Temptation Next Door

Chapter 4

11:21pm

Kurt sat his phone down and picked up the remote, mindlessly flipping through the channels.

Mercedes had texted him an hour ago saying she'd be home later than expected because her and Blaine were going to eat at the Diner. She never ate at the Diner. Never. They both enjoyed coming home and eating dinner together while catching up on the day's events. It wasn't like she had to eat with him or anything, he was just hoping he'd have enough time to tell her about the crazy day he had before they turned in for the night. That's all.

The "photoshoot" had turned out to be him with Sam's camera going to different locations taking pictures of the blonde in various poses. At first Kurt wasn't a willing participant, especially since he hadn't worn his "run around town" shoes. But with a little encouragement from Sam, he loosened up and honestly got some great shots.

His favorites: Sam leaning against a tree, head turned away from the lens and looking out into the distance; capturing his strong profile. Next was Sam laying on his back on the grass, hands behind his head and one leg bent while staring up at the sky; capturing his effortless sex appeal. And last was Sam kneeling down to pet a puppy that ran into the shot unexpectedly; capturing his carefree smile and youthfulness.

He didn't give Sam the satisfaction by admitting it but, he did enjoy himself.

At the sound of the door unlocking Kurt turned the television off and grabbed his Vogue magazine from the coffee table. He listened as Mercedes quietly moved around putting her things into the closet, waiting for her to notice him on the sofa.

"Oh hey. I thought you'd be asleep."

Kurt flipped the page, but before he could respond she continued talking, walking over and taking a seat beside him.

"Not complaining, I'm glad you're still up. And I'm happy to report work wasn't so draining tonight. Who would've thought getting Blaine hired could be a blessing for the both of us. He's so efficient and charming, he had all those old ladies eating out of the palms of his hands... and some men too. He really is a natural and my manager loves him."

She looked over at her best friend who was staring straight ahead arms crossed. "How was your day?"

"Fine." Kurt stood up and walked around the sofa. "I'm going to bed. I have to work tomorrow."

"Wait." He spun around and crossed his arms again. "What happened with...?"

"Sam? Nothing. We just took pictures like we planned. I mean, we could have had dinner together, but I preferred to wait for you. But, whatever."

Mercedes frowned at her friend whose face betrayed his nonchalant attitude. "You're mad at me."

"No I'm not."

"Yes you are. It's because I ate dinner with Blaine isn't it?."

"I'm not mad. You can be friends with whoever you please. Even though we were supposed to be avoiding them in the first place."

She carefully took in his posture and examined his tone till she came to an accurate conclusion:

"You're jealous."

"Of what?"

"Of me and Blaine."

Kurt scoffed and turned to leave the room but Mercedes rushed over hugging him from the back.

"Kuurrt. Don't be like this. Blaine and I have only been friends for two days, no one can replace years of what we have. He's a nice guy, but the only reason I ate at the Diner was because he wanted to celebrate his employment."

"You don't have to ex-"

She let go and turned him to face her. "I know you Kurt. You can pretend with everyone else but that doesn't work on me. I'm sorry if I made you feel like you were cast aside, but you know you're the only one for me. Right?"

"Oh god."

"Go on, say it."

Kurt bit his bottom lip to keep from smiling and shook his head.

"C'mon."

He sighed then said in a rush,"Youretheonlyoneforme."

"What was that?"

"You're the only one for me too."

"That's better."

"We sound like a married couple."

"Aren't we?"

"Some days." He walked back to the sofa and Mercedes joined him. "But today I feel like a jealous housewife and I'm not okay with that."

"Housewife aside, you don't have anything to be jealous about. Sure Blaine and I have a connection, but you're the Ivory to my Ebony. Nothing's gonna separate us."

"Ditto."

"So, did things go smoothly with...what's his face?"

"You can say Sam you know. And yes. Though the photoshoot didn't take place in an actual studio and I was forced to be an untrained photographer, things turned out better than I expected." He added when she frown, "I'll go into details tomorrow."

"Alright." She stood up and held out a hand. "You wanna sleep in my room tonight honey?"

"Okay, now you're taking it way too far. I'm a grown man and I can sleep in my own bed. Thank you very much."

She just wiggled her fingers and smiled. Kurt stared at them dangling inches from his face and gave in.

"Fine. And I know I'm irresistible, but please try to keep your hands to yourself."

Mercedes laughed and tugged him down the hall.

"I have to go washing today so would you like me to wash your clothes?"

Kurt sat down at the kitchen island searching through his bag for something. He was already dressed for work and was waiting for his breakfast sandwich Mercedes was preparing for him so he could leave. He huffed in annoyance and dropped his bag on top of the island and answered his roommate.

"Sure. But not the red bag, it's-"

"Dry cleaning. I know. What were you looking for?"

"My name tag. I'm hoping I left it at work."

"You made hundreds of them."

"I did. But they're all different so they won't clash with my outfits. I need my blue one today."

Mercedes shook her head. She loved fashion just as much as the next girl, but Kurt took it to a whole other level.

"I'm sure you'll survive. Your order's ready; Canadian bacon, with egg and cheese on a toasted bagel and fleshly brewed coffee to go."

"Thank you. Well, I see you tonight. Are you going to eat at the Diner again?"

"No. I'm coming home to my boo."

Kurt kissed her on the cheek per usual and walked towards the door. "Hope your friend won't take the rejection too hard. Later boo."

After cleaning the kitchen she went to her bedroom to change into her laundry day clothing: a 'Diva' slogan off the shoulder white t-shirt, black knee length sweat shorts and flip flops; then she unwrapped her hair and pulled it up into a high pony. After deciding to put on a little makeup she sorted the clothes and headed out to the laundry room.

When she entered there was only one other person, another girl, who was putting her clothing into a dryer. They smiled at each other politely as the girl walked pass and out the door. Mercedes set to work putting the clothes into washers on the right temperatures with the right amount of detergent. Once that was done she took a seat in one of the chairs provided and took out her iPod and a book to get some reading in.

About ten minutes had pass since she had arrived when someone else walked in unbeknownst to her. She was deeply engage in what she was reading that the gentle touch on his shoulder caused her to jumped. Hard. Embarrassed by her reaction, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath before pulling out her ear buds.

"I'm sorry. I didn't want to scare you."

She jerked her head towards the person and her face set into an annoyed expression instantly. This was the last person she wanted to run into.

"I called your name bout' three times but you couldn't here me I guess."

"Kinda the point." She said twirling the ear buds around her fingers. "Wait, how do you know my name?"

"Kurt. And I'm sure you know my name by now." Sam said with a sexy smirk causing Mercedes to roll her beautiful brown eyes away.

"I don't know what Kurt told you but-"

"Not much. I was hoping to get to know you myself."

Mercedes sighed and looked back at the blonde, secretly admiring his shorten highlighted hair and tight t-shirt with the slogan: 'Cowboys Are Cooler Than Ninjas' that revealed every muscle of his toned torso. And his arms...dear God. He spoke again knocking her out of her trance.

"I figured since you're already friends with Blaine and Kurt and I tolerate each other, why not make it a foursome?"

"Look...Sam, I'm not interested okay. I have way more important things on my mind."

"So what? We can't be friends because you're in school and working?"

"Friends?" Mercedes scoffed and stood, going over to the washers when the "rinse cycle" lit up.

Sam watch the curvaceous brown skin beauty as she poured the fabric softener into one of the washers. She looked really good dressed like that, so laid back.

"What?"

"I don't claim to be knowledgeable in everything boy related, but what I do know is that friendship is the last thing you're looking for."

Sam leaned forward in his seat, clasping his hand together. "Then what is it that you think I'm looking for?" This was the most she has ever said to him, and he didn't want it to stop.

She closed the lid of the last washer and turned to lean against it and crossed her arms. "Let's just say I know what it is and you're barking up the wrong tree."

"Tell me."

"I'm not getting into this with you-"

"So you're gonna accuse me of file play without giving me the opportunity to clear my name? How fair is that?"

Mercedes smile though she really tried not to. "Life isn't fair Sam. Didn't your parents teach you that?"

"Innocent until proven guilty. Didn't Law and Order teach you that?"

"Law and Order? Really?"

"Hey, its an entertaining show." Sam stood and walked over to his washer opening the lid to look inside. Mercedes eyes drifted down to his backside but she caught herself and quickly looked away.

"I'm impressed that you even know how to do laundry. Or is it just a facade to pick up girls?"

He closed the lid and looked over at her just as the girl from earlier walked back in. Mercedes watched him to see if he would glance her way, but he kept his eyes on her.

"Is it because I'm a guy or that I come from money that makes you think I'm incompetent? Cause I'm here to show you those stereotypes are just myths."

The sound of the dryer door closing made them both look over at the brunette who was openly staring at Sam. Mercedes told herself that she wasn't jealous, just offended. They could be a couple for all she knew and her behavior screamed desperate.

"So, how about a movie night?"

Mercedes turned back to him. "What?"

"To begin our inevitable friendship."

"What makes you think it's unavoidable?"

"We're pass that stage, trust me. Now I'll get with Blaine and you discuss it with Kurt, then we'll settle on the day and time that's compatible with your busy schedule and make it happen."

"I don't think this-"

"C'mon. You gotta take a break sometime. And I'm not that bad of a guy. I can wash clothes, I clean up after myself most of the time, I'm still working on cooking but Blaine has to be better at something for our relationship to be balanced."

She laughed lightly and he smiled. "And I made you laugh, so I'm clearly hilarious. Who wouldn't want me as a friend?"

"I'm sure there are plenty of people. Including me."

"Just give me a chance."

"I'm sure Kurt will agree with me."

"Please, Kurt loves me. And rightfully so."

"You left out arrogant in your list of qualities."

"Confident. Especially about our impending fellowship."

"More like delusional."

Sam chuckled and licked his lips as he walked closer, staring down at his neighbor who tried to take a step back but was trapped by the washer. The brunette frowned and tossed the rest of her unfolded clothing into her basket and walked out.

He leant forward, sensing the mocha beauty tense up.

"What are you-"

"You won't mind if I use a little of this, will you?" He reached behind her grabbing the Downey bottle. "I'm sure it's better than what I have."

Mercedes' eyes darted down to his lips then back up to his eyes before she shook her head no.

"Thanks." Sam smiled down at her and she stared back. As he slowly moved away she tilted froward a bit, eyes unblinking, as if begging him to stay. When he smirked at her knowingly, she cleared her throat and walked back to the chair to resume reading.

But that brief moment was all he needed. She was attracted to him, and that made this game of cat and mouse much more fun. This was one challenge he was determined to conquer.

...

"Have you got your schedule yet?"

"Not yet. Tim just told me to come in Monday after classes and he should have it in the system by then."

"Great. That means we won't be working together since this will be your main job and I'm only here on the weekends."

"Well, I did request to work weekend nights, but we'll see what happens."

Mercedes and Blaine walked out of the kitchen with crammed trays of food for waiting customers.

"Mr. Edwards and Mr. Miller, your usuals." Mercedes said as she placed the plates of food on the table. The lawyers look up at her grateful.

"Thank you Miss Jones." Mr. Miller nodded.

"You're welcome." She turned towards her next table and saw the old lady from the night before practically drooling at the mouth as Blaine sat her food down. Rolling her eyes she gave the next customers their food then walked back towards the kitchen.

"Man, those old women sure are touchy." Blaine said as he entered the kitchen dropping the tray onto the rack.

"You only have yourself to blame."

"Why do you say that?"

"You lay the charm on pretty thick and you don't stand up for yourself."

"I'm a nice person. Should I be rude?"

"Only when it's needed." She walked back out of the kitchen with a notepad in her hand and new coworker on her heels.

"When I started working here there were a few jerks that came on too strong and I had to put them in their place."

"By doing what?"

She stopped and turned towards him. "Ice cold drinks to the face."

His eyes widened. "What?"

"I know as employees we're taught that customers are always right is the number one policy. But harassment of any kind in any establishment is unlawful and we have every right to defend ourselves."

"I could never do that "

"I thought the same thing. But when push comes to shove..." she shrugged. "For now, how bout' we switch tables? You can take those kind gentlemen right over there and I'll wrap things up with the ladies."

Blaine smiled, relieved. "Thanks."

"No problem."

A swarm of new customers arrived and they worked vigorously for the next hour. Whenever Blaine felt uncomfortable with a certain group of women or men, he would give Mercedes a sign and they would switch tables. Their secret system worked well, and the night was moving alone quickly.

When things slowed down, Blaine turned to her and said, "So, Sam told me about the movie night."

"What movie night?"

"The one you two came up with while doing laundry."

"First of all, there's no 'you two'. Second, it was his idea. And lastly, I didn't agree."

"I think it would be fun. And it'll give me an opportunity to get to know your roommate."

Mercedes looked over at him and grin. "I'm sure it would."

"Not like that. I've heard so many good things about him and we haven't really talked since the egg incident."

"I'm messing with ya. And everything you've heard is true, he's awesome."

"You're obviously talking about me."

They both turned around and looked up. "Kurt? What're you doing here?" Mercedes asked as she walked around the counter.

"I'm here to walk you home of course."

"I don't leave for like, another twenty five minutes."

"I know. I came early to have a piece of pie."

Mercedes put her hands on her hips. "Not before your supper mister."

"Fine, mom. I'll take it to go."

"What kind?"

"Apple. And get yourself some peach cobbler."

"K." She stood on her tip toes and kissed his cheek then walked off towards the kitchen, leaving the boys alone.

Blaine tried to discretely gazed at the porcelain skin man in the well fitted dress shirt and dress slacks; letting his eyes roam wherever they pleased. Looking back up at his face, he noticed those beautiful blue? eyes watching him curiously.

"You were right."

Kurt raised an eyebrow. "About what?"

"We were talking about you."

Blaine eyes latched onto his and refused to let go. Kurt could feel the heat rising in his cheeks, but was too helpless to look away.

"Oh?"

"Yeah. Sam suggested a movie night."

"He did?"

Blaine nodded. "Would you be interested?"

He thought about it for a moment. "It depends. What did Mercedes say?"

"She doesn't agree. Maybe you can convince her to participate." He put his hand over the towel and started wiping down the countertop. "So, how've you been Kurt?"

"Busy. With school, with work-"

"With Sam."

"That falls under work."

Blaine smiled and leaned over the counter. "Isn't it funny that you're working with my roommate and I'm working with yours?"

"Given all the similarities in our backgrounds, I find it more eerie than funny. At least Sam is somewhat tolerable."

"Honestly, I think I got the better end of the deal. I mean, I love Sam like a brother but, Mercedes is a sweetheart."

Just then the angel herself came back with several take out bags that were holding way more than what Kurt had asked for.

"Tim allowed me take some food too. And it's all on the house." She held out one of the bags for Blaine to take. "Here, we all have the same thing, I just added cherry pie to yours."

"Thanks Merci." Kurt eyebrows shot up at the nickname.

"You're welcome, B."

Nicknames? They have nicknames?

"Take these Kurt and go sit over there till Blaine and I are done."

He grabbed the bags and obeyed, sitting at the perfect angle watching the two employees. They seem to have already bonded and getting to see it first hand didn't make him as envious as he was before. It may have been the fact that every once in a while Blaine would look over at him and smile that put him at ease with their bubbling friendship.

A movie night was looking more and more appealing.

...

Kurt stood at his bathroom mirror working on his night time facial regimen while chatting with Mercedes, who was lying across his bed browsing through his magazines.

"So you want to do it?"

"Yeah. Why not?"

Mercedes tossed the Vogue aside and sat up. "I just think it's dangerous territory. Especially with Blaine being gay..."

Kurt peeked out the bathroom door. "Wait. Are you implying that two gay men or women can't be just friends?"

"No. I know that's possible just like with any straight male and female. It's just..." she bit her bottom lip and looked away. Kurt finished his regimen and joined her on the bed.

"What?"

She shook her head.

"It's Sam isn't it?" She didn't confirm. "Look, if you absolutely don't want to do this we won't. But if you are going to be friends with Blaine who's best friends with my client, it's kinda inevitable."

"That's what he said. But we have coworkers at our jobs that we have met but don't socialize with. Why is it suddenly mandatory?"

"Because they're our neighbors. And you and Blaine have these cute nicknames and stuff and I hardly know the guy."

"That was my point earlier. I saw you two eyeing each other."

Kurt didn't seem ashamed of that fact. "Can you blame us? You've said yourself that Blaine was gorgeous and I know I'm breathtaking so..."

Mercedes rolled her eyes. "I swear that chick at your job is rubbing off on you."

"It's not bragging if it's true. And if you do agree I will make certain that Sam is never alone with you. He won't even be allowed to sit next to you."

She looked at him for a long moment before muttering,"Fine."

"You'll do it?"

"As long as it's at our apartment. I know where all the knives are."

"Great. Now go text ya boy so we can set things up." Kurt laid back on his pillows, looking up at his roommate expectingly.

"Why me? Don't you have Sam's number?"

"Yes, but I left my phone in the living room."

"And?"

"You're closer to the door."

"Ugh." She climbed out of the bed.

"Thanks doll. Oh, and bring my phone please."

Mercedes went into her room and grabbed her phone first then went into the living room looking for Kurt's. She found it sitting on the island and decided to make her roommate wait, taking at seat on one of the stools and opening her messaging app.

11:45pm To Blaine: movie night is on

11:47pm From Blaine: cool, I'll let him know

She frowned.

11:47pm To Blaine: who is this?

11:47pm From Blaine: guess

11:48pm To Blaine: Sam?

11:48pm To Blaine: why do you have his phone?

11:50pm From Blaine: cuz we're cool like that

11:50pm From Blaine: and he's sleeping

11:50pm From Blaine: what are you doing up? thinking bout me?

Mercedes ignored the last text and walked back to Kurt's room.

"Here. I texted Blaine."

"Okay." Just as Mercedes laid down his phone chimed. "Um, Cedes?"

"What?"

"Sam just texted asking me to tell you goodnight since you're ignoring his messages." Kurt looked at her. "Sure it was Blaine you texted?"

She sighed and dropped her head onto one of his pillows.

AN: Thanks for reading, hope you enjoyed this chapter. Leave me reviews letting know what you think. BTW, I'll try to update every Friday if not sooner. That's once a week. Love you guys. And Happy Holidays.