A little fluffy goodness! FINALLY

This chapter and the next will be fluffy goodness mixed with flashbacks. Next chapter will have very important flashbacks!


The Calm Before…

Sam heeded Mercedes' words but there was something in the files he was looking at that threw him for a loop. His father was a financial advisor for a family under the name of Jones that lived in Lima but their names didn't match the ones of her parents.

"Stacey, can you do me a favor and get Sue on the phone?" He said into the intercom.

"Sure thing." She replied before patching Sam to Sue's line."

"What?"

"I need you to look into someone, Marcus Jones… died fairly young. Around 1986 or '87." Sam answered knowing she wanted him to get straight to the point. "I will expedite the fee and double it if you can get me that information by the end of day."

"Yeah, sure. Don't call me on a Monday again." Sue replied before hanging up.

Sam shook his head before checking his watch, he'd told Mercedes he would be at her store around lunch and figured he'd head out now. "Stace." He said getting up and walking out of his office to her. "I'm heading over to the bookshop, lock the door behind me and if you go anywhere let Anthony know."

Stacey nodded at her brother, pointing to the phone letting him know she was on it. Sam waited until she hung up to which he earned a frown from his sister. "Okay, now why do I need to do all that again?" She asked.

"For your safety." He answered.

"My safety from what exactly?"

"Just lock the damn door and let Anthony know if you go anywhere, Jesus, I try to protect you and you make it hard! Women, I swear!" He said, storming out of the office leaving Stacey there amused.

Sam made the short trip to Mercedes' shop before stopping and looking around getting the sense that he was being watched. He didn't have any detail on him because he could handle himself but the hairs on the back of his neck were standing up.

He did a final glance over his surroundings before continuing to the bookshop, he frowned when he entered seeing that it was just Merceder but he didn't see the protection detail he hired for here anywhere.

"Mercedes." He said clearly startling her as he walked up on her, invading her personal space.

Mercedes jumped, placing her hand over her chest. "Jesus Sam! Get a damn bell!" She sputtered out, trying the reign in her now jumpy state.

Sam mused at her before making quick work of checking her entire shop, including upstairs then returning even more upset then what he originally started out as.

"Before you say anything, I sent them to the diner to eat. They've been gone for fifteen minutes and no one has come in since 10:45, I'm fine." She assured him.

He looked at her, then around the shop once more before sighing. "Have you eaten?" He asked,ignoring the satisfied smirk that crossed her lips.

"I have not but Santana and Tina are bringing me something." She answered and he frowned.

"Well I guess witches have to have their secret meetings." He said, moving closer to her lightly grazing his fingers over the exposed flesh on her neck.

She was caught off guard by the action which caused her to shudder. "I'm sure it looks tempting but I might bite you back." She quipped involuntarily biting her lip when she briefly looked at his.

He only flashed his eyes at her before walking behind the counter, leaving her to school her new found emotions. "You know if you move this event to this day, you'll draw in a larger crowd."

Mercedes walked over beside him, frowning. "How in the hell were you able to get into my system?" She asked, nudging him away. "And what event?"

Sam stepped behind her, grabbing her hand and pointing to her calendar. "Here, there's going to be a lot of people floating into town." He answered.

She looked, seeing that she was having a Harry Potter night, she had all sorts of fun things planned like costumes, door prizes and would show the first movie.

"Why?"

"Because it's the start of winter, we'll for us at least. Some of the neighboring towns come through to go to the mountains. You should advertise… safely."

She shot him a look before laughing. "How does one advertise "safely"?"

"I'm making dinner tonight." He replied, checking his watch before walking to grab his case that he'd placed in one of the chairs.

Mercedes smirked. "You mean hunting right?" She asked, noticing the corners of his lip curl upwards briefly.

"Not tonight. It'll be ready at 7:30." He responded. "I have a meeting but I can stay if you want me to wait for Dave and Azimio."

She flashed her eyes at him before a small small graced her face. "Are you asking me on a date, vampire?"

Sam rolled his eyes, walking over to her and pulling her close. "No." He replied before placing a chaste kiss on her lips. "Don't leave without Dave or Azimio."

"Should I bring an offering or do you plan on sucking my blood?" She teased, not noticing the look that crossed his face.

He chuckled, shaking his head and pulling away. "I highly doubt a witch's blood would suffice." He answered walking towards the door. "I'm serious, don't leave without them." He said over his shoulder then left.

Mercedes blushed. "Vampire."


"Sweetpea, I have something for you." Elise said, sitting down next to Mercedes.

Mercedes closed her book and looked at her grandmother. "Okay."

Elise handed a small box, encouraging her to open it with a nod. "It matches the locket you gave me."

Mercedes smiled brightly, taking the bracelet out admiring it. "Thank you, Nana! I love it!" She said as Elise grabbed it and placed it on her wrist.

"No, I only have one condition, no matter what, never lose this okay?"

"I promise, I'll never lose it!" Mercedes replied hugging her grandmother.

Elise smiled, praying that she didn't.


"Hey chica!" Santana said walking into the shop with Tina close behind.

She smiled and waved them over. "Hey, there's two really big guys standing out there… everything okay?" Tina asked.

The hardest part about having secrets is knowing when to tell the people around you about them. Mercedes hadn't told her friends about what was going on but she knew they would question why two very large men were standing outside of her shop and she knew she'd had to tell them something.

Mercedes sighed figuring some form of the truth is better than none. "Well… Sam wanted me to be safe so he hired them." She answered looking at the faces intently to see if she could read their expressions.

Santana placed the bag of food down on the table, frowning. "Wow, you haven't given it up to him and he's already acting like that?" She teased making them laugh.

"Yeah, that is a bit… odd. Are you in danger? Ooh, is Sam really like a spy and that's why he's always acting like that?" Tina asked.

Mercedes snorted. "No… and yes. Well… it's a lot but it's to keep someone away from me."

Both women shared a look before looking back at her. "Is this the part where you finally tell us why you're so secretive?" Santana asked.

"I guess… but it's not what you think. I'm not in the mob or anything, yes Tina I know you thought that… It's just family. Really dangerous family."

Tina nodded slowly. "So what does that mean exactly?"

"Yeah… do we need to create a barrier around you?" Santana asked, laying the food out for them.

Mercedes shook her head. "No… as long as you don't get in his way you'll be fine. You have to promise me you won't try to save or protect me. And I'm not kidding, he is very dangerous and will not hesitate to hurt any of you."

Tina and Santana both looked at her for a long period before they both nodded. "We will but you have to promise to keep us updated." Tina said.

"And if you need any of us to walk you to your car or just anything, call us! The town will rally behind you." Santana added and that's what Mercedes was fearful of because her brother would run through them and blame it on her.

She smiled, instead of expressing that fear. "In lighter news, I think Sam asked me on a date."

"I knew he was into you!" Santan said and everyone felt the atmosphere shift from serious to lite again.

"Wait, you've been living in his guest house so you've obviously had time to be around each other more. Have you two…" Tina asked, wiggling her brows.

Mercedes choked on her chip, shaking her head. "God no! I mean we've kissed but that's all…"

Santana leaned in, narrowing her eyes at Mercedes. "How… how does that work since you both have big lips?"

Mercedes and Tina both burst out in a fit of laughter. "What! It's a logical question. His lips could literally envelop hers!"

Mercedes and Tina laughed even harder, all looking when the door chimed and Marley came rushing in.

"Sorry I'm late! What I miss?" She asked.

"Mercedes and Sam kissed. Santana asked how it worked because they have such big lips." Tina explained in between laughter.

Marley scrunched up her nose before she started to giggle. "Oh my goodness! It is a good question though."

"His lips fit mine just fine actually." Mercedes said, laughing and shaking her head.

"Well what makes you think he asked you out?" Tina asked.

"He said he's cooking dinner tonight and that it'll be ready at 7:30… then he kissed me."

Marley beamed. "Finally! I've been waiting for you two to finally address your attraction to each other! What are you gonna wear?"

Mercedes looked down at the outfits she was wearing. "This?"

She was wearing a pair of dark wash jeans and a lavender puff sleeve shirt. It was simple but very cute.

Santana shook her head. "No you should definitely change, he's seen you in that already. Wow him girl!"

"Wow him?" Mercedes asked. "I'm not even sure why he kissed when he does and you expect me to wow him?"

"Wait, has it been more than one kiss?" Tina asked.

"He- "

"Ms. Jones, we're going to do a search around the property!" Dave, her hired bodyguard announced.

"Please don't leave until we've returned." Azimio added and she nodded.

"Wow, that's gotta be rough." Marley said. "Wait, why are they here?"

"Long story short, she has crazy family after her." Santana explained.

"You know, we had a Jones check in not too long ago. I asked if they knew you but he said… what?" Marley asked, noticing Mercedes' expression.

"What did he look like?" Mercedes asked.

"Umm tall, very handsome, there was a scratch on his face though. It kinda gave him a rugged look." Marley explained. "He was with his wife."

Mercedes racked her brain but she didn't remember Nathan having a scratch on his face or being married.

"Does it sound like him?" Tina asked.

"No… it doesn't sound like him. It's been so long since I've seen him though." She admitted.

The girls all shared looks. "Well until you actually know no need to fret over it. You have a date to get easy for, T can pick you something out to wear and I'll help you learn how to flirt. Marls can help with make-up." Santana instructed.

"Wait… it's just dinner, maybe he's just cooking to make me feel better?" Mercedes said nervously.

Santana waved her hand dismissively. "That man had never come around as much as he has over the past year. It's definitely a date now let us do our magic!"

Mercedes shook her head but allowed her friends to dote on her and she felt happy to have this experience because she'd never had it before. She was also looking forward to having dinner with Sam and being present even with the looming thoughts of Nathan being near, she managed to enjoy them fussing over her supposed date.


"Quit pacing, everything is fine."

"Why did you bring me here? Why did you have to uproot her from this!"

He stood, grabbing her arm. "You did your part, so your daughter will be just fine."

"I want to leave!"

He released her arm, rolling his eyes. "You will, when he does."

"What makes you think he's going to leave now? He knows you're here!"

He smirked. "Which means she does too."

Quinn shook her head. "Why are you trying to hurt her? She hasn't done anything to you!"

Nathan shot a look at her. "She ruined my fucking life."


Sara watched Sam in sheer amusement as he moved around the kitchen, cursing under his breath. "Not that one, the left cabinet." Sara said, trying not to laugh.

Sam furrowed his brows, moving to the cabinet Sara instructed, seeing the colander. "Why isn't it with the other bowl?" He muttered.

Sara snickered. "Because it's not a bowl… your sauce is too high, it's going to burn."

Sam quickly moved over to the sauce, reducing the heat and stirring it. He shot her a look over his shoulder before returning his attention to his pasta.

"You know I could finish that so you can get ready for your date… it's almost 7:30 and you look horrible."

"I'm just making dinner, no need to fuss."

Sara shook her head, walking over to where he was and grabbed his hands, stilling him. "It's okay to want it to be a date and it's okay to want to make a good impression."

Sam looked at her before sighing. "She's just been through so much and I don't want to add to it." He admitted, frowning. "I realize people see me as an asshole but she doesn't treat me like one."

Sara smiled. "And you don't treat her like a victim, so maybe that's why she treats you like you should always be treated, with kindness."

"What if she doesn't view it as a date." He questioned and Sara snorted.

"She does, trust me. Now go get ready, I'll finish up here and get the dining room set up. Go on and wear something that isn't a suit!" She answered, shooing him off.

Sam nodded, giving her a swift hug before walking upstairs to do as he was told. It wasn't that he hadn't been on any dates, it's just that he didn't care as much about them as he did this one. It wasn't lost on him that he was attracted to Mercedes, he was more surprised that she was attracted to him but over the past year his attraction and curiosity of the woman had grown.

He was nervous because this was out of his wheelhouse, he wasn't used to having this much care into the women he did date. Nor was he used to things moving as slow but it was a welcomed change. He thought about the last time he was actually nervous for a date and was drawing up a blank.


He showered, opted for a simple navy blue sweater and pair of jeans. He wasn't too keen on wearing shoes in his own house but for the sake of not being chewed out by Sara, he slipped on a pair of his brown dress shoes. He looked at himself in the mirror, realizing that he hadn't gotten a trim and his hair was slightly longer than what he was used to.

"Witch." He muttered, slicking his hair back into a low bun. He let out another sigh hearing a knock on his door.

"Your guest has arrived and I must say she looks beautiful." Sara said when he opened the door.

He nodded, following her downstairs ignoring Sara's frequent glances until he saw Mercedes standing in the foyer. Sara was right, she looked beautiful.

Mercedes looked up at him, narrowing her eyes playfully. "You're late." She teased.

Sam looked at his watch frowning. "Excuse me for assuming witches only arrived when they've been summoned." He bounced back, Sara shook her head and excused herself silently.

"Mhm, so it's safe for me to assume that Sara actually prepared dinner?"

He just looked at her taking her in and admiring how sweet she looked in her dress. She was wearing a soft green ruched a-dress that stopped just above her knees, her hair was down lightly dancing along her shoulders. She wore a pair of white heels and her makeup was light and he could smell the sweet scent of her perfume.

"Sam?"

He blinked before remembering what she said. "I cooked pasta." He responded, gently placing his hand on the small of her back and guiding her into the dining room.

Sara had set the table with their best China and lit a few candles, there was soft much playing and the lights were dimmed. The food was placed along the table and wine was chilling, Sam looked at Mercedes to gauge her response to the set up and he was pleased to see her smiling softly.

"Everything looks so beautiful." She said and he nodded.

He led her to the seat and pulled the chair out for her. "So are you." He replied, causing Mercedes to blush.

"You're not sweetening me up so my blood will taste better, right?" She asked and he couldn't stop the laugh that followed.

"No little witch, I just wanted to state the obvious." He replied, sitting down across from her. "I wasn't sure if you were allergic to shellfish so I made two different meats to go with the pasta."

Mercedes looked over the food, smelling the sweet aromas. "It all smells so good and I'm not allergic to shellfish… thank you."

"Shall we?" He asked, grabbing the bottle of wine. It was a sweet red and he knew Mercedes was going to have fun with that.

He poured them both a glass of wine while she began plating her salad, they both shared glances as they prepared their plates before settling and out of instant Mercedes grabbed Sam's hand.

He shot her a look and she smiled. "Grace" She replied, bowing her head and quietly saying grace before releasing his hand. "So this is how you lure them in? Wine and dine them."

Sam smirked looking down at his plate, realizing that this was his first real meal of the day. "You're not a very good witch if you allowed yourself to be lured with pasta." He quipped.

Mercedes blushed. "Is that all this is… a pasta dinner?"

He looked at her, feeling a sudden rush of nerves flowing over him. "I… there's wine and candles so maybe more than just a pasta dinner. If you're okay with it being more." He replied.

She gave him a small smile. "I'm okay with it being more."

Sam smiled, a real smile this time. "I do have a surprise for you after dinner but only if you're up for it."

"Now I really know you're trying to harvest my blood." She teased, giggling.

"Just eat your food." He bounced back smiling and allowed himself to relax more.

They both enjoyed the comfortable silence that fell over them while they ate the meal he prepared. Every so often they'd steal a few glances at each other before Mercedes cleared her throat.

"This is really good, you're a great cook." She said and her words made him feel proud.

"Thanks, I haven't cooked much for anyone outside myself but while I was overseas, I learned a lot of fun recipes."

"How was it? Living overseas? I've always wanted to go to Paris or Greece."

"Well I was there for college but for a brief time it was… good. Then I got the call and was made to come back here but Paris and Greece are both worth visiting. Greece during the summer and Paris in the fall, ideal for weather and all around fun."

"You had fun?" She teased grabbing her glass, making him chuckle.

He leaned in slightly. "I'm having fun now."

She looked at him over the rim of glass, thankful it hid her smile. "Mhm." She muttered, taking a slow sip. "Are you?"

He smirked. "I am rather enjoying your company little witch."

"Ahem." They heard. "I hope you don't mind but I prepared some dessert and it's waiting for you in the TV room." Sara said, smiling at them both.

"Have you had enough?" He asked, standing holding out his hand.

Mercedes nodded, taking his hand allowing him to lead the way to the TV room. When they stepped in Mercedes gasped looking around, seeing it was decorated with Harry Potter decorations.

"What on Earth?" She said, walking into the room more while Sam stood back watching her look around in amazement.

"I know I'm probably not your first pick but if you want… we can-" He was cut off by her crashing her lips on his.

Sam smiled against her lips, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her back.

Sara peaked her head around the corner seeing them locked in a kiss and shook her head, snickering as she walked out locking up behind herself.

"This is so sweet." Mercedes said, kissing Sam once more. "I've been wanting to watch the movies and you did all of this… for me?"

Sam nodded. "Well I'm not the best at dates but I hoped you'd like this… it won't beat seeing it in theaters with your grandmother but it's something…" He replied walking her over to the couch.

They both sat and she let out a happy sigh. "So it is a date then."

"I thought we already established that." He said, using his finger to turn her face to his, leaning down and kissing her deeply before his phone went off.

"Sorry." He mumbled, quickly pulling it out to check it.

You need to check what I sent you. -Sue.


Sam is sooo sweet! Tell me what you think Sue found out! until next time xoxo!