Chapter 35
It could hardly be called a kiss, their lips barely made contact. If anything it could be deemed a peck, and even that would be taking it too far. Their lips had wafted closer with just a hint of connection, so really Quinn hadn't seen anything at all. Sam knew Quinn had an issue with him being around Mercedes, her jealousy was apparent and more than a little bit cute. Quinn hadn't really ever been jealous over him that he knew of, not to this extreme, where she pointed it out and pouted about it. His ego was a little stroked by her new found possessiveness. It made him feel wanted, which was nice, since in his last relationship he was anything but. Brittany had rejected him in more ways than he could count, so for Quinn to want him, was just this side of awesome. And if he were anyone other than Sam Evans he would be floating on a cloud about now, but unfortunately he was stuck being himself, prone to bouts of bad luck.
Even on his birthday he wasn't spared, as he was forced to divide himself between two women. Some bizarre southern form of roulette his father must have invented, where Sam was damned if he did and damned if he didn't. There were no positive outcomes to this situation, someone was going to end up hurt. If only he could harden himself against it all, block out his emotions and just do what it took to keep Quinn in Lima with him. He could ignore her jealousy and the hurt look in her eyes and just play Mercedes with every card he knew. Sam had always been good with women. He felt confident that he could have Mercedes on her knees and willing to do anything by the end of the evening. He'd done it before with others, short term romantic domination he was good at, for the long haul, that always proved to be more tricky, but this thing with Mercedes wasn't supposed to be forever, just long enough to appease his dad. So why wasn't he pulling out the hardcore charm on her? Why had he put himself in this corner where he had to impress her? And who came up with this date nonsense? Oh right, it was him, and his big ass mouth.
They were standing in the foyer and the light hit her at a particular angle, and all he could see was his sweet little nurse cuddled up next to him in the hospital. He had wanted to date that girl, get to know her, spend time in her presence. All pretty in her black dress, with those soft brown doe eyes, full lips so ready with a sarcastic quip, he couldn't help himself. He didn't want to manipulate her into liking him, he wanted her to like him for real, because she was having a good time, because he made her smile. Sam needed her to stay married to him for his father's deal, and he knew he would be forced to use any means to make that happen, but he couldn't help but hope that plots or tricks would prove to be unnecessary. And that she would stay with him anyway, because she wanted to, because he was worth sticking around for.
Damn he was a selfish bastard. Wanting Mercedes to be into him for the next nine months knowing she was only going to end up hurt in the end was the lowest of low. Sam couldn't imagine ever letting go of Quinn for Mercedes. His marriage was going to end. Yet he couldn't stop himself from wanting to see what it was like to be married to her, even if only for a little while. What would Quinn think if she knew he was feeling this way? If she knew that his curiosity about Mercedes was bordering on obsessive. She'd leave him in a heartbeat and they had barely just begun. No he couldn't risk it. This chance with Quinn meant the world to him. He just had to stay focused, and get Mercedes to do what he needed. That was the only way it could be.
"Sam. Earth to Sam."
Hands clapped in front of his eyes. "Huh?"
"I've been trying to get your attention."
"Sorry what is it?" he asked forcing himself to put his attention on Mercedes. The little bar area off the lounge afforded him a clear view of almost the entire room. He spotted many familiar faces, except for the one he had been looking for.
"I was asking you about the band"
"What band?" he asked thoroughly confused.
"You know what? Forget it." She sighed, shifting in her chair to face the bar. "Obviously your mind is elsewhere."
"No, no, I'm here," he said picking up her hand from her lap and holding it. "Just checking out the party, a lot of people, and this bar." He hit the side of the bar with his other hand. "Did you see? It glows. How cool is that?"
"Don't bother trying to play it off." She pried her hand out of his. "I know you were looking for Quinn."
"I was not." Sam prayed he looked convincing. "I'm sorry I was distracted, but I'm focused now all on you."
"Let's end this farce right here. You walked in with me, said your hellos, now you're off the hook."
"What do you mean off the hook?"
"I mean you are free to do as you please I'm not forcing you to be around me tonight. Go have fun, enjoy your birthday." Mercedes took a sip of her drink and gave him a small smile. She would make a terrible actress, because nothing about that smile was believable.
"I'm not being forced. We're on a date." He ran his thumb along the curve of her chin. Daring to get physical, though her body language was clearly saying no go. "So what do you want to do now? Are you hungry? We could eat. Or we could dance."
Mercedes leaned back in her seat, taking herself out of his arm's reach. "I think the whole date thing fizzled when Quinn walked in on us. I'm sure you want to find her and explain, so you do that, and I'm going to find Kurt," she said standing up and smoothing her dress.
"You're really good at the whole running away thing, but you suck as a mind reader. I wasn't thinking about Quinn."
Truthfully he was, but she wasn't the only thing he had been thinking about. A large part of his preoccupation was from racking his brain for ideas on how to impress Mercedes. His options were limited since they were stuck at a party. He couldn't fly her off to Paris for fine cuisine, or have the Chicago Philharmonic serenade her. He had to find something big within the confines of his house. Not the easiest of tasks, especially when he had no clue what she liked.
"It's okay, you don't have to pretend. I know you and Quinn are close and that things have deepened between you."
"Deepened?" He shook his head, not understanding.
"Quinn told me, about the promises you made for your future, your plans for a life together."
"She told you that?" It didn't seem possible it went against all their plans. Why would Quinn mention any of that to Mercedes when she knew how much was riding on keeping her happy?
Mercedes ran her finger over his wedding band, tears in her eyes that she desperately was trying to blink away. Sam started to feel ill watching her, the guilt once again rising that he had to put her through this to keep Quinn free.
"Yeah she was more than a little eager to inform me that soon you would be her husband and not mine."
"What?" He was seriously shocked. Why would Quinn say something that could potentially derail all their plans? And why would she be so deliberately cruel to Mercedes? "Mercedes I don't know why she would say that but…" he began, scampering to find a way out of the hole Quinn put him in.
"Shallow excuses would just make it worse. Have a good party Sam," she said as she started to walk away.
"So that's it? I don't get to explain my side?" He was really tired of her trying to leave him and even more tired of having to beg her to stay.
"Mr. and Mrs. Evans can I have a moment of your time?" asked a man with slick yellow hair, in a gray suit and a loud flamingo covered tie.
"Uh sure," Sam said standing up. Was he supposed to know this guy? Nothing about him was familiar. He caught Mercedes's hand and squeezed it, signaling his need for assistance.
"Terry Mulgrew, roving reporter for D&E Media, how's it going? Get a lot of great stuff for the station?" asked Mercedes.
Sam relaxed. This Terry was an employee. He had to memorize that for the future.
"It has been a stellar event so far. I was hoping to get a little face time with the two of you."
"Can we do it a bit later?" asked Mercedes, her fingers wiggling beneath his. She was trying to get away. "I have some things to attend to."
"Now gum drop, we can give the man a few minutes," said Sam with all the cheerfulness he could muster. Terry had provided him with an opportunity and he planned to take full advantage of it. "D&E deserves the first scoop wouldn't you say?"
"Of course you're absolutely right sweet cheeks," said Mercedes plastering on a smile. "Let's give him an exclusive. What do you want to know Terry?"
Terry gestured behind him to a cameraman standing a few feet away. "First can I get a picture? You two look stunning tonight."
"Thank you. My wife is beautiful as always," said Sam smiling down at her, tapping her on the nose, before moving her against his side. There was no way she could wiggle out of this now, Terry was watching her every move. Mercedes put her arm around him, getting into the act for the camera, but out of view she was digging her fingers into his back.
"She certainly is." Terry agreed. "Mrs. Evans, how does it feel to have this guy back on his feet?" asked Terry pointing a microphone in their direction.
"It has been wonderfully unexpected. Never a dull moment since he's been awake," she beamed. Tension was rolling off of her, but Terry was none the wiser. Mercedes was laying it on thick.
"Gotta keep those surprises coming." Sam chuckled. "Don't want to lose the sparks in our marriage. My goal is to dazzle her each day," he said as he let his hand run down the length of her back to rest on her butt. Sam could feel her inhale next to him, she wanted to blow, but with an audience she kept herself in check.
"Care to share any of your secrets for keeping the romance alive Mr. Evans?"
"I think the most important thing is to find a way to make her smile every day. If she's happy with you that's half the battle right? Are you happy honey bun?" Sam asked grinning as he gave her butt a light pat. Her body went rigid and he could see her gritting her teeth behind her large smile, and Sam struggled to hide his amusement at her discomfort.
He bent at the knees slightly to get her eye level, forcing her to make eye contact. Mercedes' brown eyes flashed with anger, and her smile was so tight, she probably could break a tooth from all the pressure.
Still she played along yanking the collar of his shirt, choking him a little, as she responded. "I'm thrilled baby cakes."
"Sound advice. I need to keep that filed away for my own wife. Can I ask you for a comment on Quinn Fabray and her sudden release from the hospital?"
"Terry remember the terms, certain topics are off limits," said Mercedes suddenly serious. The authoritative tone surprised him, she often came across as young, a bit uncertain, but now she was in complete control.
"Yes Mrs. Evans." Terry answered respectfully, even bowing his head slightly. "But all the other press outlets will be itching to get the scoop on her appearance tonight." He looked over to Sam hopefully. "Wouldn't it be best if D&E Media got the jump on them?"
"I think my wife is right. Let's keep certain topics off limits for tonight, but I promise D&E will get the exclusives on any statements we make on the matter. Agreed?"
"Yes Mr. Evans. Thank you for your time."
"Terry before you go, here's an exclusive for you, another secret to romance. Make every date feel like the first one. Always sweep her off her feet." One hand on her back the other around her waist, Sam dipped Mercedes low to the ground, looking in her eyes. "I'm so happy to be sharing this night with you. Thank you Mercedes for doing something so special for me."
She placed her arms around his neck as he brought her upright, scraping the skin at the back of his neck with her nails. "You're welcome," she said with a smile that looked like it was dipped in arsenic, but Sam was unmoved.
He pressed her against him, bringing her close, and nuzzled his nose against hers. "I'm so happy being married to this woman. I just want to share it with the world. So Terry let our viewers know that tonight is not only my birthday party, but also my first official date with my wife since coming out of the coma. We've got a lot of lost time to make up for."
"That's great. Thank you for sharing that with us," said Terry enthusiastically. "I hope you both have a wonderful evening."
"Sam, what the hell are you trying to pull?" asked Mercedes when Terry and the cameraman left, her smile now replaced with a frown. "I told you our date was not happening."
"And I told you it was, and now all of Lima knows it. Are you really going to leave me hanging when all eyes are on us?" he asked tauntingly.
"Well played." She didn't look pleased with him at all. His smile widened as he watched her annoyance build. He had her trapped and she knew it. "I guess you haven't lost your touch."
"Always thinking baby, that'll never change."
"You're up to something, I'm not sure what it is, but it's something and I'm not going to fall for it. So I'll do the media stuff with you, but otherwise, let's just go our separate ways."
With a flip of her hand, she turned on her heels, and Sam was again looking at her back as she walked away. Hell no. He had enough of her. He wasn't going to let her just dismiss him like this.
"Not so fast," he said catching her elbow and turning her to face him. "I'm not down with this separate ways crap. I want our date to continue. I don't know how I was when we got married. Apparently I was some sort of neutered dog, bowing to your every whim. Maybe I was more polite back then, gave up too easily, but all that is gone. And I hope to God it never comes back."
"Right because being a kind, decent man is a bad thing."
"I'm not a punk, you can't jerk me back and forth like you seemed to have done in the past. That's over. I'm taking control."
If she thought she was dealing with some little college boy like Finn Hudson, a naïve kid who was at her beck and call, Mercedes was in for a huge wake up call, because he was a fully grown man and obviously too much for her to handle. She had put herself in the thick of this, pushing him to his limits, flirting with his hot buttons. She claimed to know him so well, so she must realize what type of reaction her attitude would provoke. He wasn't going to let her toss him aside so easily.
"Oh really? You expect me to do whatever you say?" Mercedes asked laughing at him.
Closer, his hands on her hips, stalking her with his eyes, daring her to look away, he tried to prove his point physically. She held his gaze, eyes slanted, set lips, chin out, unfazed.
"You think I'm playing with you? We need to get a few things straight here. I demand your respect."
"How about you earn it?" She smirked, never looking away. She wasn't intimidated at all. "Start by being honest and upfront or was that a casualty of your amnesia as well?"
He moved away from her, running both hands through his cropped hair. He had to take a step back before he did something he would regret.
"This is not a game to me," he said a few moments later, feeling calmer.
Mercedes just looked at him sucking in her lower lip with her teeth. Did she know how that looked? Did she know what that did to him?
Sam took another deep breath, forcing himself to regain control. "I'm fighting for my marriage." Her eyes widened as he took her face in his hands, his thumb skimming across her lips. "And I refuse to lose. How's that for honest and upfront?" he asked before walking away.
She could watch him leave for a change.