“I know you used to love it. Your favorite was their bath ball things.”
“Bath bombs,” I say with a laugh. “And I still love them. I stocked up. And I got a massage at the spa today too.”
“Sounds fancy.”
As soon as we walk inside the gym, nostalgia hits me. It’s a combination of seeing that the place looks the same - the octagon in the center, all the weights, and punching bags – and what is probably testosterone in the air. We’ve barely made it a few steps inside when Zane is in front of us. His hair is in a Mohawk and his muscles and tattoos are on full display in his sleeveless tank and shorts. “Tatum, hi gorgeous,” he smiles and I find myself immediately returning it. “It’s been too long.”
“Zane, hi. It’s really good to see you.”
“And you.” He turns to Cole and his demeanor instantly changes from flirtatious to annoyed, “About time you showed up motherfucker. We’ve been waiting for you all damn day.”
“Well that’s your problem. I didn’t know for sure when we would be by, which is why I didn’t give you a time.” He rolls his eyes at Zane and mumbles to me, “And if a few of them happened to leave before we got here, then fine.”
Laughing, I turn to Zane, “Well I’m glad they waited. I want to see everyone.” Cole sighs, Zane smiles and holds his arm out to me. I take it and he escorts me to the octagon. A couple guys are sparring inside and others are egging them on. When we approach, Zane whistles loudly capturing everyone’s attention immediately. “Look who decided to finally grace us with his presence,” Zane says jerking his thumb at Cole.
“Would you knock that shit off? You act like I haven’t been here forever. I didn’t realize you have that much difficulty functioning without me,” Cole replies in exasperation.
“Whoa,” a voice says loudly drowning out the rest. I turn and see Levi standing there staring at me with a perplexed look on his face. I smile, but before I can say hello he looks at the guys and then points a finger at me, “You guys see her too, right?”
“See who?” Jax asks looking at him in amusement as he walks past him and hugs me. Jax is bigger than the rest of the guys, but as kind as they come. He hugs me tightly and pulls back looking into my eyes, flashing me dimples that would make any woman swoon. “It’s really good to see you, Tatum.”
“Thank you,” I tell him honestly. “It’s good to see you too. It’s been a long time.”
“Too long,” he says and steps back but not before squeezing my upper arm tenderly. The guys were really great when Cole and I lost Hope. I remember them sitting shifts at our apartment, just eager to be around and help in any way possible whether it was bringing us food or taking out the trash. I couldn’t leave my bedroom for a full week without tripping over one of them around somewhere, always kind, always asking what I needed and how they could help. I never thanked them for that, or fully appreciated it at the time.
“So you guys do see her then. Tatum. That’s Tatum,” Levi says slowly.
“Sorry, man,” Zane says to Cole, “I told everyone that she was coming in except Levi. He wasn’t around when I gave them a heads up.”
“Hi, Levi,” I say taking in his blonde hair and bright green eyes. He’s still got the whole surfer boy look going on like he did years ago, only now his face is more mature, his body more muscular.
He runs up to me and gives me a hug practically bowling me over in his haste, “What the hell, Levi?” Cole asks, “Back the hell up before you hurt her,” he demands protectively. Levi remains with his arms wrapped around me.
“Really, Levi. I had no idea I meant this much to you,” I laugh and manage to pull myself out of his arms.
“I can’t help it. It’s kind of like the band is back together.”
“Oh good god,” Ryder says as he walks toward me. He scowls at Cole, and then takes me into his arms. “Hi, doll. It’s good to see you.”
“You too,” I tell him and allow myself to be cocooned in his arms for a minute before I step back and look into his bright blue eyes and smile. When he smiles back, I find a deep happiness there that I don’t remember from years ago. He’s always practically secreted sensuality from his pores, but if you looked deep enough you could see pain that he tried very hard to hide and it came out in vulnerable moments. I’m surprised and happy to find that it’s not there any longer. I’d be dead if I didn’t think he was sexy, they all are. It’s a damn bonanza of sexy up in here, it’s ridiculous, but I feel contentment from him and it must be contagious because I find myself feeling calm.
“Tatey-girl, long time no see,” Dylan smiles as he takes his turn hugging me next.
“I still hate that nickname, Dillie-poo.”
He laughs, “Well, tell me that I’m at least still your favorite ginger.”
“Always,” I laugh.
Lastly, I see another guy that I don’t recognize. He didn’t go to college with us and I never saw Cole with him when I was here. “Tatum, this is Tyson. Tyson, this is Tatum. She and I dated five years ago and she went to college with all of us. That’s why she knows everyone.”
“Tatum, hi, it’s nice to meet you,” Tyson says quietly but with a lazy grin as he shakes my hand. Yeah, he fits right in with these guys, that’s for sure. He’s shirtless and I’m trying not to stare at all the skin before me. Because there’s a hell of a lot of skin around me.
“Nice to meet you too,” I tell him returning his handshake.
“I hope you two don’t mind, but when we heard you were coming we made arrangements to go grab some dinner over at The Speckled Gecko,” Jax says referring to the Mexican food place only a block away. “You game?” Jax asks us and I look at Cole at the same time he looks at me. I smile and nod to let him know without words that I’m fine with the plan. “Okay, sure,” he says and amid cheers and comments about how hungry they are, the guys disperse to get whatever they need – hopefully and also regrettably, that includes some shirts.
“Let’s go on ahead of them.” Cole says and I nod and follow him out the door. It’s a nice night out and I inhale deeply when we step outside.
“I can smell an orange blossom close by. I love that smell. Not long after I moved, I felt really home sick. I went to a beauty store that carried hundreds of perfumes and smelled samples of anything claiming to have orange as the primary base. I just wanted to have something that reminded me of home.”
“Did you find one?”
“No, I never did.” Cole’s eyes are sad when he looks at me, which was not my intent. “I’m excited,” I tell him and smile and feel delight when his mouth curves up in response.
“For?”
“To eat! I haven’t eaten at a Mexican place since I’ve been back yet, so this is perfect. I’m thinking a margarita is in order too.”
The place isn’t too busy which is surprising given it’s dinner time and as soon as Cole walks in the hostess smiles, “Hi, Cole,” she says and I swear she sounds breathless. “Long time no see.” She’s smiling suggestively at him and I frown. I don’t like it, and really would prefer not to have a side of slut with my dinner. It isn’t like I have any claim to Cole, but good god I want to smack that look off her face. Or scratch it off with my nails. Either would suit me just fine.
“Hi Fannie,” he says and I snort. Out loud. Because that is not at all the name I was expecting to hear. I can see Cole look at me out of the corner of my eye, but I don’t react. Fannie on the other hand scowls at me, so I give her a knock out smile.
“Jax called earlier, so we have tables ready for you,” she says now completely ignoring me and smiling even more widely at Cole.
“Great,” he says and placing a hand at the small of my back indicates I should go before him. His touch makes tingles travel up my spine and I shiver. If he notices, he doesn’t say a word. When we arrive at the table, he pulls the chair out for me and after I sit, he takes the seat next to mine.
“What was that all about?” Cole asks with a raised brow.
“What?
” I ask in what I hope is an innocent manner.
“The fact that you looked like you wanted to cut Fannie up into little pieces.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about,” I shrug and immediately order a margarita when the waitress arrives at our table happy to divert his train of thought.
The guys start to arrive one at a time. When Jax arrives, my mouth falls open at the sight. He’s holding a little girl, no more than one year old in his arm, and is holding hands with a beautiful woman at his side. It’s clear they are very much in love and they make a sweet family unit.
“I had no idea Jax is a dad,” I tell Cole in surprise. Before he can respond Jax is at the table and introduces us immediately. “Tatum, I’d like you to meet Rowan, my lady,” he says making Rowan laugh. “Rowan, this is Tatum, an old…friend of Cole’s.”
“Hi, Tatum. It’s very nice to meet you.” She smiles at Cole and gives him a one armed hug.
“It’s nice to meet you too. And who is this beautiful girl in your arms, Jax?”
His smile could light up a room, “This little pumpkin is Rowan’s daughter, Lily.” After he introduces us, his smile falls a little and he looks at me as if he’s apologizing for the fact they have a little girl with them. I smile at him encouragingly and get up out of my seat. Walking toward them, I take her sweet little hand in mine, “Hi, Lily. You’re a gorgeous little thing.”
Rowan and Jax smile and Lily smiles at me as if she knows I’ve just complimented her. When they turn to get her buckled into a high chair, I return to my seat and smile at Cole. “Jax and Rowan met when Rowan was in labor with Lily.” My eyes widen at this news and he nods and laughs, “I’ll have to tell you the story later.”
“I look forward to that,” I tell him.
Once Lily is settled Jax and Rowan take a seat and Rowan immediately picks up the menu making Jax laugh. “I don’t know why you’re looking at it babe, you always get the same thing.”
“Yeah, but what if I change my mind? Today, could be the day.”
“We’ll see,” he smiles an indulgent smile at her and I’m mesmerized by the two of them until I’m distracted by Tyson’s arrival. He’s got a gorgeous blonde on his arm, and he tells me her name is Sydney. She immediately sits next to Rowan and the two of them start chatting with Jax and Tyson looking on with a smile.
“Tyson is Rowan’s brother,” Cole explains quietly. “The four of them spend a lot of time together.
Dylan, Levi, and Zane have arrived and we’re just waiting for…Ryder walks in last. He waits by the door for a moment and I wonder what he’s doing, until I see he’s joined by a woman. Seeing Ryder with a woman is certainly not an unfamiliar sight, but when I get a look at his face, I about pass out. “Oh my god,” I whisper and Cole looks at me in confusion and follows my gaze. “Ryder’s in love.”
Cole smiles and nods, and I can understand now why I thought he looked happier than I’ve ever seen him – because he is. Ryder introduces me to Tessa, smiling proudly the whole time, and doesn’t take his hands off of her. It’s clear that the guys have all done a lot of changing over the years. It’s obvious not only in their interactions with one another, but in the way they are with the women they love too. It makes me ache with a desire to have that too. I wonder just how much Cole has also changed over the years; and realize it’s likely significant, because I’ve changed too. And we’re likely better people. But the million dollar question is, are we merely good friends, good companions, or could we have the potential for something more?
I’ve missed this group, this dynamic, and this emotional place I’m in when I’m with this gang. It feels so natural, so easy. I know I could fit in with all of them once again, and I find myself startled that I’m longing for a chance.
Alarmed at my thoughts I’m grateful when we place our orders and Cole breaks my train of thought. “Seriously, man, if you don’t stop glowering at me, I’m going to punch the look off your face,” he says staring at Ryder.
Ryder crosses his arms and tries to look threatening, but the curve of his lips give away his true emotions, “I went over to your place like three times and you weren’t there,” Ryder says.
“So,” Cole says and Ryder frowns deeper.
“So, I was worried about you, alright?” Ryder says exasperated.
“Aww, having a woman has made Ryder get all soft,” Zane says teasingly and it generates a growl and a curse from Ryder.
“You’ve been busy lately,” Cole says gesturing to Tessa. “I’ve just been giving you space. It’s not a big deal. What were you worried about anyway?”
Ryder’s eyes swing to mine and then back to Cole and the reason is clear, “I just was, okay. You had said you would be coming to the gym to work out and didn’t…we used to walk over together all the time…I hadn’t seen you in a while… I don’t know… fuck, maybe I am getting all sissy like.” He points to Tessa, “This is your fault!”
“I think it’s sweet, baby,” she says to him and Ryder leans toward her and kisses her mouth.
“So, what brought you to Arizona, Tatum? Just a visit, or something else?” Rowan asks me from across the table.
“I had an art showing at a gallery in Tempe. Since I hadn’t been back in a while, I thought I’d make a week vacation out of it.”
“What kind of art showing?” Dylan asks me.
“Um, mine actually.”
“Yours? That’s awesome,” Zane says.
“Thank you. It’s my first gallery exhibit and first stop on a tour. This one here in Arizona is the first stop on the tour and I’m heading to a few other locations as well. California is up next. It’s exciting.”
“Congratulations,” Jax says and murmurs of congratulations circulate the table.
“Thank you” I tell them genuinely.
“What kind of things do you paint?” Levi asks me curiously.
“All kinds of things. People, landscapes, items, whatever makes me feel inspired to pick up a brush. I have all kinds of different paintings on display for the tour, a couple different themes as well.”
“Can we still go see them?” Tessa asks kindly.
“Yes, they are on display through the rest of the week until they wrap and ship them to California.”
“You know…if you ever need a model to paint, I know the perfect person for you,” Levi says.
“Is that right?”
“Yes, it’s-”
“If you nominate yourself, I’m going to laugh my ass off,” interrupts Ryder.
“Especially because I would be the better subject for sure,” Zane adds.
“You?” Levi scoffs. “I don’t think so. My cheekbones are to die for.”
“My muscles are bigger than all of yours,” Ryder says making Tessa and everyone laugh and of course he flexes to prove it.
“Yeah well, I bet she would kill to paint my eyes,” Jax says with a laugh.
“Oh for sure,” Rowan says, “but your ego would probably overshadow them.”
Cole and I laugh as everyone argues about who has the better feature, and when our food is delivered it doesn’t stop the conversation. The atmosphere is fun, the food is great, and the company entertaining. Just as our plates start being removed and Lily begins entertaining us by dancing to the music being played over the speakers, there’s a loud commotion.
“Where the fuck is he? I know the bastard’s here.”
A few of the guys look toward the door where the loud voice is yelling and we all look around in confusion. “They told me at the gym they’re here. I want to see him now. Get off me! No, let me go.”
“What the hell?” Zane says as he stands from his seat.
Cole stiffens beside me and he and Ryder lock eyes. Silent communication passes between them, and my eyes volley back and forth trying to understand what is going on.
“Cole!” The voice begins yelling. “Cole Russell, get your goddamn ass out here right now. You need to get training right this fucking minute.”
&nb
sp; “You’ve got to be kidding me.” Jax says in frustration and looks at Cole in question, who shakes his head. Jax disappears as Rowan looks on in distress.
“Cole?” I look at him as I see him stand from his chair. “What’s going on?”
“Cole, you don’t need to deal with this. Stay here,” Ryder says and Levi and Zane echo his statement.
“No, he’s my problem, I’ll handle it.”
“The fuck he is,” Ryder growls.
“It’s fine.” Cole looks at me and I’m shocked at the weariness and defeat I see in his eyes. “I’ll be right back. Wait here.”
Cole disappears and I hear some more yelling but can’t make out what’s being said now. I have no idea what’s going on, but the guys look stressed and Jax still hasn’t returned. “Who is that? What’s going on?” Most of the guys look away from me, either not comfortable with sharing something that is between them, or not wanting to divulge Cole’s business, I’m not sure. “Zane, who’s yelling out there?”
“Don’t worry, Tatum. It’s nothing new, unfortunately. Cole and Jax will handle it.”
“Handle what?”
“It’s Jax’s father and Cole’s trainer, Jerry. He’s been drinking a lot lately and these incidences are becoming more and more normal,” Rowan says and when I look at her in surprise she shrugs, “I would want to know too.”
“Thank you,” I tell her and she nods.
“Why they put up with his shit at all, I don’t understand. Especially Cole. We’ve been trying to find out for years why he keeps putting up with Jerry’s shit, but we cant get anything from him. Maybe you would have more luck than we have, Tatum,” Ryder tells me.
“Does he always talk to Cole like that?”
Ryder nods, “He talks to all of us that way anymore. He’s always drunk half the time. It’s amazing he can train Cole at all. It certainly can’t be quality training and I have suspicions that he spends more time degrading him than anything else, but still Cole won’t walk away. I don’t get it. He’s a great fighter, but with better training, he’d be unbeatable.”
“Speaking of fighting, are you going to come and watch his fight?” Levi asks me.
Fighting Pride Page 11
