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Standard disclaimer.
This chapter is a little short, but it's all about Sam and Mercedes...
Mercedes and Sam are now seated comfortably on the sofa, chatting companionably.
There was a short spell of awkwardness between the two, when they'd first realized that Tina and Mike were gone.
But after sitting in comfortable silence, secretly eyeing other, their eyes locked, causing both to laugh.
From there, Mercedes retrieved the food Sam had brought and made two plates for them. Ever the gentleman, Sam accepted his and they ate together.
Whilst they ate, they chatted about Sam's business trip.
He was amazed at her genuine interest in his work.
He delved into the subject, as it was one in which he was well versed and Mercedes was delighted to see how his green eyes lit up and how animated he became.
And although she knew little of what he spoke of, she attentively listened, as he told her about, possible mergers, acquisitions and possible takeovers.
He paused and smiled at her, after a while.
"I must be boring you, Mercedes…with all this talk about business. Just humor me for a few more seconds." Mercedes smiled and nodded.
"In my estimation, the trip was a success and I learned a great deal from it. That's all…I promise." Another smile graced Mercedes' features.
"You didn't bore me, Sam. I was happy to listen…although I don't know that much…I know some things…and some terms…and I'm very happy to hear, everything went well for you…and the company."
Sam searched her beautiful face and was awed by the honesty, that was written clearly on it.
has always been honest with him, and he with her and she's always shown unwavering faith, in his ability to be a strong leader, and not a follower.
"Thank you, Mercedes. I value your opinion…always have."
He leaned towards her and kissed her cheek, allowing his lips to linger for a little longer than necessary.
Feeling her breath hitch, he smiled and pulled back, to look at her pretty face.
Mercedes' face flamed.
She didn't expect Sam to kiss her and him being that close, intoxicated her.
She raised a trembling hand, to where he had kissed her and shyly looked up at him.
What she saw, almost broke her heart.
His pretty green eyes were swimming with so many emotions, but amongst them, love took precedent.
Her body suddenly felt warmer and feelings that were buried deep within her, started to surface. And she was powerless to stop them.
If she were honest, she didn't want to stop them either and the conversation she'd had with Tina, about moving forward, came crashing through her mind.
She reached for his hand and gently grasped it.
"I'm honored Sam and I'm always here for you…should you need me."
'I need you…now,' he thought.
Just as Mercedes said those words, she ducked her head, embarrassed at the implications clearly within her statement.
Sam lifted her chin, so that he could look right into her beautiful brown eyes.
And she held his gaze...and she saw it…his need of her…plain as day, in his slightly darkened eyes.
"Don't be embarrassed Mercedes, it's only me…and I don't want to make you uncomfortable or overwhelm you…but…I do need you…in so many ways. I need your friendship, your honesty always, your wisdom, your endless faith in me…and…I need you…but only when you're ready," he softly said.
Mercedes felt as though she could cry.
Never had a man appealed to her this way, not even Brody.
There were hundreds, maybe thousands, of women vying for his attention.
He's been put on the cover, of so many magazines and so many lists, in the recent months. The titles, 'The Sexiest Man Alive' and 'Most Eligible Bachelor' belongs to him, plus many others and amidst it all, she's the only woman that continues to occupy his heart.
And now that she's seen it for herself, she feels as though, she could give herself a chance at real love, with a man who would clearly worship the ground she walks on.
"Thank you, Sam, for not pushing. You've been very considerate, and I appreciate it…very much. I feel lucky to have you in my life…and since we're being honest…ever since that night on the dance floor…I've been having these feelings about you. I've had them before, but I buried them, and told myself it was just a silly crush.
Then, I allowed myself the chance, to get to know Brody and love him, because I couldn't fathom anyone like you, being interested in me. The last few months have been especially challenging, and Brody treating me the way he did, didn't help.
Although Tina and Mike…and the others, have been amazing, sometimes, the only person I want to talk to, is you. I really care for you, Sam and I want to explore this thing between us…but I need time.
There are some things I need to set order to, as I try to put my life back together…for instance, I need to purge Brody from my life and that is where you come in. I don't want you to feel, as if you are the rebound guy…but I want to spend as much time as I can with you…and I know I've always been a thick girl…but I want to rid myself of this extra weight.
I haven't given up on nursing career completely…someday, I'll probably try, to get back into it, but right now, the other two are my priority. But I just need to hear what you think and how you feel, about everything."
Sam was floored.
In the past, he's seen some signs, that she cares for him, more than she lets on and that night, when they were out on the dance floor, he felt something.
He clearly remembers the look of longing on her face, when they'd parted to go home and the way his heart had clenched, as he watched her walking away with Brody.
What he also remember, is the way she'd looked back at him and the sad smile on her face, as if she didn't want to leave, just before she and Brody went through the door.
"I've always been interested Mercedes. I've been in love with you, since I was twelve years old…and that's saying something, because I hardly knew what being in love meant, back then.
I've only ever had eyes for you and I've never felt this way about any other woman. One of the hardest things I've ever had to do, was to let you be and watch you fall in love with Brody.
At one point, I was so lonely for you, I allowed myself to get roped into Rachel's web, and it remains one of the silliest things I've ever done.
It makes me happy to hear, that you're not immune to me and you want to explore what's between us…so, I know, there's every possibility, that given time, you will probably end up loving me, as much as I love you.
However long it takes, I'll wait. And whatever you need me to do, just tell me…and I'll do it. I love you, Mercedes, and I always will."
Mercedes was speechless and in awe.
Her eyes never wavered from Sam's intense stare.
This gorgeous man loved her, unconditionally.
Hearing Tina tell her, Sam was in love with her for years, is one thing, but hearing Sam himself tell her and the way in which he told her, totally entranced her and set her wounded heart ablaze, with hope, joy and limitless love.
In a bold move, she launched herself at Sam and kissed him.
If Sam was surprised, he didn't let on, because, he immediately returned her kiss.
It was the sort of kiss, a man would give to the woman he was deeply in love with and at the same time, it was the sort of kiss, a woman would give to the man she deeply cared for and possibly loves.
In any case, they both relayed their feelings for each other, through that kiss.
Stay safe, stay blessed...I'm trying my best to, me and my family. Much love to you, always.