Mercedes awoke snuggled close to Sam, she was still sore but it was worth it. Being with Sam, giving him her all it felt right. Moving to check the time, it was a quarter after 7. This being their last day in Miami she wanted to do whatever Sam wanted, but tonight they were hitting up Miami's hottest club, just to have fun.

Sam felt the movement in half asleep state. He lets out a little groan as he rolled onto his side. "Why are you awake?" he muttered, managing a tiny little smile.

Mercedes snuggled closer to him. "Yeah I am up by 5 most days so this is me sleeping in. I guess even on vacation I can't sleep longer."

"Mmm, apparently I can," he chuckled, reaching out to tuck her hair behind her ear. "But... I guess we shouldn't waste any time we have here, hmm?"

Mercedes laughed. "Well no worries we have all day, our flight leaves 5am so we can do whatever you want. Well until tonight at least."

Sam raised an eyebrow, even while his other eye was practically closed. "Are you already planning to have your way with me again?"

Mercedes blushed. "Actually tonight was for us going and having fun at an actual Miami club. But I mean until then..."

Sam smiled, his arms tightening around her waist and he drew her against him. "That sounds fun. I did have a slightly more innocent idea for today, but I think we can fit everything in if we play our cars right."

Mercedes laughed. "And what innocent idea did you have? Please let me know."

"I was doing some googling while you were gone yesterday and I thought maybe we could go to the aquarium?" Sam suggested. "Have a little day date."

"I would love that. Anything that gets me to spend time with you I am here for."

"Plus, it's only right I do one touristy thing while we're here." He nuzzled down between the pillow and her shoulder. "Wanna order breakfast and eat on the balcony?"

Mercedes looked down and snuggled down with him. "I think that is just how I want to spend my morning. What would you like for breakfast?"

"Wakey, wakey, eggs and bakey, please," Sam muttered into the pillow, still working on the whole being awake thing. "And one gallon of coffee."

Mercedes laughed. "Pretty sure you can't have that much coffee but I got you." She ordered breakfast adding french toast, fruit and orange juice to the order.

"Is that a challenge?" Sam laughed as he stretched his arms up above his head. "You know... I really like waking up in bed with you."

Mercedes laughed. "Ima say no." She stretched before laying down and on his chest. "I like it too. It feels right."

He brushed his hand through her hair and rubbed the back of her neck as he looked down at her. "I really do want a future with you, Cedes. This is the first time I've felt that without any weird nagging worries in the back of my mind."

Mercedes smiled. "And I want one with you." Mercedes bent down and kissed Sam deeply, wrapping her arms around him and pulling him close. Hearing a knock at the door she hesitated before stopping. "Foods here." She said breathlessly.

Sam moaned softly against her lips and it turned into a little noise of frustration at the knock. "You're gonna make me get it again, aren't you?" he asked, his bottom lip popping out. "You're lucky I love you so much."

Mercedes nodded. "I mean unless you want me to answer the door naked."

"I'm naked too!" Sam pointed out with a laugh. He kissed her quickly before rolling out of the bed and grabbing his robe again. "See? I bet you coulda done that," he told her as he tied it on, smiling at her as he opened the door.

"Yeah I could have done it but to he honest I love seeing you walk around naked."

Sam winked at her before getting their breakfast. He pushed the cart towards the balcony. "I'm afraid you're gonna have to get up if you wanna eat. I'm holding this food hostage."

Mercedes groaned. "Okay." She walked over and grabbed her robe. After placing it on she fluffed her hair and smiled seeing Sam. "Hey handsome. "

"Hi, beautiful." He leaned down and kissed her before leading the way out onto the balcony with the food. He took in a deep breath of ocean air and smiled. "I still can't believe I'm here."

Mercedes kissed him back and smiled taking a seat. "You look very relaxed right now."

"I am," Sam realized. "I think I forgot what this feels like." He chuckled as he started digging into his breakfast. "Can I admit something?"

"Well I will remind you every few weeks." She took a forkful of eggs and looked at him. "Sure."

"Good luck with that," Sam teased. He knew how wrapped up in the farm he could get. His cheeks turned a soft pink and he chewed on his lips momentarily. "Yesterday, while you were gone and I was sitting out there, I could help but imagine what it might be like to... make love out on this balcony."

Mercedes slowly swallowed her eggs as her spoke. The thought was hot and she was growing hotter. "Um...and what do you imagine it would be like? She asked taking a sip of her drink.

Sam smiled slowly. "A little daring, but very romantic. The moonlight on the water, the sounds of the waves... you in my lap."

Mercedes are slowly, thinking over Sam's proposal. "Well, maybe tonight, you will get to find out just how romantic it is."

Sam turned to her and licked his lips. "I wasn't trying to rush you into anything," he reminded her. "It was just... something I was thinking about. You know it's up to you." He reached over and brushed her cheek gently.

"I know Sam and I love you for showing that. I'm thinking about it and I like the idea."

Leaning over, Sam pressed his lips to hers sweetly. "I love you. And this has already been the best vacation I've ever been on. Take that, Dollywood."

"Its because you got laid isn't it?" She teased returning his kiss. "I love you too."

"I mean, it's true, I never got laid at Dollywood. I'm not sure anyone ever has," Sam laughed.

Mercedes continued to eat and laugh. "What is with you and Dollywood?"

"That is a question you need to ask my parents," Sam insisted. "It is the only place we ever went when we were kids."

"I have never been to Dollywood...but we were s Cedar Point, kinda family...wanna hear a funny story? Ima tell you anyways. We were taking a picture with Snoopy and he grabbed my butt, and my brothers. We were mad but tickled at the same time!"

Sam laughed brightly. "I would've punched Snoopy in the face if he tried to touch my sister," he decided. "Dollywood does have a couple cute fairies though."

"Trust me it turned into a huge thing and once you meet my brothers you will see why, they tower people." Mercedes looked at him. "Cute Fairies?"

Sam groaned slightly. "No need to remind me of my imminent demise." He chuckled as he drank his juice. "Yeah, they have these two fairies and a bear that are characters there."

"If they wanna hurt you they have to go through me!" she kissed him. "Two fairies and a bear? Okay now I am intrigued."

Sam nodded. "Flit, Flutter, and Benjamin. Stacey always loved those fairies," he remembered with a smile. "Still nice to see something outside of Tennessee though."

"Maybe one day you can take me to Dollywood?" She smiled. "Well I am here to guide you babe. "

"I'd be happy to." He took her hand and sat back in the chair, just enjoying the view for a moment. "And I'm pretty sure I'd like just about anywhere if I got to see it with you."

Mercedes shook her head, hand still in his. "You sir, are a charmer I swear. But I love it."

Sam brought her hand up to his lips and held it there for a moment. "And I mean it. You wanna get dressed and go see some fish?"

Mercedes nodded. "Yeah let's go see some fish." She stood looking around the balcony and the lack of privacy. "My boo is a freak..." she teased shaking her head.

"Okay, but see it'll be dark," Sam reminded her. "And people will be asleep and... you'll see. It'll be fine. No pressure." He kissed her cheek as she walked in front of him before he went to find his clothes.

"I am teasing. Like I said let's see where the night takes us...have you ever done something like that before?"

Sam was chewing at his lip as he looked up at her. "Why do I feel like answering that will get you mad at me?"

Mercedes laughed. "Sam. Up until last night I was a 28 year old virgin. I know that you are experienced. I was just curious though you did just answer it for me. I guess I am wondering if I will ever get to be your first anything."

"You are the first person I've had sex with... outside the state of Tennessee," Sam reminded her. He took a seat at the foot of the bed and looked up at her. "And... while I can't predict the future for sure, I think there might be one big one that happens eventually too."

She nodded. "I just... I met you at a time a lot of your important firsts were gone. Last night it wasnt me having sex for the first time...it was me making love to the man in my heart, I just wanna know that it was just as important to you. "

Sam reached out and drew her close to him, letting her stand between his legs as he looked up at her. "I'm so glad that I could be part of the reason your first time was so special. But... in my opinion? Last times are even more important than the first time. Last night was important to me because it was our first time together and it was something I'll never forget. But the fact that I hope you'll be the last and only person I make love to for the rest of my life? That's even better."

Mercedes shook her head. "Well damn Sam, when you put it like that, it just makes me want you more." She wrapped her arms around his neck. "It really is even better."

Sam chuckled softly, his arms wrapping around her and pulling her against him. "Never doubt how important you are to me. And please don't think I take these moments for granted. Now can I take my girlfriend out on a date?"

"I dont Sam. I know you love me and us." She kissed him softly. "Let me get dressed."

"Mmm, good." He let go reluctantly so she could get dressed. "Oh, and hey! I've never been on an aquarium date before!"

Mercedes smiled. "Neither have I, so I am happy for that first." She pulled away and grabbed her things excited for what the day will bring.


Their day had gone wonderfully. Sam had an amazing time exploring the aquarium and making Mercedes smile with all his ridiculous jokes. They'd gone back to the hotel to change and were headed to the club Mercedes had picked out. "Something tells me this place is gonna be a little different from Nashville clubs."

Mercedes couldn't remember the last time she laughed so much. Everyday with Sam, it made her realize how much she loved him. How lucky she was to have him. Stepping out of the bathroom in a skintight red bodycon dress, she stepped into her heels and smiled. "Dancing, and music, you can't really go wrong there."

"True," Sam agreed as he finished buttoning up his shirt, leaving the top few buttons undone. "I just don't think I'm gonna see any line dancing here in Miami," he laughed. He turned and let out a whistle as Mercedes stepped out into the room. "Damn, girl."

Twirling so he could get the full effect, she smiled. "You like? Think I look good enough for a Miami club?"

"Maybe too good." He went up to her and pulled her against him. "Better make sure all those guys know you aren't there alone."

He pulled her to him and she moaned. "You better stop doing that or we won't make it to the club. But I like the possessive side of you."

"Says the woman who came out in this dress and expected me to just behave." Sam leaned down and pressed his lips to her neck momentarily, breathing her in. "Good to know though."

"Hey sometimes a woman just likes to know a man can be possessive. Rough and just hungry for her. I may have been a virgin but I have a clear idea on this. Romances at their finest have taught me such." She said laughing. "You ready to go?"

"I've been hungry for you since the moment I saw you," Sam admitted, his eyes still moving up and down her appreciatively. "And now that you're mine... I really don't wanna let you go." He kissed her once more time and nodded. "Ready."

"You are so wrong here, getting me all worked up before we even leave." She said grabbing her purse.

Sam just grinned as he followed her. "Can't a guy let his girlfriend know she turns him on?" he teased as they headed down.

"MMMMM well you turn me on too."

"Thankfully, I don't think either of those facts will change in the next few hours while we dance our cares away," Sam laughed.

Mercedes smiled as she led him to the car. She looked out the window as they drove. "Miami is really pretty at night."

"It is," Sam agreed. "I'm still a sucker for the night sky in the country, but the city lights do have their own beauty to them."

"My country boy. " she said smiling at him. As the car stopped. She smiled thanking the guy for opening the door. "One of the guys put us on the VIP list so it should be fun."

"You are very important, so it makes plenty of sense to me," Sam chuckled, his hands resting at her waist as he walked behind her. This place was definitely different than anywhere he'd been before.

Walking to the door, she smiled at the bouncer. "M. Jones...I'm on the list plus one."

He looked at her then the list. "Have a good night." He moved so she could enter with Sam.

Sam gave him a nod, laughing slightly at the whole situation. He stuck close to Mercedes, his arm around her the entire time, not entirely sure what to do with himself.

Once they entered the club, she found her James and smiled. "Sam this is james, he and I went to school together until he cracked under the pressure and opened up this club."

James laughed. "Someone kept throwing off the grading curve, what else was I gonna do? You look amazing by the way."

He kissed her cheek before turning to Sam. "So you are the Sam I have been hearing about? It's nice to finally meet you."

Sam couldn't help but tightened his arms around Mercedes a little more, but he smiled and held his hand out politely all the same. "It's nice to meet you too."

Mercedes looked at Sam and smiled. "James got us our very own VIP area so let's check it out."

James lead them to the second floor, a secluded area. "What will you two have to drink?"

Mercedes smiled. "I want sex on the beach. What about you Sam?"

Sam's eyes lingered on Mercedes again, the image those words brought up clouding his mind a little. He came back though and turned back to James. "Whiskey Sour, please."

James nodded. "Coming right up. I will also send up a menu, food and drinks on the house. As long as you Save me a dance."

Mercedes shook his head. "Trying to make Mitch jealous still? Just ask him out already."

"For your information we are going on three months."

Mercedes smiled widely. "Well when you put it like that. It's up to my boyfriend, he is very possessive of me you know."

"As he should be."

"I'm pretty sure she's just trying to get me riled up at this point," Sam chuckled. "But I'm sure you know she's her own woman so I'll let her make that decision."

"Dressed like that, yeah she was definitely trying to get you something." he teased. "I have some hosting to do so eat, dance and just a friendly tip. If you need privacy just put the rope up... and keep it down." He winked and walked away.

Mercedes rolled her eyes. "He is a mess but he is a good guy."

Sam took a seat on one of the couches in the secluded area and looked up at Mercedes. "You just have hidden friends all over the place, don't you?" he teased.

Mercedes joined him. "Hey I am a lovable person, can't help it." She laughed. "So you want to eat first or dance first?"

"This is me you're talking to," Sam chuckled. "And you already starved me last night. Not that it wasn't entirely worth it."

"I didn't even mean to starve you I am sorry." Their drinks arrived and Mercedes looked at the menu. "Can I get some Mozzarella sticks and your chicken and Broccoli Alfredo with extra cheese please." She handed the menu to Sam.

"I'll take chicken fingers and fries with barbecue sauce, please," Sam requested, handing the menu back. He smiled over Mercedes when the guy left. "Yes, I eat like a child, but you fell in love with me, so."

Mercedes laughed. "Eh it's not a deal breaker." She said taking a sip of her drink.

"That's good. That would be a weird one," Sam laughed, leaning back again. "So are we gonna go dance with the people after we eat or did you bring me here for a private dance?"

Mercedes blushed. "Did you want a private dance? I mean I can make it happen, just say the word."

Sam tilted his head and gave her a look. "Wanting it and being able to survive it are two different things, darlin'."

Mercedes moved closer to him. "You want a show baby? Want me to show you why no other man matters here?"

Sam sucked in a breath as his eyes moved over her again. She looked so damn good and he couldn't help but think about how incredible she'd felt the night before. "Cause you're all mine?"

Mercedes straddled his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Yes, all yours, only yours."

Sam moaned softly as his hands slid up her legs. "You make me want you, Cedes."

"I guess it's a good thing you got me." She said kissing him slowly.

His fingers slipped beneath her dress along her outer thighs as he returned her kiss, his tongue sliding against hers gently. They really shouldn't be doing this here, but he couldn't resist her.

She moaned into his touch. "You set my body on fire Sam." Tongue fighting with his, it took everything in her to keep it PG for now.

"Mmm, the feeling's mutual, believe me." Sam grinned, his nose brushing against her jaw as he nuzzled into her neck.

Mercedes moaned. "I want you Sam, so bad."

Sam bit at his bottom lip as he looked up at her. "Maybe we should've stayed back at the hotel..."

She exhaled deeply, pulling away from him. "Sorry, I usually have better control than that."

"I guess we must have, um... awakened something in you last night, hmm?" Sam teased, still leaning into her.

She bit her bottom lip. "Oh you awakened something and now...now I want to show you how much I want you."

Sam licked his lips as he stared into her eyes. "And how do you wanna do that?"

She bit her lip, but before she could answer someone appeared with their food. "Thank you."

Sam cleared his throat and crossed one leg over the other as the food was set down. He ran a hand through his hair and took a deep breath, a smile plastered on his face. He let out a nervous little chuckle once they were alone again. "You naughty thing."

"I haven't even begun to be as naughty as I want to be." She confessed with a smirk.

Sam gasped softly at the sound of her words alone and all the thoughts they brought to his mind. He took another breath and moved to eat his dinner. "Something to look forward to then."

"I think so." She grabbed her fork and took a bite. "Are you ready to go back home tomorrow?"

Sam shook his head. "No." He paused and looked up to meet her eyes. "Means I won't get to wake up next to you anymore."

She smiled. "I meant what I said Sam. IF you really want to we can move in together."

He popped a fry into his mouth and looked at her. "And you really want to?"

Mercedes nodded. "Sam I can't imagine not waking up next to you everyday for the rest of my life. Yes I want too."

A smile spread across Sam's face. "Can I be honest with you? I know you wanted to spend the evening at a real Miami club, but all I can think about... other than finishing these chicken fingers... is taking you back to the hotel and making love to you."

"You wanna get this meal to go?"

"No, cause then I'll never get to eat it," Sam teased. "And if you think I'm good in bed on an empty stomach, just you wait, baby."

Mercedes snorted as she continued to eat. "Well then let's get you full... we have a balcony to enjoy."

Sam wiggled his eyebrows playfully as he continued to eat, smirking over at Mercedes. He ate maybe a little bit faster than he should've, but it was well worth it knowing what was to come.

The music played and Mercedes bobbed her head along as she ate. The waiter replaced their empty drinks and Merce asked for a to go box knowing that she was not gonna be able to finish her meal.

Sam finished his food and sat back again, resting his arm behind Mercedes' shoulders. He leaned in and pressed his lips to her cheek and then her neck, breathing her in. "You smell good, you know that?"

Mercedes smiled into his actions. "Thanks I try. Gotta make this guy I like like me back and smelling good is a part of that."

"Mmm, I think it's working because he just wants to eat you up right now," Sam told her, nuzzling in closer. "Let's go back, yeah?"

"Does he? Mmmm" Mercedes turned towards him. "First you owe me a dance."

"Did I specify that the dance would be vertical?" Sam teased, grinning as he got up and held his hand out. "For you... I can do it."

Mercedes laughed. "I mean I like that version of the dance too." She stood taking his hand. "I love you."

"Then it's a good thing we can have both." Sam wrapped an arm around her waist and pulled her close. "I love you too."

A part of her wanted to take him down to the crowd and show him off. But she was happy to just have him in her arms.

Admittedly, he didn't last very long before he was leaning down to kiss her. He just couldn't get enough of those lips on his own. Couldn't get enough of just being near her.

It was hard not to melt into his kiss. Pulling him closer she kissed him back, pushing her tongue through his lips and moaning against him.

Sam's hands slid down her back and over her ass possessively, pulling her against him even more. "Let's go back, babe. Please?"

"But if we leave now that means that we would we would have to wait all the way back to the hotel..."

"I don't know... we could always get started in the car," Sam suggested, taking hold of her hands and slowly guiding her towards the door.

Mercedes laughed grabbing the to go containers. "Maybe."

Sam popped the collar of his shirt up and winked at her, laughing as made their way through the crowds in the club.

"Lord I have inflated your ego haven't I?" She smiled as they walked out the crowd. As they moved through the dance floor someone came up behind her grabbing her hips.

"Baby where have you been all my life?"

"Excuse you." She moved his hands off of her. "Look, don't touch."

Sam turned, standing a little taller, ready for whatever was necessary. "You okay, babe?"

Mercedes side eyed the guy and looked at Sam, "I am good."

"Dude when your girl dresses like that, it's hard not to touch, my bad."

Mercedes rolled her eyes and turned to leave. "I hate idiots."

As they walked further out a girl came up to Sam. "You are sexy, wanna meet me in the bathroom?"

"Oh hell naw."

"Newsflash, she dressed like that for me, not you," Sam pointed out. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders, snickering at Mercedes' reaction. "You heard the lady." He turned back to Mercedes with a raised eyebrow. "Told you we should get out of here."

Sam held her and she turned to the girl. "Nasty." She said pulling Sam away from the crowd. "Yeah okay you were right you win."

Sam smirked and leaned in to whisper against her, "Let's get back to the hotel so I can get my prize."

Mercedes giggled. "Yeah lets go." She lead him to the awaiting car and got in letting the driver know where they were going back to."

Sam slid in beside her before immediately wrapping his arm back around and moving his lips back to her neck. "I'm all yours, gorgeous. Tonight and as long as you'll have me."

Mercedes shook her head. "You are just trying to get me to do the dirty in this limo..." she teased.

"I told you. I have a balcony fantasy, not a limo fantasy," Sam chuckled. "But nothing wrong with a little kissing along the way, right?"

Mercedes laughed. "Nothing wrong at all with a little kissing." She leaned in and kissed him softly.

Sam's fingers moved over her cheeks and around to the back of her neck as he kissed her. He tipped her head back slightly to get a better angle and let his tongue slipped past her lips.

She melted into his kiss, her body falling apart back onto the seat. "Sam." she said breathlessly. "I love you."

"Mmm, I love you too." Sam's hand landed on her thigh, his thumb moving over soft skin. "Gonna show you."

"And how are you gonna do that?" She questioned staring at him.

Lips curling up slowly, Sam met her eyes. "I'm gonna make you feel incredible. Tonight and for so many nights to come," he told her sincerely. "And I don't just mean the sex. I mean, I do hope that'll be part of it, but... I mean it in every other way too."

Mercedes blushed. "You already do Sam, you already make me feel like I am the most amazing woman you ever met. The luckiest too."

He leaned in and kissed her again, his own pulse quickening. Mercedes made him feel things he never had before and she made him need in a way he didn't even know were possible.

Mercedes pulled him closer as she laid back onto the seat. No one had ever made her feel this way, this was real love she just knew it.

Sam just kept on kissing her everywhere he could as they rode back to the hotel. His shirt had even more buttons undone and his hair was a mess by the time the car pulled up to the door, but he couldn't have cared less. "C'mon, gorgeous."

Her hands couldn't get enough of Sam and neither could she. By the time they were headed back up to their suite she was breathless. But once in the elevator she pulled him close again, kissing him as she pushed him against the wall.

Sam let out a surprised little, "Oof!" But he smiled into her kiss, loving the way she wanted him. He was so damn lucky to be the man she loved, the one she trusted so completely to share herself with. He was never going to take it for granted.

Mercedes gently bit his bottom lip before sucking it. "What are you doing to me Sam, I have never been like this before."

Sam shook his head, just as in awe as she was. "I don't know. I guess maybe this is what being in love is supposed to feel like."

She smiled hands on his chest. "I have never felt this way so if this is love I never want to lose that feeling."

Sam just smiled down at her, his pulse racing with need. The elevator doors opened and he took her hand, guiding her towards their room as quickly as he could without seeming too eager.