Wow thank you guys so much for all your reviews and alerts...I'm amazed at how many people like this fic! I think someone asked me who Armand was...he is the charming French maitre d from the restaurant in the last chapter and on whom Stacy has a little crush, hence Sam playfully warning Mercedes away...Thank you to all of you who have also reviewed the crack!fic Chord and the Great Chicken Caper-I am stunned at how many people like it and have alerted it!

Disclaimer: Not Mine. Nuff said.

Song is Chained to You by Savage Garden

Chained To You

We were standing all alone you were leaning in to speak to me
Acting like a mover shaker dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
And I think about it all the time
Sweet temptation rush all over me
And I think about it all the time
Passion desire so intense I can't take anymore because

I feel the magic all around you
It's bringing me to my knees
Like a wannabe
I've got to be chained to you

And when you looked into my eyes felt a sudden sense of urgency
Fascination casts a spell and you became more than just a mystery
And I think about you all the time
Is this fate is it my destiny
That I think about you all the time
I no longer pretend to have my hand on the wheel because

I feel the magic all around you
It's bringing me to my knees
Like a wannabe
I've got to be chained to you
I feel the magic building around you

I feel the magic all around you
It's bringing me to my knees
Like a wannabe
I've got to be chained to you

And I think about you all the time
And I think about you all the time
Yeah I think about it all the time
Tell me it's madness I barely know you
We were standing all alone you were leaning in to speak to me
Ten steps back you're still a mystery
Acting live a mover shaker dancing to Madonna then you kissed me
I can't take anymore because

I feel the magic all around you
It's bringing me to my knees
Like a wannabe
I've got to be chained to you
I feel the magic building around you

I feel the magic all around you
It's bringing me to my knees
Like a wannabe
I've got to be chained to you

Tell me it's madness
I barely know you

Sam Evans strode up the sidewalk towards Starlight Brides, purpose evident in each step he took. Mercedes had fled from the restaurant on Saturday night, leaving him standing there with his family and the maitre d' looking on in horrified interest. What was he doing? He had asked himself that question a hundred times...it was obvious that despite amazing sexual want for each other they both suffered from, she was disposed to fight him at every turn. Maybe he should have left her alone...but Sam had never been one to back down from a fight. He was an Evans through and through and in his family that meant you don't quit til you're dead. He smiled slightly as he thought of his family. Family legend proclaimed that when an Evans met the one they were meant to be with for the rest of their lives they would recognise them instantly. It had happened with his grandparents back in Tennessee and his parents too. His father had seen his mother in their first year of college and had known immediately she was it for him. He had married her straight after college and they had Sam two years later. Three kids and thirty years later, they were still as in love as they had been on the day they got married. Sam had dated plenty of other girls even lived with one for a time but with not a one of them had he ever had the epiphany he was waiting for. Until Mercedes. Laying eyes on her in the bar he knew. Just like that, without even talking to her. Once he had there was no way he could back away from her. She was fighting it but he'd known as soon as he had touched her that she too recognised the invisible link between them. The way she reacted to him, the way she fit perfectly against him in his arms told him all he needed to know. Standing in the restaurant, red wine dripping down his face Sam had endured the reactions of his family. Stacy, had laughed like a drain, completely delighted by the fact that for once a girl had resisted her brother and put him in his place.

'This is too good!' she had chortled 'I like her already, Sammy! She'll make a fantastic sister-in-law!' He rolled his eyes good-naturedly at her ribbing whilst his mother attempted to wipe the wine off his skin with a napkin.

'Are you serious Sam?' he father questioned, eyebrows raised.

'Yes, dad. She's the one,' he nodded, smiling ruefully.

'Well, my boy you've got your work cut out with that one!' Dwight Evans laughed whilst his daughter high-fived him.

'Stop it!' Mary Evans admonished her husband. 'She seems lovely, honey. Apart from the whole dumping wine on your head,' she said soothingly. 'Best get your grandma's ring ready,'

Sam shook his head. 'Mom, she doesn't even like me...if I presented her with a ring all I'd see of her would be the dust clouds she'd leave behind as she took off running, before she had me arrested for stalking. She doesn't even believe in marriage so like Dad said I'm going to have to pull out all the stops to win her.'

'Pshhh! She'll come around! Who could resist you?' his mother said pinching his cheeks like she used to when he was a little boy.

'Mom! Stop that!' he batted her hands away, laughing.

'Stop Mary! You're embarrassing the boy!' his father guffawed, clapping him on the back. 'Well, seeing as your girl deserted you, why don't you get cleaned up and come and have a meal with your old man, been too long since we've hung out,' his father said.

'Yes, do Sam. You can tell me all about how my business is doing,' his mom said wistfully. With that Sam Evans sat down and spent the rest of his evening with his family, laughing and joking but painfully aware though that the he really would have much rather spent it with Mercedes.

Now it was Monday, and he was once again going to confront her at her shop. It was turning into quite the pattern. He reached the entrance and pushed the door open. Mercedes was going to see him today whether she liked it or not and he was not leaving until she did, even if that meant camping out in the store the whole day.

Mercedes groaned as she woke up recalling the horrendously embarrassing date from the Saturday night. She had thrown red wine over Sam God in heaven...how could she have done such a thing. All she could remember was that awful feeling of white-hot jealously scudding nastily down her spine and through her veins as she saw Stacy and Sam's loving reaction towards her. No, no...She shook her head wildly. He was not her Sam; he was not her anything! She buried her face in her pillow in horrified despair. She had behaved in an appalling manner, in the middle of an exclusive restaurant no less and humiliated not only herself but him as well. Mercedes abhorred scenes of any kind in public and last night she had been the one to make a spectacle of herself. There was nothing for it, she would have to apologise, she couldn't not. She would send an apology fruit basket with a note, which would negate the need to see him again and then make sure that she never ran into him in future. Not that she imagined he'd want to see her after the debacle that had been their date. The phone on her bedside cabinet rang shrilly cutting into her train of thoughts.

'Hello?' she said gingerly lifting the receiver to her ear, expecting to hear Sam's angry tones, not sure why as she knew he didn't have her home number, at the other end of the line.

'Mercy?' she sagged in relief as she heard Quinn's voice. 'Thank God! Are you ok? I've been ringing your cell...' She heard Kurt's voice in the background,

'See I told you she was fine, probably unable to walk from all those orgasms Sam's given her,'

Mercedes' face flamed and she hissed 'He did not give me any orgasms!'

'More's the pity!' Kurt exclaimed pertly.

'Mercy? It's ten o'clock,' Quinn told her. 'Are you ok?'

'Shit! Oh my god I'm so sorry, Quinn.' She leapt out of bed hurriedly.

'Its fine, honey. I was just worried about you, because of the date...'Quinn said reassuringly.

'It was awful, Quinn...I did something terrible,' she confessed over the lump in her throat.

'What...w-what did you do Mercy?' Quinn asked fearfully.

'I poured a glass of red wine over Sam's head.' She admitted ashamed.

'You did what?' Quinn's horrified tone let Mercedes know that the situation was a bad as she herself had thought it was if not worse.

'He just made me so angry...we argued about the article and his advertising campaign,' not for the world would Mercedes tell anybody that part of the reason she had been so angry was that her body had been on fire for him and it was taking all of her self control to keep it in check.

'Oh Mercy,' Quinn's voice was a wealth of affectionate exasperation. 'I know you were angry but...'

'Then this Stacy woman turned up. All over him.' Mercedes closed her eyes against the wave of jealousy and hurt that swept over her.

'Mercedes...I thought you couldn't stand the guy? What does it matter what he does with someone else?' Quinn asked reasonably.

'We were on a date Quinn!' Mercedes shot back.

'You like him Mercy, 'Quinn told her firmly. 'You like him and you were jealous, admit it.'

'No!' she denied vehemently, knowing as she uttered the words she was lying to her best friend.

'You do. I'll leave it there for now because this obviously upsets you. But honey, I really think you should apologise,'

'I know...I just can't do it in person. I can't see him again, Quinn,' she whispered.

'Look, we'll figure it out. I don't think he'll hold it against you-'Quinn suddenly stopped midsentence. 'Mercedes? I've got to go...Um...a customer has just walked in...'

'Ok, I'll just have a shower and I'm there,' Mercedes told her, hanging up. Sighing she headed into the bathroom and turned the shower on.

Quinn kicked Kurt discreetly under the counter, as she watched Sam Evans cross the threshold.

'Hey, watch the trousers!' Kurt exclaimed indignantly, lifting his gaze from his dress designs. 'Don't you know these are...' he trailed off his eyes going wide at the sight of Sam standing before the counter.

'Hello, Sam, 'Quinn greeted him politely 'What brings you here...again?

'Same thing as last time. I'm looking for Mercedes,' he replied smiling a smile that did not reassure Quinn in the slightest.

'She's not here,' she said shaking her head. He lifted his eyebrow sardonically.

'No, really she's not here,' she said more firmly again, her face flaming as she recalled he was fully aware of the bald-faced lies she had told him the last time.

'She isn't here, Sam' Kurt confirmed nodding his head. 'Quinn's just spoken to her on the phone.'

'Where is she?' Sam asked pleasantly.

'She's on her way in,' Quinn disclosed, biting her lip as she realised she probably should not have told him that.

'I'll wait, then.' He leant on the counter settling himself comfortably for the wait.

'Ah well look why don't I tell her you called in and get her to call you when she arrives?' Quinn suggested hurriedly, not wanting to imagine the look on Mercedes' face when she came in and saw him lying in wait for her.

'No, its ok. I'll be fine waiting right here,' he grinned.

'She could be a long time, you know...I really think you would be better-'

'Sweet baby Jesus, Quinn!' Kurt rolled his eyes at her. 'The man said he'd wait, let him wait!' Sam smiled at his new-found ally and shrugged his shoulders at Quinn.

She huffed slightly and turned away; going back to the box of tiaras she had been unpacking before she had rung Mercedes.

'What are those?' Sam asked Kurt interestedly, looking at the drawings Kurt had spread in front of him.

'These? These are wedding dress designs,' Kurt said moving over to let Sam get a better look.

'They're good,' Sam said whistling appreciatively. 'You design wedding dresses?'

'Not really. I design women's maternity underwear,' Kurt said disgustedly.' Not what I wanted to do with my degree in fashion but it pays the bills. I design wedding dresses for Starlight brides as a favour for my besties here,'

'So these wedding dresses,' Sam gestured at the racks of dresses along the far wall of the store 'are your designs?'

'Yes, every dress is exclusively designed for Starlight brides,' Kurt nodded smiling proudly.

'That's quite a marketable quality,' Sam said thinking aloud. 'I should think a lot of brides would like the thought of their dress being designed exclusively for a store rather than a dress by a designer that you could buy anywhere...even if it is Vera Wang...'

'Yes, well I don't see any brides beating down our door, do you?' Quinn asked softening the bluntness of her words with a smile.

Sam looked at Kurt weighing up an idea in his mind.

'Here,' he said tossing his business card on the table. 'I know you design for these guys but if you ever think about branching out I'd definitely be interested in having a collection exclusively designed for Pronovia.'

'Thanks, Sam but I don't think I could do that to these guys-'Kurt shook his head.

'Pffft! Kurt, take the card!' Quinn said nudging his shoulder. 'It's a brilliant opportunity! I wish we could get a break like that!'

'Maybe I could help you,' he said to Quinn and he saw the light of excitement glow then die in her eyes.

'How? We need customers...you can't just conjure them up out of thin air!'

'I have an idea...' he smiled winningly.

'Mercedes would never agree,' she said regretfully.

'She doesn't have to know,' he cajoled, sensing her weakness.

'Why would you do that?' Quinn asked suspiciously. 'What's your ulterior motive?'

'To be honest its Mercedes. She is never going to let me near if she thinks I'm ruining your business,'

'She'll never let you near full stop,' Quinn said archly.

'Yes, but if I overcome this obstacle then I can think about tackling the rest.' He explained.

'It'd be lying to her and I'm a terrible liar,' Quinn fretted.

'So I noticed. Look, it's not lying per se. You're just not going to mention that I'm helping you out.'

'I don't know...' Quinn said unconvinced.

'Quinn! Take the help he's offering! If it consoles you think about the good it will do Mercedes to finally have the business doing better!' Kurt said exasperated.

'Fine,' she agreed taking the card Sam held out to her.' Thank you,'

'No need to thank me. I hope in the end I'll be getting something invaluable back in the end. Now, are you guys going to the Bride Style Wedding Extravaganza in Cincinnati next week?'

'No...we couldn't afford the pitch, 'Quinn shook her head.

'Well you are now,'

'How? Those pitches went months ago?'

'Leave it to me, the editor of Bride Style is a good friend of my mother's and plus as the head of Pronovia I'm kind of a celebrity in the bridal world,' he winked at her.

'What do I tell Mercy?'

'Tell her you guys won a pitch at the show...there is one condition though,'

'What is it?'

'Mercedes has to come to the show. You guys will be staying in the same hotel as I am...and I need to have access to her.'

'I'm not sure,' guilt coloured Quinn's voice.

'Just go with what I've got planned. If she really refuses to talk to me or spend time with me then I'll let it go...I won't force her to,' he assured her.

'Oh a free trip to Cincinnati!' Kurt clapped excitedly. 'You guys will have an awesome time,'

'What's so special about Cincinnati?' Quinn frowned.

'Anyway is better than Lima,' Kurt quipped.

'Why don't you come along too...if you're thinking about designing wedding dresses seriously then you may get a few ideas and names to trade with,' Sam suggested. Quinn nodded at Kurt.

'I will so be there!' Kurt exclaimed happily.

'Do we have a deal?' Sam arched an eyebrow at Quinn.

'Deal,' she sighed, hoping she would not live to regret it.

'Do you want to see something truly amazing?' Kurt asked him, leaning towards him conspiratorially.

'Sure,' Sam assented readily.

'Come with me, handsome...' Kurt winked at him and hopped off his stool, leading Sam into the store room at the back.

'Where are you going?' Quinn raced after them.

'To show Sam Mercy's dress,' Kurt replied nonchalantly.

'No!' Quinn exclaimed 'She won't like it!'

'Fooey! What can it hurt, for God's sake? It's not like she's going to wear it!' Kurt dismissed, waving his hand at her. He came to stand in front of a built in cupboard at the back of the store room and opened the door pulling out a dress bag. Unzipping it he removed it and pushed the dress into Quinn's arms, gesturing to hold it up against her.

Sam's jaw dropped. The dress was exquisite, there was no other word for it. Made from luxurious heavy ivory silk, the strapless bodice dipped slightly in the middle and would show a tiny bit of cleavage for sure but nothing so overt as to be distasteful. It was covered all over with sparkilng beads, crystals and diamantes and the full tulle net skirt was in turn decorated with tiny crystal stars. Quinn turned it so the back was visible and he saw the laces at the back that would serve to anchor the bodice in place.

'This is Mercy's dress,' he said waving his hand towards it with flourish.

'Wait...what? What do you mean Mercy's dress? Is she married?' Sam's appalled question made Kurt start laughing uncontrollably.

'That's a good one, Sam!' he managed when he had calmed down. 'No she is not married, and nor will she ever be unless she changes that odd kick in her gallop that has made her so set against it!'

'Then why has she got a wedding dress?' Sam asked uncomprehendingly.

'Well when they opened the store, I designed a dress for each of them as a congratulations present, if you like.' Kurt explained.

'Oh,' Sam looked at the dress as Quinn held it up, a faraway look in his eyes. He could just imagine Mercedes wearing it...she'd look like something straight out of a fairytale.

'But,' Kurt sighed sadly 'she's never going to wear it. I've accepted that now...'

'Yeah, she took great care to enlighten me to exactly what her opinions on marriage were before she threw a glass of red wine over me,' Sam chuckled ruefully.

'My sweet Gaga, no!' Kurt's hands flew to his mouth, in horror.

'Yep, and in Chez Georges too..in front of my parents and Stacy, my sister,'

'Mercedes Jones!' Kurt exclaimed, second hand embarrassment for his friend warming his pale cheeks. 'You must want to kill her! I know I do!'

Sam shook his head unconcerned. 'Nah...I just want her to give me a chance...'

Kurt took the dress back from Quinn storing it safely in the bag. 'Come on, precious,' he said sadly you'll probably never see the light of day again...'

'Don't be so sure,' Sam said with a teasing grin. Kurt turned towards him, eyes wide.

'You mean you're seriously going to try? After the whole wine incident?'

'Do you have a death wish?' Quinn interjected, incredulously.

'Hey,' Sam shrugged 'what's a bit of wine between lovers' he deadpanned, hands in pockets 'And I'm not going to try Kurt. I'm going to win,' he promised determination written in his eyes.

Kurt clapped delightedly whilst Quinn shook her head exasperatedly.

'Let's get one thing straight, here and now Sam Evans,' she said eyes flashing 'I will not let this store turn into a battleground between you and Mercy. We are having a bad enough time as it is. And I will give you this warning only once. You hurt her in any way, shape or form and I will have Santana come over, rip your balls off and wear them for earrings...do I make myself clear?' Kurt's jaw hit the floor at this uncharacteristic display of fierceness from Quinn.

Sam nodded shocked as she spun on her heel and exited the store room.

'Well, at least she's got the 'you hurt my friend ' talk out of the way for all of us...even if mine would have been a tad more refined,' Kurt added reflectively. Quinn stuck her head back around the door grinning.

'You don't know how long I've been waiting to give some hapless man that speech!' she said before disappearing once again.

'You've got her vote then!' Kurt said making his way into the main store. He turned around suddenly.

'If she read you the riot act on marriage, then you are breaking through the walls, Sam. She obviously can smell the danger you represent, so warning you off is her knee-jerk reaction.'

'She told me about her father...and about finding her mother, 'Sam admitted seeing the look of surprise that lit Kurt's eyes.

'She told you?' Kurt whispered. 'Not even Quinn knows about that...I only do because I was with her at the time...She never has told another living soul as far as I know. You're getting to her Sam,'

Sam followed Kurt into the store, allowing himself a small smile. Oh Miss Jones, you're going down...

Mercedes walked into the store and stopped dead at the sight of Kurt and Sam chatting at the counter like long lost friends. For a moment she considered turning around and fleeing from the store but he locked eyes with her, his stare holding her in place.

'Good morning, Mercedes,' he said calmly, smiling slightly.

'Sam,' she acknowledged. 'What you doing here?'

'Waiting for you, my love,' he smirked at her eyes flicking lustfully over her. 'That colour suits really suits you,'

Glancing down at herself, she took in her purple off the shoulder glittery sweat top and grimaced. It was hardly the most sexy thing she owned, yet he was still trying to make out she was irresistible!

'Nice jeans,' he complimented biting his lip as his eyes traced the outline of her thighs and ass in the tight fitting jeans she was wearing.

'Thank-you,' she bit out shortly. 'Look, I know you're angry about Saturday night...and I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let you goad me like that. 'He was looking intently at her and she felt herself becoming more and more flustered. Not really knowing what she was saying she continued 'And really you've only got yourself to blame if you go around dating one girl then taking someone else out on a date...I mean...oh hell...no matter the provocation I shouldn't have done it-'

'Dating a girl? Who on earth am I meant to be dating?' he asked her astounded.

'Stacy-'Mercedes was cut off by Sam's bark of laughter.

'Stacy? You thought Stacy was my girlfriend?' he asked chuckling.

Mercedes suddenly had a nasty suspicion she had made a horrible, horrible mistake.

'Well, yes...I mean no...' she tried to recover.

'You were jealous,' he said sounding pleased at the thought.

'No I wasn't!' she tried to deny as he walked towards her.

'Yes, you were.' He maintained, reaching her. She looked at Kurt for assistance but he looked away from her and sailed through the door of the office shutting it firmly. Next she tried to catch Quinn's glance but the blonde picked up the box of tiaras and disappeared into the storeroom. Just what had this devil done to brainwash her friends?

'I was n-'he placed his finger on her lips and she trembled at the touch.

'Stacy's my sister,' he told her quietly. 'And the couple that were with her were my parents,' Mercedes closed her eyes in horror, as unbidden an image of Sam covered in wine and his family looking on stunned burst into her mind.

'Oh my God! 'she whimpered 'Sam, I'm so, so sorry...' His arms closed around her whilst she was distracted and his head bent towards her. His lips had barely grazed hers before she pulled away in a panic.

'No! Don't!' she backed away, eyeing him distrustfully. He followed her until she was backed up against the glass door.

'No?' he questioned lightly 'You're lips say no but your body says another thing entirely.' His hand lifted to the neck of her sweatshirt sitting just above her breasts and his finger traced a path down her body, over the curve on one breast, flicking lightly against the nipple before travelling downwards and hooking through a belt loop at her waist, pulling her relentlessly until she was pressed up against his body. She gasped as her body reacted to his nearness, and couldn't prevent a quiet moan escaping her lips anymore than she could prevent the blind instinct that had her pressing back against him, feeling the ridged hardness nestled firmly between her legs even through the layers of clothing between them.

'You were saying?' he whispered against her lips.

'I'm sorry,' she breathed, fingers curling into the hair at the nape of his neck.

'You're forgiven,' he bit his lip before capturing hers gently. The ringtone of his phone cut through the sensual daze she was lost in and he grimaced as he looked down at the phone.

'Shit! It's my brother, I better take this...' he excused himself pulling away slowly, eyes closing in frustration as he lost the physical connection between them. Mercedes breathed a sigh of relief even as her body ached wantonly for him and edged away, walking quickly towards the counter and scooting behind it as though it would protect her.

'Stevie, what's up,' she heard him say impatiently, 'What? You can't sort this out yourself?' he bit out grimly. 'Right, this is the worst timing possible!' he ran his fingers through his hair in impotent frustration. 'Fine, I'll catch the earliest flight possible,' her heart lurched painfully in her chest at his words and she stamped the awful ache down ruthlessly. He was leaving .

Turning back towards her he advanced to the counter.

'I've got to catch a flight to Chicago,' he told her, eyes searching hers for a reaction no matter how small. She broke the stare and looked down at the floor.

'Ok, well don't let me keep you,' she muttered wishing she could feel relief that he was going, rather than the sick emptiness that was rising from the pit of her stomach.

'There's a situation with the other business I own,' he explained.

'I thought that you were the head of Pronovia,' she said scrunching her nose up adorably in confusion.

'I am...now. Before Pronovia was my mother's business. When she got sick with cancer I stepped in and left my brother Stevie to look after Evanstay with my father although sometimes I question why...He's a bit too young and rash,' he told her.

'Oh I'm so sorry to hear about your mom!' she said dismayed. She felt awful for him, imagining how she would feel if it had been her mother. He smiled at the way she couldn't hide her tender heart for long even around him.

'She's ok...she went into remission and has been clear for the past two years.'

'Wait...you own Evanstay? The hotel chain?'

'Yep, that's me,' he grinned. Mercedes' heart sank. No wonder they had gotten annihilated when they had tried to compete against Pronovia. Their head had an already successful countrywide business...while all she and Quinn were armed with were their college degrees and paltry savings.

'You should go,' she said carelessly 'Time is money and all that,'

Sam frowned and reached out to cup her face making her look at him.

'That's not how I roll. Money is just that-money,'

'That's easy to say when you don't have to struggle!' she shot back.

'My family, my friends...the person that I love will always come before money or success,' he insisted. Leaning over the counter he pressed a quick kiss to her unsuspecting mouth.

'I will be seeing you soon, don't make any mistake about that,' he told her, conviction blazing out of his eyes.

'No, you will not, Evans.' She replied equally determined.

'Don't count on that, Jones,' and with that as his parting shot he headed out of the door.

'Remind me what I'm doing here, again?' Blaine Anderson looked up uncomfortably at the massive building before him.

'Because we're going on an incognito spy mission, gel-for-brains!' Santana drawled rolling her eyes. 'Could you not have found anyone else, Mercedes? I mean anyone else who like had at least half a brain cell and doesn't wear trousers pulled up to their armpits?'

'Shhh Satan!' Mercedes hushed her. ' We're here to see for ourselves why everyone is raving about the Pronovia bridal experience...Sam is in Chicago, so we won't run into him. He left last night so this is the perfect opportunity to do a bit of recon,'

'Why am I pretending to be your fiancé? Why not Kurt?' he asked doubtfully.

'Because, Blaine...one look at me and they'll instantly know it's a scam...I'm just too fabulous,' Kurt explained patiently.

'You mean too effe-'Santana was cut off but Mercedes' hand over her mouth.

'Enough! Let's go in, have a snoop and then get the hell out of Dodge, ok?' Mercedes said firmly.

'What am I?'Santana asked as they headed towards the entrance.

'Other than a bitch...' Kurt chuckled sotto voce.

'You're my maid of honour!' Mercedes rolled her eyes.

'Great! Let's party! 'her friend said sashaying through the door.

They stopped dead in the middle of the department store gaping incredulously at the lushness of the surroundings. Velvet tones of pink and purple resonated through the store giving an air of romance. It was like a utopia for the marriage-mad, Mercedes decided.

'Holy cow...' Kurt whispered awed.

'May I help, you?' a perfectly groomed sales assistant approached them, smiling widely.

'Uh no...We're just loo-' Mercedes was cut off by Santana's confident tones.

'Yes, please do. My friend here is getting married!' she gushed excitedly gesturing to Mercedes. 'To my brother! Isn't it wonderful?' she threw an arm around Blaine.

Mercedes cringed as Blaine shrank back.

'Congratulations,Miss!' The sales assistant said warmly. 'My name is Kelly and I will be pleased to help you in whatever you need!'

'Well, I think we should start by trying on dresses,' Santana suggested earning twin glares from Mercedes and Blaine.

'I think you have to make an appointment, Santana' Mercedes said smiling politely and turning to leave.

'Don't worry, miss. I'm sure that we can fit you in,' Kelly said gesturing towards the escalator.

'Yes, Mercy! I'm sure they can fit you in!' Santana echoed brightly. Sighing Mercedes turned and followed the assistant. On the first floor they were surrounded by racks of absolutely breath taking wedding dresses and even Mercedes gasped in awe.

'So I'll take you gentlemen around to the cafe bar...wouldn't want you to see the dress before the day!' Kelly chirped cheerfully.

'Um...sure,' Blaine said uncertainly. Kurt waggled his fingers at a now fuming Mercedes.

'Toodles!' he skipped off after the assistant. Blaine glanced worriedly at the girls then shrugged his shoulders and followed.

'This way, Miss...' another equally perfectly groomed assistant appeared at Mercedes' side gesturing for her to follow her. They walked into what was designated by a sign over head in gold romantic script as Bride Boudoir Number 1 and Mercedes couldn't stop the amazed whimper that burst forth from her lips. No wonder he was so successful. Every surface was covered with artificial rose petals, the air scented with a powdery delicious fragrance, a plush velvet chaise longue sat in the corner of the room together with a deep pink sofa. The carpet was a thick velveteen pile which looked like it was begging her to sink her toes into and the wallpaper was a rich pink and silver paisley.A Floor length mirror lined one wall and Mercedes gazed dazedly around her.

'Would you like any refreshments?' the assistant asked.

'No thank you. We're fine,' she replied stunned. Even to her marriage-hating eyes, she could see this was exactly what brides would deem to be perfection. The whole fairyatale experience starting as soon as they crossed the threshold of the store.

'Well, then please take a seat and we'll discuss the kind of dress you're looking for...'

Blaine helped himself to another pastry leaning towards Kurt to whisper 'these are sooo good!' Kurt opened his mouth to reply when he caught sight of something that made him do a double take. Or rather a someone...a someone that by rights should have been in Chicago and that was headed right towards them.

'Uh-oh...'

Sam stretched at his desk, frowning slightly as his stomach growled and decided to take a wander down to the cafe bar. After leaving Starlight Brides he had a brief conversation with his father which resulted in his dad insisting that he go to Chicago with Sam's mother to sort whatever the issue was out. He couldn't help but feel grateful as he had felt that he may well have been making a least a little progress with Mercedes and that leaving would allow her to repair the cracks in the wall around her heart. Strolling into the cafe bar he caught sight of a familiar head of hair and made his way over.

'Hey Kurt,' he greeted warmly, eyes flicking curiously to his bow-tied companion. 'What brings you here? Considering saying yes to doing business with Pronovia?'

'I'm getting married,' Blaine interjected. 'My fiancée is trying on dresses with her friend and Kurt is my best man,' Blaine recited oblivious to Kurt's warning look.

'Congratulations, man! Well I hope you guys find everything you need...I' sure the girls in the boudoirs will be treating your fiancée like a princess,' he smiled.

'I don't envy them! Mercedes can be-'Blaine was cut off by Sam's harsh interjection.

'What did you say?' Sam's eyebrows were drawn together in an angry frown.

'Blaine!' Kurt tried to cut him off at the same time, shaking his head.

'Umm I said I don't envy them...' he trailed off uncertainly.

'No! Your fiancée's name!'

'Mercedes?' Blaine answered although it came out more as a question. Sam's expression was thunderous and his fists clenched and unclenched at his side.

'Mercedes Jones?' he asked in a dangerously quiet tone.

'Yes that's her!' Blaine smiled what he was assumed was the smile of the besotted whilst Kurt dropped his head in his hands.

'Where is she?' Sam asked through clenched teeth, jealousy overwhelming him completely. If Mercedes thought this fool in front of him was going to deter him then she could think again...

'Boudoir one,' Blaine said happily unaware of adding fuel to the fire that was now raging in Sam's heart.

Without another word, Sam strode out of the cafe bar and towards the changing area with Kurt running after him towing a confused Blaine.

'Wait Sam!' he called managing to get a hold of his arm just as they arrived at the entrance of boudoir one.

'Blaine isn't Mercy's fiancé!' Sam turned back towards Kurt, the black look of anger on his face turning to confusion.

'What?' he asked blankly.

'He's my partner...'Kurt said pulling Blaine closer to him.

'Why is he saying he's engaged to Mercedes then?'

'We thought you were out of town...and Mercedes wanted to take the opportunity to have a look around...' he explained wincing. 'Blaine was roped in to play the role of her fiancé..He's in theatre you know,' Kurt elaborated.

Sam smiled, wolfishly. The relief flooding his system almost leaving his knees weak.

'Oh she did, did she now?' Ok well...why don't you go back to the bar while I have a word with Miss Jones,' Not waiting for a reply he knocked on the boudoir's door. He had brief conversation with the assistant and then she stepped outside ushering Santana ahead of her.

'What the hell!' she exclaimed annoyed then she caught sight of Sam 'Trouty Mouth!'

'Come with us Satan,' Kurt grabbed her arm dragging her away. 'Let the good Mr Evans talk to Mercedes,'

'Take a break,Miss Wiltshire' he said to the assistant pleasantly.

'But sir-'

'Have anything you want in the cafe bar and get them to put it on my tab. Don't move from there.' With that he pushed opened the boudoir door, stepped through and locked it firmly behind him.

He heard Mercedes call to Santana and smirked.

'Hey, San! This is ridiculous! I look like an overstuffed meringue. Come and help me take this hideous thing off!'

He walked over to the privacy screen the assistant had set up for Mercedes to change behind.

'I'll be more than happy to help,' he drawled as she whirled around shocked at the sound of his voice. Her hands went up over her heart as the breath whooshed out of her lungs.

'Hey,honey...I'm hooome..' he sing -songed before reaching for her.