Thanks to Tumblr user myvettgirl for this request! Hope you enjoy!
Olivia Pope sat on the edge of her bed in her apartment, staring at her Mac. She'd really been staring at the screen for more than ten minutes; she'd drafted the email more than twenty minutes ago, and she'd spent the last ten minutes proofreading. Olivia's finger hovered over the 'send' button as she tried to work up the nerve to do so. Sighing heavily, Olivia set her computer beside her and stood, leaving her room and slumping into the living room where Abby, her roommate and her boyfriend, Stephen were laying. They were wrapped up in each other, covered in a thick afghan and staring pointedly at the TV where Property Brothers was on.
"Abby I can't do it." Olivia whined, crossing her arms and leaning against the back of the couch.
"Liv. You have been killing yourself in trying to be qualified for this job, and now you won't even send your damn resume? Come on. Grow a pair." Abby urged, barely sitting up to address Liv.
Liv rolled her eyes, but knew that Abby was right; she'd worked two assistant jobs with several politicians in Washington, in addition to 45 hours of charity outreach as required by Fitzgerald Grant, the governor of California and favorite for the Republican Party's Presidential nominee. Liv was vying for the position of his personal assistant, and while she knew she was overqualified (she'd made sure of it) she was still very nervous to even make contact with the elusive Fitzgerald. Liv wanted her own PR and marketing firm and working for Governor Grant's growing campaign almost ensured her a platform to stand on.
"I'm just nervous, Abby. I'm not allowed to be nervous? This is my whole future in one email. Literally everything about me is on my resume. What if he doesn't chose me? This is my plan, this is my only plan. If this doesn't work I'm…" Liv trailed off, trying not to put herself in that headspace; she knew she wouldn't be able to recover if she thought of every bad thing that could happen.
"Fucked? Assed out? Up shit's creek without a paddle?" Stephen suggested, as Liv shot him a look and sighed, returning to her room to grab her Mac. Liv walked back into the living room, Mac in hand and passed it to Abby.
"Can you send it? If I stare at that screen any longer I'm going to have a stroke." Abby took Liv's computer without further complaint and looked up to Liv a last time, her finger hovering as Liv's had over the 'send' button.
"Are you sure? This can't be undone." Abby asked. Liv nodded, hard.
"I'm sure. Please just send it so my head can stop spinning."
Abby pressed the button with a flourish and set Liv's computer down on the coffee table.
"Okay. So now that we have stressed for the night, we should go to the bar," Liv crossed her arms again; she wasn't a big drinker, but even she could admit that she needed a night to relax.
"I'm in. I just want to calm the hell down." Liv declared, just as Abby jumped up.
"Hell, yes Pope. I've been trying to get you out of the house since Memorial Day." Liv took Abby's hands in her own and exhaled.
"I need to calm down and have a drink." Abby jumped again.
"Yes, yay, I'm so excited. Are you showering?"
"Yeah I'll just hop in really quick. I'll be ready in fifteen. You and Stephen are going as is?"
Stephen stood. "I'm ready when you guys are," Liv shook her head.
"Of course you are. I'll be back guys."
Liv took her towel into the bathroom and turned on Pandora, her smooth jazz station turning on and immediately soothing Liv's built up anxiety.
Shedding her clothing, Liv turned on the shower and stepped in, ensuring that her hair was properly secured in two braids that were high on her head.
Liv soaped up her washcloth as she went over her resume in her head.
Did I include my Habitat for Humanity for 2012, 2013, and twice in 2014? Liv bit her lip as she tried to remember, and sighed in relief as she remembered that she had doubled back to include the summer and winter excursions she'd taken to Texas and Honduras last year.
My internship with Governor Murphy? Were the duties I listed too extensive? Should I have kept the big picture intact or was I correct to break down my responsibilities? Liv shook her head hard and turned, letting the stream of the warm shower water spray across her back.
"Liv! Get out! We gotta go!" Abby called from the hallway.
"Okay! I'm getting out in a sec." Liv finished washing herself and quickly washed her face before shutting the shower off and climbing out, padding back to her room to dress.
"Liv, stop with this smooth jazz stuff. We're going out! We need some hype music." Liv chuckled as Abby turned on her 'Top 40's' radio and Chris Brown came on.
"Please turn that off, I'm coming!" Liv called, pulling on her favorite black t-shirt that hung off of her just right. She pulled on a pair of skinny jeans that grasped her ankle and a pair of black and white checkered Vans.
Liv rubbed her Aveeno moisturizer onto her face and spritzed herself with her favorite perfume before exiting her room and flicking off the light. Abby had taken Liv's phone into the living room and plugged it into their stereo system.
"Ready," Liv announced, taking her black fringe satchel that Abby had given her for her 21st birthday and checking that her keys and ID were there.
Abby raised her eyebrow at Liv's outfit.
"Why don't you wear your black t-shirt dress?" Liv rolled her eyes and took her phone off of the stereo system.
"Because I'm wearing jeans and I look fine."
"Liv." Abby said sternly.
"Abby. I'm dressed, and I'm not changing."
"At least take your hair down. You look like Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm."
It was Liv's turn to raise her eyebrow. "Somehow, I doubt that very much. Anyway I don't have time, I'd have to mess around with it for a while for the curls to be just right."
"Fine! You want to look 16 tonight, that's your problem. Just make sure you bring your ID."
Liv held her driver's license up and opened the door, ushering Stephen and Abby out.
O
"One more shot," Abby slurred, tugging on Liv's arm as they sat at the bar. Liv shook her head as Abby motioned to the bartender, who'd been paying them a little too much attention all night.
You've had enough. Stop! That's your fourth tequila shot in fifteen minutes!
Liv screamed to herself, but she found herself taking the shot anyway, tears brimming in her eyes as the alcohol slid down her throat.
"Do you feel better?" Abby asked, screaming to be heard over the music.
"No!" Liv yelled back, grateful that while the next day was Friday, she didn't have any classes.
"I'm sorry! I thought this would help!" Abby said into Liv's ear.
Liv shrugged and stood, unsteadily, as Stephen supported her. To ensure that she was drinking the proper amount, Stephen and Abby had sandwiched Liv between them.
"You're lucky you're so tiny or I would've had to let you fall!" Stephen told Liv semi-seriously as she steadied herself and stood straight upward.
"Thanks," Liv replied. "I'm going to go to the bathroom, then maybe outside for a minute, I need some air! It's so hot in here!"
"Yeah that's because everyone's here tonight. Come back and get me when you go outside. I wouldn't mind some air either."
Liv nodded and clambered off to the bathroom, leaning against the wood paneling of the wall as she waited in the line for the bathroom.
Liv heard her phone ring, but she couldn't answer it in the chaos of the bar, so she, best she could, forced her way through the drunken crowd and out to the front of the bar.
"Hello?" Liv answered, pressing her iPhone to her ear and glancing around at the semi-busy street.
"Hello? Is this Olivia Pope?"
"Speaking, yes."
"Hello this is Governor Grant. I was just reading over your resume and application for my assistant position? I hope I haven't found you at a disadvantage, it is late."
Liv froze, the alcohol making her brain move slowly. Is this really happening? Or am I just hallucinating? Can tequila make you hallucinate?
"Miss Pope? I must have disturbed you, I'm sorry. I just found you terribly qualified for the position and I wanted to bring you in for an interview tomorrow."
Liv blinked and took a deep breath.
"I'm sorry, Governor. I am just very surprised that you're personally calling me."
"I don't usually make follow up calls, especially not for scheduling an interview, but as you know, I'm looking for an assistant, and this sort of thing would be one of the numerous responsibilities you… I mean my assistant would be handling."
Liv felt her chest flutter at his slip. My dream job! He called me his assistant!
"I'd be happy, honored to come in for an interview, Governor Grant."
"Okay, great. How about we meet tomorrow at 11:30 am tomorrow? My office on Capital Street?"
"Yes. I know where it is! Thank you so much, sir."
"Thank you, Miss Pope. I look forward to meeting you." Liv hung up her phone, and managed a small jump in her tipsy-ness.
"You were supposed to come and get me!" Liv jumped and turned as Abby had appeared behind her.
"Sorry! Governor Grant called me! Just now! I have an interview tomorrow at 11:30!" Abby jumped too, and staggered a little, but retained her excitement nonetheless.
"I'm so proud of you, Liv!" Abby declared, hugging her around her small waist. "Now let's go celebrate with another round!"
Liv giggled. "As much as I'd like to, I can't. I need to catch a cab home so that I can rest up for tomorrow morning! I have to get up early and wash my hair and make sure I look perfect for tomorrow!"
Abby stepped back and cocked her head to the side.
"Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?" Liv laughed.
"I'm just trying to look my best, this is the job I've wanted my whole life, Abby. I need to look good."
"Well, if I'm conscious tomorrow morning, wake me up so I can see you all scrubbed and pretty." Abby said, tucking a stray ringlet of Liv's hair behind her ear.
"Can do. Tell Stephen I said bye."
Abby nodded as Liv stepped onto the curb and held out her arm, thankful that she hadn't had to walk down further to the more populated area of the street.
Liv instructed the taxi driver to take her to her apartment and leaned back into the seat, remembering forlornly that she had to pee.
O
Liv stared in the mirror, adjusting the neckline of her shift dress, her eyes were bright as she brushed a thin coat of mascara over her top eyelashes. She was planning to wear her only pair of heels that Abby insisted she buy 'for interviews' she'd borrowed money from her father in order to purchase the pair that Abby had suggested. She vaguely knew what Loutoutin's were, but they fit her feet well and were comfortable enough to walk in. Liv twisted her mouth in thought as she tried to decide whether or not she would change her part to a middle one, but she decided in the end that the part and her bang on the left looked best.
Liv took her heels and smeared on a coat of Chap Stick before heading into Abby's room barefoot.
"I'm leaving." Liv told her, only a few strands of her carrot orange hair peeking from under her comforter.
"I believe in you," Liv heard Abby mutter. "I'm just kinda comatose right now."
Liv laughed. "Lay off the Tequila. I'll see you this afternoon after your class which you should go to."
"I'll try to get there." Abby mumbled into her pillow.
"I'll get her to class, Liv." Stephen assured, flashing Liv a 'thumbs up' sign weakly.
"I hope you do." Liv giggled. "Good luck."
Ten minutes later Liv was on her way, navigating toward Constitution Ave then headed onto the ramp toward Capitol Street.
Liv parked in the large parking lot and headed toward Governor Grant's office on foot, officially becoming nervous. She entered the elevator and went up to the seventh floor, entering the reception area of Governor Grant's floor. A bored brunette sat at the front desk, answering calls with 'Governor Fitzgerald Grant's office, please hold'. As Olivia approached her, she perked up only slightly at the promise of human contact.
"Olivia Pope for Governor Grant." The brunette glanced at her computer.
"ID, please?"
Liv fished her ID out of her wallet and handed it to the woman who verified her identity and handed it back to Liv.
"Governor Grant will see you now, follow the hallway to the end, the double doors should be open. Knock if they aren't."
Liv nodded and continued down the hallway lined with photo; Liv checked her watch; it was ten to 11:30, she stopped to look at the photos, curious to see what Governor Grant looked like. Liv felt heat on her neck as she realized how little she knew about him; aside from his Philanthropy and platform, the man was a mystery. She'd only seen his office photo, as it was included in the information packet for the job. But, she had to admit to herself that she'd been stuck on the fifth page of the packet since she'd received it, and she'd only glanced at his photo.
Surveying the photos of Governor Grant, Liv realized how young he was; mid-thirties at the very least. In almost every photo he sported an easygoing smile and perfect oak-brown hair, not a gray hair in sight. Liv turned to look at the other side of the wall.
Is he married?
Liv checked his ring finger of his waving left hand and didn't notice one,
Maybe he's gay. Or a recluse. Or… A sociopath. Wait, were sociopaths dangerous or it was just psychopaths?
"Miss Pope?"
Liv turned and jumped, seeing Governor Grant, in the flesh standing in his doorway.
"Oh, you were looking at the photos. Yes, my last assistant was rather… incorrigible. She practically redecorated my entire office. I've been meaning to take all these down. They're obnoxious. People don't need to see me shaking hands with every politician in Washington, they need to know that I can make things better."
Governor Grant looked at the photos a moment longer before turning back to Liv.
"Would you care to step into my office?"
Liv nodded, realizing how awkward she was being; she grasped the strap of her bag and straightened up, walking by Governor Grant, observing that he was at least six three. Practically everyone was taller than her, at five two she was accustomed to looking up at people, but for some reason Governor Grant intimidated her, she would be grateful to sit and be eye to eye with him.
Governor Grant sat down and picked up a black file folder, opening it and looking at Liv curiously.
"You're the only applicant out of fifty that I'm interviewing. Do you know why?" Liv blinked once and tried to remember the spiel that she'd rehearsed that morning.
I am very goal oriented, and I feel as though this position will help launch my own career as a PR rep. I'm also looking to gain experience working in a fast paced environment with multiple responsibilities.
But as Liv remembered only part of her speech, the words flew away as his icy blue eyes fell on her.
"Um. Well. I'm very accomplished in humanitarian efforts as well as, um… my internships with numerous influential political figures."
He grinned in appreciation and leaned forward, nearly stupefying Liv on the spot. If he was unfairly handsome in photos- which he was, then he was mind-blowingly handsome in person. Liv was barely able to keep her thoughts straight as the handsome Governor started to speak.
Liv, pay attention! He might be your boss, get a grip!
"Yes, and no. I've chosen to interview you for two reasons. One, you are ridiculously qualified and two, your application stuck out to me, amidst the other forty-nine applicants, you were very interesting. You said something that not one other applicant did. Do you know what that was?"
Liv shook her head helplessly, trying to think of what she could have possibly said that forty-nine other people hadn't.
"I am passionate about everything I do and with that passion comes extreme pride in my work and the image I project as a result of that work."
Liv mentally congratulated herself- she'd almost removed that line, as she was convinced she could come off prideful in the wrong way.
"Your passion is what got you this interview. I need your passion and I need your fresh ideas."
Liv smiled. "Does that mean I have the job, Governor Grant?"
"Please, call me Fitz. We'll be working together too much to have formalities in the way. And yes, you have the job. What can I call you?"
"Liv. Call me Liv,"
"Your full name is Olivia?" Liv nodded.
"That's a beautiful name," Fitz commented, somehow intimidating her and making her feel comforted at the same time.
"It means olive branch," Liv blurted, covering her mouth as if she'd said a swear word.
Fitz laughed and sat back in his chair.
"I did not know that, actually."
Liv forced her hands down from her mouth and tried to breathe normally.
"Well, Liv. This is very unorthodox, to be interviewed, hired and work all in the same day, but would you be willing to start today? I have a benefits gala tonight, and I'd like you to accompany me so that you can meet some of my staff and familiarize yourself with what I'll need you to do on a daily basis."
"I can definitely start today, what did you need to go over?"
Fitz stood and strode over to a whiteboard at the far end of his office.
"First, I'd like to expand my social media presence. My campaign manager has pointed out that I have hardly any presence, aside from Facebook, which I am told doesn't count. I wanted to start a Twitter, perhaps and Instagram. Are you coherent in these platforms?"
"Of course, I have a proficiency in the websites. I can create you a Twitter and Instagram that both of us can access. I'll install the apps on both of our phones and we'll share a login. Voters will appreciate that you tweet and post on Instagram by yourself, but there will need to be some things that I post for you, so you don't seem all about business."
"I'm impressed, Liv. That's a great idea to help build at the base with younger voters."
"I was also thinking that you could stand up on issues that youth endorse. Gay marriage, transgender rights, police brutality, those sort of things mean a lot to today's youth. It's important to take a firm stand on those issues,"
"Are you sure you wouldn't like to run?" Fitz asked, laughing at Liv's tenacity and returning to his desk.
"No, no. Not at all. I just think that you are a great candidate. I know that you can win."
Fitz smiled at Liv, locking eyes with her for a long pause, Liv felt her heart beating faster than she was used to.
Fitz broke the stare, shuffling papers on his desk haphazardly and leaning back in his chair once again. Liv was thankful that he had broken the stare, because she was somehow entranced in him.
Liv felt her cheeks warming as she glanced up at Fitz, and studied his face as he sifted through his paperwork.
Liv had never had a boyfriend. She'd never had someone who interested her beyond a physical connection.
Abby liked to joke that Liv was going to become a nun, but the truth was that Liv wasn't looking, and no one (up until that moment) had made her sit up and take notice.
He's gorgeous. And smart, and intense and my boss and the freaking Governor of California. Who do you think you are, Olivia Pope? He's not interested in a 21 year old college student. Not when he could have any woman he wants! Get over yourself.
When Liv had deflated herself to her own satisfaction, she looked back up at Fitz, who finished signing a piece of paper.
"Well. I will be sending a car for you tonight, near the GW campus, yes?"
"Yes," Liv answered.
"Okay. Tonight at eight. The dress in black tie so you'll need a ball gown. Do you have a ball gown?"
Liv blinked at Fitz. "Um. Does my prom dress count?" As soon as the words left her lips, Liv beat herself up internally. As if she needed to remind Fitz just how young she was.
"I don't think it will. But don't worry about it, I'll buy you one." Liv immediately felt shame.
"No, that's alright. I'll figure it out. Don't go to the trouble."
"It's no trouble, Liv. I have the money to buy you a dress."
"But I don't need you to buy me a dress. I'll figure it out, trust me."
"Are you always so feisty?" Fitz countered.
"Only on my applications." Fitz smirked at Liv's cheekiness.
"Olivia. I will buy you the dress, and charge it to the campaign, if that makes you feel better. The money will not be mine. Let me buy you this dress."
"Fine. If it means that much, you can buy me the dress." Liv replied curtly. Fitz grinned, his lower lip twitching slightly; Liv noticed that he had a freckle on the lower right corner of his lip. She fantasized that she climbed onto his desk and kissed his lips, hard and frenzied. She wondered how the inside of his mouth tasted.
HE IS YOUR BOSS. CALM DOWN.
Even as Liv screamed at herself in her head, she couldn't help but imagine straddling Fitz, tugging on his tie and grasping the hair at the nape of his neck.
HE IS A GOVERNOR. HE'S YOUR BOSS AND YOU CAN'T HANDLE HIM.
Liv blinked, trying to keep her mind clear, but her legs shook slightly as she realized how hard she was pressing them together.
"Are you alright?" Fitz asked. Liv nodded mutely.
"Yes, I'm good. Did you want me to start working?"
"Well, your office is adjoined to mine, it's just through that door. I'll show you if you'd like. I just wanted to orient you today, which I've pretty much done, and after that you'll be free to go home. We can reconvene officially on Tuesday. By the way, I don't live here full time, I commute between here and my home state. Once a month I'll require that you travel with me home to help mobilize the base there, my campaign headquarters are there. My previous assistant was comfortable to stay in a guest room at my home, but if you'd prefer I can provide you with a hotel room nearby."
"I'll be fine to stay in the guest room." Liv squeaked, already anxious at the thought of spending the night at Fitz's house.
Fitz nodded. "Alright. Well that trip is coming up next weekend, actually. If you wouldn't mind making the necessary travel arrangements. Two tickets for you and me, business class. We'll be leaving around ten am on Friday and returning by nine am on Monday. Do those times work for you?"
"Yes, sir. I've organized my schedule around this internship, and I'm only taking one other class this term that meets once a week. On Thursdays from eight to ten I am in class, and the rest of the week…"
"You're all mine? Great. Well those travel arrangements should be made right away, and I'll show you to your office."
Liv stood just as Fitz did and watched him stride toward the door on the far wall, his long legs making his movements clean and precise.
Did he really just say that I am all his?
IT'S A FIGURE OF SPEECH, OLIVIA.
THAT MAN IS NOT INTERESTED IN YOUR 21 YEAR OLD ASS.
So why'd he hire me then? He must think I'm at least at little attractive.
DOUBT IT.
Liv shook her head, worrying that she was going crazy in arguing with herself.
"Here it is. I'm afraid it's not much. The thought behind this room was to give you some space, just because you'll oftentimes be working elbow-to-elbow with me. It's a thankless job, I'm afraid." Fitz admitted, shrugging slightly, a smile playing on his lips.
Liv looked around at the small room that included a rectangular window, an oak desk and a file cabinet. A Mac Desktop hummed, asleep and a small wastebasket was tucked under the desk.
"I'm sure you're wrong." Liv replied, referring to Fitz's comment about the job being thankless. "This is my dream job. I can't wait to work elbow-to-elbow with you."
Liv blushed and cleared her throat discretely, mentally kicking herself for kissing ass and being so inappropriate toward Fitz.
"Well thank you, Olivia."
Liv felt the way he said her name in her bones.
Why hasn't anyone ever said my name like that?
"Can I ask you something?" Liv asked, hoping he wouldn't take offense to her question.
"Yes, go ahead." Fitz replied, clearly curious.
"What happened to your old assistant?"
Fitz grinned. "She went to law school in Rhode Island. She also said that she wasn't as committed to the job as she'd once been. It was an amicable split."
Liv nodded.
"I was just wondering."
"I am confident that we will work well together," Fitz replied, leaning against the doorframe. "I can tell that you're quite a firecracker, and I'm sure that soon enough we'll be working flawlessly for the greater good."
Liv smiled and held out her hand as a gesture of good faith, which Fitz took, nearly covering her small hand with his large one. Liv felt the warmth of his body travel all the way down to her nether region. She took her hand back in surprise and blinked once before stepping back.
"I'm going to go now, if that's alright with you?"
"No problem. I'll see you tonight? Will you be sure to text me your dress size and favorite color? I think you'd look lovely in yellow."
Liv raised an eyebrow.
"I've never really worn yellow. But I guess I could try it."
"And your size? Two?" Liv looked down at her body; she'd purposely chosen the shift dress because it didn't accentuate her shape. She was curvy yet slim, as she'd always been.
How did he guess my size? Liv wondered.
"Yes. I'm a two. Sometimes a four, depends on the dress."
Fitz nodded, clearly pleased with himself.
"Well, the dress should arrive around six, I'll see to that. And I'll see you tonight, Olivia."
"Liv," Liv corrected, wanting him to stop saying her name in that dangerously sexy way.
"Liv." He repeated, smirking yet again.
Damn. That's sexy too now. What the hell! Stop being so damn alluring! Take a break!
Liv wanted to shout at him. Instead, she waved and quickly left his office, wondering how in the hell he'd seduced her so well when he'd barely touched her.
Liv stepped off of the elevator on her floor and exhaled as she unlocked the door to her apartment. Abby and Stephen were nowhere to be found, but there were breakfast dishes in the sink, which made Liv hope that they'd made it to class after all. Not stopping to check to see if Abby was in her room, Liv marched right to the end of the hall and into her room, closing the door and collapsing against the door, realizing how eventful the past several hours had been. Liv pulled off the shift dress and kicked off the heels. Stretching, she caught her body in her full length mirror and stopped to stare, examining her mostly naked body.
She'd never really looked at herself fully naked before, she'd never had a reason. But, with the memory of the way Fitz had made her feel, Liv stripped off her bra and matching underwear. Her boobs weren't perfect, her right was bigger than her left, and her areolas were almost too big. They were borderline, Liv moved on to her tummy, noticing small stretch marks on her left side. Continuing downward, Liv noticed the beauty mark on her left hip bone. Aside from that, her skin was mostly the even shade of brown that she'd come to adore and her ass didn't jiggle as much as she felt she deserved, but all in all she wasn't bad looking naked.
Would Fitz think I look good naked?
Without giving herself permission to answer that question, Liv pulled her favorite George Washington University sweatshirt on and a pair of boxer briefs that she'd gotten from Walmart to sleep in. Liv reached for her scarf and pulled it on snugly just before falling into an effortless sleep, Fitz already manifesting himself in her dreams.
O
"Well I'm sorry you didn't like Senator Ballard. He can be a bit of a showman, but he's not used to being ignored by a beautiful woman."
Fitz joked, a takeout container of Chinese in one hand and a pair of chopsticks in the other. It was Thursday afternoon, and despite being terribly tired from her three hour class, Liv had rushed over to Fitz's office, making it there by just after 11:30. After the gala, Fitz was receiving numerous calls of support, and between Liv and his receptionist, whom Liv learned was named Jolie, they were answering the phones nonstop, taking notes and commendations from the donors. Liv had hardly seen Fitz on Tuesday, she'd been in the office, sorting through his previous speeches and archiving them, as well as mapping out his 'takeover' of social media on the whiteboard in his office, and on Wednesday they'd been on the road, volunteering at a Boys and Girls club and Fitz's speaking engagement at a hotel downtown.
Liv's head would be spinning if she wasn't enjoying how much she was learning, and how amazing Fitz was. She'd launched his official Twitter account that morning; GovFitzGrant and his Instagram; GovFitzGrant. Fitz was more than pleased with Liv's work ethic, and their conversations were borderline flirtatious. Liv didn't want to be the one to cross a line, and so far she hadn't.
"It's not that I didn't like him! He's just a bit boring. All he wanted to talk about was his initiative on leaner gun laws in the South, like that's necessary. Trust me, it was best that I tuned that man out. I'd rather him be irritated that I ignored him rather than irritated that I reamed his ass about gun control." Fitz laughed along with Liv as she picked through the mixed vegetables in her container of food. She fished a piece of bamboo out and looked up to Fitz's curious gaze.
"What?" Liv asked, alarmed. "Do I have something on my face?" Fitz shook his head.
"I'm just wondering how you're working for me, you know I'm a Republican, right?" Liv shrugged, spearing a piece of broccoli onto her fork.
"You're only really a Republican in name, let's be honest. You haven't declared that you don't support gay marriage, you're heavily against tax breaks for big businesses and you have been working hard to rebuild the California Education system. Maybe you're a registered Republican, but you bleed blue, my friend."
Fitz chuckled, setting his food down and picking up his bottled water and taking a quick swig. "Maybe I bleed purple, ever think of that? I'm not completely Democrat, nor am I completely Republican."
"But," Liv prompted. "If you had to choose."
Fitz hesitated for a moment, a gleam in his eye as he picked up his food again, "Probably Democrat," Fitz admitted.
"I know," Liv replied confidently, popping another piece of bamboo into her mouth.
Fitz squinted at Liv in wonder. "You talk back a lot," Fitz observed. "You have just the smartest mouth."
Liv, who had to fight not to choke on her snow pea, set her food down and took a long swig of water. "Do I?" She managed, after regaining some sort of grip on herself.
"You do," Fitz assured. "It's… both irritating and endearing. I'm not sure how to handle you." Liv bit her tongue in surprise. "I'm sure you'll come up with something," Liv countered, playing his game. Fitz leaned forward, his gaze intense and consuming as Liv fought to remain composed. Her legs were pressing together, the dress she wore today- the last clean dress she had- was almost too short for work. She uncrossed her legs and re-crossed them the other way, adjusting the length of her dress to cover more of her thighs. Despite all this movement her lower half was engaged in, she didn't break eye contact with Fitz, but blinking slightly, she took a quick glance at the freckle on the edge of his lip and her breathing shallowed.
"Governor Grant? I have the mayor of Santa Rosa on the phone for you," Jolie announced, appearing in the door as both Fitz and Liv's gaze turned at the sudden intrusion.
"Sorry, was I interrupting?" Jolie asked clearly amused at how dazed Liv must have appeared.
"Not at all, Jolie. Didn't you intercom?" Fitz referred to the built in intercom that came equipped with each of the office phones.
"Twice, sir." Jolie replied, holding up two fingers. Fitz nodded shortly.
"Right. Okay. What line?"
"One, sir."
"Thanks Jolie."
"No problem, and sir? Could I go on lunch? I need to check on the nanny."
"Go ahead, Jolie. Olivia can handle the phones for an hour."
Liv nodded in confirmation.
Jolie smiled shortly and left the doorway. Without further instruction, Liv followed Jolie out to the Receptionist desk, thankful that Jolie had gone and that she didn't need to engage in awkward conversation about whatever the hell that just was. She was still trying to process it herself and she didn't need Jolie's probing.
Liv typed 'Governor Grant' into Google, just for kicks and clicked 'images' navigating the numerous pictures on the first page, Liv realized how the nation must see Fitz; a young bachelor. He had no photos with any women, only one family photo with his mother, father and sister, Fiona. They were an attractive family, Liv had to admit.
Where are the pictures of him with a woman? Surely he's dated in the last decade! Google has to have some picture with him and a woman!
"Googling me? I know I'm not interesting enough for that," Liv jumped and quickly minimized the screen, spinning in her chair, only to find Fitz standing there, smirking.
"No, I was… just trying to find you a Twitter avi."
Fitz nodded in mock understanding. "Of course. How is my Twitter doing?"
Liv pulled her phone from her dress pocket and opened the Twitter app. "Nine hundred thousand in under four hours? I'd say that's a record," Liv commended.
"And Instagram is nearly the same, just shy of nine hundred thousand."
"Impressive. I need to start tweeting, then. And instagramming. You need to help me look interesting." Liv shrugged, looking up at him. She couldn't help but sweep her eyes over the apex of his pants.
"I don't think you need my help for that. You're already pretty interesting."
Fitz leaned down, pushing his hands on top of the chair's arms. "Oh yeah?" Fitz inquired, so close to Liv now that she could almost reach forward and kiss him.
"Yeah, Mr. Purple." Liv teased. Fitz smiled despite himself and stood back up straight.
"Anyway. Are you ready for California tomorrow?" Liv stood, pocketing her phone again. Fitz led her back down the hallway and back to her seat in front of his desk. Fitz plopped back down in his chair and took his container of food back into his hands.
"Absolutely, I'm already packed. I've only been once."
"Well then it's my job to get you acquainted with the general area. I'll try to point stuff out when we're flying over. I always love flying over the desert at night, there's nothing but pitch darkness, until you stumble on Vegas, which in comparison to the rest of the desert is just a blimp. You'll love it."
"And I noticed you had me book the tickets for LAX and not Sacramento." Liv commented, remembering how Fitz corrected her before he dashed out of office on Tuesday.
"Yes, I don't live in the Governor's Mansion. Too showy. I prefer my house in the hills. It's reclusive, but it's got this breathtaking view. We'll be there Friday through Saturday afternoon, then we'll be flying up to Sacramento, I live in South Land Park. I get so much flack for it, but it's bad enough to own one half a million dollar home, I won't own two."
Liv nodded, already imagining how much jet setting Fitz had to do to keep things at bay both in Washington and in California.
"Ah, I miss the days when I was just a Governor and I wasn't expected to run like a chicken with its head cut off from Washington to California."
Liv laughed, trying to bite back the question she'd been burning to ask. "Do you really want to be President?"
Fitz shrugged noncommittally.
"I want to make a difference. I want to help people. If I get to do that, I'd love to be President."
Again, Liv tried to hold back her tongue, but she could almost hear Fitz asking for her opinion, so she gave in.
"But the job is so much more than that. You could help people by getting down in the trenches with them, and getting on their level. All they want is for someone who can change things to understand them. The average person doesn't care about what initiatives are being started in Washington. What they care about is that their child's school is cutting music and art and gym. You need to get down with people, and see where they are and what they care about. And once you know that, you can go from there."
Fitz leaned back in his chair, once again stupefied.
"That's it," Fitz declared, "You're running for public office." Liv rolled her eyes.
"Very funny. But I'm serious. If you meet people at their level, and see what they see every day, you'll understand how to help them better."
"You're right." Fitz said. "I don't know why I'm always so surprised, I should know by now. It's only been a week, but you haven't been wrong yet."
Liv sat back in her own chair triumphantly.
"How's that for smart mouth?" Liv asked, biting her lip quickly. Fitz grinned at Liv before looking away.
"You'd better get home, and get some sleep. We have a long day tomorrow."
"Will do, sir." Liv replied, leaving her container of food on the edge of Fitz's desk. "What time is the car picking me up?"
Fitz tapped his computer awake and leaned back as he read. "The car and I will be there at eight o'clock sharp. I emailed you the itinerary. To my knowledge this is the most up to date one. But they keep changing it. I'll text you if there are any changes before I see you tomorrow."
Liv clapped.
"You're quite the texter now," She observed. Fitz adjusted his tie absentmindedly.
"Yes, it's clearly necessary to keep up with you. Well that and email."
"But texting is quicker," Liv reminded.
"Yes, as I've gathered." Fitz chuckled, the corners of his eyes crinkling with his laugh. His top button was undone and Fitz had just loosened his tie. Liv took her bag over her shoulder and made her way to the door.
"Text me when you're outside tomorrow," Liv called. Fitz smiled, he was twirling a pen around with his long fingers.
"I will. Sweet dreams, Olivia."
O
Liv watched Fitz navigate the winding Mullholland Drive, trying not to bite her inner cheek too hard. She couldn't help it, the SUV Liv had rented for the two days they were going to be in LA was wide and clearly not made for the narrow winding and anxiety inducing roadways.
"Can you please calm down?" Fitz asked, his voice trying to sooth Liv.
"I'm sorry. We're just on top of a damn mountain, in a huge chunk of metal. I'm worried we're going to fall off of said mountain. Call me crazy."
"I will, and I'll also call you overcautious. I live here, remember? I could drive a tank up these roads and I'd get us up to the top safely. I'm just about two minutes away. See? Up over there?" Liv nodded, she did see. She tried to relax as Fitz pulled up to a gate and typed in a pass code that she couldn't see.
"Home sweet home," Fitz said soothingly. Liv exhaled as they drove up the slightly inclined driveway.
"Care for a drink before we pass out?" Fitz suggested, dropping their bags in the entrance hall and entering the living room, that led to the dining room and finally the kitchen, were a bar and wine cooler were.
"I wouldn't mind a little wine. I need to unwind after that trying journey up the mountain."
Liv took the glass of a tinged pink wine that Fitz handed her. Liv took a tentative sip and the cool liquid eased down her throat like water, it was very smooth.
"And what'll you be having?" Liv inquired as Fitz answered her question, pulling out a crystal bottle of amber liquid.
"Scotch has always been my thing, for some unknown reason. I can't seem to lose my taste for it."
Liv watched as Fitz poured a half a crystal tumbler for himself.
"Can I have one?" Liv asked, motioning to the Scotch.
Fitz looked at Liv skeptically. "You drink Scotch?"
"No, not really. I've had it before, but it was cheap and it wasn't good at all, I figure this will be an upgrade."
Fitz poured Liv the same amount he'd poured himself and watched as Liv took a sip,
"Well?" Fitz asked,
"It's good, a definite improvement, Mr. Purple."
Fitz laughed and drained his tumbler. Liv did the same, feeling the effects of the ridiculously expensive liquor and wine going to her head almost immediately.
She was feeling brave now, and feeling brave wasn't good.
I'm alone with Fitz. We could do anything right now, No one would walk in. I could kiss him right here.
Liv swallowed, her throat thick with excitement.
We could have sex right here. There are no rules.
"So I keep wondering why being my assistant is your dream job," Fitz implored, pouring himself and Liv another half a tumbler each.
"Not only do I admire your… platform and overall charisma… but I also am looking for this job to give me opportunities in my own field. PR and marketing is what I'm interested in doing, not politics. But this job required being able to build a social media base as well as helping with early campaigning so…"
"It's right up your alley." Fitz finished.
Liv nodded. "Exactly. You're right up my alley. You help me open so many doors."
Fitz smiled thoughtfully.
"Well, I'm happy to do that. You're such a beautiful, talented, witty and sharp toothed woman. I have no doubt that you'll go far. With or without me."
Liv blushed, as the fact that he'd just complimented her so generously registered in her brain.
I'm losing my bravery. Liv thought panicking as she raised her glass to Fitz, noticing that he hadn't drank his Scotch.
"To opportunity." Liv toasted.
"To opportunity," Fitz agreed, taking the amber liquid in a shot fashion.
Liv leaned against one of the barstools and glanced over at Fitz, feeling the warm and happy glow of being tipsy wash over her.
"I might be feeling a little good," Liv confessed, laughing sheepishly. Fitz smiled at her.
"Me too. This Scotch must have been gaining strength or something. Maybe we should call it a night."
Liv felt her bravery surging through her as she took a step forward, toward Fitz. "Really? Why?"
Fitz looked up at Liv, his engaging blue eyes pulling Liv in.
"Because I'm feeling like I'm going to cross a line. I need to go to my bed and you need to go to yours."
Liv scooted closer, her hand brushing against his that was holding the tumbler.
"What if I want you to cross the line?" Liv asked, her voice low and sultry.
Fitz couldn't help but brush his fingers against Liv's, obliging her contact.
"That… would still be wrong. We both want to. Which means we shouldn't. We should go to our own beds now."
"Fitz." Liv said his name like it was her own breath. He stood, coming to stand in front of her, his muscular chest at her eyelevel.
"Do you still want us to go to bed separately?"
Fitz pushed his hands up to cradle Liv's face carefully, as if he was afraid she might break.
"Yes. I do. Please. Can we please go to bed? You go to yours, I go to mine."
Liv shook her head slowly, as she pressed her hands against the thin fabric of the t-shirt he'd changed into at the airport.
"No."
Fitz wrapped his arms around Liv in that moment, cupping her ass and lifting her up so that they were eye to eye.
"You said no?" Fitz asked, his eyes blazing, the cool blue now changed. He was no longer calm, his expression was sweltering, and Liv clung to him, her breath cascading over his face as her heartbeat raced. She grasped the back of his neck securely before whispering.
"Yes, I said no."
"Why did you say no, Olivia?"
Liv blinked, her eyelashes brushing against his cheek.
"Because I can, that's why. No. You can't go to bed. You don't get to go to bed. Kiss me."
Fitz squeezed her ass in his hands as her lips drifted down, her lower lip grazing the edge of his mouth.
"No," Fitz replied, gritting his teeth.
"I'm not going to kiss you until you're begging," He promised. "But I will take you to bed."
And with that, he carried Liv upstairs to his room, the tumblers of Scotch long since forgotten.
A/N: Don't kill me! This was originally a one shot request, but I literally wrote about forty pages, so I decided to split it up into parts. This is the first and the second will be coming tomorrow at some point. Let me know what you thought!
Avis