Ok, so I know I haven't been updating; my health has not been all that great, but I am still here, and not only do I have an update for you, but Kesh and I have a little something for you, so look for it on our page!
Sam stared at himself in the mirror, debating for the twentieth time if he should change his clothing. He was currently wearing a pair of jeans and a button-down shirt. Shaking his head, he pulled his shirt off, tossing it to the floor as Stevie and Stacey walked into the room.
"See, he's right where I left him ten minutes ago. He's not going to make it to his date. How much you wanna bet, he's stalling on purpose." Stevie teased.
"Stop Stevie, I think it's cute he's going through all this trouble over Mercedes."
"I can hear you two, and if you can't help me, leave! Tonight can't go wrong."
Stacey walked over to him, grabbing his dark blue henley tee and leather jacket. "Sam, why are you putting so much pressure on yourself? You two have hung out since you agreed to start dating."
"At her house or here, I have taught her to ride along with Cam, and we have movie nights, but this is, this is our two-month anniversary, the night we get to… we wanted to…" He shook his head. "I am not doing this with you two."
"Oh my God, you are nervous…about sex?" Stacey gasped
"Now it makes sense." Stevie laughed. "She cut you off to make sure you guys wanted to be together instead of just the good sex."
"First of all, it wasn't good sex. It was the best sex of my life. It was everything. And I don't want to screw this up. Cam is at a sleepover, and after dinner… I just don't want to mess up. I really like her."
Stacey smiled. "Sam, you are putting way too much pressure on yourself. She likes you for who you are; just be you."
"Be me? Being me had me sleeping with every woman around here! I don't want to be me."
"Being you also got Mercedes to date you, she knows your past and wants a future with you. So get out of your damn head." Stacey said, popping him in the back of the head. "Please, don't ruin this because she is the first woman ever to make you like this. And we actually like her."
Sam smiled. "You may be the youngest, but I promise you are smarter than both of us. Never change."
Stacey beamed. "It's about time for you two to realize that I am a genius and things would go smoothly if you just listened to me. Now take some wine from the vineyard and put it on ice while you are at dinner; it will be chilled when you return."
Sam nodded, putting the leather jacket on and running his hands through his hair. Slipping into his boots, he sighed. "Best it's gonna get."
"Good, you look great. Now, get going. Where are you eating?"
"Rosario's. Made the reservation like three weeks ago," Sam said.
Stevie's jaw dropped, and he stared at his brother. "I'm sorry, three weeks ago? You planned that far ahead?"
"I planned farther ahead than that. I am already thinking about what we are doing for Christmas and New Year's. I am in this, I told you."
"I know, man, but I just didn't know how much."
"I don't want to lose her, so I will do anything I can to make sure it doesn't. I already have enough stacked against me."
"So then, why are you taking her out in public?" Stacey asked.
Sam sighed, running his hands through his hair again. "Connor is working tonight, and he has us set up in a private booth; we are good. Now, I gotta go. Love you, and goodnight."
After hugging Stacey and smacking Stevie on the back of the head, he left, heading over to Mercedes's place and sitting in his car nervously. "She likes you, Sam, not for your body, your farm, or anything other than you. Don't screw this up." He said to himself; he sat there for a few more moments before he headed to the front door and knocked.
Sam stepped back as she opened the door. His eyes roamed her body, taking in the red spaghetti-strapped dress that clung to her curve and perfect breast. She added her own leather jacket, which just showed how compatible they were.
"You bought boots," Sam said, taking in the final bit of her outfit. Her hair fell over her shoulders in waves, her makeup was subtle but perfect, and he just wanted to run his fingers through her hair as he ravished her.
"Yeah, I did. Quinn and I went shopping…do I look ok?" She asked, staring down at herself as he backed away from her.
"Okay? Baby, I backed away from you because if I didn't, we would not make it to dinner; you are gorgeous."
"You are sweet."
Sam laughed. "No, I am patient, not that patient, but trying. You are messing with my resolve, Darlin'."
She blushed, shutting the door. "Well then, let's go before we both give in to temptation."
Sam took her hand in his and kissed it as he led her to his truck. Opening the door for her, she turned to him and stood on her tippy toes, kissing him softly at first. Sam wrapped his arms around her waist, pressing her against the door as her hands ran up his neck.
"Mmm, if you don't stop, I am gonna pick you up and carry you into your house," Sam growled.
Mercedes nipped at his bottom lip before nodding. "Tempting, but I know this night is important."
Sam let her go, but not before stealing one last kiss before she hopped in the truck and reached over, opening his door.
As they drove in comfortable silence, Sam took her hand in his. Everything about Mercedes made him feel like he had one of the best prizes in the world. Like nothing could touch him because he had her. And she was perfect. "So, how was your day?"
Mercedes grinned, looking over to him. "It was good; we had a kid come in who stuck green beans up his nose, so that was fun. And Cam wanted me to remind you of his lessons this week."
"I love that lil man and he has gotten so good. He will be a professional rider in no time."
Mercedes smiled. "The things that you have taught Cam, he and Harley have changed. It's clear they are becoming more confident."
Sam pulled into the parking lot and hurried out of the car, rushing to her door and opening it. "M'Lady."
She giggled, shaking her head. "You are quite the romantic, aren't you?"
"For you, yes." He linked his arm to hers as they walked inside Rosario's; they, or rather Sam, were immediately greeted by Harmony. Sam sighed deeply, praying, hoping she could be cordial.
"Well, look what the dogs dragged in. Sam, you look...delish, but her...she's trying way too much."
Guess not. Sam rolled his eyes. "Reservation for Evans."
She didn't even bother looking at the reservation book. "Sorry, I don't have you. However, if you want to go to the back with me, we can work something out."
Sam groaned, shaking his head. "Where is Connor? He was supposed to be the Host tonight."
"Called in sick, appendicitis. How sad for you." She pouted.
Sam sighed heavily, not wanting to interact. "Can you please just get us our table? I don't want to sit here and play these games with you."
Harmony looked hurt at his words, shaking her head. "Tell me, Sammy, is she really better than me? You do remember how flexible I am. As I said, I can remind you."
Mercedes was about to speak up, but Sam stopped her. "Harmony, this is your final warning to look again; I made the reservation three weeks ago and double-checked last night. So show us to our table now, or I will go over your head."
Mercedes smirked as she watched Harmony fume. "Fine! Right this way." She said, picking up the menus and leading them to the worst spot in the restaurant, by the bathrooms. "Enjoy. That extra stench is a gift to me."
Sam shook his head. "This isn't what I reserved, and you know it."
"Oh, sorry, someone must have canceled your actual reservation, on accident, of course, so this spot right here, it's the best we do last minute." She said with not one ounce of care. "Now you can sit and enjoy your meal, or you can always go somewhere else," Harmony smirked. "I will make sure to have the waiter take "extra" care of you. She's another one of your playthings, Sam."
Sam's hand balled into a fist. "What is your problem? I never hurt you, never lied. We never were even together; it was one forgettable night."
Harmony grew angry as nosy ears and eyes turned to listen in on their conversation. "My problem." She added an octave to her voice, "Is probably what is wrong with all the women in here; you have had someone right here, right in front of you. Wanting to be with you and we get nothing! We've known you your entire life, have been friends in school, and you treated us all like disposable fucks, and then this trick gives it up, and suddenly you take her on dates?"
"You need to let this go, Harmony; I am not doing this with you," Sam said.
Angrily, Harmony turned to Mercedes. "He's still fuckin' around, by the way; he and I fucked in the back of this place just a few weeks ago. Don't you remember Sammy?"
Mercedes's jaw dropped as Sam shook his head. "First of all, I didn't, and no, I am not. Because, as all the women in this town well know, I haven't slept with any of you in over a year. And second, grow the hell up. I keep telling you that it was one damn time that, if I'm being honest, wasn't even good. Let it go, and stop embarrassing yourself, me, and my date, who doesn't deserve any of this."
"Excuse me, is there a problem here? My name is Penny and I-Sam?" Came a voice from behind them.
"Fuck my life." Sam hissed as he was faced with Penny, yet another woman he had sex with and never called. She was yet another person he had sex with in hopes of feeling anything, and in the end, all he was left with was disappointment.
"So, finally came back for more, huh?" Penny said, running her hand down his chest.
"Penny, what are you doing here?"
"New Manager gotta say, I told myself if I saw you again, I'd slap you; I mean, you didn't even bother cuddling, just fucked me and left. But it was so worth it. So if you are down, so am I."
Mercedes moved in front of him and removed Penny's hand from Sam's body. "He's actually on a date."
"That's fine," Penny said, shrugging. "Enjoy your date. You know where to find me later, and we can pick up where we left off."
"Not before he and I finish our conversation!" Harmony said. "Come on, Sammy, you and I both know what I can give; no other woman can."
"Hey, I am down to clown if you wanna add a third. Just let me know." Penny smiled.
"Well, isn't this a pretty sight?" Came from behind them.
Sam turned and groaned; the night just kept on getting better and better, and he had to run into Satan's mistress. Holly Holiday was when Sam was growing tired of the younger ladies and wanted to try having sex with an older woman. They had sex one time, and after, she was clingy for a long time; she was the main reason he decided to be celibate until he met Mercedes.
"Don't worry, I won't bite; I remember you didn't like that." She teased. "Who is this beauty on your arm, Sammy? She doesn't look your type at all. I mean considering the three of us…and then her."
Penny and Harmony laughed. "I mean, seriously, look at the talent you've had, Sam." Harmony chuckled. "Tell her to run along home and let us real women have at you."
Sam was about to speak up, but Mercedes took a step in front of him. "Real women? Real women who, after having sex with a guy once, want to ruin his life because he doesn't want you? Real women who knew he had a reputation for sex, but instead of finding out the reason behind it, just used him for his body, and now are pissed he doesn't want you? You aren't real women; you are pretty, vindictive women; he's a person, not a damn sex toy!"
Holly sneered. "Trust me, once he gets tired of what lies between your thighs…"
"You need to watch it before I stop taking into account your old age," Mercedes said between gritted teeth.
Penny scoffed, moving closer to her. "You don't want to act all high and mighty; if I wanted Sam back, I could snap my fingers right now, and he'd be at my side licking my boots."
Mercedes laughed. "Do it. I'd love to see you embarrass yourself."
Holly folded her arms across her chest. "Do you know the amount of sex this man has had? The amount of women he's seduced into his bed? I am surprised he doesn't have any kids running around here or-"
"Okay, stop right there," Mercedes said, putting her hand up.
Penny also opened her mouth to speak, but Mercedes waved her off. "I am sure whatever statement you are thinking up to try and tell me about Sam and the relationship you thought you had, or wanted to have, or maybe even are delusional enough to believe you have, is riveting, but we are on a date and are supposed to be here enjoying are night, so I am gonna need you to let this go because I do not plan on letting him go."
Sam looked to Mercedes, this beautiful woman who saw past his flaws and cared for him anyway, and turned back to the hateful faces of women he barely knew but had sex with. It was time to shut these women up for good.
Taking Mercedes's hand in his, he stood taller because somehow she did that for him, made him feel taller. "I want to make something perfectly clear, clear enough for all of you to understand. This, all of it, the interfering and trying to get me back into your bed, it's over. I am sorry that I couldn't keep it in my pants; sorry that even though I was clear on what this was, and you agreed, you all thought you could change me. Even if you knew the deal, you deserved better than some one-night stand. But I am not hooking up or having sex with anyone but my date. She is the best thing to ever happen to me, and nothing or no one else matters. So, if you will excuse us."
Penny was about to speak, but Sam held his hand up and walked away from them as the three women and probably a few more listening jaws dropped.
Mercedes and Sam walked outside, and Sam was certain they were going to be the talk of the town, but at that moment, he didn't care; Mercedes did something no one, but his family had ever done, and that meant more to him than she could have known.
Sam was too embarrassed to look at her while he tried to figure out if this was savable; this was not the date he wanted to take her on; she deserved so much more. As they reached his truck, he turned her to him.
She offered him a small smile. "Well, that was…"
"A shit show. I should have known getting a fresh start in this town would be impossible."
Mercedes turned Sam's face to meet hers. "You have a fresh start with me. Screw those sluts…not literally." She teased, trying to make him smile.
Sam shook his head. "I really don't even know why I wanted to bring you here; this place is not me."
Mercedes nodded. "I could have told you that. You don't have to pretend to be someone else to keep me, Sam; you already have me. Just by being you."
Sam smiled. "So none of that freaked you out?"
Mercedes linked her hands with his. "Sam, I knew who you were going into this, and I know who you are now. We just have to find a place where those crazy witches can't bother us. My place is free."
Sam ran his hands through his hair. "I want to be able to show you off. I want to…"
"You want to be in a real relationship, a normal one."
Sam nodded. "I know I screwed up…literally. But I promise you I am in this."
"Having these women come after you, isn't a you problem Sam. They see what I saw the moment I met you. That you are a keeper, but trust, you are mine, they can't have you, and I am willing to fight for you, and I fight dirty."
Sam smiled, leaning into her. "Oh? You fight dirty? How dirty?" He growled.
"So dirty." She whispered, nipping at his lips.
Sam smirked. "I dunno, you don't seem like a dirty girl…" He teased.
"Get some food in me, and I will show you just how dirty I can be."
Sam kissed her softly. "You want to have a date with the real Sam Evans…then come with me; there's this food truck I like to go to; it's not a three-star restaurant."
Mercedes cupped his face, pulling him down to her. "I never wanted fancy, Evans; I just want you. So I would love to see it."
Sam nodded, opening his truck door. "Well, then, I have the perfect idea for the rest of our date."