Beginnings

by eorocks

Just a one-shot. A night out sets off a chain of events.

AN: This started out as a nice little tease, but it seems I couldn't leave things alone. I hope you enjoy this little story. It's not much, but I dedicate this to my friends in the fandom. #Partners4Life #Bensler.

EOEOEOEO

"You look nice."

When Olivia heard Elliot's comment, she turned from the bar to face him. She noticed he was wearing his best suit, and her favorite blue shirt. She tried not to think about how it matched his eyes perfectly. "I see you made an effort too."

"Hey, I was being sincere." Elliot said with a grin. He had noticed Olivia the moment he had entered the reception. He was certain he wasn't the only one. The white dress was in stark contrast against her dark skin and hair, and it drew your eye immediately. His eyes trailed down the fit of the dress at her waist, appreciating how it hugged her hips and ended just above her knees, showing off lots of leg.

"So was I." She flashed a smile.

Elliot closed the gap between them until he was next to Olivia and she turned towards him as he placed his forearms on the bar. He glanced over at her, taking in the curl in her hair and the v neckline of the dress. He realized his eyes lingered a little too long and he looked up quickly. He saw a look on her face that let him know she'd caught him staring, but she didn't say anything. He tried to cover. "I don't see you wear dresses, much less white."

"It's that some crack about my virtue?" Olivia teased. She gave him a small smile and took a sip of her wine. She saw the look of surprise on Elliot's face, and she knew he didn't know how to answer that. "It's hard to chases suspects in a dress and heels." She shook her head as she pictured herself wrestling some guy to the ground in her white dress. "It's just not a good idea." She turned and waved her arm towards the room laid out in front of them. "But its perfect for an event like this."

Elliot harrumphed as he turned to look at the assembled crowd. It was a reception for the new commissioner, and Cragen had made it very clear that his two best detectives had better be there to represent their unit. "I hate things like this."

"It's not so bad." Olivia said. "We're not on duty. We get a nice dinner." She lifted her glass. "Free drinks." She smoothed her hand over the front of her dress. "And sometimes I like having an excuse to dress up." She laughed lightly. "For once, it might be nice to go home without the need for a shower."

"Always the optimist." Elliot said. He relaxed against the bar as he gazed around the room. "But I guess you're right." He stood up. "So…Detective Benson…" He plucked her empty glass from her hand. "Can I buy you a drink?"

EOEOEOEO

Elliot turned from the bar with refills in their drinks, and he paused for a moment, watching Olivia. She was currently talking to the Captain of the 12th precinct and a few of their detectives, and he could see they were clearly engaged in their conversation with her. He'd never thought of Olivia as being politically savvy, but as he had moved around the room with her tonight, he realized he shouldn't have been surprised. Olivia was always the one that worked best with other precincts and support agencies…the one that stayed in touch with the families…the one that worked to smooth things over when there was a conflict. Or the one to call him on his shit.

It was the ying and yang of their partnership…of their friendship. They balanced each other well, and he supposed it was the reason they worked so well together and had managed to stay in Sex Crimes for so long. He saw Olivia turn slightly and catch his eye, and she flashed him a small smile as she continued to talk. He knew that no one else would have noticed the momentary shift in eye contact, but he was struck with the realization of how absolutely connected they really were.

Elliot started to walk towards her and Olivia broke from her conversation and met him halfway. He handed her the glass of wine and watched as she took a sip. He noticed she had reapplied her lipstick, and his eyes lingered on her mouth. He felt an overwhelming urge to kiss her at that moment, and he looked up quickly. "Since when did you become such a politician?" Elliot asked.

"What do you mean?"

"C'mon. You were working the room, talking to every stuffed suit and department head."

Olivia shrugged. "Why not? You never know when we're going to need to work with these guys. We're stuck here so we might as well make the best of it." Olivia gave him a small smile. She looked up as the lights flickered, indicating they were to get seated for dinner.

"It's about time." Elliot wanted to get through dinner and the speeches and get the hell out of here. He watched as Olivia turned and walked towards their assigned table. He couldn't keep himself from staring at the way her ass moved beneath the material of her dress and he clenched his jaw, trying to pull his eyes away. He didn't know why he was having such a hard time tonight.

He bit back a strangled laugh. It wasn't just tonight.

Being together in a casual setting tonight just made it easier…and harder to tamp those thoughts down.

She looked amazing, they were both relaxed, and she was teasing him a bit as well.

Elliot realized she had stopped walking and had turned to look at him.

"Are you going to join me?" Olivia raised an eyebrow, wondering about the guilty look on his face. She suppressed a smile, hazarding a guess. There was something about this dress that was capturing his attention, and she'd be lying if she said it bothered her. Her own looks in his direction had been thinly veiled; if he was paying any attention at all, he surely would have noticed. Elliot had been working out more and looking at his arms and chest made her weak in the knees.

"You know…you could put some of your considerable charm to work here too." Olivia said. She felt Elliot place the palm of his hand on her lower back as they moved between the tables.

"Did you just call me charming?" Elliot asked, leaning in a little closer as they walked.

Olivia laughed lightly. "You can be charming when you want to be." They reached their table, and Elliot pulled out her chair. She looked up at him. "Unfortunately, most of the time, you don't want to be." She laughed again as he clutched his heart, feigning hurt.

"I leave that to you." Elliot said as he slid into the chair to her right. "Especially in a room full of men. And from what I could see, you've had everyone's attention tonight."

"Jealous?" The word slipped out before she could stop it, and she laughed uncomfortably.

"Yes."

Olivia was surprised by his answer, and it seemed Elliot was too. She bit down slightly on her lip, considering her response. She thought about the way he had been looking at her tonight and all the little touches and comments. "Well…" She reached out and placed her hand on his left arm. "You have all my attention now."

Elliot smiled and placed his hand over hers. "Lucky me." He slid his hand from hers as their table started to fill in, and he was happy to see two older couples fill in on Olivia's left. He recognized them as a Lieutenant and Captain from Homicide, and he assumed the women were their wives. They were engrossed in conversation and weren't paying any attention to them beyond a mere nod.

"Should have known we'd end up sitting next to you two."

Olivia slipped her hand from Elliot's arm as she and Elliot looked at the couple standing behind the chairs. The detective was from Homicide…someone they worked with on a regular basis named Derek Scott.

Elliot stood up and shook his hand. "I may have to cut this evening short now." He said with a grin on his face as he extended his hand.

Derek shook his hand, and then turned to the woman at his side; a leggy blonde that appeared to be quite a few years his junior. "This is my girlfriend Kate." He turned back to Elliot. "This is Elliot Stabler and Olivia Benson. The most beautiful team in the NYPD."

Olivia felt herself blush at the insinuation...fueled by the amount of wine she'd had.

"So…you two are like, a couple?"

Olivia wanted to roll her eyes when she heard the question and the bubble-gum tone of her voice, but she bit her tongue. "No. We're partners. On the job."

"Yeah, well…" Derek let the sentence hang there, as if it were an open question, as he pushed in Kate's chair and sat in the seat next to Elliot's. He looked over at Olivia, letting his eyes wander down to her cleavage and then back to Elliot. He punched Elliot lightly in the arm. "My new partner is a beefy Italian guy named Joe. You lead a charmed life."

Elliot looked over at Olivia as Derek turned his attention back to Kate. They had worked with Derek over the years, and he was a good cop, but he always gave them a fair amount of shit. Elliot knew that Derek had asked Olivia out and that she had shot him down, but he didn't seem to harbor any ill will. It seemed like it was all a game. And he seemed pretty happy with the vacuous blonde that was with him tonight.

Elliot leaned over towards Olivia. "I don't think that woman is much older than Maureen." He whispered.

"Maybe not. But perfectly legal."

Elliot grunted. "Still."

Olivia knew he always saw his kids in all young women. And that he knew she had dated older men. "You can't help who you fall for."

Elliot looked up at her, and he saw Olivia's gaze didn't waver. "That's true." He said, his voice hushed as he said it.

Olivia felt the electricity in the air, and it seemed neither one could look away.

"See what I mean?" Derek said, breaking their trance, and Elliot and Olivia looked away.

Olivia turned to look at Derek. "You don't know what you're talking about."

"Isn't there some saying about someone that protests too much?" Derek said with a grin.

Olivia glanced at Elliot, waiting for him to jump in. But it didn't seem he was about to say anything. "Elliot prefers blondes." Olivia said.

"Is that true Stabler? Do I have to worry about you hitting on Kate?" Derek punched him lightly in the arm.

Olivia looked over at Kate, and saw she was listening with interest. She didn't look bothered by the idea, and it made Olivia want to reach out and wrap her hand around Elliot's arm to let her know that it wasn't an option.

"I don't prefer blondes." Elliot said pointedly.

"Isn't your wife a blonde?" Derek asked, and Olivia thanked him silently for pointing out that very fact.

"Ex-wife." Elliot said, and he looked over at Olivia.

"Ahhh." Derek said. "Well, keep your hands off." He laughed. They all sat back as the servers delivered their salads.

Elliot was about to pick up his fork when Derek leaned over towards Elliot. "If you want to work out a swap…I'm open." Elliot heard him laugh, but there was a level of discomfort in his laugh, and Elliot thought that maybe he wasn't joking. But Derek had turned back to Kate and was talking to her before Elliot could respond.

He turned back to Olivia. "Did you ever date that guy?" He jerked his fork over in Derek's direction.

Olivia shook her head. "No." She looked over at Kate. "I'm not his type."

Elliot wanted to roll his eyes. Olivia was gorgeous…exotic. He thought any man would want to take her out. "He asked you out, didn't he?"

"Well…yes." She said.

"Several times." Elliot prompted.

"I didn't date him." Olivia assured him, turning back to her salad. But then she glanced at him sideways. "But why do you care?"

"I don't." Elliot said quickly. "I mean…I just want to know that my partner isn't dating assholes."

"Hmm." Olivia sat back as their salad plates were removed. She was trying to figure out how to direct the conversation back to Kathy and the comment he'd made. But before she could say a word, Elliot pushed his chair back.

"I'm going to get another drink." He nodded towards her empty wine glass. "Are you ready for another one?"

Olivia shook her head. She was feeling the effects of the wine, but it was going down too easily. "Get me something else."

"Like?"

"Surprise me." Olivia could tell Elliot wasn't particularly thrilled by her request, but he didn't argue. She watched as he walked away, smiling at the familiar swagger as he headed towards the bar. She felt someone's eyes on her and looked up to see Derek Scott staring at her as she watched Elliot. She schooled her features, but Derek had a shit-eating grin on his face. He lifted his glass, as if he was toasting her, and turned his attention back to his date.

EOEOEOEO

The conversation was at a minimum during the main course, as the head brass had started their speeches. There was a small break between speeches, and Elliot leaned over. "Do you want something else to drink?" He noticed she had left over half of her drink untouched.

"No. I just…" She already had a pleasant buzz from the wine, and when she had taken her first sip, she realized the drink was really strong. She was worried that she would move firmly into drunk territory if she finished it.

"I didn't spike it with anything, if that's what you're thinking." Elliot teased.

Olivia laughed. "Yeah, I never really trusted you." She was glad to see Elliot recognized the irony in her statement and he laughed along with her.

He reached out and placed his hand over her wrist, swiping his thumb back and forth lightly across the back of her hand. "If I were you, I wouldn't trust me."

His voice had dropped, and the way he said those words sent a small quiver through her body. Olivia could see something in his eyes…something she couldn't quite define. Or wouldn't let herself recognize.

Desire.

Olivia pulled her arm from beneath Elliot's and picked up her drink, taking a long sip. Confusion was swarming through her mind and body. She and Elliot had never taken the teasing and the innuendo this far, and even though alarm bells were flashing in her mind, she didn't want it to end.

Just the opposite.

It had been years of denying how she felt and wondering if he shared any of the same feelings. It felt good to know that at some level, maybe he did.

Or maybe it was just lust. The man had been separated for a long time. While she didn't think a man like Elliot Stabler could go a long time without sex, she also didn't think he was a one-night stand kind of guy. So, it could be possible that he hadn't hooked up with anyone since his wife had pushed him out the door.

Ex-wife.

"El…" He looked up from his dinner, and she almost lost her nerve. It was probably the last thing he wanted to talk about and she didn't want to ruin the mood. But she suddenly had an overwhelming need to know.

"Yeah?" Elliot put his fork down to look at her when she paused. He could see the uncertainty on her face and it threw him. He wondered what in the hell she was going to say.

"Before…" Olivia waved her hand in Derek's general direction. "You said…I thought I heard you say…that Kathy was your ex-wife." She let out a breath. "I thought the two of you were working things out."

"Hmph." Elliot let out a small grunt and picked up his drink, focusing his attention on the glass. "I thought so too. But then I decided that it probably wasn't going to work when I met the guy she's been seeing." He took a long drink and set his glass back down on the table. He looked back over at Olivia. "It's over. It's been over for a long time. I just didn't want to admit it."

Olivia reached out and put her hand on his forearm. "I'm sorry." She knew how much it bothered him that he couldn't keep his family together, but she thought he beat himself up too much about it. "But you know it's not all your fault."

"Liv, it's okay. I'm really okay. I beat myself up for a while, but Kathy and I have been talking." He laughed. "Maybe for the first time in years. She's happy, and I'm happy for her. And I think everything's going to work out for the best."

Olivia saw the smile on his face and her heart skipped a beat at the realization that Elliot was a free man.

Elliot was watching Olivia, and he saw her mind was working overtime, and he was dying to know what was going through her mind right now. He could see the flush return to her skin and she was breathing a little more rapidly. It took his mind to places he shouldn't go. But the way she had been teasing him tonight was driving him crazy. It had been fun and flirty, but he couldn't help his thoughts from taking things further.

He leaned over then, taking a chance to breathe in the essence of her. "Are you okay?" He whispered. He trailed his hand lightly down her arm and felt her shiver.

"Do you two need a room?"

Derek's voice broke the reverie, and Elliot pulled back from Olivia. They had been lost in their own little world and he had forgotten that they were in a room full of other NYPD officers. People were watching, and they had been touching just a little bit too much. He glanced over at Derek. "Just making sure Olivia was feeling okay." He said sharply. He nodded towards his glass. "We've all had a lot to drink tonight."

"She looks just fine to me." Derek said with a smile.

Olivia could hear the leer in his voice and saw the way his eyes dipped back down to her cleavage, and she was glad she had never dated this guy. His girlfriend was sitting right next to him, and he was being a jerk. She felt bad for her, even though Kate seemed clueless.

Another speech started, and Olivia was glad that everyone's attention was refocused. The current speaker only had her partial attention, even though she kept her eyes trained forward. She could see the way Elliot kept stealing glances her way out of the corner of her eye, and she couldn't keep from smiling. She shifted in her seat, crossing her left leg over her right, and her foot bumped into the back of Elliot's leg. "Oh, sorry." She whispered.

"No problem." Elliot whispered back. He noticed she made no attempt to move it. In fact, she pressed her foot into the bend of his knee, and he glanced over at her.

"We've just been sitting for so long. I need to stretch my legs a little." Olivia said without even looking at him.

"It's fine." He said, but his breath caught when she started to rub her foot lightly against the back of his shin. He shot another glance in her direction, but she seemed wholly focused on the speaker. Her features gave away nothing, and he smiled. He realized that while he'd been playing house in the suburbs, she'd had a lifetime of experience with flirting and seduction.

He wondered how far she was going to take things. Honestly, he never expected anything to happen tonight. But once the teasing had started, he hadn't been able to stop it. And she had played along. But now…she was the one ratcheting it up.

Elliot's thoughts were interrupted as Olivia's foot lost contact with his leg…and then it was back. But this time, without her shoe. He could feel Olivia's toes as she pressed into the back of his leg and he sucked in a breath as she ran her foot back and forth.

His mind went into overdrive. She had purposefully dropped her shoe…was purposefully rubbing her foot along the back of his leg…and the only thing he could think about was how much he wanted to wrap his hand around her ankle and kiss his way up those long legs…push up her dress as his mouth forged a path up the inside of her thighs…

Elliot gripped the edge of the table as images flashed in his mind. He had to get control because if he kept having thoughts like that, he was going to have a hard-on sitting here at the table.

"Olivia." He said, an edge in his voice.

"Hmmm?" She turned to him, adopting an air of innocence.

I'm dead.

The thought popped into his head out of nowhere. But he knew it was true. He was at her mercy…

His eyes dropped to her mouth, and at that very moment, Olivia slipped her tongue out of her mouth and ran it along her top lip.

Dead.

Elliot wanted to reach out and pull her towards him…kiss the remnants of her lipstick off her mouth…

It took all his willpower not to do it.

They were in public. People were watching.

He looked away and drew in a deep breath.

She wanted to play? Well…he could play too.

He looked back towards the speaker, hoping he appeared to be unbothered by what she was doing with her mouth, and focused on the speaker for a beat. He felt her toes nudge the back of his shin with her toes, and he reached out beneath the table, aiming for her thigh.

He misjudged slightly, forgetting her left leg was crossed over her right, and his hand connected with her right leg, much higher up on her thigh then he had intended. He heard a small gasp of surprise from Olivia, and he lifted his hand quickly, moving it to her left leg. But his hand connected with bare skin…her dress must have ridden up…and he almost pulled it off her completely. But he saw her close her eyes momentarily…and bite down slightly on her lower lip…and he grasped her thigh more firmly.

Olivia had gasped slightly at his touch. She hadn't been expecting it…and warmth blossomed in her lower belly. Pure, unadulterated want. She shifted slightly, but Elliot's warm palm coated her skin. The only thing she could think of is dropping her leg…spreading them slightly and letting Elliot trail his fingers up her inner thighs. She was slightly embarrassed at her reaction, but her body was remembering some of those late-night fantasies…

Elliot knew he'd surprised her, and he was enjoying her reaction. It was good to know that he had the same affect on her as she did on him. He swiped his thumb lightly against her inner thigh, right above her knee, and he swore he heard another, almost inaudible, gasp fall from her lips. He wondered what she'd do if he slid his hand farther up her thigh.

Elliot glanced over at her, and Olivia knew he could read her like a book. She tried to control her breathing, but it was nearly impossible, and she told herself to stop acting like an inexperienced teenaged girl. Her inner self reminded her that she'd fallen into bed with men without nearly as much foreplay…and this was Elliot with his hands on her. She wasn't in control any longer.

Elliot felt Olivia shift again, and then he felt her hand on top of his, holding it in place. A few seconds later, she lifted his hand, and he felt disappointment surge through him. She was ending this. But then…he came in contact with her skin again, and he realized…

Holy shit.

Olivia had uncrossed her legs and put his hand on her right thigh. The palm of his hand was resting against the fabric of her dress, but his fingers were brushing the inside of her thigh. A rush of heat coursed through his body. She had purposefully done that…and the thought of that…the intention…made him mad with desire. He was powerless to stem the need flooding his body right now.

Olivia looked over at Elliot and could see the heat in his neck and face. He wasn't looking at her; he seemed to be solely focused on not looking at her.

She knew this was crazy. Things had gotten way out of hand, but she couldn't stop now. She wanted to feel his body's reaction…to see if it mirrored her own. She could see the way the muscles in his jaw jumped, and she wondered how he would react to her touch. She tentatively reached across and slid her hand across his upper thigh, as she leaned in slightly. "You okay?" She whispered.

Elliot nearly jumped out of his chair at the feel of her hand on his thigh and her warm breath on his skin. He clenched his jaw as her fingers grazed his budding erection, and he wanted to close his eyes as they lingered there. He wanted her to touch him…to run her fingers along the length of him but God…this couldn't happen here.

Elliot heard people clapping, and he realized he had closed his eyes. He felt Olivia pull her hand away, and he did the same as they joined in with the crowd. Derek looked over at him and made some comment about all the hot air in the room and all the grandstanding and big promises, but Elliot couldn't even respond.

"I think Kate and I are going to sneak out of here shortly." Derek gave Elliot a knowing look. "I don't want to be stuck here after dessert, talking to more suits."

Elliot thought that was a good idea. A great idea even. He turned to suggest that to Olivia, but he saw her pushing her chair out from the table.

"Where are you going?" Elliot had this sudden image of her leaving the banquet room and escaping in a cab, like a modern-day Cinderella.

Olivia didn't quite know what to say…where she was going. She just had to get away…to find a place to calm herself the hell down before things went too far.

As if they hadn't already.

"I'm going to the restroom." She said and turned and walked away before Elliot could say anything else. Her heart was in her chest as she wound her way through the tables, worried that Elliot was going to follow her. When she exited the banquet room, the cooler air felt refreshing and she leaned against the wall for a moment to try to slow her breathing. She hesitated only a moment, and then headed down the hall to the restrooms. She slipped inside the door and braced her arms against the counter, still trying to slow down her beating heart.

For a moment, she felt a stab of disappointment that Elliot hadn't followed her. It made her realize just how messed up this whole thing was. The desire and the denial. This dance that had been going on for years…never moving more towards one or the other.

Until tonight.

But now she was scared to death. She wanted him.

The heat in her belly and the slickness between her legs confirmed it.

But common sense was starting to kick in. The rational thoughts that had kept her from acting on this before now were nagging at her. She looked at herself in the mirror, trying to make sense of everything that had happened since Elliot had picked her up tonight.

Olivia startled when the door flew open, and she saw Kate's reflection in the mirror.

"Hey." She said brightly. "That partner of yours. Elliot?" She turned and leaned against the counter. "Is he married? Or…seeing someone?"

Olivia looked up at her sharply. "I have to go." She said, dismissing the young woman.

"Wait." Kate called after her, but Olivia was already slipping through the door. She turned left to head back to the banquet room, but she let out a small yell when she felt an arm wrap around her waist, halting her in her tracks.

She whirled around as Elliot released her. He wrapped his hand around her wrist and pulled her along with him as he backed into a small alcove.

Olivia looked around as she pulled her arm from his grip. Her heart was beating rapidly; he had startled her when he had grabbed her from behind. "What are you doing?"

"Something I should have done a long time ago." Elliot said. He placed his hands on her waist and pushed her back against the wall. She had a look of wariness on her face and he could see a question on her parted lips…but she didn't utter a word as he slid his hands lightly over her arms and her shoulders. Elliot cupped her jaw with both hands, tangling his fingers in her hair, and he tilted her face up towards his.

Olivia saw the intent in his eyes, and she was trembling. Her eyes dipped to his lips, and then back up to his steely blues, and she thought she finally understood what people meant when they said they got weak in the knees. Elliot was going to kiss her, and any thoughts she'd had of putting on the brakes flew out of her mind. She had never wanted anything more.

"Olivia…" Elliot's voice was husky, and his heart was nearly beating out of his chest. "If you want me to stop, tell me now." He whispered, looking earnestly into her eyes.

Olivia flattened her palms against his chest, and then slid her hands around his neck, pulling him closer. Her lips ghosted over his. "I don't want you to stop."

The words were barely out of her mouth before he pressed his mouth to hers, and he heard her let out a small sigh, as if she'd been holding her breath until this very moment. Kissing her opened up chasms of want within him, and he turned her head to deepen the kiss. When she opened her mouth, he slipped his tongue between her lips and a hot, white heat coursed through his body. He heard a small moan from her and then she was pulling him closer.

Olivia dug her fingertips into the back of Elliot's neck, kissing him hungrily. Elliot pinned her body to the wall with his, and she could feel the length of him pressed against her. He slipped his hands from her face, and down her body, brushing the sides of her breasts on the way to her hips. She felt his fingers digging into her flesh as the ferocity of his kisses knocked her head into the wall. Elliot was kissing her like he was making up for years of missed opportunities, stealing her breath away.

Elliot released her mouth and kissed his way across her jaw. He smiled against her skin as Olivia tilted her head back to grant him better access. He raked his teeth across her pulse point and he heard another low moan…a deep sound that sent another rush of heat through his body. Things were going from 0 to 100 in just a few minutes, but somehow, he had known it would. Their chemistry had always been there, and the years of denial had resulted in a kind of passion that once released, was unstoppable.

Olivia slipped her arms beneath Elliot's and raked her fingernails up his back. Elliot was kissing his way down her neck and the top of breasts and she couldn't stop the moans that escaped her lips. She wanted him to peel her dress from her body and kiss his way down her body.

Elliot found a spot beneath her ear that elicited another moan, and he felt her knees buckle slightly. He pressed his body more tightly against her, searching for her heat. He slid his hands down her outer thighs until he hit skin. His fingers teased the hem of her dress…he wanted to slip his fingers beneath the material until he found out just how wet she was right now.

Olivia clawed at the fabric of Elliot's shirt, trying to pull it from his pants, but she stopped suddenly when she heard voices.

"Elliot." She hissed.

Elliot heard Olivia mumble his name, but he bit down lightly on her neck, marking her skin. "Olivia." He mumbled as he lifted his mouth to her ear.

"Elliot." She said again, pushing at his shoulders and forcing him to take a step back. "Stop."

Elliot was confused at first; he couldn't believe she was going to stop this now. But then he heard people talking, and he realized that dessert and the speeches must be over. The noise was getting louder; people must be leaving the banquet room. He looked at Olivia as she smoothed down her skirt. Her lipstick was gone, her skin was flushed, and she was breathing as heavily as he was.

"Liv." He said, trying to read her mind right now. He hadn't followed her out here with the intention of taking her to bed, but it was all he could think about now. "Are you okay?" He asked.

Olivia could only nod her head. Things had gotten carried away…they were in a public place…surrounded by fellow officers. She didn't know what she had been thinking…what Elliot had been thinking…when the stakes were so high.

She wondered if he would have fucked her here against the wall if they hadn't been interrupted. She shivered at the thought…an image of his muscled arms holding her as he pounded into her.

Olivia looked up at Elliot, and she saw the question on his face. She pushed into him and grabbed his arm lightly. "Let's get out of here." She dropped her hand as they walked out of the alcove, and she saw people mingling in the hallway.

Elliot came up behind her, trying to tug his coat jacket over the bulge in his pants. "Where are we going?"

"I don't care." Olivia said. "Anywhere but here." She was worried Elliot would start to rethink things…tell her all the reasons why this was a bad idea. They reached the grand staircase that led to the main lobby, and they both charged down the stairs quickly.

When they reached the bottom, Elliot grabbed her arm. "Hold on."

Olivia turned to face him. "What?" She asked, ready to argue with him if he dared tell her this was going too fast.

"Wait here." He said.

Olivia furrowed her brow but didn't say anything as she watched him walk away. A few seconds later, she saw his intent, and she inhaled deeply. This was really going to happen. This man, her friend and protector for the last seven years…the man she had longed for on so many lonely nights, was finally going to become her lover. And with more conviction than she thought she had, she knew this was the right time for them.

Elliot walked up to the front desk. "Do you have any rooms available?" He asked, fishing out his ID and credit card. He didn't care what the room cost; it was going to be worth it. He didn't have the patience to wait and he was glad Olivia was on the same page. He glanced over at Olivia and saw her standing where he'd left her. She was devastatingly beautiful, and he urged the clerk to move a little faster.

"We only have a room with one king bed available." The clerk said.

"That's perfect." Elliot said as he handed the man his credit card.

EOEOEOEO

There was a sudden awkwardness in the elevator as they made sure they maintained their distance. It would do any good to have anything caught on security footage. Not that they were doing anything wrong…not legally at least.

But the second they crossed the threshold of the room, Olivia grabbed Elliot by the tie and pushed him back against the door. She wanted him to know that she didn't have one second of doubt. She wanted him…badly. She loosened his tie as her lips grasped his, and she slid it from around his neck as he reached for her.

Olivia unbuttoned his shirt and pulled the ends out from his pants. She trailed kisses down his neck and chest as she pushed his shirt off his shoulders, trailing her fingers down his abs until she wrapped her fingers around his belt buckle.

Elliot slammed his hand over hers. "Olivia." He rasped. He couldn't let her touch him. If he did, he wouldn't have any restraint left. He pulled her hands up to his chest and walked her backwards towards the bed. "Are you sure about this?"

"Do I seem unsure?" Olivia asked, giving him a sultry smile.

"No…" His eyes roamed down her body and back up again, and he reached for her. His left arm rested on her waist, and he slid his fingers through her hair and pulled her towards him, crashing his lips against hers. He opened her mouth with his and deepened the kiss, moaning into her mouth as she ground herself against him. He broke the kiss, breathing heavily. "Liv…God…I have to hear you say it." He didn't want her to have any regrets.

Olivia took Elliot's hand and led him to the bed. She put her hands on his shoulders and pushed him down, until he was sitting on the edge. She took a few steps back and reached for the back of her dress. She pulled the zipper down slowly. She pulled the straps down over her shoulders, holding the dress to her chest with one hand. "I told you already…I want this. I want you." She ran her tongue across her lips. "The only question is…do you think you can handle it?"

There was a tease in her voice, and Elliot couldn't take his eyes off her. This was the stuff of fantasies…he could scarcely believe that Olivia was standing in front of him, stripping off her clothes. "I don't know…" He said with a tinge of honesty. "But I'm sure as hell going to try."

A slow smile crossed her face. "That's all I want to hear." Olivia said in a low, husky voice. "Now…tell me…"

Elliot interrupted her. "Lose the dress."

Olivia's heart skipped a beat at the demanding tone of his voice, and she felt a small jolt of nerves wind it's way down her spine. She had never been shy about her body or sex…but this was Elliot. She looked at him, and the way he was looking at her, and her nerves dissipated. She took a deep breath and moved her hand, letting the dress slide down her body and fall to the floor.

Elliot saw the material slip from her body, revealing a white satin bra, a lot of bronze skin, and a small scrap of satin at the top of her thighs. He had spent hours imagining a scene such as this, but he wasn't prepared. "You're so beautiful." He said reverently. "Absolutely beautiful."

His voice wasn't more than a whisper, and he reached for her. He rested his hands lightly on her hips and pulled her towards him until she was standing slightly between his legs. He smoothed his hand up her sides and down the small of her back until he was cupping her nearly bare ass. He kissed her stomach, feeling the muscles jump and twitch as he placed small kisses there. He lifted his head, and smoothed his hand back to her hips, toying with the satin there. He wanted to tug them down, but he had to tell himself to slow down. He pushed her back slightly, so he could stand, and dropped his mouth until he was placed small kisses on her collarbone. He pulled the straps of her bra down her shoulders as he buried his mouth in her cleavage, and he heard her tell him to take it off.

When he took her breasts in his hands, he heard another low moan from her. He was rock hard, and he knew he was nearing the end of his limit. He wanted to explore every curve of her body, but a man had limits.

Olivia smoothed her hand over his erection and felt another twinge low in her belly. She was aching for him…aching for release…and while she appreciated that he wanted to take things slowly…she couldn't wait. "Please…" She begged. "I need you." She continued to run her hand along the length of him, anticipating the feel of him inside of her.

She heard Elliot groan, and seconds later, she had his pants unbuttoned and the zipper down. She slid her hand inside his briefs and heard a sharp hiss. She ran her thumb over the tip, spreading the wetness she found there, as she placed open mouthed kisses on his chest. "Christ…I should have known." That swagger…he had definitely earned it.

Elliot gripped her upper arms, pulling her hand from his erection, and he turned and pushed her gently backwards, so she fell on the bed. He pulled his pants and briefs off in one fluid movement as he stared at her laying in front of him. Her breasts were full…her nipples peaked…and she was rubbing her foot along the inside of her other leg, giving him an absolutely sinful look.

Olivia watched as Elliot stood at the side of the bed, and her eyes roamed over the chiseled planes of his chest, the muscles in his arms, the deep v in his abdomen that led down to a most impressive erection. She stretched out her arm. "Come here." She said softly.

Elliot climbed on the bed, pushing her legs apart with one knee as he placed soft kisses on her abdomen. He trailed his tongue up to her breasts, teasing her nipples with his tongue and his teeth. He continued his journey up her body, sliding his tongue inside her mouth as he pressed his erection against her core. Olivia moaned at the contact and lifted her hips against him. He ground against her, and she spread her legs for him. Elliot filled his hand with one of her breasts, massaging it roughly as he ran his thumb back and forth across her swollen nipple.

Olivia was writhing beneath Elliot. He was driving her insane as he ground against her, and she thought she might come from the way he was teasing her body. There was only a thin barrier of satin between them, and she wanted it gone. She lifted her hips again and was rewarded as Elliot slipped his hand down her body. She silently urged him on as he slid his fingers beneath satin, and then he was tracing his fingers over her wetness, causing a renewed ache.

Elliot couldn't believe how wet she was…the satin of her underwear was soaked…and he was throbbing with the need to be inside of her. He dropped his mouth to her ear. "God Liv." He moaned. "I want to take my time, but I don't think I can…"

"We have all night." Olivia gasped. She was desperate to feel him inside of her.

Elliot pushed himself up and grabbed the satin at her hips, working his way back down the bed as he tugged her panties down her legs. He climbed back on the bed, sliding his hands along the inside of her thighs, opening her up to him. She was completely bare, and he slid his fingers over her clit, and slipped the tip of his fingers inside her. Olivia moaned and lifted her hips slightly, causing him to penetrate her even more.

Olivia reached out her hand. "I want you." She said softly.

Elliot pulled his hand from between her legs and tangled his fingers with hers. He pushed her legs farther apart with his and positioned himself at her entrance. He heard her breath hitch slightly, and he kissed her slowly…sweetly… as he pushed inside of her. He moved slowly, allowing her body to adjust to his, and they both sighed deeply as he filled her completely. Elliot's head dropped to her shoulder, and he buried his face in her neck as he felt her walls grasping at him.

"Move." Olivia said lightly, feeling a pinch of pain mixed with the pleasure as he stretched her. He moved slowly, pulling almost all the way out of her before sliding back inside. He moved slowly at first, but then he started fucking into her more purposefully…harder and faster. The room was filled with the sounds of their bodies connecting and the moans…and Olivia raked her nails down Elliot's back as the sensations became almost unbearable. Elliot was kissing her neck…biting and teasing her skin…and she knew she would be marked in the light of day.

She had never been one for the missionary position, but Elliot's body fit perfectly in the cradle of her hips. He was hitting her in all the right places, and she could tell he was as close as she was. The extended foreplay…tonight and the years before…almost insured it. But she wasn't worried, because she knew this wasn't a one-time thing.

Olivia clutched Elliot's shoulders, and bit down on his shoulder as she felt her body clench around him. The sensations almost overwhelmed her, and she let out a string of unintelligible words as Elliot came, slamming into her one last time as she gasped out his name. Moments later, Elliot collapsed against her, and then he was kissing her mouth, her jaw, her neck as his body pressed into hers.

Elliot pushed himself up on his forearms and stared down into her eyes. He brushed her hair back from her face and placed another gentle kiss on her lips. He shifted slightly, and she gasped. All her nerves were on fire.

"Are you okay?" he whispered.

Olivia tightened her muscles around him, and it was his turn to gasp. "I'm perfect." She replied, trailing her fingers down his cheek.

"You are perfect." He whispered back, and Olivia laughed lightly.

"Hardly." Olivia blushed at the compliment.

"You're perfect." Elliot repeated, his voice soft and low.

"Keep that up, and I'm going to kick you out of bed." She had never gotten used to the compliments men gave her.

"I'd like to see you try." He trailed his fingers across the swell of her breasts. "Now that I've got you right where I want you..." He pressed his hips into her and elicited a small moan. "I'm never going to let you go."

Olivia laughed lightly.

Elliot laughed with her, but then he stopped. "I'm serious though…I've wanted this for a long time." He felt his nerves resurface. "I think…I hope…that you have too."

Olivia framed his face with her hands. "I have."

"I'm not just talking about sex…"

Olivia ran her fingers over his lips, stopping him. "I know." She could hear the sincerity in his voice, but she wasn't ready for any bold declarations at this point.

"Liv…"

"Please. Let's just take it one day at a time." She pulled him in for a kiss.

"But this is about more than just one night." Elliot protested against her mouth, hoping she wasn't saying what he thought she was saying.

"I know." Olivia said, trying to put him at ease. "I'm not going anywhere." She whispered as she kissed the corner of his mouth. "I just want to focus on you and me…here and now...before we worry about tomorrow." She trailed her tongue along his bottom lip. "If I remember correctly, you made promises…and I intend for you to keep each and every one." She said, each word dripping in innuendo. "Now…are you a man of your word?"

Elliot grinned down at her. "You know you can trust me. I always keep my word."