I wasn't going to say anything because it's such a controversial subject. But I will. To hear about Mark's passing left me with mixed emotions. I know what he did or what I read he did and I find it disturbing, disgusting and down right wrong. But I weep for his soul because his loved ones who despite his actions still loved him have lost a son, brother, friend. Losing a life, even one as horrendous as his to suicide is awful. I know people won't understand, but me I am the crazy person who feels compassion for a killer, not because he is a killer but because he was a person and once upon a time he had a soul. Do I agree with the judgement? Totally. But you still feel saddened to know that a guy we all used to really love has passed on. And please stop comparing Cory and Mark, not because of the circumstances but because no two people are alike. Everyone has demons, some are just better at not letting them out than others. So with that I say may his family find peace in this time. And may those who were hurt by his actions, find peace and healing.

Mercedes complimented Henri a few times as the meal ended. His choices were inspired and she knew the party he was catering would enjoy such a wonderful meal as she had.

"I can't tell you how wonderful that mean was, as always you have out done yourself."

Henri smiled. And if Sam wasn't here, would it have been the same."

She blushed at his words looking over to Sam. "Sharing a meal such as this is always elevated with great company."

"Well it's about time you realized that, you know what you all say, all work and no play makes for a very dull day."

Mercedes nodded. "Yes, I get that but if you will excuse me I need to get back to work."

His eyes rolled. "Mercedes what did I just say to you?"

"Henri, work now so I can play later, I know what I am doing," She said, she wanted to clear everything up so she could act on her plans.

"Then I will see you at breakfast." He said and she smiled. She had other plans for breakfast.

"I will try to make it but I might be a little late."

"Oh? Well then I will see you when you get there."

Mercedes nodded as she turned to leave the area, Sam had already left and her mind was already thinking about her next step with Sam. She went to her office, finishing up everything that she needed to finish in the morning and smiled looking at the Orchid. This was a it, Sam was just about hers.

Sam had just locked up the Restaurant, and stood at his door, then looking down the street to the hotel. Truth be told her could be there in less than five minutes and in Mercedes arms soon after that. Doing everything and anything their bodies both wanted. And the things he fantasized about over and over again.

It was tempting, she was tempting and he was certain if he didn't go to her now he would in the middle of the night. He turned to leave when he heard someone clear their throat.

"Aren't you going to invite me in? Its pretty dark out here."

Sam turned around to see Mercedes less than five feet away from him and moving closer by the second. "Mercedes what are you doing here?"

"I haven't seen your place and I figured, why not see it tonight. I want to know what the final product looks like."

She was reasonable and rational, and yet all he heard was "take me upstairs and make love to me."

He stared at her, still in disbelief that she was standing there, when he noticed her smile fade.

"Oh, I'm sorry Sam, I didn't think that you would...never mind I am going to go."

She turned to leave but Sam reached out grabbing her arm. "Didn't think what Mercedes?"

She turned towards him with a sigh. "I didn't think that you would be meeting up with someone after everything."

Sam raised an eyebrow. "You think I am going off to have sex? Or I have someone in my apartment? Is that the kind of man you think I am?"

"You left this morning without a word so I don't know Sam I kind thought that maybe it wasn't good for you?"

Sam's eyes widened, she had lost her mind. Completely. He pulled her into the back door, locking it before he pulled her up to his apartment with her. "Mercedes if you checking my place will make you feel better have a look, there is no other woman up here, and do you know why that is?"

She folded her arms, she wasn't sure she wanted to know the answer. Sam sighed it was time to be honest, completely honest with her.

"Mercedes there is no other woman here and there will not be any other woman here because dammit you invade my thoughts. You haunt my very being, it was one thing to just be around you I could handle it, but you, Mercedes the moment I was inside of you I realized that it was the most perfect moment of my life. That I had never, ever felt that way in my life, You are beautiful and remarkable and sexy and I want you, all of you."

Mercedes felt something deep inside her at his confession and everything else just went out the window, her fears, everything. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him deeply as her happiness was contagious. He held her close returning her kiss as he backed up towards the bed, the back of his knees hit the bed and he plopped down, pulling her onto his lap as his hands curved her hips. Lifting her dress his hands came across bare flesh as he curved her luscious ass covered in nothing but a thong and thrust up with a groan. She was right, she was going to kill him. But what a way to go.

His mouth broke the kiss as his lips ghosted her bare shoulder before moved down and tugging at her top pulling it down further so he could latch his lips to her nipple. He moaned out pulling away and stared at her as he unzipped the back of her dress. "Arms up."

She did as he asked as he pulled off her dress. "My God."

He said as his mouth attacked her breast again. Her head fell back as a sexual daze surrounded her. "Sam please… please." she begged.

He nodded holding her tight as he flipped them over. His hands went to her thong ripping the material from her body, she would complain later, right now that was hot as hell.

Fumbling with his pants he quickly undressed and pulled her closer to him putting her back on top of him and he lined himself up and pushed deep inside of her. Her hands wrapped around his neck as they started to create their own rhythm. Sensations overtook both of them as they became aware of everything. Every moan, cry, and every shiver. There had never been a woman who made Sam feel this way, never been a woman to control him like this with no effort no thoughts at all. She built him up and he couldn't be happier to that fact, happier that she wanted him. He moved faster creating a fire within her, making her moan and cry out in a way that he loved until they were both shattered by a mind blowing orgasm. And as he held her in his arms, kissing her forehead he realized that he never wanted to let her go. He was finally able to accept the fact that he didn't just want Mercedes in his bed, he wanted her in his life.

The next morning found both Sam and Mercedes tangled in sheets until she finally pried him off of her. They had tested out his new shower and wound up back in the bed for round three and by round four she was beat. Now she stood wearing one of his shirts looking at his living room as he stood behind her kissing her neck.

"I think we did a pretty great job in here, it's livable and I can feel you in it."

"This is all you Merce, you made all this happen. I love it too, but I mean even though the kitchen is supposed to be my favorite I am loving the shower."

Mercedes turned towards him. "I love it too even if it wasn't in the plans originally."

Sam shrugged "What can i say I saw you standing in my bathroom and I envisioned you naked and wala." Sam looked at the time and sighed.

"We really should get you back home."

Mercedes raised an eyebrow and shook her head. "Nope not yet, I saw something last night." She said going to the corner of the room and grabbing his guitar. "It's still early, only four AM and I was hoping for a show."

"Merce I haven't played in years."

"I heard it's like riding a bike."

"You are lucky you are my woman or I wouldn't even be considering this."

She stood frozen looking at him. He glanced at her. "What's wrong?"

"You called me your woman." She said scared he was ready to take it back.

"Did I?"

She nodded. Sam moved closer to her and smiled. "Well, you know I am a man of my word so if I say you are then I guess you are."

She beamed moving towards him kissing him deeply. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she held her closer.

"Merce if you really want me to play for you then you should stop kissing me."

Mercedes nodded as Sam sat on the bed. "Now, the only way I will play is if you sing for me."

"You want me to sing?"

"Yes, that's the deal."

She smiled. "Okay deal."

He began to play and she smiled sitting there as "Human Nature" became obvious. He knew she knew it, because it was one of the songs she used to sing in her room when she thought no one was listening. As Sam played and Mercedes sang his resolve became even more clear. Mercedes Jones, was the one.

There was no way Sam was letting her walk back to the restaurant alone, so after they sang and enjoyed one more round of love making, he escorted her back to the hotel. As they walked hand in hand, her fingers linked in hers she laid her head on his shoulder. For 5am there was a small crowd of people around and she was certain no one could mistake that they were together.

"I think this is going to be out by lunch." Mercedes said.

"I guess it's a good thing we aren't hiding it then isn't it?"

He lead her to her place and held the door open for her. As they entered the living room his eyes fell to the arrangement Harper must have given her. She smiled.

"It was causing a commotion out front and I thought about giving it away but they are quite lovely. Though the orchid you gave me, it's in my bedroom. I wanted it to be the last thing I see at night and the first thing I see in the morning."

Sam leaned in and kissed her, she always knew just what he was thinking and how to make it better.

"You should join me for breakfast."

"So Henri can pick on me? I dunno."

"I suspect when he sees this smile, he won't bother you."

Sam sighed he couldn't say no to her. "How about this, I come by at Nine and we have breakfast, then we can go for a drive. Just you and me and we see where the wind takes us?"

"I would love that."

Sam leaned in kissing her once more and turned to leave. He knew if he didn't he would be back in her bed. As he made it out the hotel and to his place he was humming Human Nature happily.