Hi again! My updates are getting longer, so hopefully I can keep up that trend. Thanks for all the love and reviews of my last two chapters. I wasn't sure about them. I hope you enjoy this one…again let me know what you think.
Walking into the office after having amazing success on the Cornerstone campaign, I felt like I finally made progress in my career. I was now a commodity and I had a place in this company. The only downfall? Having a strong desire for and connection with my boss.
Like he said, Sam couldn't accept just being my friend, so every chance he got, he flirted or he touched my hand. He would whisper little things about the way I looked or smelled into my ear in passing and I was melting.
Our morning conversations continued as well as our lunches. People were starting to notice that Sam and I were close and there was speculation that he and I were sleeping together. Nothing was ever said to my face or said around me, but Quinn and Artie would tell me when someone made a comment. They made sure to shut the gossip down. My job wasn't in jeopardy and people couldn't conclude that the only reason I was getting accounts and making money was because I was sleeping with the boss. My work was magnificent and it reflected my talents. It spoke for itself.
There were moments, according to Quinn and Artie, where Sam shut down the gossip as well. When we were in meetings, he gave equal praise to his entire team members and when something stuck out as spectacular work, he noted it and made it an example of the excellence the company was striving for. This week is was my turn to be put on display.
"Alright family, you know we always praise exemplary work and usually pick the design or designs that went above and beyond what clients expected. This month Ms. Jones took lead on the Harley-Davison new logo and website design. With her design, she not only impressed me, she impressed the client and they chose us to rebrand their company. They want Mercedes to work on their advertisements; commercial and print as well as planning some events, so this week since she bought in a new and possibly permanent client, her designs will take the place of Eric's on the display screens all over the office. Congrats Mercedes, good job," Sam announced.
I smiled as my co-workers applauded and I thanked everyone, "I really appreciate the recognition, but if it wasn't for the help of Artie as well as the research of Lauren, I would have been overwhelmed. So thank you." It was the truth. Without them, I would have suffered.
Everyone applauded after my little speech and Sam proceeded with the meeting. When it concluded, everyone stormed out while I lingered still wrapped up in my thoughts and taking everything in. I was happy. I felt free, blessed and content. My life was going in the direction I've always planned. It was an amazing feeling. Distracted, I didn't notice Sam sitting near me watching me. He cleared his throat and I snapped my head in his direction.
"Oh Sam, I didn't know you were still here. Sorry did you need to use the room?"
"No, I was just watching you. You seem so at peace. So beautiful."
I blushed, "Thank you. I was just thinking my life is going so well. I'm genuinely happy."
Sam smiled then, "I know how you can be even happier."
"Please don't start. I told you where I stand on things."
"And you are underestimating me and my desire for you Mercedes. Let me show you. Let' me take you out."
I laughed, "We see how that turned out last time."
"Well this time, I won't be an asshole. I'm changing and I know you see it."
"Are you still sleeping with the dancing twins and Tina?"
"No, I haven't been with them in three weeks. They call me, but I haven't been with them. Only friendly hellos."
"You've never lied to me so I guess I believe you," I smirked and laughed at the face he made. "Can you promise me that it will be an innocent date? No trying to seduce me."
Sam groaned, "ummm, I can't promise you I won't try to seduce you because honestly I wish I can kiss you and touch you every time I see you, but I promise to try."
Narrowing my eyes and staring into his green orbs, I gave in and said yes. I saw the truth and I knew he was trying. He was changing and a part of me knew it was for me, but I also knew he changed for himself. I inspired him to be better and I had to reward his effort.
"Ok, so tomorrow night, I'll pick you up at 7," He said getting up to leave the conference room.
"Yeah, tomorrow night," I got up as well and he held the door for me. Looking back I said, "I'm putting some trust in you Mr. Evans, don't let me down."
"I promise you I won't," He replied smiling.
I knew he was checking me out, so I turned and said "And you can stop looking at my ass. That won't get you bonus points."
"You know I can't help it. The things you do to me. Are we still on for lunch? That'll give me an excuse to gaze at you longingly," He said laughing.
"Bye Sam," I said in an amused tone, "we're still on."
Sitting in front of my vanity, I started to become nervous. It was nearly seven and Sam was on his way to pick me up. I was nervous about the night, but I was also nervous about putting my trust in Sam. I was rooting for him to be the man he's promising to be, but I still had my doubt. I couldn't take being embarrassed and feeling cheap again. I was going out on a limb again and I wanted my confidence in him to catch up to my feeling for him.
Putting the finishing touches on my makeup, I heard my buzzer. I checked my clock and it was 6:58. He was right on time. I buzzed him up and I waited by the door for him. When he walked up the stairs, I was stunned. He looked amazing. This was my first time seeing him in casual clothes. He was wearing a deep green Henley that complimented his eyes and his amazing abs. He paired that with black clack and black Hugo Boss shoes. On top of that, he smelled amazing. I have to admit, I was in a daze. It wasn't until he was pulling me into a hug and whispered, "You look absolutely delicious," that I realized I was saying anything. Composing myself, I wrapped my arms around his waist and pulled him is closely.
When we released, I lead him into my apartment and realized I was slightly over dressed. I was wearing an all-black lace wrap dress and 5 inch nude pumps. My hair was in soft curls that shaped my face. Turning around to ask, I noticed his eyes trailing all over my body and I got chills from the heat he was radiating at me. I walked up to him and this time I initiated the kiss. He quickly pulled me closer and my arms wrapped around him. He let a moan slip and I pulled back before it got too far.
"Sam, let's stop. We have to keep this innocent. I actually wanted to ask if I'm over dressed, but I couldn't resist. Anyway, am I overdresses," I asked.
"You look perfect. You may want to bring an extra pair of shoes just in case," He replied, Releasing my arms from around his waist, he pulled me back and kissed me softly. He released me and I grabbed my things.
Sam was the perfect gentleman. He drove us to this rooftop Jazz spot in the New York art district. He opened doors and pulled out my chair; he did everything he knew would put a smile on my face. During dinner, our conversation flowed organically. It was filled with laughter from the light teasing and childhood stories. In the middle of our meal, Miles Davis' In Never Entered My Mind began to play and Sam asked me to dance.
He took my hand and pulled me close. He began to hum along with the song and pretend to play and instrument; strumming his fingers along my back and we moved. Everything felt right and perfect in that moment. I was enjoying just being with him and having him hold me so intimately. In this moment, I trusted him a little more.
After the song, we took our seat and finished dinner. When the waitress asked if we wanted dessert, Sam said no and told me he already had something planned. We left the Jazz spot and he drove us to a private garden. When we entered, he led me to a section that was marked Evans family. It was gorgeous half acre of land. There were so many flowers and vegetables planted. It took my breath away.
"Sam, this is beautiful. You never told me you had a garden/"
"It's my family's... you know I'm from the country and when I moved here, I got really home sick. Then I found this place and decided to contribute and buy some space. When my family comes to visit, we come here to bond and pick some fresh veggies to cook. It kind of turned into a tradition. I try to get here as often as I can to maintain it."
"Well I am happy I get to see it. This is great."
"You're the first person outside my family and other gardeners here to see it. No one knows this side of me."
"I'm happy you trust me this much. Thank you," I replied with a hug and a sweet kiss to his cheek.
"Ok, so I have dessert and I'm going to set everything up. Why don't you change your shoes and come meet me in the middle."
I sat on the nearby bench and changed my shoes. When I made it to Sam, he was already sitting on a picnic blanket with champagne and chocolate éclairs and truffles surrounding him. He had an open spot in front of him and when he saw me, he directed me to sit facing him. After I got comfortable, he took an éclair and fed it to me.
We continued like this; me feeding him and him feeding me until I decided to smash a little in his face. We had a little food fight that led to him grabbing my arms and kissing me. He laid me softly on the blanket and in that position we shared passionate kisses and touched. He nuzzled my neck and so many sensations ran through me. I wanted to feel him. He wanted to feel me, but we weren't there yet. Sam really did hold back and contained himself for me. He was the perfect gentleman.
We ended the date on a great note. He walked me to my door close to midnight. He kissed me again, this time very softly. He whispered, "I told you I'd try and I told you I'd show you how much I want to be with you. This is just a small part of how happy I could make you."
Looking in his eyes, I said, "I know and we're getting there Sam."
"I know and I can't wait until you trust me enough to experience all of you," He kissed me again and said goodnight. He walked away and left me with my thoughts. That man was seriously going to be the death of me.
There will probably be some drama coming up, so tune it or continue to read or whatnot lol
Until next time…