hand. “Go talk to her, you fool!” She shoves me in the direction of my new secret crush.

  Crush. What am I a teenager again?

  “Okay, I’m going.” I take a few steps in the path of the mystery woman, but quickly change direction, heading towards the weight room and throwing Addison the bird, as I walk farther away.

  Ducking my head, so I can secure my mass of hair in a ponytail, I catch Addison, the pixie trainer from last night, pointing at me. I quickly avert my eyes, before the man beside her turns to see me. She’s most likely still finding amusement from my fall last night. Wanting to relocate quickly, I nudge Micah to remind him of his impending workout.

  “Now remember, you tortured me with cardio last night, so tonight, its booty work.” I smile, as we make our way to the mats to stretch.

  “Banana, I’m not doing your ass routine for an hour. How about we do abs, too?” Micah not so gently pats my stomach, emphasizing the softness just before I begin my routine stretching.

  “You can work on your softness or lack thereof, but dude read the shirt.” Standing back up and stepping back, I hold out my tank that reads, “I work out because punching people is frowned upon.”

  “Where in the hell do you get all these weird ass shirts?” He laughs shaking his head and standing to join me.

  “Online, now let’s go!” I say smiling, as I push Micah towards the weight room, so I can begin my leg presses. Passing a familiar looking man, I do a double take and stop walking, when I realize it’s the foreman from work. I’m not sure how to walk away again because his face alone makes my mouth water. He is simply gorgeous. Short, dark hair that’s nearly buzzed, tanned skin, and muscled limbs. Sweet Mary and Joseph, I’d climb him like a spider monkey to feel that body up close.

  “Hannah!” Micah shouts to gain my attention, which embarrassingly enough was focused on the sexy as sin man who is now gazing back at me with a cocky smirk. Well, that gets me moving. I quickly make my way towards Micah who is currently standing next to the equipment, humor dancing in his eyes.

  “Shut up! I was distracted,” I reason.

  “Yeah, I saw that.” He smacks my ass, as I move into position myself on the hack squat machine. “Get to it, or no more doughnuts for breakfast.”

  “Magical balls of dough decorated with orgasm worthy toppings do not make my ass jiggle. That’s the pizza.” I smart off, as I begin my set. “Hell, maybe it’s the ice cream, but I’ll die, before I give up the luxuries of life!” I grunt pushing through the last of the reps. “Holy hell, what weight did you add to this tonight?”

  “It’s thirty more pounds than normal. You typically just breeze through the light set. So, I figured it was time to up the ante.”

  “You suck,” I growl, continuing my regime.

  “Nah, but I do remember that you’re not terrible at it.” He winks, as he moves away to the machine next to me, and I hear a deep chuckle from across the room.

  Kill me dead!

  I take a chance and look over my shoulder. My fear is now a reality, as Mr. Sexy Smirk tilts his head to the side in humor, watching my every move. I turn my head back to the task at hand with blush now covering my neck and cheeks, as I mentally prepare for Micah’s demise.

  After nearly an hour and forty minutes of legs and glutes, I pick up my water bottle and head towards the locker room.

  “Hey,” a winded voice calls out to my back.

  Turning around, I see Addison walking towards me. “Hey, you live here?” I smile through my joking inquiry.

  “I’d almost say this place is my first home, but I don’t sleep here, so surprisingly it’s just a runner up.” Her kind smile appraises me, as she continues, “How are you feeling? Not too sore I hope.”

  “Oh no, I’m good. I’m a natural born klutz. If there is a way I can hurt myself, it’s bound to happen.” Moving towards my locker, I open the combination padlock and pull out my bag, quickly exchanging my sneakers and socks for matching neon pink flip-flops.

  “So, without sounding creepy, I overheard you discussing your love for doughnuts and all things junk food, as I was working out. We should grab a coffee sometime, because your description of orgasm worthy toppings coating magical dough balls, really makes me think we could be friends.” Addison laughs, as she pulls her phone from her locker.

  “Um, sure. I’m usually free Saturday mornings because I refuse to even pretend to care about missing workouts on the weekends. Plus, it gives me more time to plot my revenge against my best friend.”

  “Micah?” She asks with a light blush dusting her cheeks. “He’s fucking hot. Pardon my language.”

  “I’m wearing a tank that pretty much says I’m physically violent. Foul language is staple in my day-to-day.” My smile brightens, as an idea brews away in my head. “He’s single,” I blurt out, clearly catching her off guard. “If you’re interested that is.” Somehow, her cheeks turn an even brighter shade of pink. Oh yeah, I think she’s interested.

  Once we exchange numbers and chat for a few more minutes, I exit the locker room with what seems to be a new acquaintance, and I make my way towards a patiently waiting Micah. As we meander to my SUV, I fill him in on Addison, especially the bonding over junk food and exchanging numbers. It may sound weird, but I’m not a fan of female friends because all too often, they are catty, bitchy, and obnoxious. I have a feeling that Addison isn’t any of those things, at least not unless provoked.

  My alarm comes to life just as the sunrays peer through the curtains of my bedroom. Why didn’t you shut off the weekday alarm? I scold myself because it’s freaking Saturday, and I should be sleeping in. Stretching my toes towards the end of the bed and my fingers to the headboard, I mewl, as my muscles pull then relax.

  Doughnuts!

  It’s Saturday!

  It’s a no work, and an all play kind of weekend! No gym, no performance reviews, no space planning, and no office time. “Eeeeep,” I squeal, as I sit up. I text Addison to see if she wants to grab doughnuts, and of course, she does. Making my way through my morning routine, minus the coffee and breakfast, I quickly ready myself.

  Hair with a messy bun. Check.

  Face completely makeup free. Check.

  Cotton long-sleeve slouch dress to the knees, paired with matching knee socks, and my trusty brown knee boots. Also known as comfy as fuck apparel. Check.

  I grab my cell, keys, and sunglasses from the bowl, centered on the table next to the door, and head to Dough Balls and Such to meet Addison. I cannot believe she’s never been to the best doughnut bakery in the universe. Okay, that’s a stretch, but at least the best in Raleigh, and trust me, I’ve tried them all.

  Thank god for an amazing metabolism and healthy pedigree. Well, healthy considering the gene pool.

  “Hey Addison,” I smile and wave, as I exit my car. The extra spring in my step prompts laughter to rumble through me. “Clearly, I’m excited about the magical dough balls and no gym day. Although from the looks of it, you came from the gym or are headed there.”

  “Guilty. I go every morning at five, or my day feels off.” Her laughter fills the bakery, as we pass through the doorway. “Oh, my God! It smells amazing in here.”

  “Sure does,” I agree. “Hey Penny! This is Addison, your newest victim to dough ball addiction.” I say grinning, as I introduce them, and Penny waves and nods us over to the doughnut case.

  “Good morning, Han. Nice to meet you, Addison. Thanks for testing us out. I’m certain you’ll fall in love, and your first visit is on the hou
se!”

  I can’t help but laugh at Addison’s face of shock, as we peruse the case of treats. “Options are endless, and there are even disgustingly delicious protein packed dough balls. The Nutella is my favorite of those. Oh, or the s’mores.”

  Ten minutes later, we are sipping coffee and devouring dough balls on the awning covered patio just in front of the shop window.

  “So, since I’m already turning today into a cheat day, wanna go out for some drinks later? They just opened Black Ice over on Allen Drive.”

  “Um, maybe.” I answer with uncertainty. “I think Micah and I are going to swing by his dad’s place for dinner, but I’m sure we can meet you there afterwards. It’s okay if Micah tags along, right?” I ask, but I already know it will be fine. Addison’s cheeks dust with pink just from me mentioning his name.

  “Um, duh! That man is something off the charts sexy. I cannot believe you’re not tappin’ that!” Addison’s laughter booms through the small space of patrons and patio furniture.

  “Been there, tapped that, and we’re only friends now. Well, actually we have been for nearly my whole life.” I smile just before I stuff another Nutella ball into my mouth.

  Strolling into Addison’s bedroom with two different shirts, I hold them both up, but I make sure my favorite is just a tad higher. “Navy or Gray?” I question, and she quickly points to the navy shirt and turns back to the mirror to finish painting her face on. “No amount of makeup in the world can hide that giant crater of a zit on your chin, Adds.”

  “Fuck off, B!” She rages, while hurling a bed pillow in my direction. I quickly dodge the pillow and grin, before pulling the long sleeve, slim fit, navy t-shirt over my head and down to cover my torso. “Is your shirt tight enough? You’re still breathing.” She throws a smirk in my direction, before disappearing into the bathroom.