A/N: So instead of doing a flash back to this conversation, I decided to time jump after instead!

(Bare with me lol)

Italics with be text messages.

"So Sam, what took so long?" Mercedes asked with a smirk on her face. Sam knew then, she was trouble.

Mercedes couldn't help but notice the slightest smile on Sam's lips before responding.

"What do you mean? You've been waiting for me to come back?" He asked running his hand through his hair.

"Only a little. I wanted to apologize for closing the door in your face." She admitted moving closer, she couldn't help but to stare into Sam's eyes. She was so close she could smell his cologne, it was intoxicating.

Sam looked down at Mercedes and couldn't help but feel a pull, his eyes wandered to her lips. He wanted to kiss them but he barely knew her and didn't want to assume she would be okay if he did. Breaking eye contact and slightly moving away from Mercedes, he broke the silence.

"So… Shane? He seemed a bit upset by my presence. Is there a story there, if you don't mind me asking."

Mercedes brows farrowed at the question, having thought they were sharing what seemed like a moment. She should've know that it was crazy to think that someone as handsome as Sam would ever be remotely interested in her, not that she was doubting her attractiveness just maybe she had gotten the wrong signals.

"Well, he's an ex..." She finally replied after plopping down on her couch, looking somewhat annoyed by his question. Sam followed suit and sat in a chair near her.

"I didn't mean to pry." Sam said cussing his self for even asking.

"Oh, no you're fine. Shane and I dated years ago and… keep in contact from time to time. Lately, I've been trying to sever all ties but he can be… persistent." She said with a light laugh.

"I take it he's still interested?" Sam let out before realizing he had asked yet another personal question. Mercedes tilted her head slightly and contemplated telling Sam the truth, she didn't owe it to him but she for some reason wanted to tell him.

"How about this, I'll answer your question truthfully if you return tell me something personal about yourself. Only seems fair...right?" She asked perking up a little at the thought learning more about the handsome man in front of her.

"Deal."

So Mercedes told Sam the very so complicated relationship she and Shane had/have and right as she was about to finish, she contemplated telling Sam about their most recent rendezvous.

"The reason he was here was because a few weeks back we kind of, will I kind of had a momentary lapse of common sense and got drunk, ending up in his bed." She admitted looking somewhat embarrassed.

Sam didn't expect her to tell him everything, but she had and now he had so many more questions. Why had she told him so much? Why was she okay with him knowing this kind of information? Why was he annoyed about her sleeping with her ex? That question was more for him than Mercedes but for some reason he was jealous.

"So… your turn." She said interrupting his thoughts.

"Oh right, okay what do you want to know?" Sam asked not really sure what to tell her.

"Umm… wait why were you coming down here anyway?" She asked suddenly.

"Huh?"

"I saw you coming towards my place but then you started to turn away. Why?"

"Oh.. ahh. Honestly, I came down to ask you to drinks." He replied sheepishly and making eye contact before quickly looking away. He heard her giggle a little and move a little closer to him.

"Oh, I impressed you that much? After just one encounter?" She asked with a raised eyebrow and sexy smirk.

"Wouldn't you like to know." Sam replied with a little chuckle.

"So ask me." She simply stated looking directly at Sam.

"Would you like to get drinks?" Sam asked holding her gaze.

"Maybe. I'm a busy woman and I can't just go out with a perfect stranger." She said giggling again.

"So you think I'm perfect?" Sam replied teasing her.

"I think you're a perfect stranger. Who now knows a great deal about me but yet I know nothing about him and he's currently in my house."

"How about this then, we go grab drinks, as friends? You can even ask me all those burning questions you seem to have about me." He replied standing up and holding out his hand. She looked at him for a little while longer before standing too but refusing his hand.

"I don't hold my friend's hands." She said smirking and slowly passing him. Sam could feel her body gently touch his as she did so. She felt soft and her scent was very sweet.

"Tease." was all Sam could say before heading out with her in tow. She let out slight giggle and they headed to the bar just down the block from their place.

Two months later

Sam was nervous. He kept looking at his self in mirror wondering if his choice of clothing was ideal. It was his first date in months and he was rusty. He hadn't even so much as looked at a woman since his ex and now here he was about to go on a full fledged date with a beautiful woman from work. He'd seen her around the office and made small talk every now and then, he'd finally bit the bullet and asked her out.

SAMMY! Are you nervous? -M

What? No... -S

HA! You are nervous! It's going to be fine.-M

I'm really not... just not sure about my choice of clothes :/ -S

I'm coming up. Can't have you ruining this before it even starts lol ;) -M

Sam chuckled and rolled his eyes at the thought of Mercedes dictating what he should wear for his date. He wanted to give the impression that he was somewhat cool and sexy. He was wearing a grey pullover sweater, khakis and brown boots and his favorite watch. He wasn't unhappy with the outfit just felt it was a bit safe, he didn't want to be safe he wanted sexy. He was still staring at himself, deep in thought he didn't hear Mercedes come in.

"Samuel Evannnsss.. where are yoou?" She shouted.

"In here."

"Oh hell no, that's not going to do!" She said giving him a once over before heading to his closet.

Sam was happy she was there to help him and even more happier to have her as a friend, though the decision to only be friends was his and his alone. That night at the bar he learned more about Mercedes and she him. They had a lot of things in common and both enjoyed a good drink and dance, once the night had ended Sam felt he made a true friend in her and decided that his silly infatuation wasn't going to get in the way of it. Knowing she wanted a kiss when he walked her back to her place, he opted for a hug. Mercedes got the hint, smiled and went back inside.

"Here put this on and... these." She said handing him a light green button down with a pair of his dark washed denim. It was simple but did the trick, the green shirt complimented his eyes and the jeans looked good on him.

"How do I look?" Sam asked knowing he was going to get an honest answer. He searched Mercedes face for her possible reply before watching her walk over to him.

"You look good." She said with a smile and fixing my collar. Her hair smelled like honey and he caught his self leaning in to smell it more deeply. His eyes fell on hers, then trailed down until he found her lips. He wanted so badly to kiss them, hearing his door buzz he pulled away and smoothed his shirt once more before heading to the door. Expecting Mercedes to follow he stopped and saw her standing back.

"Mercy?'

"I think it will look bad if you answered the door with woman by your side." she said giggling.

The door buzzed again and Sam suddenly felt conflicted.

"Go! You got this, have fun! I'll let myself out." She said smiling. Sam nodded and headed out the door and greeted his date.

Good luck Sammy! -M

Thanks, stay as long as you want. You don't have to hurry out, I'll see you after. -S

Sounds like you want me to stay and be your nightcap. ;) -M

Ha! Such a tease. See you later Mercy. -S

Soooo... I hope this is keeping you intrigued! i'll have the second part to this chapter up soon!