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As Mercedes was used to dealing with unexpected crises at the spur of the moment, it didn't take her long to slip out of her nightgown and into a loose fitting shirt and pair of slacks. She knew she didn't have time to reapply her makeup so she made her way out the room, letting down her hair and running her hands through it. Pulling out her master key, she hurried to get the room in order considering he was only a five minute walk away.

Opening the heavy wooden gate that separated her private quarters, from the hotel grounds she hurried to the linen closet. The cart inside was already stocked and ready for the morning shift to begin cleaning. Rather than take the time gathering what she needed she grabbed the entire cart and was out the door in seconds.

The two housekeepers on duty were probably in the lounge watching TV or sleep in one of the two recliners. Mercedes didn't even think of disturbing them for this. The hotel billed itself as having twenty-four hour room and maid service. But she could make up the bed and replace the toiletries just as well as they could. Plus her brothers were relatively neat, so she wasn't expecting the room to be a disaster area. As for sanitizing the bath, all three had groom together many times so she knew that wasn't an issue.

Opening the door to the suite, she was pleased to see that she was right. Except for some paper in the trash can, the room looked as if the maids just left. Going into the spacious bathroom, she replaced the toiletries and cleaned the mirror as she did. Duncan still liked to brush his teeth within inches of the mirror.

In the living area, she dumped the trash and put a fresh liner in the ice bucket, then she moved to the room. She had just finished replacing the sheets and pillowcases when she heard the door opening. She froze internally freaking out for a moment, before taking a calming breath and looked towards the bedroom door. Her mouth watered and her heart yearned.

Sam was dressed in a green Henley t- shirt and jeans. Her eyes caught his biceps in the tight shirt and she had to quickly snap out of her thoughts. Sam's eyes went to the cart then back at her. "Tell me there is someone here with you?"

"Sam you forget, I have worked in almost every capacity of this hotel since I was nine, there really is nothing I can't do here."

"You weren't the executive manager then." he said crossing the room.

No matter how impossible it was, she wished he was coming to her as a man came to a woman he desired. Wished he was taking her to bed, where they would rumple the sheets and drive each other crazy, She turned away from him before her face gave way her thoughts. She really needed to pull it together.

As she turned to finish making the bed, long fingers closed gently, but firmly around her upper arm. "Leave it and go to bed. It's almost two am."

Her pulse raced, he was way too close to her. Way, way too close. With her eyes wide and altered she stared at him. His green eyes glaring back at her as his fingers loosened. "Merce?
She turned away from him. "Stop being so bossy and go to the other side to help me make your bed." She said not looking at him.

For a long moment he didn't move, he just stared at her wondering what was on her mind, but as he tried to move the covers up he just held his end and she was forced to meet his gaze.

"Merce, you would tell me if there was something on your mind wouldn't you? Like you know i got you?"

"Sam, as you pointed out earlier, I am executive manager so there is always and will always be things on my mind." She said with a practiced smile. "Now let's get this done, unlike you I like to start my day with a good breakfast."

That got him moving. "The best sleep is in the morning."

The best sleep would be in your arms. That thought popped into her head suddenly and for a scary moment she thought she might actually say that out loud. Thankfully Sam was busy getting the old sheets and placing them in the chair. The warm of her caused her to go back to the cart for the pillow sheets. "The restaurant didn't have any issues did it?"

"Thankfully no, we are on two different water lines so I will be able to open as usual tomorrow for brunch."

Mercedes had expertly encased three pillows why Sam was still working on his one. She held out her hand after she finished with the fifth one, and he handed it over to her with no arguments.

"Guess I wasn't much help."

"Your expertise lies in the kitchen, not in the bedroom." Her eyes widened at the slip of words from her mouth.

"Not anymore," Sam mumbled then seemed to realize what he blurted out as well. Hugging the pillow Mercedes couldn't be happier with what he just shared with her. "I heard you weren't dating much these days."

"Try not at all. And it's all my mom's fault, her and her wild scheme to get us all married."

"So you are not dating to escape the odds of falling into your mother's plans for you to be next?" She asked looking his way.

He smiled staring back at her. "It's amazing that i don't have to explain everything to you, you just get it. I might worry about it if you weren't my friend."

"Yep that's me, friendly and safe." She put the pillow down then moved away from him grabbing the liens. Sam caught the sarcasm from her voice and moved after her. "I think I know what the problem is now."

Holding the bed-sheet lost, she stared up t him with wide eyes. "I told you there is no problem Sam."

His long fingers clamped down on her shoulder when she tried to turn away. "Is some man giving you a tough time?"

Her face tensed up and Sam nodded. "Thought so, you are way too sweet and trusting Merce."

thought through gritted teeth, She bet he never called any of the women after him tonight sweet.

"Forget him and move on." Sam advised and straightened, letting his hand fall to the side. "Don't let the Jones curse stop you from finding someone."

Mercedes rolled her eyes. "That is the least of my worries. Good night Sam."

She place the sheets in the hamper in the cart and headed towards the door. "I don't suppose you would let me walk you back to put all that up?"

"As you said we know each other well."

"Stubborn." he said, but affection laced the word.

"Practical." She volleyed back.

Opening the door he yawned then stretched in front of her, "Thanks again Merce."

Her mouth was dry as cotton, Mercedes hurried through the door Sam held open It closed behind her with a soft click and she walked away sadly. She bet Liza wouldn't be out here, she would be inside and in bed with Sam. But the truth was where he might want other women in his bed. He relegated Mercedes to the role of a friend, a sister. Not a lover.

Swallowing the sudden lump in her throat she sighed as she pushed the cart and started putting everything back.