Enjoy!

Song Inspiration: As We Lay by Kelly Price

Mercedes couldn't help but let out a heavy sigh, her temples throbbing from the strain of back-to-back parent-teacher meetings that had consumed the past two hours. With several dozen already behind her, she prayed this final meeting would be quick and painless, allowing her to finally head home for some much-needed rest. Suddenly, there was a knock on her door, causing her to release another breath in exasperation before standing up to greet the next visitor. A petite woman with a warm smile walked into the room, instantly brightening Mercedes' tired demeanor.

"Miss Jones?"

"Yes, please call me Mercedes. Welcome." Mercedes said with a warm smile, offering her hand.

"Nice to meet you. I'm Quinn Fabray. My daughter is Gracie Evans." Quinn replied, shaking her extended hand before taking a seat next to her.

"Ah yes, Gracie is truly exceptional. She's one of my brightest students. Shall we get started or are we waiting for someone else?" Mercedes asked, flipping through the files in front of her until she found Gracie's.

"We're just waiting for my husband-"

"Quinn?" They both turned to see a tall man with sandy blonde hair entering the room, but he froze and his gaze drifted past his wife.

"That's my husband, Sam Evans," Quinn introduced him with a smile before giving him a confused look.

Mercedes felt her breathing quicken as she recognized the familiar face, unable to think clearly. Quinn looked at her with the same confusion before addressing Mr. Evans again. "Oh, yes, hi Mr. Evans, I'm Mercedes, your daughter's teacher." She gestured to a seat for him to take as she tried to steady herself before speaking. Sam made his way over and took a seat, smiling at his wife before taking a deep breath and loosening his tie.

"You okay, sweetie?" Quinn leaned over and whispered as they prepared to begin their meeting.

"Just a little warm, I'm fine. Shall we?" He answered, his voice low and smooth like honey, as he turned to face Mercedes who nodded eagerly, her full lips slightly parted as she licked them nervously.

"Gracie," she began, her words flowing out in a rush. "She is absolutely amazing. I've never seen such a well-behaved, mild-mannered child with such a passion for the arts." Mercedes' eyes shone with pride as she spoke about her student. "I've watched her blossom and grow into herself this past semester, and I truly believe she would benefit from our summer program."

Quinn nodded, his gaze fixed on Mercedes as she handed them a glossy pamphlet for the Arts Program. His eyes flickered over the colorful images and detailed descriptions, but he seemed more focused on Mercedes' words.

"Academically," he asked, his tone serious. "Where does she stand?"

Mercedes' smile remained reassuring as she answered, "With her dyslexia, she has faced some struggles. But she's thriving, exceeding expectations and constantly improving." As she spoke, it was clear that Gracie's academic achievements were just as impressive as her artistic talents.

"Sammy here has dyslexia so we completely understand, however, I read somewhere that the arts could improve that and actually help her overcome it which is why we enrolled her into this school and

specifically your class."

"Mrs. Evans, that's-"

"Fabray."

"Oh… Mrs. Fabray, your daughter will always have dyslexia, however it is not holding her back in any way. As I mentioned before, she is one of my top students and her artistic abilities are beneficial. However, they do not eliminate her dyslexia."

Quinn's displeasure was evident as she asked, "And what exactly will this summer program offer?" Mercedes was taken aback by the question.

"Quinn, it's an arts program designed to help her develop her artistic skills. I'm sure she would enjoy it and we should give her the opportunity." Sam interjected calmly, looking at his wife with a small smile. For a brief moment, he and Mercedes shared a glance before she looked away.

"Your husband is right, it's meant to be fun."

"I would prefer if she spent her time on academic pursuits rather than art," Quinn replied sweetly. "Excuse me, may I use the restroom?"

"Sure, it's down the hall on the right," Mercedes replied before Quinn left the classroom. She followed after him and closed her door, turning to face Sam who already looked guilty.

"You're married and your daughter is my student!" She shook her head, trying to make sense of the situation but failing.

"I'm sorry, I didn't think we'd see each other again and I never got your last name..." Sam ran his hands through his hair and let out a deep sigh.

"You weren't even wearing a ring when I asked if you were seeing anyone! You lied! And now I have to look at your daughter knowing I slept with her MARRIED father!"

Sam stood and moved closer to her, saying, "I'm truly sorry about this Mercedes...there's no excuse for my actions besides being irresistibly attracted to you and those beautiful eyes drawing me in."

"That's not a good enough excuse, there is no real excuse for this! Oh God, I slept with a married man and his daughter is my favorite student… I'm going to hell." She said, shaking her head before feeling his hands on her shoulders.

"All I can say is that I'm sorry I put you in this situation but I won't take back the last forty-eight hours…" Sam said looking deeply into her eyes and she knew he was serious.

"It should have never happened and you know it. I don't even know what to think, Jesus Sam you're MARRIED!" She said moving away from him huffing.

"Mercedes, you can't deny that it meant something to you, otherwise you wouldn't be this upset."

"I'm upset because I slept with a married man for two days straight. I'm upset because he has a child in my class. And most of all, I'm upset because you lied to me and are now trying to make it seem like I shouldn't be angry." Mercedes shot back at him, her eyes filled with frustration and hurt.

"Yes, I lied and I am truly sorry for that. But let's not forget that you're also upset because you enjoyed it. You're upset because even though you know the truth, part of you still wants me to kiss you." Sam stepped closer to her, running his hands up her arms and sending shivers down her spine.

"It doesn't matter what I want or don't want. You are married and have a child," Mercedes said firmly, pulling away from his touch and walking away as Quinn returned with her phone pressed to her ear.

"I'm so sorry to interrupt, but I have to go now. Sam, remember to ask about other summer programs. It was nice meeting you, Mercedes." Quinn excused herself before leaving them alone again.

"Mercedes-" Sam's voice trailed off as he watched her pack up her things. She was always so professional and composed, but tonight there was a hint of something else in her eyes.

"Here are a few other programs we're offering this summer," Mercedes interrupted, handing him pamphlets with a subtle smirk. "But I do recommend the arts program. Gracie is exceptional and she loves everything regarding arts."

Sam couldn't focus on the pamphlets, all he could think about was how much he wanted to talk to Mercedes. He pleaded with his eyes as he packed them into his briefcase.

"Can we please talk?" he asked, but Mercedes just gave him a polite smile.

"Good night Mr. Evans," she said, walking towards the door to lock up. Sam sighed and gathered his things, but before leaving, he couldn't resist pushing her gently against the door and kissing her deeply.

Her moan was reluctant at first, but soon turned into one of desire. They broke apart, both breathing heavily.

"Mmm… it meant something to you and you know it," Sam whispered, his lips grazing her ear. Mercedes shivered, but quickly composed herself.

"Good night Mr. Evans," she repeated, avoiding eye contact. This time, Sam knew it was best to leave.

As she got inside her car, her body still tingling from the forbidden kiss, she fought against the urge to give in and go back to him. The thought of his lips on hers, his hands roaming her body, made her blood boil with desire. But then reality hit her like a ton of bricks - he was married. She cursed herself for being so weak, for allowing herself to be drawn to a man who could never truly be hers. As she sat in her car, trying to calm her racing heart, her phone beeped with a text message. With trembling fingers, she retrieved it and read the words that confirmed what she already knew - he wanted more from her. Despite knowing it was wrong, her body still craved him, betraying her mind's attempts at rationalizing. She started the car, determined to drive away from this toxic temptation, but a part of her couldn't deny the twisted thrill of being the other woman.

Suite 1503 Waldorf Astoria

She read the message three times, trying to convince herself to just go home. She was almost ready to give in before another message popped up on her screen. "I'll have the ice ready." The words sent a shiver down her spine, igniting little sparks of excitement throughout her body until they all converged in the depths of her core. She couldn't help but shift in her seat and let out a slow, shaky breath. The memory of what he did with ice last time flashed through her mind, causing her skin to grow warm and her breathing to quicken. She knew she shouldn't be doing this, but she couldn't resist the temptation he was offering. With a resigned sigh, she put her car in drive and left the school parking lot, heading towards him. She promised herself that she would regret this in the morning, but for now, all she wanted was him.

:)