Mercedes glanced in the mirror. Sam said that they were going to a nice restaurant so she took her time finding the perfect dress. Deciding on a red bodycon dress that clung to her body, she added a pair of black heels, and threw her hair up into a high ponytail with curls falling down her neck and back. Glancing at the time she couldn't wait for Sam to arrive.

Sam had splurged on some nice slacks and a non-plaid button up so he could take Mercedes out somewhere other than the back of his truck. He was in his sister's bathroom trying to get hair to do what he wanted it to. "What do you think?" he asked as he stepped out.

Stacey looked up from her game of Scrabble with Stevie and gave him a thumbs up. "You look great, Sammy. She's gonna be totally impressed!"

"Thanks. Alright, I gotta go. Not sure when I'll be back, but I'll see you later."

His siblings both waved at him and Stacey looked at her younger brother once Sam had left. "Has he said anything about Jessica?"

"Not since he met Mercedes," Stevie confirmed.

"Well, that's certainly something."

Sam drove his truck to the address Mercedes had given him and used the code to head up to her door, knocking on it and smoothing his shirt out nervously.

Hearing a knock on the door she felt her heart race and had to calm herself down before going to the door. She opened it with a bright smile. "Sam you look amazing." She moved to the side and and let him in. "I am just about ready just gotta get my purse."

Sam smiled proudly at the compliment. He definitely didn't dress up very often at all and he wasn't entirely sure if he was doing it right. "Thanks. You look absolutely beautiful," he told her sincerely as he stepped inside. "Wow. This place is awesome."

Mercedes blushed. "Perks of the job." She grabbed her purse and phone. "So are you ready to go?"

Sam just nodded along. His job perks pretty much consisted of fresh fruit and sunburns. But that didn't matter, he reminded himself. She wanted to go out with him and that was all that he needed to worry about. "Yeah, absolutely." He held his arm out for her so he led her back down to his truck.

Mercedes linked her arms with his and walked with him down to the truck. "Okay so how was your day? And other deliveries? Anything big happen today?"

"Busy as always. There's still harvesting going on for the fall sales while we're completing the summer ones," Sam explained. "And I don't actually usually do the deliveries myself. This was kind of a special case."

She turned towards him and smiled. "Okay that makes me feel really special. Also everyone totally loved their orders. You are probably getting a lot of reviews tonight." Making her way to the truck she waited for him to open the door and help her in.

"You are really special," he told her without hesitation. He pulled the door open and held onto her hand as she climbed in. "And I really do appreciate it. Technically I'm one-third owner with my dad and my brother, but my dad's mostly retired and Stevie's still pretty young so I kinda have to take the lead in making sure everything runs smoothly. Mostly our employees do the hands on work nowadays, though if I'm honest, I kinda miss it. It's why Stevie and I still do the fruit stand. Remind ourselves where we started, you know?"

She opened his door for him and smiled at his story. "That is amazing. I love that you guys built something from the ground up."She glanced out as he drove her to where they were going. 'Okay so we talked about me and why I am single, I have to know why you are single? You are amazing how come no one snatched you up?"

"My dad did most of the heavy lifting over the years. We had some times where we pretty much had nothing and he was determined to make something for us," Sam explained. He let out an awkward little chuckle at her question. "Well, um... I was with somebody. For five years. Things ended a little over a year ago and I haven't really met anyone else since then. Till now, of course."

"Well I would love to meet him one day, officially." She said with a smile. Hearing him speak she reached for his hand. "I am sorry about that but can't say I am heartbroken for you, cause their loss is my gain."

"Of course. I'm sure he'd love that," Sam agreed. He took her hand when she offered it and gave her a smile that probably came off as pretty awkward. He hated the stupid sick feeling that showed up in his gut when he talked about it.

"Good." She said excitedly. She looked over to him and noticed the look on his face. "Its okay to still be hurt, Five years is a long time to be with someone."

Sam nodded slowly. "It was. Kinda thought we'd end up getting married," he admitted. "Til she... got pregnant. With my friend's baby." He chewed on his bottom and let out a sad laugh, shaking his head quickly. "I'm sorry. This is really horrible date conversation."

Mercedes gripped his hand and pulled it to her lips. "When I pulled over at your stand, it was because I was dealing with my own issues. My ex had been calling me, asking me to take him back. I broke up with him a few weeks ago because I found out he cheated on me with his ex. He said it was my fault because he was a man and I wouldn't sleep with him but..." She trailed off looking away from him. "I didn't sleep with him becuase I didn't sleep with anyone, So that is horrible date conversation right there. You are dating a 28 year old virgin."

Sam slid his fingers between hers so they were locked together and looked over at her with a sympathetic smile. "God... people really suck, don't they?" he laughed. It was the first time he'd ever laughed about any of it and it felt surprisingly good. "And you wanna hear something really sad? My... ex-friend? The baby daddy? He still works at the farm. I couldn't bring myself to fire the guy when he had an innocent baby to take care of... with my ex-girlfriend."

Mercedes laughed. "Man we met some sucky people didn't we? Horrible people. "He literally called me a tease for leading him on. I was like so dating you was leading you on? Then he told me that he wanted me back but only so he could be my first and then bragged to his friends he found " a virgin to deflower." just wasn't feeling that." She glanced over to Sam and sighed. "You are really such an amazing man Sam."

Sam just shook his head at her words. "It fucking sucks, doesn't it? Sorry, excuse my language," he quickly added. "Just thinking someone loves you and having them treat you that way. Feels like someone sucked all the breath out of you. And some might call me an idiot, but... thank you. And I'm very sorry he did those things to you. You deserve much better than that."

"So do you. It wasn't bad for me cause I didn't love him. Never been in love before. But knowing I wasted my time made me feel like I was just not worthy of being loved." She shook off her feelings. "See we got all the heavy stuff out the way."

"You are more than worthy of being loved," Sam assured her, squeezing her hand. "And you are the first woman I've met since getting my heart ripped out that's made me feel like I might be too. And that second chances might... actually be a real thing."

Mercedes blushed at his words, looking at him then back out on the street. "I am more convinced than ever that she was stupid. "

Sam just smiled as he drove. He was feeling something he'd been sure he'd never be able to feel again. And while it was still a little scary, it was also really exhilarating. He made his way to the steak house on the edge of the city and found a parking spot, moving around to help Mercedes from the truck. He kept hold of her hand as they walked inside. "I vote we pick a funner topic now, even if that's not a word."

Mercedes nodded as they stepped out of the truck arm in arm. "I agree we already wasted enough time." As they made it inside she looked at him. "You never told me if Chester forgave me or not."

Sam laughed and shook his head. "I'm gonna be honest. I never actually told him you forgot about him, so he doesn't know he's mad at you." He gave the hostess his name for his reservation and she led them to a booth in the back.

Mercedes glanced around, wondering if Sam only chose this place because of her job and car. It was a high end restaurant, that just didn't feel like him. "This place is really nice, really nice, you sure went all out huh?" She glanced at the menu, the prices caused her eyes to widen.

Sam just shrugged slightly, but he could tell she was skeptical. "We brought my parents here for their anniversary last year and we all really liked it and I also kinda made a huge sale today," he chuckled. "And I wanted to have a nice night with a woman I really like."

Mercedes smiled. "As long as you didn't do this because you think I expect...this. All I really want is to spend time with the man I really like, even if its walking down the street eating ice cream."

Sam smiled softly in return. "Tomorrow we can definitely do that," he promised her. "And I don't think you expect it, but I do think you deserve it. Not cause it's expensive, but because it's delicious."

Mercedes blushed. "Well then what would you recommend? I am in the mood for something yummy." She said looking over her menu.

"I mean, the steak is amazing here. I had the New York Strip last time," Sam recalled as he looked at his own menu. "The T-Bone looks good too though."

"Then the New York Strip it is." she said as the waitress walked over to them. Mercedes smiled up to her as she order the steak with the potatoes and broccoli, with Lemonade to drink, then she smiled at Sam as he ordered.

Sam decided to give the T-Bone a try and he handed the waitress their menus before turning back to Mercedes. "So I know we talked some, but how has your week been?"

Mercedes was about to speak when her phone rang. She looked at it hitting ignore and turning it on vibrate before looking up to Sam. "My day was busy, very busy as was the rest of my week, but I got some good news on the case I was working on, the camera across the street was working and points towards the gas station. I am waiting for it to be verified. What about you?"

"You really are important, aren't you?" Sam said, a slight teasing tone in his voice. "Busy too. I got all the invoices out, drew up the contracts for the new clients, had a meeting with our managers. Very exciting stuff."

"Eh I suppose a bit." She smiled. "Well I am glad you got them all done. Apparently you will have some standing orders when you get back to the office on Monday. Your fruit was very impressive."

"Your fruit was very impressive. That's the most interesting pick up line I've heard," he said, laughing at his own dumb joke. "But I and all my employees thank you. I do have a random question about your job though, if you don't mind."

"I mean with all the ladies after you I gotta come different!" She said laughing with him. "Don't thank me, I am a firm believer in helping businesses grow, even if you didn't ask me out I would have bragged about it." she replied honestly. "Go for it I am an open book."

Sam couldn't remember the last time someone had made him laugh like this outside of dumb antics with his friends. But this was different and he knew it. "So let's say you get a client and you know they're guilty. Maybe they tell you, maybe you just know. But they don't wanna plead guilty. What do you do? And, yes, I do watch a lot of Law and Order reruns."

Mercedes glanced at him and nodded. "That is a question I get asked a lot to be honest. If I know my client is guilty and they don't want to plead guilty I make defend them to the best of my ability, but convince them that a plea bargain is the best bet. I have refused to take a case before. Because I knew the guy was guilty. "

Sam nodded along in interest. "You always hear that lawyers are sharks or whatever. Plus there's Liar Liar which is... hilarious," he pointed out with a slight laugh. "But I couldn't picture you as the type to lie just to win."

"I mean I get it, winning is a good thing, It helps your career but for me I would rather do no harm than to make a quick buck. I kike that we can pick which cases suit us. I like working with kids, giving them second chances. It means a lot to me."

Sam's smile was soft as he listened to her. "That's awesome," he told her sincerely. "Well, if you have any you feel are trustworthy and are looking for some steady work, you let me know. I trust your judgment."

"Really? You would do that? I know a few I have been trying to place them. And it's not because they are bad they just need places to keep them out of trouble." She smiled. "That is really considerate of you, really amazing. I have no words."

"I know we're a little out of the city, but if it's something that could work out, absolutely," Sam agreed. "I could always use more hands, especially when we're harvesting."

"I could always drive them out and pick them up. Or set up a way for them to get there. They are kids who could all use extra money. Maybe you and Stevie can come back to my office and meet with them?"

"More of you visiting? I'm liking this idea more and more," Sam chuckled. "And I know how that is. I never got into any serious trouble when I was a kid, but I pulled my share of stupid pranks cause I was bored. And that was with working on the farm. But, yeah, absolutely. We'd be happy to."

Mercedes just stared at him. She had no idea what she did to deserve meeting someone like Sam, but she was glad she did. Reaching over the table she took his hand. "I like you Sam. I really do."

Sam turned his hand over so he could hold hers properly and he smiled across the table at her. "I really like you too, Mercedes. I've never met anyone quite like you before and I mean that in the best way possible."

Mercedes blushed. "What set me apart from any other woman? It's the car right? Yep having a car you share a name with is pretty odd." She joked.

"Nah, I totally met a guy named Ford once," Sam shot back with ease, laughing along with her. "I've just never met anyone so... well put together, but still so down to earth. You don't take what you have for granted and it's clear you've worked really hard to get it, but you still clearly care a lot about helping other people and treating everyone like people just the same. It's refreshing."

Mercedes laughed and then was taken aback by Sam's words. How could a man who knew her barely a week know her better than some she dated for months. She was about to speak but the food arrived. She let go of his hand but still smiled at him.

Sam thanked their waitress with a smile and started cutting into his steak. "Most of the girls around here, or at least in my town, just end up being young mothers who stay in our little town all their lives. Which there's nothing wrong with, of course. I've lived in our little town all my life," he pointed out. "A lot of them just seem like they don't have much drive, which makes me kinda sad. I may love our little country town, but I wanna work hard to make it a better place too."

"And there is nothing wrong with that. Making a difference is important. When I eventually get married those are the values I want to instil into my children. Hard work and kindness, they go a long way."

"Most definitely. It's what my parents taught us," Sam agreed. "This... is so damn tender. It is melting in my mouth. I know you're happy with ice cream on the street, but tell me this isn't delicious?"

Mercedes cut into her steak, taking a bit and moaning in delight. "Oh my Gosh, okay this is amazing." She cut a piece off and held it up. "Trade you? See which one tastes the best?"

Sam cut a piece off his own and traded forks with her so he could slide it onto his plate. He took a bite of that one too and let out a soft moan. "They're both amazing," he decided.

Taking a bite from his meat she nodded. "Yeah we can't possibly choose." Taking a sip from her drink she placed it down and looked at Sam. "Okay so I feel like I have to get this out...I work hard. Like some cases I will be working long hours and I might get buried into my work. That being said I don't want this to be our last date."

Sam nodded thoughtfully. "I guess I'd have to say the same, same... and same," he replied with a soft smile. "I don't expect you to be at my beck and call, Mercedes. I love that you're so passionate about your work. I'm passionate about mine too and it does keep me busy. But we have phones and nights like these. I think that's a great place to start."

She smiled. "Video Calls, and maybe when you are swamped I can come to you with dinner so we get like a mini date night in? And you do the same? That way I don't have to go weeks without seeing you."

"Absolutely. Thankfully, as busy as I can be, I also have really great managers who I trust completely to keep things going when I wanna get away for a night," Sam told her. "And some seasons are busier than others. But whatever this is... I'd really like it to continue."

Mercedes beamed with a smile that was exactly what she wanted to hear. The rest of dinner went by faster than she would have liked. She learned that Sam did amazing impressions, and that he rode horses which impressed the heck out of her. "So are we doing dessert here or somewhere else?"

"Up to you. We could go find that ice cream if you wanted to?" Sam offered. "Unless something here caught your eye. I'm happy to spend time with you either way."

Mercedes smiled. "Well I mean something here has caught my eye but its not the food." she teased. "We can go get some ice cream and walk around...you can even get some to go for your siblings."

Sam grinned and wagged a finger at her. "You are good at that," he told her with appreciation. He went ahead and paid the bill, knowing he was going to have to cut back on some things for awhile, but it had been more than worth it. "Let's go for a walk then."

Mercedes wanted to offer to pay for dinner but she knew Sam wanted to do it and she would never want to make him feel like less than so she stepped back letting him handle it. She smiled and looped her hand in his. "I would walk with you anywhere."

"Oh yeah?" Sam asked with a raised eyebrow as he pushed the door open so they could step out into the evening air. "Think we can make it to Mexico? Escape all those responsibilities for a few days?"

She turned towards him with a smile. "Second date and you already wanna run away together? I am down if you are." She leaned against him. "If the answer is yes then I say lets do it."

"I could always use a vacation. And all the better with someone I so enjoy spending time with," Sam mused, swinging their hands together slightly as they strolled down the street. "I feel like my family and employees would both kill me if I disappeared right now."

She laughed. "I think my work would kill me as well. But we really should look into trying to get away even if it's just a day or two." As they headed towards the ice cream parlor she smiled. "So what is your favorite color?"

"I'd like that a lot," Sam agreed. "Maybe not all the way to Mexico since I have no passport, but a weekend away would be very nice." He chuckled slightly at her question. "Green, what about you?"

"Well I mean and this is totally going against all dating rules but in a month I have this Legal Conference in Miami. I don't usually go but I am actually speaking at it. So if you can find time to be wined and dined and spending time with me in Miami you can come." She didn't know why but thinking about spending more time with Sam didn't scare her. "Purple, have you ever seen the night sky when its purple? Its breathtaking."

"Miami? Really?" Sam asked, a surprised smile on his face. "That's... I mean, I've never been out of Tennessee. Well, I've been to Kentucky, but that doesn't really count. What I mean by all this rambling is... that sounds amazing." There was something crazy about agreeing to go away with someone you barely knew, but it felt like following the so-called rules had only screwed him over in the past. Why couldn't he just enjoy life? "Oh, I love a good sunset."

"Sammy?"

Sam froze at the voice, swallowing before he turned around slowly. "Jess... what are you doing here?"