Hey! Thanks for being extra patient with me. All of your comments and excitement have really encouraged me. I hope this is okay. Feel free to comment or message over on tumblr (lovesbiggerthanpride). xo

As much as she regretted her choices of the night before and that morning, Olivia was not going to let them overtake what she was in town to do. Se had to all her feelings aside to finish this trip strong. But how could that happen when there three more days of this. Three days of awkward conversation, toying between cordial and flirting, with intense eye fucking. Not to mention any kind of physical contact would be scrutinized.

In that moment, Olivia could not sacrificed any problems. Something had to be done.

"Hello, Liv."

"Hey."

"How is everything?"

"Fine."

"You wouldn't be calling if everything was just fine."

Olivia rolled her eyes. Cyrus Beene was an observant fellow - he knew what made her tick. In the five years that they had known together, they had become extremely close. Almost like another father. A present father, to be exact. But alas, he was right.

"Can you do me a favor?"

"Sure thing."

"Can you get me on the next flight to National?"

Cyrus shouted, "What? What happened? Are you sick?"

"No," she began, twisted her hair while balancing the phone between her ear and shoulder. "We've been doing well but I think my work is done. Grant can pick up the slack. We'll be at the airport anyway. And I have clients I need to attend to."

"Seriously, Liv?"

"I wouldn't ask if I didn't think it was a possibility."

The silence on the other line was nerve-racking. Because Olivia had a sense that Cyrus was not on board with her story.

"Olivia, I won't be able to do that."

"Why not?"

Cyrus let out a sly laugh. "Because, Miss Liv, I know you and Fitz are vibrant, passionate, and stubborn people. Naturally, you two are at odds. I notice things. But I need you to work that out. I sent my two best people out in the field. I can't have bickering and hurt feelings get in the way of the job I asked you to do."

"But Cy-"

Cyrus interrupted, "Olivia, that won't be necessary. I'm keeping you right there."

"Cy."

"Liv. See this through. No matter what. What is it that you say," he asked. "Trust your gut."

This was the second time someone brought up one of her mantras and it was biting her in the ass. Olivia took a moment to compose herself to answer. "Yes."

"Very well. See you on Monday."

Another make-or-break conference call was on the horizon. It was their last day and they were so close to being perfect. With her notes and briefcase neatly placed on her bed, Olivia slipped on her black pumps, which gave her a command that set her apart from the pack. Wearing her signature blue blouse and black fitted slacks that flared at the bottom, Olivia knew she was going to kick major tail.

"Looking badass, per usual, Miss Pope."

Olivia lifted her eyebrows as she continued primping in front of the mirror. Fitz walked over to the his side of the bedroom. "May I join you?"

Shrugging her shoulders, Olivia took a step over so Fitz could prepare. Sans his dress shirt, Fitz looked amazing in his undershirt and black pants. With arms toned and his hair was slicked back, with an errant curl on the side, Olivia would have been a fool to not notice.

"I know we're going to win this. You and me. Don't you worry, okay?"

"Alright," she answered, turning around.

Fitz smiled. "Together?"

"Together."

"Let's do this."

With confidence and experience on their side, Olivia and Fitz arrived at the conference

center. Once they started, they were unstoppable. Their presentation was flawless, working in tandem, and finishing each other's sentences. Cyrus' pep talk must have resonated in her, because Olivia negotiated with each investor with a tenacity no one had known she had.

As they left the room, Olivia and Fitz silently rejoiced. She squeezed his hand with bright eyes, and gave him a hug, which startled him. "We did it."

"We did," Fitz said, "Let's get a drink."

Olivia went to change into her flats and accompanied Fitz in the hotel restaurant. Thankfully, it wasn't crowded and they could socialize in peace.

Fitz got a hold of the bartender. "Scotch, please." When he looked back, Olivia walked in. "There you are, just in time."

Olivia nodded and sat next to him. Displaying a sweet smile, she placed her drink order,

"I'll have a bourbon."

Fitz's face soured. "Seriously?"

"Yeah, I like it," Olivia shrugged. "We can't always like the same things."

In a matter of seconds, their drinks had arrived. Fitz nudged Olivia with his elbow.

"To a week of travel and not killing each other while we were in close quarters."

Olivia raised her glass, clinking against Fitz's. "Cheers."

Three rounds later, the alcohol was making them feel extra good. A little more flirting. Several lustful glances exchanged. While she nursed her drink, Olivia could sense the familiar warmth connected with losing her inhibitions. It was time to head back upstairs. Fitz settled the tab before Olivia could get a word in.

"Let's get back, shall we?"

Olivia reapplied the nude lipstick she used often. As if a fresh layer of makeup would hide the effects of her evening or bring her back into control.

It was a miracle that they hadn't gone further than hand holding. The space in the elevator wasn't making the temptation easier. They were the only two inside. Olivia faced straight ahead. Fitz was inching closer, gingerly moving his fingers towards hers.

Olivia planted her feet to steady herself, from the movement. Gripping her clutch. Fitz was rocking on his heels. She kept her gaze on the shiny door, which revealed their reflection. It was good, since she could see what he was up to.

The ascent was painfully slow. Everything was in half time. The edge of his hand was centimeters away from hers. The heat was rising and she wanted all of it. But it wasn't the right time, she reasoned. Everything could turn to shit if they took the next step. But...it felt right. It was just them. They were strangers, no one would know. They could keep secrets, right?

Just when she could have made a move, the doors swung open. Several guests were on the other side, waiting. Fitz cleared his throat, nodding to them, as Olivia rushed out.

Buzzed, Olivia trudged towards the door. She could feel the heat of Fitz's body right on hers. He was so close. She couldn't tell why their bodies were touching - because he was interested, or his desire to keep her standing, or attempting to slide the card through the door. Or maybe all three.

"Olivia, it's alright."

"Fitzgerald."

A short laugh escaped his lips. Trying to find his key, he offered, "Just call me Fitz."

"But-"

"I know what you're going to say," he whispered in a very sensual tone. "Inappropriate."

The sarcasm flowed and Olivia could feel a smirk coming on. Their eyes connected.

"Just open the door, and we won't talk about this."

The card successfully granted them access. Olivia lazily entered the room, shucking her

flats off.

"Liv."

"What?"

"I like you."

The words sounded off.

"Okay."

"Okay?" Fitz inquired, with confusion marked on his face. "What do you mean 'Okay'?

You sound like you don't care."

"It's irrelevant."

Now he was getting agitated. "How so?"

Olivia shrugged, careful not to look at him, because she knew it would be over if their eyes met. "Because we work together."

"But you look at me like I'm a demon and other times like you want me."

Fitz stuck his hands in his pockets, leaning slightly to compensate the weight on his tall frame. Olivia noticed that was a thing he did when he was in thought or getting ready to say something profound.

As her chin crumpled, Olivia understood what he was trying to say. Fitz was right. Damn, so right. Thoughts and dreams of how his body felt like overtook her during the previous evenings. How his fingers would be change her as he touched her skin, or better yet, inside of her. What sounds he would make if she had her way with him.

"I don't like appearing to be vulnerable," she insisted. "It's not becoming at all."

Fitz created a smile that - damnit - just melted Olivia's heart. Softly, he replied, "I notice that you like that special brand of popcorn, or that when you get cold you grab your oversize sweater that you leave on the chair in the corner. Hell, cuddling at 2am doesn't make you weak. It shows that maybe you're longing for affection or just a hug. Or I don't know...you're just being a human."

The plane ride back to DC was tense but quiet. Olivia did not speak much and to her relief, there was a seat in between them. Fitz was eerily distant as well. Their commute to the office was short from the National airport. As soon as they reached the building, Olivia made a rush to her car.

"Liv!"

Olivia growled as she wheeled her luggage, "Goodbye."

It didn't take much for Fitz catch up to her. "Liv, c'mon."

"I need to get back to my place. I'm tired and this was a very long week." Olivia pointed. "Now, have a good weekend."

Fitz pursed his lips. "Olivia. We need to talk about this."

"Nothing to talk about. Good night, Fitzgerald."

There was no point to follow her, because Olivia Pope didn't budge on her opinions. The SUV zoomed out of the parking lot. She didn't even glance back through her mirror to see him.

Olivia stayed at her place all weekend. The only exception was to go outside and run. Thankfully, her apartment was 20 minutes away from the office, and no one other than Cyrus and her team members knew where she lived. That eliminated any run-ins. Or awkward conversations. She had been very slick about not giving her phone number to him. All he had was her email address and work extension.

But Monday was here, and she never played hookie. So she had to return, to face the music. Cross paths with him. But how could a week with him override a year's worth of rejected notions?

Olivia had a way of arriving 20 minutes earlier than everyone else so that she could avoid any contact. Between trial and error and talking with one of her guys, Diego aka "Huck", she could make it to her office in five minutes.

Cyrus had sent a note about meeting with him and Fitz to go over everything. Olivia didn't want to go so she didn't respond. When the notification sounded on her laptop, she read that Fitz was happily ready to discuss at a convenient time. Brown noser, she said to herself.

She was tackling a series of proposals when someone knocked on the door. Usually no one knocked and they called first. But no one did. Her office had a window face outside so Olivia had no idea who was behind the door. Clearly she did not want to be bothered, so she didn't answer.

The knocks grew louder.

"Olivia?"

That voice was clear as day and recognizable. The voice she heard all week. In person and in her dreams. Olivia thought if she kept ignoring, he would leave.

Fitz opened the door and closed without getting clearance.

"Excuse me? What are you doing here and what do you want?"

Fitz replied, "I knocked and you never answered, but I need to talk to you."

Olivia laced her fingers together, sitting stoically, "You shouldn't be here."

"Well, I am."

"Well," Olivia firmly copied, "I need you to leave."

Fitz declared, stepping into the room. "That won't be happening."

Very annoyed, Olivia sucked her teeth. It was one thing to sit down in her office, but to have such confidence and defy everything she uttered and treat it like a suggestion and not a demand, was unacceptable.

"You know I don't want you here. It may create a scene."

Fitz countered, "We need to talk about what we're giving Cyrus. I told them I needed to meet with you on important matters, and they know that I mean business, so, they won't be bothering us."

"We could be doing this through email," Olivia started to argue. "You're wasting your time."

"Why were you avoiding me?"

"Huh?"

Fitz cleared his throat. "Why have you been ignoring my emails? You've been acting differently."

"Not really." Olivia swiveled her chair to focus back on her emails. "It wasn't work related."

"Do you really have something against me?" Fitz leaned in; his eyebrows knitted together. "Or are you trying to deny what happened last week?"

Olivia didn't know what to say.

"I know you're interested but you're not telling me."

Avoiding him was the best possibility and honestly, she didn't know how she felt.. Olivia couldn't bear the feeling of being looked at. By him. So, she stood and marched to the opposite side of the office. Away from Fitz.

"Liv?"

"I can't."

"Can't what?"

"This," she clearly stated, with gritted teeth. "This can't happen."

Fitz turned. "But we could. No one has to know right now. We're very powerful people, you know?"

Olivia sensed the pattern in her breathing shift each time he stepped closer to her. It was painful that he was so doggone close. She couldn't understand why. So, she returned to her desk. Fitz wasn't giving up so he followed.

"Look at me."

The hand was softly placed on her cheek felt like fire. Olivia didn't realize she was flinching and in anguish.

"Hey, I'm not going to hurt you. I would never do anything to upset you. I couldn't let that happen."

"But I don't want to hurt you," Olivia revealed. "I don't want to pretend that I can give you something that I can't provide, Plus, the optics."

"Fuck. Everything. You. Know," Fitz demanded with optimism. "Don't think of us as co-workers. Or the marketing guy and the fixer-upper. We're just us. You and me, Liv."

Olivia placed her hands on Fitz's face. Her eyes flitted, surveying his canvas, resting on his lips. For the first time in a long time, she took the first step. Their mouths smashed as their hands found purchase on whatever flat or curved body part that was available.

Six days of constantly being in the other's presence could do a number on a person. Seeing every nuisance and favorite thing. Knowing what was a turn off and on. Which part of the pizza was the best. Secretly discovering which words could make her smile. Figuring out how her voice would light up his days.

"I only think about you. You know that, right?"

"Shh," she hissed, instinctively palming his ass.

Fitz peppered kisses on her forehead, cheeks, and neck. "Just tell me. That you want this as much as I do."

Breathing deeply, Olivia finally gave the answer he wanted. "Yes."

As if their mouths were magnets, their lips crushed into each other's again. His tongue crossed her own. It was messy but worth the frustration. Engulfing. All-consuming.

"Fuck, you're so…"

Their hands began to roam and explore - shoulders, backs, hips. Now that they had passed the initial hurdle, they were in full speed. Olivia used her hands to swiftly release his cock from the boundaries of his dress pants, pulling down the zipper. Her core was aching since they were flush during their kissing. Cupping the flesh through the opening made her feel like she was in a candy store. He was hard and thick and pink and long. Just how she liked it.

"Oliv-Liv," were the only words he could say as her hand grasped his shaft. Her touch was unreal. Watching her kneel and anchoring her hands on his thighs.

Olivia lowered her mouth on his cock. The deep groan that escaped from his lips, made her want to do more for him. Swiveling her tongue around his head. Gingerly holding onto his balls, finding the perfect time to squeeze them. Her hands expertly finding the best ways to get him off. Sensing what made him twitch and groan.

"Stop."

Fitz's subtle request did not deter Olivia; she couldn't stop now. It encouraged her to do more for him.

"Stop!"

Olivia froze. Maybe she did something terribly wrong. Afraid of what he was going to say, she braced herself for the worst. When she lifted her gaze to him,Fitz had this lazy smirk, with the most sated pair of eyes. As Olivia sat back on her heels, he extended his hand, lifting her to standing.

"I don't want to finish. Not yet. I gotta spoil you first." His voice was gravely, downright carnal. Before she knew it, Fitz had swooped his hair around so that her neck and collarbone were exposed. A deep groan rose as he placed firm kisses on her skin, licking the underside of her jaw. His lips vibrated against the shell of her ear.

She couldn't take it any longer. Her hips began to grind against his. The friction created was overwhelming.

"I've been dreaming about you since the moment I saw you."

Olivia kissed his jaw repeatedly, but paused to replay the comment in her head. "When was that?"

"A year ago."

Staring at him, Olivia asked, "A year?"

Fitz shrugged, "You weren't paying me any mind, and I wasn't going to push and make you think otherwise."

The confession blew her away. How could she be that oblivious? There was still a fear that she could not overcome. But somehow, Fitz knew how she was feeling.

"Just trust me. We're going to be okay."

His lips pressed against her body, traveling from her neck, to her chest, swirling his tongue around the fabric that covered her nipples, down to her stomach.

"Fuck…"

"That's not my name," he playfully murmured against her thigh.

Olivia tried to push Fitz away, irritated by his poorly-timed antics.

"Sorry."

"You should be."

"Say my name."

Mid-moan, she asked, "What if someone comes in?"

Fitz sighed, "I told you, I locked the door. They know how much of a hardass I can be. And you're no joke either. They wouldn't dare enter. Plus, you're at the end of the hall and no one got placed next to you. This is perfect. We should thank Cy for that during our meeting."

Olivia took the pause to catch her breath. "Don't mention him while we're doing this," she dryly teased. "That's awful."

Fitz's throaty chuckle amused her.

"Olivia. Speak to me. Let me know what's your mind."

As he caressed her face with his broad and gentle hands, Olivia felt weak. Her knees buckling, eyes threatening to roll upwards, her weight not able to sustain a level she wanted. But all she could say was…

"F-F-Fitz."

She looked down and found his eyes. They were bright, full of laughter. His grin had never been wider.

"You are making me one lucky man."

Olivia lifted the hem of her dress, exposing her legs and lacy panties. Keeping her sight on how Fitz would react. His ears were turning a bright red, as they continue to kiss and touch.

"You are so sexy."

"Thank you," she quietly replied. "So are you."

"May I?"

Olivia nodded, almost losing control as his fingers grasped the thin hooks of her underwear, pulling the material away from her skin. Gasping as soon as Fitz cupped her mound, by default, her legs squeezed shut. It was like her first time being caressed by a lover; everything felt so new. Because it was his hands.

Nudging her knees to open, Fitz caught a glimpse of her and sighed. Slick with arousal, the visual caused him to breath shallowly. The steady throbbing of his member could have blurred his vision but he didn't want to lose focus. He wanted to touch, kiss, suck, whatever she needed. He'd do it.

"My God, you are beautiful."

Carefully, he pressed his thumb on her clit. As he massaged her flesh, Fitz dragged one finger across her lower lips, creating a massive crush of pressure through her. When his tongue lapped her clit, Olivia almost fell off the desk.

"Heh, don't go anywhere, young lady," he joked.

"Hmm."

The breathy tones of her voice was music to his ears. Seeing her body writhe and move. He loved it when she said his name. No one gave his nickname such power and life as Olivia did. When she reached her orgasm, it made his heart burst. Fitz pulled himself up to kiss her tenderly, letting her taste herself.

Olivia was a mess; already they were sweaty. With another round of kisses, they pulled apart. Their lips were swollen.

"I want to make love to you. Is that okay?"

"Here?"

"Hell yeah."

Olivia thought for a moment; they were already at this point.

"Yes."

"Are you sure?"

Olivia nodded while grazing her fingers through the light brown hair on his firm chest,

"Yes."

"Take off your clothes."

After tugging on her zipper, her dress pooled to the ground, revealing the smoothest skin he had ever seen. Seeing her with less clothes had Fitz basically ripping his dress shirt and pants off in much excitement.

They had officially jumped over that plateau. Just being co-workers was over. There was more to this. The pleasure. The feelings of not giving a damn. They couldn't stop themselves. Roaming hands, burning kisses, smiles that broke through their intense kisses.

Who cares about what the co-workers would be think? It wasn't any of their business, and she was not about to make it their business. But they were in the place of business. Tricky situation, but they didn't care at this moment.

Just in luck, there was a couch that they could use. Olivia shuffled over, moving the pillows so the had enough space. She had never been so spontaneous in her life. The excitement of seeing a naked Fitz confidently walking to her was amazing.

He was observing every plane of her body. If she was the deity, he would pray to her every minute of every day. Fitz breathed deeply as he covered himself with the latex he had in his wallet. Gingerly touching her skin, he found the courage to trace his cock on her lower lips, centimeters away from her center.

"Fitzzzz," she hissed. The ache was there. She needed him to satisfy her.

And then, as he slid inside of her, Olivia's hands immediately reached for his thick hair, which felt just as luscious as it looked. He moaned in satisfaction, knowing that he was finally secured. Olivia pecked his lips to dull the momentary sting that was associated with this intimate and evasive act.

They found a rhythm that worked - beginning with a slow pace, getting acquainted with how their bodies moved. Finding the details in each thrust, hip roll, lip suck and bite, and hand hold. During each quick position change, their lips molded and arms linked around waists and necks. She pulled him close, wanting all of his skin on hers. Fulfilling the dream she had.

Olivia arched as her hips widened, finding more room to let him in. Fitz was blessed with a cock that would allow her to find ecstasy. He was making her toes curl over and over. Mouth ajar, as if she need any and all oxygen to sustain her as their bodies connected. He felt just right.

"You okay?"

"Yes," she whispered in between mewls. Fitz grunted, motivated by her approval, holding onto to the arm of the couch to keep leverage.

They didn't have much time; it wasn't the perfect situation. But he had to tell her - show her - that he only had her in mind.

So, after a quick lull of searching their current emotions in their body language and eyes, Olivia set the new pace. Her eyes were darker with lust, silently demanding all of Fitz's attention. She snapped her hips upwards to encourage Fitz to give it all he had. He obliged, bucking, pulling out momentarily only to snap back in with fervor.

"Shit," Olivia harshly whispered as her body responded.

Fitz reached down to stimulate her clit to prepare her for another orgasm. Olivia allowed the energy to rush through her and at the perfect time, she let go.

Her eyes were closed, breathing through the rush. allowing her breathing to settle. Fitz showered her with more kisses, nuzzling her cheek and neck with his nose. Olivia gently halted him.

"Keep going so you can finish."

Fitz pushed four more times before finding his high.

The office was now filled with sweat, desire, sex, hope, and a lasting memory that she and Fitz would always remember.

"Hi." Fitz's hushed greeting was rough and delicious.

"Hi."

Olivia and Fitz were silent, reveling in this moment. Her hand placed on his chest, while he combed his fingers through her hair.

"Livvie?"

It was like time stopped. Olivia scanned his face. That term of endearment hadn't been used for her in over twelve years. Very random but so beautiful.

"What?"

"Livvie. Is that okay?"

Olivia blinked several times. "I haven't heard that in a while. But yes, you call me that,

if you like."

"Cool. Livvie?"

"Yes," she sighed.

"Thank you."

Olivia glanced at Fitz. She released a rare smile, giving him another kiss. "I need to get up."

They recovered their scattered pieces of clothing. A few giggles and chuckles filled the room, reminiscing of the hotel room, as they nearly bumped into each other. Olivia had a box of tissues and wipes in one of her drawers, handing them over to Fitz. Since the bathroom was down the hall. They had to look presentable since the office wouldn't close for another two hours.

Fitz smiled contently. Then, he had an idea. "As soon as 5 o'clock hits, we're getting out of here. Your place or mine?"

"What," she asked, expelling a laugh.

Fitz stroked his finger on the bridge of her nose. "You heard what I said. I would love to see you after work tonight."

"Oh."

"What do you say?"

"Okay."

"Where would you like to go? Your home or mine?"

Olivia pulled her hair back into a ponytail. "It doesn't matter. As long as there's a bed and wine and a TV, I'm good to go."

Fitz began to hum some tune. Olivia grinned to herself, feeling like she was on top of the world. The flashing light on her desk interrupted this emotional high.

"Oh my god, I have seven messages," she exclaimed. "People have been calling! They probably think I'm dead or maybe they heard us!"

Wrapping his arm around her waist, Fitz kissed the shell of her ear. "Yeah, I bet they were. You were distracted."

Olivia pushed Fitz away, ordering him to move. "Leave my office, Grant."

"5 o'clock…," he sang, giving the adorable face she was now used to seeing for six days for a row.

Waving him off, Olivia took another deep breath. Still in awe that she could be transformed in a matter of days, learning more about her resiliency, and being okay to tap into her feelings for someone else.

Now, back to kicking ass for another two hours before returning to that man's arms. Olivia would deal with the optics later.