A/N: Hi! So I'm not going to say anything... I just hope y'all love this chapter because I really do!
Song: For You I Will- Monica
The Date
Mercedes was excited for her first official date with Sam and was really pleased with how she looked once she finally finished getting ready. She felt a little silly getting this dressed up for Breadstilx but was going to play along for his sake. She came down stairs in hopes of making a grand entrance but he wasn't there, she started to look for him before she heard the knock at the door so she went to see who it was first.
"Ms. Jones?" A man dressed in a nice black suit asked.
"Umm.. yes?" She replied taking a step back and looking around the man to see the limo there.
"Mr. Evans would like you to know he'll be meeting you at the restaurant and for you to have these." The gentleman said handing her a beautiful bouquet of white and purple lilies and a small card. She was at a lost for words and couldn't help the butterflies fluttering in her stomach. How the hell did he know she liked lilies? She was more than sure he hadn't asked her that nor had she mentioned it him either. She smiled and allowed the man to take he hand and lead her to the limo, opening the door so she could get in as well. When she got in there were an assortment for flowers everywhere she let out a soft giggle before settle down. She placed the lilies that were given to her on the seat next to a bunch of roses and read the card.
Mercy,
I know we're not official… yet but I wanted to take you out on a real date before we have to leave here. I want to show you what it'll be like with me.
-Sam
Mercedes suddenly felt nervous and excited at the same time, he was really putting a lot in to their date and she really hoped that she would be good company. The drive to Breadstix was pleasant, she had to fight the urge to stick her head out of the sunroof mostly because she'd spent a great deal getting her curly tresses do what she wanted them to do and refused to let her hard work go to waste before seeing Sam. She felt the limo coming slowing down then finally stopping, she took a deep breath and once the door opened she slowly exited. Her dress was long so she had to bunch it up so that she didn't step on it and fall face first.
"Thanks you..umm what's your name?" She asked the driver as she grabbed his hand to get out.
"My pleasure Ms. Jones and it's Hank." He said closing the door and escorting her to the entrance.
"Thank you Hank and it's Mercedes." She said smiling at the kind man, thankful he was helping her because her nerves were starting to get the best of her. She had know him for five years and she chose now to get nervous about seeing him. She shook her head to rid herself of the nerves before Hank let her hand go leaving her at the door of the establishment.
"Have fun Mercedes." He said nodding for her to go in. She bit her lip and entered Breadstix only to see it was empty. There weren't customers and she didn't see a host/hostess, she opened her small clutch to grab her phone stopping when saw a woman heading her way.
"Ms. Jones I assume?" The older woman asked smiling sweetly.
"Yes. I'm actually-" Mercedes started before the woman spoke again.
"Great! Mr. Evans is just this way. Follow me please." She said turning and walking towards the dining area. Mercedes followed the woman until she stopped and moved to the side, there was thin curtain blocking the area off and she could hear soft music. She looked at the woman with a confused look because she knew that this wasn't there the last time she came here. The lady just smiled and nudged her forward. She walked through and her breath hitched in her throat, she was in complete awe placing a hand on her chest as she took in the beauty. There were roses in the form of a runway at her feet with candles lining the path, soft twinkle light above her tapering the ceiling, a table placed in the middle in front of the stage with a beautiful floral wreath outlining it. She didn't know she was holding her breath until she saw him looking at her smiling, he looked beyond handsome with his black tux with a bow tie and his hair raked back. Their eyes locked and she felt herself moving towards him wanting to be closer to him and as she got closer he held up a hand and pointed towards the table. He walked over and pulled out the chair facing the stage and kissed her on the cheek. Sam inhaled her scent and moved away slowly, she looked extraordinary she was wearing a blue floor length gown with a fitted bodice, which flaredat the waist. The gown had a textured trail of flowers flowing down the seam, her hair was in her natural curls with the left side pulled back and pinned down showing off her dainty earrings. Sam loved everything about how she looked and then some, his heart fluttered at the sweet smile she'd given him when she saw him and now he was about to blow her away.
"You look absolutely amazing." He said in her ear.
"Thank you, so do you. I can't remember the last time I saw you in a full tux." She said looking at him smiling. His eyes were so beautiful and she wanted to kiss him but refrained instead biting her lip. Sam noticed her do it and had to move away or he wouldn't get to the surprise.
"I want you to sit here while I sing to you." He said winking and heading over to the stage. Mercedes always loved hearing him sing and now he was about to give her a private show! She wiggled in her seat a little excited about what was about to happen.
"Okay so it took a while for me to figure out what I wanted to say to you tonight and I figured a song would do more justice than I could. I really want you to listen to the words because I mean every single one of them as he sat down at the piano, which Mercedes didn't know he could play. Sam took a deep breath and said to himself "I hope she feels the say way." and began to sing.
Yes, when you're feeling lost in the night
When you feel your world just ain't right
Call on me, I will be waiting
Count on me, I will be there
Anytime the times get too tough
Anytime your best ain't enough
I'll be the one to make it better
I'll be there to protect you, see you through
I'll be there, and there is nothing, I won't do
Sam saw the look on Mercedes' face and knew she was clearly moved by his song choice and couldn't help but smile at he swaying in her seat with her hand on her heart. He knew she would know the song, he just had to make sure she understood he meant what he was singing.
I will cross the ocean for you
I will go and bring you the moon
I will be your hero, your strength, anything you need
I will be the sun in your sky
I will light your way for all time, promise you
For you I will, yes yeah, yeah
This was his favorite verse out of the whole song and it meant a great deal to him especially after everything she'd told him. He felt like she was his to protect and wanted to do everything in his body to do just that. He was going to earn her heart, make her feel wanted always and cherish her deeply. He wasn't sure when it happened but he had fallen for the woman sitting in front of him and he wanted her to know it.
I will shield your heart from the rain
I won't let no harm come your way
Oh, these arms will be your shelter
No, these arms won't let you down
If there is a mountain to move
I will move that mountain for you
I'm here for you, I'm here forever
I will be your fortress tall and strong
I'll keep you safe, I'll stand beside you right or wrong
I will cross the ocean for you
I will go and bring you the moon
I will be your hero, your strength, anything you need
I will be the sun in your sky
I will light your way for all time, promise you
For you I will, yes yeah, yeah
He wanted to take it all the way with the next verse so he moved from the piano to stand in front of her looking deeply into her eyes and belted out the last verse before the final chorus. She turned in her seat so she could see him fully and felt her heart about to explode, never had anyone ever made her feel so wanted and loved like he was doing right now. She tried to stop the tearing from falling but they had a mind of their own and welcomed his hand wiping them away. She felt so warm inside.
For you I will lay my life on the line, for you I will fight, oh
For you I will die, with every breath, with all my soul
I'll give my word, I'll give it all
Put your faith in me, put your faith in me
And I'll do anything oh
I will cross the ocean for you
I will go and bring you the moon
I will be your hero, your strength, anything you need
I will be the sun in your sky
I will light your way for all time, promise you
For you I will, yes yeah, yeah
I will, I will, I will
I will cross the ocean for you
I will go and bring you the moon
I will be your hero, your strength, anything you need
I will be the sun in your sky
I will light your way for all time, promise you
For you I will, yes yeah, yeah
Promise you, for you I will
Promise you, for you I will
Once Sam finished the song he waited a moment before scooping her up and kissing her so deeply that he almost lost his balance. He slowly put her down and helped her back in her seat then he went to sit in his seat.
"Sam… this is all so amazing. I don't even know what to say and that song… it-it really touched me." She said looking around before looking at him beaming at her. She felt his words so deeply and really was at a lost for words. How in the hell was she falling this fast? Sure they'd known each other for years but this was different, it was easy and inviting and very much wanted. Sam smiled at her wanting to kiss her again before he could respond the waiter came over and asked for their orders, he chose the Salmon Piccata with white wine and she opted for the Shrimp Carbonara with red wine.
"How did you manage to do all this before our date?" She asked after the waiter left.
"I have my ways baby." He replied winking at her.
"There you go, again. I'm beginning the think you like calling me that."
"What if I do? Does it bother you… baby?" He asked with a sexy smirk and tilting his head. Mercedes had to bit the inside of her mouth to stop the moan from coming out, the look he was giving her was making her want more than a kiss from him.
"Mhm… trying to tease me Mr. Evans?"
"I think I'm starting to like the way you say my name, Ms. Jones." He said leaning over the table and kissing her lovingly before slowly pulling away and sitting back down. He heard the groan she let out making him smile. The waiter returned with their drinks and food giving them a sweet smile before disappearing again. They both began to eat and enjoy their meals with small talk and soft music feeling the silence around them.
"Here, try it." Mercedes said hold her fork to Sam's lips for him to bite. He chuckled and copied her actions and holding his fork close to hers. They both took the offered food and groaned in unison at the taste. They enjoyed their meals and decided to order dessert along with more wine for them both.
"Dance with me." Sam said when he heard 'Can't Help Falling in Love' by Haley Reinhart playing. He got up and walked over to her with his hand for her to grab, which she did gladly. He walked over to the center of the dance floor, wrapping one hand around her waist and holding her hand with the other she rested her head on his shoulder as they began to sway together. Everything about this night was magical and she wasn't even sure that it was close to being over and she really hoped it wasn't. Being this close to him and feeling a total sense of calm rush over her body as the music made her mind wander off. Sam looked down at the woman in his arms and wanted so badly to tell her he loved her, he wanted to shout it but he also wanted to give her time to get there first. He had one one surprise for her before he had to end the date since it was technically their last night there he wanted her to get home in enough time to up for church with her family tomorrow. Marie had planned for an after church cookout for Mercedes before they headed to Kentucky to be with his family, he had called and asked if they had any huge plans so he knew how to plan their date out. Sam didn't realize her looking at him since he so deep in thought and when he did he couldn't help but smile. Her eyes were so beautiful and he felt his self getting lost in them, she wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into a sensualkiss. The kiss was enticing and alluring causing waves of electricity to move through his body making him hold her tighter and kiss her back harder.
"Mr. Evans, Ms. Jones your dessert." The waiter said nodding at them.
"Actually can we have it to go?" Sam said looking at the waiter then back at Mercedes smiling. He had one more place to take her before ending their night. The waiter smiled and took the dessert back to place it in a to-go container.
"Umm… we're leaving?" She asked looking a bit sad. Sam smiled at the pitiful look on her face and knew he was succeeding at making her night amazing.
"Don't worry baby, night's not over yet." He said softly in her ear before kissing it and grabbing her hand and walking to the table to get her clutch. The waiter came back with their dessert and Sam thanked him. They headed out of the restaurant, Mercedes was expecting Hank to be waiting there but he wasn't there was an old white pick up. She looked over at Sam with a questioning look and he nodded and tugged her along to the truck, he helped her in allowing his hand to linger on her ass before reaching over and buckling her seat belt. He walked over to the driver side and got in, he turned to her and stared at her for a moment before starting the truck and heading to her next surprise. They rode in silence for a while just enjoying each other's presence until he saw her looking at him with a soft look and a sweet smirk on her face.
"What?" He asked breaking their silence.
"I just like looking at you. You're kinda cute." She said with a giggle.
"Oh, only kinda?" He replied trying to sound hurt but failing.
"Okay, you're cute cute." She said laughing before looking out the window and looking back at Sam.
"Umm… where the hell are we going?" She asked.
"A special place for us to be along for a while."
"Okay..." She said as they went off on a dirt road then stopped. She looked and saw a lighted path way with trees and flowers along it. Sam got out and opened the bed of the truck grabbing a few things before coming and opening her door for her. She didn't unbuckle right away so he did and place the items he had in his left hand on the hood, as she started to move to get out he stopped her and lifted the bottom of her dress.
"As much fun as that would be, I don't think I'm ready for public sex Sam." She said moving his hand from her dress. He gave her a cute look before shaking his head and taking her shoes off.
"You, Ms. Jones, have a dirty mind." He said placing her heels behind her and putting a pair of brown boots on her feet and tying them tightly before helping her out of the truck. He gabbed the items from the hood and grabbed her hand.
"Come on it's just up ahead." He said pulling her close as they walked towards the pathway and further into the woods. He didn't want her walking on the dirt in her heels so he made sure to grab her some good boots just in case the ground was too rugged. Mercedes was thankful for the shoe change, she wasn't going to be able to wear her heels out here and was very surprised that he knew her shoe size. She was starting to think he knew more about her than he let on but she was also very impressed and oddly turned on by that fact. The further they walked the more beautiful their surrounding became, the trail they were on was light wonderfully with soft twinkle lights and some trees were wrapped in the lighting making it easier to see where they were headed. They reached a divided opening and Sam lead them to the left. She read the signage and saw they were headed towards some form of creek or pond and understood why he had a blanket because the other way would have taken them to a small park. Once they reached the end of the trail they were met with a beautiful sight, there was large pine, maple and Black tupelo trees everywhere all surrounding a flower kissed lake with stones and medium sized rocks, there was also a wooden pier that allowed visitors to set on the edge and view the water closer.
"Wow… this is beyond beautiful." Mercedes said in awe with how the nature around her seemed perfectly placed. She looked up and saw the sky was starting to lose its pinks, purples and lighter blues and the stars were peaking out along with a deeper shade of blue. Sam was taken aback by the beauty of the place and just nodded due to lose of words. He over at Mercedes and saw that her beauty and the beauty of where they ended up was in a close race, she of course would win every time.
"Here, he said taking his suit jacket off and wrapping it around her shoulders." She took it an inhaled his scent getting lost in just how good he smelled. He grabbed her hand and they walked to the end of the dock, which he knelled down and took off his shoes and sock, then rolled up his pant legs. While he was down there he removed the boots he'd placed on her feet earlier and scrunched up her dress so it wouldn't get wet. He helped her sit down then sat next to her with the blanket and wrapped it around his shoulders before leaving once side open for her to cuddle up to him. She wrapped one arm around his waist and moved in as closely as she could before resting her head on his chest with one foot under her and the other light dangling off the edge of the pier. This was too good to be true but yet there they were in complete silence, wrapped up together in one of the most amazing spots known to man. This date was everything and so much more and before she knew it she let it slip just how much she was enjoying being with him.
"I love you." She said softly before realizing what she just said.
SOOOOOOOOO! Y'all gotta be feeling it because I'm feeling it! Like how cute was this date? It' s not even over yet! LAWD! They are seriously too cute! I had a lot of fun writing this chapter because it's setting the tone for the ones to follow! The next chapter will be their last day in Lima before heading to Kentucky and as I promised we're going to see a more adventurous side of Sam and Mercedes and one of you (not saying who) may or may not have mentioned a little something that is going to come up later lol! I hope you enjoyed reading this and thank you for encouraging me to keep going! Until next time!
