So glad you guys are enjoying this fun project Cee and I are doing! Here is pt. 2.


Jess: It was really good to see you last night, Sammy

His smile faltered and he let out a sigh, sticking the phone back into his pocket.

Mercedes laughed as she hit her ball into the Gator mouth and squealed as it was a hole in one. Looking at Sam, she noticed he was looking at his phone.

"Sam you missed it!" She looked at him and frowned. "Are you okay?"

Sam looked up with an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry. That's awesome! You're totally kicking my ass." He walked up to her and kissed her cheek. "It's nothing. It's- you know what? I don't wanna lie to you. It's Jess and I am ignoring the hell out of her because my attention is right where it wants to be."

Mercedes accepted his kiss, but looked at him as he told her Jess texted him. "You and she still talk?"

"Nope. We do not," Sam told her, shaking his head slowly. "But I've had the same number since I was 16 and she's apparently decided now is a great time to use it. I can only guess why that might be."

"She wants you back Sam, she has decided that she wants to be with you again because she chose the wrong guy. Too bad for her, I am not going to let that happen. Not unless you want it too."

Sam sighed, letting his hand rest loosely on the handle of his club. "Jess has always had a habit of wanting what she can't have," he admitted. "And my guess is, somewhere in the back of her mind, she's figured I was just sitting around waiting on the back burner for her. And seeing us last night made her realize otherwise. I don't wanna be with her. But I also... feel really bad making you deal with all this."

Mercedes smiled moving closer to him. "Sam, I like you, we all have pasts. My ex is a Prosecutor that I go up against a lot. He calls me and I ignore him then send my associates to handle it. So I get it. I really do. Just because she wants you, doesn't mean she will get it. It's that simple."

Sam looked down at her and smiled slowly. "So what you're saying is... I need to get me some associates?" he joked, his nose scrunching up slightly at his own joke.

Mercedes laughed. "Yes get you someone to deal with Jess so you don't have too. It's a life saver."

"I knew there was a reason I needed an assistant," he chuckled, brushing his hair back. He sighed as they walked on to the next hole. "I like you too, for the record."

Mercedes blushed looking at Sam. "Can't go wrong getting help to deal with people. But you can always block her. I'm not one to talk. That ex I told you about, I unfortunately can't block him, this is why you dont date, where you work."

"Probably a good idea," Sam agreed, though he honestly didn't know if he had a heart to do it. Maybe he'd try talking to Andy when he got back home. He hummed slightly. "Yeah, I can imagine that would suck. Hard not to let personal feelings get in the way."

Mercedes turned towards him, looking up to him. She wanted to ask him about Jess, but she decided against it. "I think we can call it, you won and you get to pick what we do on our next date. For now I think I want to go skating with you."

"Skating, huh? Decided against lasering me?" Sam teased, resting a hand on the small of her back as he led her back inside the building.

"Oh I still plan on Lasering you but I wanted to have some fun first, then we get to the Lasering and Tagging." She beamed.

Sam laughed and nodded along. "Alright, sounds good. Do you mind if I take a quick bathroom break before we get rolling though? So to speak."

"How about you give me your shoe size, and I will get our skates while you go."

"Fourteen. And feel free to have whatever feelings you wanna have about that information," Sam teased before he slipped away.

Mercedes smiled eye widening at his words. She made her way to get the skates. She placed her own on as she waited for Sam to return.

Once he was in the bathroom, he pulled his phone, trying to ignore the guilt that chewed at his gut.

Sam: I'm on a date right now. And I'm not doing this, Jess.

Jess: Still? Musta been a good night, huh? Not doing what?

Sam: Whatever you're trying to do.

Jess: You said we could talk

Sam: This isn't what I meant

Jess: So what did you mean?

Sam: I meant I'd try to help with Andy and AJ. You and me isn't happening

Jess: I never said it was, Sammy. Doesn't mean I don't have regrets.

Sam: I'm going back to my date

He used the restroom quickly and washed his hands before hurrying back out to Mercedes.


"Ms. Jones?"

Mercedes turned to see one of the kids she represented and smiled. "Marco! Hi, how are you? Your mom?"

"I am good, we are great actually, I just got my acceptance letter Fisk... I am an official college student!"

"She stood on the skates and hugged him. "That is amazing! I know your mom is proud."

"She is! So what brings you here?"

"I am on a date...here he comes now. Marco this is Sam, my date. Sam this is Marco, he and a few friends got in a bit of trouble doing a Senior Prank as Jr. and I helped him out."

"Helped? She saved my life."

Sam's smile returned as he stepped up, holding a hand out for a shake from the kid. "Nice to meet you, Marco. I hear she's real good at that," he told him. "And I know a thing or two about getting in trouble in school, so I'm glad you had her."

Mercedes smiled. "I didn't do anything, just gave you a push to the right path." She said handing Sam his skates. "You go back to your friends, tell your mom I said Hi and congrats again on Fisk!" She high fived him as he left and looked at Sam. "Ready to go Mr. Size 14?"

"Still thinking about that, huh?" Sam teased, taking the skates and sitting on a bench so he could put them on. "What's Fisk?"

"How am I not supposed to think about that?" She tightened her skates. "It's one of the Colleges in Nashville."

"Oh," Sam sighed as he tied his laces. "I just love when I say stuff that makes me so sound really stupid on dates. Truly."

Mercedes popped his head softly. "You are not stupid nor did you sound stupid and I do not take kindly to you saying that my date is or is saying something stupid."

Sam pouted, rubbing at the back of his head. "I just don't know much about colleges. Except the ones with football teams," he admitted with a shrug. He pushed himself up, wobbling a little before he got his balance. "I'm okay."

Mercedes stood, taking his hand in hers as she did. "I got you." She smiled pulling him onto the track.

Sam attempted to move, looking awkward as can be as he followed her. "I feel like this activity was not made for tall, clumsy people," he chuckled. "I do much better on hooves than wheels."

Mercedes smiled. "Well that is why I am here. How about this, if you go around once with me, I will let you teach me how to ride a horse?"

He raised an interested eyebrow. "I mean... I was gonna go anyway," he admitted. "So I can't see me saying no to this deal."

Mercedes laughed pulling him as she skated backwards. "Have you ever skated before?"

"Look at you, showing off," Sam laughed, shaking his head. "I have. Just not since I was about 13. My center of gravity was a lot lower back then, and my skates were definitely not size 14."

"I mean if you got it flaunt it right?" She said. Laughing she linked her hands in his as he steadied. "You gotta stop bragging about being a size 14 when I can not confirm its truth."

"What do you mean? You just saw me put the skates on," Sam pointed out with a laugh. "You can press on 'em to see if my feet are in there if you wanna. Unless you're talking about confirming the size of something else."

"You know I am talking about the other thing. And we shouldn't even be talking like this. I don't plan on finding out just yet."

Sam just grinned as he carefully glided his feet along the rink. "Talking doesn't mean doing," he pointed out. "But if I'm making you uncomfortable, I'll behave. I was only teasing. Not that it isn't true," he added quickly, laughing at the look she gave him.

She shook her head. "I am not uncomfortable and it's not like I have never seen... okay up close and personal no I haven't but I am not a prude." She blushed. "So you are what do they call its? Stacked?"

Sam laughed brightly again, stumbling slightly. "Oh my god, you're gonna make me fall on my ass." He shook his head, a goofy smile still on his face. "If we're being technical, I think you're the one who's stacked."

She shook her head smirking. "Keep laughing at me and I will let you fall!" She teased. "Sam Evans have you been checking my body out?"

Sam had the decency to blush at the question. "As a gentleman, I wanna say no. But as an honest man, I gotta say yes," he admitted with a smile. "No disrespect intended. Just enjoying a beautiful view."

Mercedes nodded as they slowed coming to where they first started. "Then can I ask, if you enjoy the view and like me, why do you pull away when we kiss? It's not in a big way but when I deepen it you pull back..." she hadnt meant to ask but it was out now.

Sam froze slightly, glancing around as if he would find an answer to this awkward moment in the air. "Do I?" he asked. He hadn't been doing it intentionally, at least not entirely.

She nodded. "And it's okay, it's just an observation. I like you and want to kiss you but only if you wanted to kiss me too."

"Of course I wanna kiss you," Sam replied quickly. "Maybe we could have this conversation sitting down so I don't actually end up on my ass." He moved carefully back over to the benches so he could pull the skates off.

She nodded following him. "I didn't mean to upset you, I just wanted to make sure we were on the same page. I mean our first date was amazing and the kiss was equally wonderful and then the second date we were doing great until we ran into Jess and then it felt like a bit of the heat had simmered...and I didn't want to say anything but I believe honesty is the best policy and I mean I want to make sure I am not pushing you to kiss me when you aren't ready. And if it's because I told you I never had...well that doesn't mean I wouldn't want to do other stuff with you."

Sam let out an embarrassed little laugh. "You are smart, you know that? I feel like this is gonna make me sound like a major ass, but I haven't really dated a... virgin since I was one. And that doesn't mean I have a problem with it at all because I don't. It's your body and your decision on what to do with it," he added quickly. "I just didn't wanna seem like I was pushing or anything. And I guess maybe I went too far the other direction to be safe. But please don't think I'm not attracted to you cause... I very much am."

"It doesn't, I get it, you don't know where to draw the line, and I am telling you that you can draw it closer to the finish. I am a virgin because I have yet to find a man who makes me not want to be one, well until there was you anyways. I am very much attracted to you too."

Sam nodded slowly. "Okay," he agreed. "At the moment I'm also very aware of the fact that I brought you on a date to a building with a bunch of children in it and I don't wanna be that creepy guy who brings a date to a family place to make out with her."

"So what I am hearing is that we should put a pin in laser tag, grab some food and head back to my place to properly make out?"

A smile slowly formed on Sam's lips at her suggestion and he nodded. "That sounds like a real good plan to me." He put his boots back on, glad to be back on solid ground, and went to return the skates.

Mercedes laughed handing him her skates. "Well then, lead the way, I have not been properly made out with in a long time."

"You know, come to think of it... I haven't either," he realized, slipping his hand into hers as he led her out and back to his truck. Once they were in, he started up the truck and tried to remember the best way to get to her building.

Mercedes smirked. "Glad to be the one to change that for you." She sat back putting her seatbelt on and grabbing her phone. "So when we get back to my place we can go through some menus and figure out what we want to eat."

"Hmm? Oh, yes. Food. That's a thing we're doing," Sam agreed, tapping his fingers on the steering wheel. It was safe to say his mind was a little distracted now at the thought of getting a little closer to her, but that didn't mean he had to act like a fool. "There's not too much I won't try at least once."

She nodded. "Well that is good to know. But I was thinking more on the lines of Pizza?" She wanted something quick and easy since she would be otherwise occupied.

"Now you're speaking my language," Sam chuckled as he changed lanes, maybe going just a touch faster than he should've been. He finally made it to Mercedes' building though. "Should I just park in the street like when I pick you up?"

She shook her head. "Just pull into the parking deck." As she guided him to park next to her car, she smiled stepping out and leading him to the elevators. "This will take us right up to my place."

"So fancy," Sam teased, though he was starting to get a little more used to it now that he'd been here a couple times. It was still insane compared to his small room back home in his parent's house, but at least he was feeling a little more confident about the fact that Mercedes wanted to be with him.

Unlocking her door she moved to let Sam and and kicked her shoes off moving them to the closet. "So just how hungry are you?"

Sam let out a little chuckle as he tucked his hands in his pockets. "That might be a dangerous question to ask me right about now," he admitted with a soft blush. "But, uh, however much you wanna order is fine."

Mercedes raised an eyebrow. "Maybe i wanna play with danger right now..."

Sam looked down at his boots with a shy smile, scuffing one against the other nervously. Damn, she gave him butterflies. And it had been so, so long since he'd felt them. With a steadying breath, he moved towards her, his hand coming up to cup her face and draw her close. His lips met hers and there was no hesitation this time as he deepened the kiss, his tongue slipping in to taste her own.

Her pulse quickened as Sam moved closer to her, this was happening and the butterflies were real. His hands cupped her face and his lips met hers and she felt weak at his kiss. Her tongue caressed his as her arms went around his neck, pulling him closer to her.

Sam's hands moved down to her waist as he kept on kissing her right there in the doorway. She made his heart do the most wonderful flip-flops and he found himself smiling against her lips. He finally pulled back, mostly so he could remember how to breathe. "Maybe we could... move somewhere more comfortable."

She was breathless, her head full in a foggy lust.. "Ummm my room is over there or the couch is that way..." She said staring at him dreamily.

Sam smiled down at her, bringing his hand up and brushing the back of his fingers over her cheek. "And which of those places would you prefer to go?"

Mercedes stared up at him. "My room is closer and not full of papers and files." She said as she looked over to the couch. "That is if you can handle that?"

He wanted her, he couldn't deny that. In truth, he'd wanted her since the moment he dropped that damn watermelon on the ground. But he was also raised to be a decent human being who wasn't going to push her into anything. "Whatever does or doesn't happen tonight is in your hands, Mercedes. And I'll be a happy man just to be here with you."

She smiled taking his hand and leading him to her room. Truth in the matter is every step made her nervous. She really liked Sam, and she didn't want to do anything to mess that up. Leading him into her room she shut the door and pulled him close to her. "I am glad you decided to come up here with me Sam."

Sam brushed her hair back behind her ear gently and offered a soft smile. "I'm glad you trust me enough to invite me. And I do mean that. It means a lot."

Mercedes nodded. "If I say something do you promise not to laugh at me?"

Sam tilted his head like he was really thinking about it. "As long as it doesn't have anything to do with clowns, I think I can make that promise, yes."

She moved to sit on the bed. "This is the first time I have had a guy in my room. Like ever, I was so focused through high school and college that I just never did, it's like I never wanted too before you."

He turned and watched her as she sat. "Nothing funny about that," he told her sincerely, carefully taking a seat next to her. He rested his hand against the small of her back. "Though I have to say, they were missing out. Cause this is a very nice room." He looked around and nodded, impressed, before returning his smile to her.

Mercedes smiled. "And a comfy bed right?" She smiled back. She looked over to him and linked her hand in his. "I am so glad I pulled off to the side in tears one Saturday morning. If it hadn't been for that I wouldn't be here with you." She leaned in and kissed him softly, moving closer to deepen it.

Sam gave the bed a little bounce and nodded in confirmation. "Yes, very nice," he chuckled. "Well, I don't like that you were in tears, but I'm definitely happy you pulled over at our little stand." He returned her kiss, his arm sliding around her waist a little tighter.

Pulling him closer, she wrapped her arms around his neck, pushing her tongue through his lips she hungrily attacked his. "mmm" she moaned as her hands ran through his hair.

Sam nipped ever so lightly at her bottom lip before running his tongue over it gently. With all the care in the world, he gently guided her onto her back as his kisses continued. His hand still rested on her waist and he made small, happy little noises.

She laid back with his assistance and smiled into the kiss. "That was smooth." teased nipping at his lips. "So in bedroom make out sessions, what usually happens?"

He gave her a little shrug to match his winning smile. "Um... pretty much this," he answered with a laugh that somehow had a bit of Southern drawl to it.

Mercedes laughed staring up to him, she reached up and kissed him again, pulling him closer to her as she felt he couldn't get close enough.

Sam fit himself comfortably against her side as he continued to kiss her, getting lost in the sweet taste of her lips. "You are... absolutely beautiful," he whispered before pressing a tiny kiss to the corner of her mouth.

Mercedes smiled turning to her side and staring at him. "My heart is racing...feel it." She lifted his hand her her chest. "This is what you do to me Sam. In the words of Michael Jackson, you give me butterflies." she sang softly, kissing his lips.

Sam smiled softly as his thumb brushed back and forth over her t-shirt. Her silly, adorable, perfect t-shirt. His eyebrows raised as she sang. "Damn, girl. Who knew you could do that?" he teased. "But you give them to me too. You make me feel something I haven't felt in such a long time."

Mercedes beamed. "do what?" She nodded. "You are different Sam, so wonderfully different and I think this could be something amazing." she said honestly. "Would it be too forward to ask to be your girlfriend?"

"Sing like that," Sam answered easily, propping his head up on his hand and looking down at her. "I'd love to hear you do it properly sometime." His smile was practically as bright as the sun at her question. "It would not. And my answer would be that I would love that."

Mercedes blushed. "I only really sing in the shower, but for you, I would sing whenever you asked. He said yes and she squealed pulling him in her arms. She kissed him soundly, pulling him closer to her.

"Well, if you're gonna be spending time with me, it's probably gonna happen," Sam told her. "We're kind of a musical family." He laughed with joy as she pulled him close again, his arms wrapped back around her. It was scary in a lot of ways, agreeing to be in a relationship again, but Mercedes made it feel so right at the same time.

Mercedes pulled her lips away nipping at his lips. "Can you stay? I can't offer you sex but I can offer you more making out and cuddling. I am really good at cuddling."

A happy little hum escaped him and he nodded. "I would love to stay. Your company is more than enough reason." He kissed her once more. "I will probably need the pizza if I stay though. Unless you wanna hear the weird noises my stomach makes when I don't feed it."

Mercedes laughed. "Pizza, cuddles and making out coming right up." She kissed him once more before letting him go. She was happier than she ever thought possible and she just hoped she stayed that way.