Chapter 8
The faster the tour bus sped through the highway to Tennessee, the more Sam felt his stomach turn in knots. All of the meetings that he had set up during their stop in Nashville were suddenly cancelled by "unforeseen circumstances." Sam questioned the truthfulness of the cancellations, especially when none of the execs were willing to talk to him on the phone. His clout in Nashville had definitely vanished. It hurt him to the core that his songwriting career was at a standstill. The worst part of it was he enjoyed being Mercedes' Personal Assistant/Bodyguard. He knew he should be more proactive about getting signed to a label, but he actually liked being involved in all types of areas of the music business as a PA. It was exciting. Plus, Mercedes was beginning to trust his counsel more when it came to song sets, and set designs. Since her attack two nights ago, they were actually getting along better than ever. When Sam was ordered to stay in the hospital for two day for exams and observations, he was worried about holding the tour up, but Mercedes made him quickly put it out of his mind.
"If you weren't there, I would be the one in that bed, and it would be for a whole lot longer than two days." She gave him a reassuring smile.
She visited him in the hospital every day, bringing him ice cream shakes from the Paciugo's Gelato and Ice Cream Shop. Mercedes winked when she first brought it to his hospital room, remarking that it were "their special thing". The first time she told Sam that he felt his heart quicken at the tenderness of her tone and her obvious memory of their ice cream shake contest. She stayed in his room for hours while he did his impressions, which always ended with Mercedes' laughing hysterically on the floor. That's when Sam first noticed her infectious and full laugh. Sam tried his best not to make it obvious, but he couldn't stop starring at Mercedes' smile when it spread across her entire fac. She didn't do the typical girlie giggle when she laughed either. She laughed with a full belly howl that could be heard miles away. Watching her laugh lit Sam's heart and made him want to join in her glee. In his room, Mercedes was at ease with Sam, no diva persona or attitude coming out. But there was still a wall. A thin, but solid wall that she built around herself to protect herself from disappointment or hurt. The more time they spent together, the more Sam saw it. Other than Tina, Sam had gotten the closest to breaking through the wall. He wanted to get to know her more and know more of the real her. Which is why Sam was thrilled that Big Sean did not join them on the tour.
Sam hated the way Big Sean sucked up to every reporter and paparazzi that was in the vicinity of Mercedes. Sam saw right away that his goal was only to use Mercedes for her fame and success. He was becoming progressively protective of Mercedes as the tour continued, critical of anyone who didn't seem genuinely interested in her success. He saw her vulnerability more and more. He felt an instinctive desire to protect her, a feeling he never experienced for anyone outside of his immediate family.
The bus was silent as it continued in the night towards Nashville. The crew and members were asleep in their bunks. Sam was heading to the bathroom when he noticed the light coming from Mercedes' compartment. He peeked inside to see if she was asleep and saw her curled in her bed with her headphones, writing on a tablet. Her eyes met Sam and immediately she waved for him to come in. Sam came in and sat on the chair across from her lavender covered bed. Mercedes took off the headphones and tucked her tablet under her pillow.
"Now why aren't you asleep?" he questioned her, curious about what she was writing before he came. Mercedes shrugged as she leaned against the wall next to her bed.
"Can't sleep. My mind is kind of racing. What about you, Gosling? Too excited about being back in your city?" Sam nodded and gave a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. Mercedes noticed right away.
"You're a horrible liar. What's up?" Sam looked down at his hands and rubbing them slowly.
"It's complicated. I am going back in a very different place than I was a year ago. I, uh, well, I'm…."
"Scared." Mercedes interjected. "And probably a little embarrassed, right?" Sam made a snort and nodded his head, not bringing himself to look her in the eyes. He didn't like feeling this way about himself, especially when he worked so hard to be a songwriter.
Mercedes looked at him compassionately, as she reached over and touched his shoulder.
"Sam, what happened to you is not about you being a bad songwriter. It's just the nature of the business. Music labels are only about selling singles and getting on the charts. Don't let it make it question your gift. You have a really great gift for writing." Sam was finally able to lift his eyes to meet Mercedes.
"How do you know that?" he asked quietly. Mercedes groaned quietly as she turned around in her bed and pulled out her ipod. She showed him the song currently playing was his song, "Needing a 2nd Chance". Sam sat up when he saw the song. It was one of his tracks! He was shocked that she would listen to his music, especially since it was country. He suddenly felt very flattered.
"You really downloaded this?" He asked. Mercedes nodded, her face visibly flushed.
"Well, Sebastian just spoke so highly of you that I decided to look you up. You have written some amazing songs, Sam. In fact..." Mercedes nervously turned around and pulled out her tablet. "You actually inspired me to try writing some music." Sam's face lit up.
"Really? That's great, Mercedes! Can I see what you have?" Sam asked enthusiastically. Mercedes immediately shoved the tablet back under her pillow.
"What! Hell to the no! Sit your country ass down, Sam."
"Ah come on, let me see." Sam started to move toward Mercedes with a twinkle in his eye. Mercedes' eyes bulged as she lifted her hands for him to stop.
"No way, Sam! What are you trying to do?"
"Depends. What do you want me to do?" Sam replied in a low voice, raising one eyebrow. Mercedes felt her body quiver at his response. She shook her head quickly.
"Just give me a little time to work on it. When it's done, I will let you be the first to look at it." Sam laughed as he sat back down and nodded.
"Ok, if that's what you want. But listen don't over think. I am sure what you have is great." Mercedes rolled her eyes.
"You are too kind. But don't try to change the subject, Cowboy. We were talking about you. Do you have any meetings set up for Nashville?" Sam winced.
"Why do you have to be such a smart ass?"
"Because I have such pretty one and I'm so good at it." She winked at Sam, which made him laugh.
"Well, I did have some meetings, but they all cancelled. So now, I have nothing." Sam rubbed his hands on his thighs as he let out a deep breath. Mercedes paused for a minute and then reached into her purse, pulling out a card.
"Here. This guy is a good friend of mine, Matt Rutherford. We go way back. He is A&R for Blue Cadillac Label with Billy Cyrus. Call him. Make sure to let him know I referred you." Sam's mouth hung open as he took the card.
"Are you serious, Mercedes? This guy is major." Sam squealed and impulsively jumped forward and hugged Mercedes. Surprised by his response, she laughed as she hugged him back. Before she could stop herself, she sniffed his neck, smelling the sandlewood soap on his skin. His scent was intoxicating and Mercedes was unconsciously caught up in it. Sam pulled her away from him suddenly, his face turning serious.
"You know you don't have to do this. I didn't tell you any of this so that you could…" Mercedes shook her head and interrupted Sam.
"Sam, relax. I want to do this. I know you weren't trying to get to get something from you." A smiled spread across Sam's face. He pulled Mercedes into him again.
"Mercedes, thank you so much! How can I repay you?" He screamed into her ear as he held her tight. She continued to laugh.
"Just don't embarrass yourself? Or me, for that matter." She rubbed his back, as they stayed in the embrace. Sam pulled back from her quickly, excitement in his eyes.
"I've got to get my portfolio ready. I have a million things to do." Excitedly, Sam got up and went to his bunk. Mercedes smiled and bit her bottom lip after he left. She closed her eyes. Oh Father God, please bless him with this meeting, she silently prayed.
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By the time the bus reached their hotel in Nashville, Sam was able to secure a meeting with Matt Rutherford for that afternoon. Matt was apprehensive about meeting Sam at first, but once Sam mentioned Mercedes, his attitude completely changed. They met at the hotel restaurant and immediately connected. Matt loved Sam's portfolio and agreed to go back to the execs about Sam. After the meeting, Sam was floating in air. He went directly to Mercedes' hotel room. She was the first person he wanted to tell. He anxiously knocked on her hotel door. When she opened the door, dressed in her hotel bath robe, he swooped her off her feet and spun her around her room. Mercedes let out high pitch squeal.
"Mercedes, Thank you! Thank you so much!" He held her tightly, his arms around her waist.
"The meeting went well, I'm guessing." She laughed. Sam finally put Mercedes down, still holding her hands.
"Well? Baby, I knocked him dead on his ass! It went great! Matt really liked my stuff and agreed to get back to me." Mercedes' face beamed. She was so happy for him. She knew how much he wanted and needed this meeting to go well.
"Oh Sam, I'm so happy for you." Sam let out an exhaustive breath and shouted a hoot.
"I want to take you out tonight as a thank you. I know the best places in Nashville. Please say you're not busy?" Mercedes hesitated for a minute but relented when she saw the hopefulness in Sam's face.
"Sure, but you know you don't have to," she answered. Sam rolled his eyes.
"I know that, Ms. Bossy. There's nobody else I want to celebrate with tongiht." Sam replied quickly. "I'll see at 7pm. Oh, have some comfortable shoes on, cuz' we're partying tonight." He winked at her as he left her room. After he left, it took Mercedes forty minutes before she could stop grinning.
XXXX
Sam knocked on Mercedes' door at 7pm sharp. He was dressed in black skinny jeans, a white v-neck sweater and a black leather jacket. He had their evening all mapped out and intended to show Mercedes an amazing night out. When she opened the door, she literally took his breath away.
Mercedes was wearing an electric blue sleeveless leather dress that reached her mid-thigh and yellow strappy heels. Her hair was covered with loose spiral curls that framed her face. Her outfit accentuated all the right curves and highlighted her now well-defined calves. Sam stood gaping at her in silence. His gaze made Mercedes unusually self-conscious.
"Sam? Is this outfit ok? Am I overdressed? I can change." She turned to go back into her room, but Sam held her arm shaking his head.
"No, don't change! You just look…so damn amazing. You do know you're going out with me, right?" Sam joked. Mercedes pushed him playfully and turned to grab her purse before closing her door. Sam extended his arm to her as they walked down the hallway.
"I know exactly who I am going out with," she said as they walked toward the hotel exit, "Which is why I had to look my best." Mercedes did her best to avoid Sam's eyes, although she felt them watching her as they entered the cab. Sam eyes were roaming all over Mercedes' body. He had to physically bite his tongue to keep from groaning when he saw her ass as she exited the cab. Damn, that ass is probably soft as hell, he thought.
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Mercedes had been looking forward to going out with Sam all day and feared her excitement would be written all over her face. She was actually nervous! She could feel the butterflies in her stomach going crazy and she didn't know how to handle them. She hated feeling like her emotions were out of control. She especially didn't want Sam to see it. She was determined to always have the upperhand with any guy she was around. But despite all of her attempts, Mercedes could not do it with Sam. He never back down to her and loved that about him.
Their first stop of the night was at the restaurant, Monell's at the Manor. Sam boasted that they had the best chicken in the world and dared anyone to say otherwise. The restaurant was packed, but Sam was able to get a table right by the window. Once they were seated, Mercedes asked him how he managed to snag the table.
"Let's just say the owner and I go way back. I gave him comp tickets all the time, so he definitely owes me." Sam whispered across the table. They both ordered the fried chicken with side order of greens and cornbread.
"Oh my goodness!" Mercedes moaned as she nibbled on her chicken. "This reminds me of my granny's cooking." Sam tried to look away from her, but when she moaned, his eyes were locked into her glossy lips. Her moan immediately aroused his groin, and he had to force himself to focus on something else quickly.
"So where is your family originally from?" He asked as he took a sip of water.
"Virginia," she remarked brightly, "But I grew up in Ohio. My mom tried to cook like granny, but could never get that southern touch." She saw that Sam was looking at her intensely, making the butterflies in her stomach start to flutter. "You seem surprised?"
"I just found out the new queen of R&B is a southerner? Yeah, you could say I'm surprised." Sam answered shaking his head. "You are full of surprises, you know that?" Mercedes furrowed her eyebrows.
"What do you mean?"
"Well… When I first met you, I thought you were the biggest bitch in the business." Mercedes winced.
"Ouch, but probably deserving." She smirked. Sam rolled his eyes.
"Yeah, you were. But once you get past that," Sam gazed into Mercedes' eyes, "You get to know the real Mercedes Jones."
"Oh and you think you know the real Mercedes Jones?" She questioned him with a playful smirk. Sam narrowed his eyes and nodded quietly. Mercedes sat back in her chair.
"Okay, tell me who is the real Mercedes Jones, Mick Jagger." She teased. Sam took a tilted his head to the side, licked his lips and leaned over the table to her.
"Mercedes Jones is one of the smartest women I have ever met. She doesn't let anyone get the best of her and always knows what she wants. She loves her friends and family fiercely and would physically kill for them. She loves music and could do it for the rest of her life even if she never made a red cent. She is sexy when she wakes up and sexy when she goes to sleep. She oozes sensuality without even trying and loves to tease a man till he is groveling on the floor begging for mercy. What she needs most is a man who has an unquenchable, unreachable appetite for every inch of her. Someone who will taste every inch of her and still want more. Someone who will make her wet by just looking at her and touching her arm." Sam grazed his fingers along the length of Mercedes' arm. "She needs a man, who will not be afraid to kiss her till she is breathless, rip her panties off and make love to her till her body goes limp." Sam seductively smiled at Mercedes and took another sip of water.
Mercedes sat motionless, feeling the pool of moisture in between her thighs. She clenched her thighs closed, fearing that any sudden movement might make her spontaneously combust. Before she could respond, their waitress came to the table with their drink order.
"I'm going to the restroom for a second." She managed to croak out as she awkwardly dashed to the bathroom. When she was in her stall, she peeled her completely soaked panty off and tossed them in the trash can. She splashed cold water on her chest, trying desperately to cool down the heat radiating from her body. By the time, she returned to the table, Sam had finished his plate.
"I was about to go into that restroom after you." He commented. That would have been alright with me, Mercedes thought.
"Yeah, sorry. I'm stuffed anyway." Sam gave his classic crooked half smile, as he clapped his hands and rubbed them.
"Great, because it is time for us to work some of this food off." Mercedes nervously gulped down her glass of water.
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The Graham Central Station club had a line around the block. It is one of the premier nightclubs in Nashville, with music varying from Country to Danceclub. Mercedes heard reggae music permeating from the exit as they entered. Sam motioned for them to go to the bar. He ordered a whiskey for himself and a screwdriver for Mercedes. Mercedes loved the heavy bass music that seemed to rattle the entire club. When Sam heard the next song coming on, he grabbed Mercedes' hand and led her to the dancefloor. He puts his hands on Mercedes' waist and spins her so her back is against his chest.
I'm the kind of guy
who lives life on the edge
the kind of guy you'd wonder [Sam's finger turns Mercedes' head toward him]
"is he messin with my head" [Sam mouths the words]
you're tired of going places
you can't scream and shout
tired of someone saying
when you can and can't go out
and I'm a show you how
it feels when its good
you know i do anything'
you're boyfriend ever could
(Bridge)then your boyfriend ever could
then your boyfriend ever could
I'm a do it better then your boyfriend ever could
(chorus)
I'm a make you love me baby [Sam grinds against Mercedes, who snakes her hand to the back of his neck.]
baby I'm a show you how
I'll make you love me babe
baby you gon want me now
I'ma make you love me baby
baby I'ma show you how
i'ma make you love me baby
baby you gon want me now..
i can reach your mind
fantasies in your head
you could look at me
and see that im the man
i'll put a little romance
and some action in your pleasure
you wanted mr big [Sam puts both of Mercedes' hands around his neck, as he body rolls against her behind.]
mr big is in your hands
and I'ma show you how
it feels when its good
you know i do it better
than your boyfriend ever could
(Bridge)
(Chorus)
And I want you [Sam and Mercedes are dancing with their face pressed close together.]
and how I want you to want me
I want you
and yes I want you to want me
I want you
and how i want you to want me
I want you
and yes I want you to want me
I know you've been kiss
in the back of your hand
what you need to do
is try it on a real man
put the towels in the dryer
so they warm after the shower
I'm like big foot
the man your momma said
don't exist
(Bridge)
(Chorus)
I'm like big foot
the man your momma said
don't exist
I'm like big foot
the man your momma said
don't exist
I'm like big foot
the man your momma said
don't exist
don't exist
don't exist.
After the song ends, Sam immediately pulls Mercedes to a secluded area of the club for VIP guests. He pulls her into a corner, pushes her against the wall, lifting her hands above her head. He lowers his mouth over her and presses his forehead to hers. Their bodies are pressed together so closely that they can feel the other's heart pounding against their chest. Sam rubs his lips against Mercedes' and licks her lips slowly with his tongue. Mercedes moans against his mouth. Hearing her moan pushes Sam over the edge. He presses his lips against her hard and devours her mouth. Mercedes' hands are in Sam's hair, tugging it firmly. His hands roam her backside, pressing her against him, grinding against his full erection. When they finally pull apart for lack of air, Sam gazes breathlessly into Mercedes' eyes.
"You have no idea how long I've wanted to do that." He admits smiling. Mercedes smiles back.
"Probably just as long as I have. But it was absolutely worth the wait." She sighs, rubbing her nose against his.
***Hope you guys liked the update! By the way, the club song was ROBIN THICKE – MAKE U LOVE ME. Was the first kiss what you hoped it would be? Let me know what you think. Tootles.****