Enjoy!


Book Thirty-Two: Be Mine

The soft hum of the town car's engine set a comfortable backdrop as Mercedes leaned back against the plush leather seat, glancing at Sam. His profile was strong and focused, his jaw clenched ever so slightly as his gaze flicked between the window and the road ahead.

"So, how's work been? Anything interesting?" Mercedes asked, her voice breaking the silence as she adjusted the fabric of her gown, smoothing it over her lap.

Sam's lips quirked into a smile, and he turned to face her, his gaze momentarily softening. "Actually, yeah. I just got a new client, a small tech startup. They've got potential, but it's a lot of work. I've been doing late nights prepping strategy sessions. Keeps me busy."

She smiled, genuinely intrigued. "Sounds like you're making big moves. You always did have a knack for those kinds of deals."

He chuckled softly. "Yeah, but I can't complain. Keeps me on my toes."

There was a brief pause as they sat in silence again, the air between them filled with an unspoken connection. Then, Sam's eyes roamed over her again, taking in the way the gown accentuated every curve. "Mercedes," he said softly, his voice husky, "You really do look gorgeous tonight. Stunning, actually."

Her cheeks flushed, a warm pink spreading across her face as she looked down for a moment, shy under the intensity of his gaze. "Thanks, Sam," she murmured, her heart fluttering at the compliment. "You don't look too bad yourself."

The car pulled up to the venue, a grand building illuminated by golden lights that reflected off the polished black marble exterior. Sam stepped out first, moving swiftly to her side and opening her door with a gentlemanly grace that made her heart skip a beat. He offered her his hand, and she took it, stepping out and straightening her dress as she stood beside him.

The building loomed large in front of them, and the sounds of laughter and soft music filtered through the air. Inside, the ballroom was a masterpiece of elegance. Gold and black decor shimmered in the warm light, casting an almost ethereal glow around the space. It was sophisticated and charming—everything one would expect from a high-class gala.

As they walked in, the room seemed to pause, heads turning to take in the pair as they made their entrance. Sam's hand rested lightly on Mercedes's small back, guiding her through the sea of curious glances and whispered conversations. She felt the weight of the attention but held her head high, comforted by Sam's presence.

When they reached the table, Sam pulled out her chair and flashed her a reassuring smile. "You're going to be the center of attention tonight," he whispered as she sat down, his eyes gleaming with something unreadable.

Mercedes smiled back, feeling her confidence swell. "Good. Let's give them something to talk about."

"Mercedes!"

Radiantly in a deep blue dress, Tina rushed over, practically beaming. "You look absolutely stunning!" she gushed, wrapping Mercedes in a quick hug before turning her attention to Sam. "And Sam, you look great!"

"Thanks, Tina, I must say you look beautiful tonight."

"Doesn't she!" A man said, smiling.

Tina blushed, "Guys, this is Mike."

Sam extended his hand, a grin on his face. "Mike and I know each other, actually. Good to see you again, man."

Mike laughed, shaking Sam's hand. "Small world, huh? How've you been?"

"Keeping busy," Sam replied. "You?"

"Same, same," Mike said with a nod.

"Well, now that introductions are out of the way," Sam turned to Mercedes, "can I get you a drink?"

"That would be great, thanks," Mercedes said.

Mike glanced at Tina before excusing himself to join Sam. "I'll give you a hand, man."

As the two men headed off toward the bar, Mercedes stood by the table, adjusting her dress.

"You two look gorgeous together." Tina beamed. "That orange dress was the best call."

Mercedes looked over to Mike and Sam, who were laughing. "Sam is...I don't know what he is doing to me. I went into this thinking I wanted to look good for Biff."

"And now?" Tina asked

"And now...Biff, who?"

As they laughed, they didn't notice Biff approach until he stood right before her, wearing a three-piece white tuxedo and his trademark smirk.

"Well, well," Biff said, his eyes roving over her. "And who might you be?" He chuckled, clearly unaware of who she was. "I've got to know who invited you—and more importantly, who I can steal you from."

Mercedes raised an eyebrow, unimpressed, and was about to respond when she felt a familiar warmth at her back. Sam had returned, and without a word, he slid his arm around her waist, pulling her close. The firm, possessive gesture said more than words could have, and Biff's expression shifted slightly as he registered Sam's presence.

"She's with me," Sam said, his voice calm but firm.

Biff tensed for a moment, his jaw clenching as he licked his lips.

"I know you, don't I?" Biff said.

Sam laughed humorlessly. "Not well enough to be hitting on my girl."

Mercedes's gaze moved to Sam as he called her his girl.

Biff nodded. "Uh-huh." His gaze lingered on Mercedes before a sly smirk curled at the corner of his mouth. "Catch me later," he murmured, eyes flicking between her and Sam before he sauntered away, disappearing into the crowd.

Mercedes released a breath she hadn't realized she was holding and turned to face Sam. Something was off—his usually calm demeanor seemed slightly shaken. His brow furrowed, and his grip on her waist felt a bit tighter than before. She didn't say anything at first, just gently reaching for his hand, intertwining her fingers with his.

The warmth of her touch softened Sam's features, a smile tugging at his lips. He squeezed her hand in return, relaxing visibly as they made their way back to the table where Tina and Mike were chatting and laughing.

"You two are just too cute," Tina teased as Mercedes sat down, still holding Sam's hand.

Mercedes chuckled, casting a glance at Sam. "Well, you and Mike make an adorable couple. How did you meet?"

Mike smiled. "She stepped on my shoe."

"What?! No, I tripped." Tina defended with a laugh.

"Well, I am glad you did," Mike said, looking into her eyes.

The conversation flowed easily between the four of them—light banter, stories about work, and a few shared laughs. Mercedes felt a warmth settle over the group like everything was in perfect harmony for the night. Then, the music shifted, and the soft, romantic melody floated across the room.

The dance floor opened, and couples moved hand in hand toward the center.

Sam leaned in closer to Mercedes, his voice low and smooth. "Would you like to dance?"

She smiled, her eyes bright with excitement. "I'd love to."

Sam stood, offering her his hand once more. She took it, and they made their way to the dance floor. The soft glow of the chandeliers bathed the room in golden light as Sam pulled her into his arms. They moved together effortlessly, falling into an easy rhythm as the music swirled around them.

"I can't believe I've known you all your life," Sam murmured, his gaze locked on hers, "and yet I'm only just now really seeing you."

Mercedes' lips curled into a smile as she met his eyes. "I always saw you."

Sam twirled her gently, then pulled her back into his arms, closer this time. His breath was warm against her ear as he spoke again, his voice teasing. "You know, if you're not careful, I might try to spend the night."

Mercedes giggled, her heart racing as she leaned in, her lips close to his ear. "Maybe I'll let you."

Sam's eyes flashed with surprise and delight, and he chuckled softly. "Careful what you offer," he whispered, his voice playful but laced with something deeper.

As they danced, the rest of the room seemed to fade away, leaving only the two of them in the soft glow of the moment.


Sam led Mercedes back to their table as the music slowly wound down, still caught up in the warmth of their dance.

"Drink?" He asked.

Mercedes nodded. "Water, please."

Sam nodded, kissing her cheek before walking away.

Tina beamed, leaning into Mercedes. "You look like you're having a good time," Tina teased, nudging her friend.

Mercedes laughed, a little breathless from the swirl of emotions the evening had brought. "I am, actually. I'm so glad I brought Sam tonight," she admitted, her smile softening. "He's been the perfect date."

Tina raised an eyebrow, her grin mischievous. "So, no regrets about not getting with Biff?"

Mercedes rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "No, absolutely not. Biff had no idea who I was, and that just feels... not worth it."

Tina giggled, nudging her again. "Well, I had to ask. You've had quite a few admirers tonight."

Mercedes shrugged, a hint of pink coloring her cheeks. "They don't matter. Honestly, I've liked Sam for a long time."

Sam approached the back of Mercedes's chair as she continued.

"T, I never really thought I'd get a chance to be with him. But seeing how he's been tonight...I think he might be into me, but I'm unsure where we stand… I don't know how he feels."

Clearing his throat, Sam handed Mercedes her glass, sitting next to her, his mind wandering to what he just heard.

Mercedes turned to Sam with a smile as a tall man with tousled brown hair approached them, his smile wide and confident.

"Mercedes, right?" he asked, his voice smooth.

Nodding Mercedes looked up to the tall man. "I am."

"I'm Finn. Saw you on the dance floor and thought I'd ask for the next one."

Mercedes blinked, slightly taken aback. He was the fifth man to approach and ask her to dance, but she wasn't interested. "Oh, no, thank you," she said with a kind smile. "I'm not up for another dance right now with anyone other than my date."

Finn's smile faltered for a split second, but he recovered quickly. He looked over at Sam with a playful shrug. "Hey, man, you don't mind if I steal her for a dance, right? I'll give her back, eventually."

Sam's expression remained calm, though his grip on the chair he pulled out for Mercedes tightened just a little. "It's not up to me," he replied evenly. "If she said no, it's no."

Mercedes glanced between the two men, her smile still pleasant but firmer now. "No, I don't want to dance, but thank you for the offer."

Finn looked slightly more deflated this time, but he nodded and backed away, hands raised in mock surrender. "Alright, no worries. Maybe another time."

As Finn disappeared into the crowd, Mercedes settled into her chair. Sam sat beside her, but something in his demeanor had shifted. His usual easygoing expression was clouded, and he stared at the table for a moment, before speaking.

"You know," he began, his tone casual but with an edge, "You could have danced with him. Or with the other guys that are clearly interested in you."

Mercedes frowned, turning to face him. "What? No, I don't want to dance with them. I didn't want to dance with them, hence why I said no."

Sam let out a breath, his eyes avoiding hers. "It's just... it's obvious you're getting the attention you wanted tonight. I mean, if you feel like I'm messing with your style, I can always go."

His words hit her like a slap, her heart sinking as she processed what he said. "Are you serious?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper. When he didn't answer, she shook her head, frustration bubbling up. "You're an idiot, Sam."

Before he could respond, Mercedes stood abruptly, her chair scraping against the floor as she walked away from him.

Tina shook her head. "What the hell, Sam?"

"What? She can't be mad at me when you two were just talking about her crush on Biff?"

Tina raised an eyebrow. "We were what?"

"I heard you; she said she wasn't sure how Biff felt. I don't even know why I am here."

Tina stood. Mercedes was right. You are an idiot." Turning to leave, she stopped. We weren't talking about Biff; she was talking about you."