Hey there! I know you all have been waiting and I'm sorry for the wait. Finally got the time and inspiration for this latest installment. I hope you like. There will be more chapters coming soon. xo

Fitz was falling. Falling hard for Olivia Pope. Words could not express the level of attraction he had for this brown-eyed beauty.

Work kept him busy - taking on four new cases, which led to barely having enough time to text her during the day. But his thoughts wandered to her, her smile, the funny and clever lines she would share with him. She was a dream come true.

Thankfully, Teddy's arrival at the house was able to shake him out of his stupor. As the boy ran from the car to the front door, Fitz's smile was brilliant. Arms opened wide to receive his baby.

"Daddy!"

"Hiya, buddy," Fitz squeezed Teddy tightly, showering his cheeks with kisses. "I've missed you so much."

"Me too."

"Are you hungry? Was the ride? Tired?"

Teddy shook his head. "I'm okay, Daddy."

"Let's go get ice cream," he called out to Teddy, who returned from a supervised visit with his mother. He was thrilled to not be alone. The extended visits occurred once a year, and it didn't get easier for Fitz. He became incredibly attached to his son. It was an everyday challenge to be the best Dad ever. Loving and fun, but ready to guide and correct. But he wouldn't change the responsibility for anything in the world.

Teddy hopped off the couch. "Cool! Let's go."

As they drove on Wisconsin Avenue, Fitz decided to ask. "Did you have fun in North Carolina?"

"Mmhmm," the boy faintly replied. Fitz began to whistle, attempting to deflect his reasonings for asking. Swinging his legs, Teddy continued, "It was fine. Mom and I did a lot of things. She bought me toys and I met her new boyfriend. Andrew? I don't me-member."

Fitz stopped whistling, keeping his eyes on the road. That wasn't what he was expecting to hear, that his ex-wife had moved on and he was failing at this dating thing.

"But I missed you."

Regulating his breathing, Fitz smiled, knowing that his son would favor him more than his mother. Not that he pressed the issue, but was still content with Teddy's answer. It was a confidence boost that he always needed.

There was a fun gelato shop in Georgetown that Fitz loved to take Teddy. They spent many spring and summer afternoons at Gelataria Dolce Vita. Usually they would share a large cup of vanilla and chocolate, but Fitz gave Teddy his own portion.

After they paid, The Grants strolled down M Street; there was plenty to view. Boutiques and more commercial stores, with the a light breeze cooling their faces.

"Daddy?"

"Yes," he answered, distracted by his gelato.

"Is that Livia?"

"What?" Fitz asked in a panic, nearly dropping his cup. But then relaxed his face, embarrassed at how sprung he was by this mention of this woman's name.

Teddy pointed, with his mouth semi-full of chocolate goodness. "Over there, that looks like her."

"By golly, you're right."

"Livia! Livia!" Teddy exclaimed, waving his hand, hoping to get her attention. People had glanced at the two. Teddy continued to call for "Livia", his voice getting louder.

"Teddy," Fitz hushed, crouching down to his level. "It's okay. She's probably busy. We'll see her another time."

Sure enough, Olivia spotted the Grants and waved, confidently walking towards them. In a sleeveless cream blouse and grey slacks, Olivia gave an effortless look on a Saturday afternoon. Regretfully, Fitz was in a tshirt and jeans.

"Hi, you guys!"

Teddy's eyes were so bright as he greeted Olivia. "Hi! I found you!"

"You did," Olivia knelt down to see Teddy's face. "How are you?"

Teddy gave a toothy grin, "Great! We're eating geee-la-to!"

"Nice!"

Fitz watched his son interact the woman he was admiring. "How are you doing?"

Olivia smiled. "I'm doing well, thanks. It's been a while."

"I know," Fitz spoke with some regret, "Work."

"I hear you. The summer does not let up."

He couldn't keep his eyes off of her. But it was getting awkward. It wasn't like they have never talked before. Standing on a busy Georgetown sidewalk with a 4-year-old bringing attention to them was not ideal. "Would you like to join us? We're probably going to walk to the Canal."

"That would be lovely," she began, rising. But I have to finish up a project. Meeting with a client in a few minutes."

Fitz nodded, a bit disappointed. On a Saturday, no less. This woman was always on the go.

"Livia, maybe you can out to eat with us again. Or maybe a movie," Teddy exclaimed.

Olivia smiled, "That would be fun. We will have to get the final say from your father."

Teddy looked up to Fitz, with the sweetest pair of puppy eyes. "Please, Daddy?"

"Of course," he answered, winking at Olivia.

"It's a date." Olivia silenced her buzzing phone. "I gotta go. I'll see you two later."

The Grants and Olivia said their goodbyes and went their separate ways.

There hadn't been anyone who stole his heart this quickly. Even as a ladies' man for the last 20 years, well accustomed to their sweet words and advances, and pretty bodies, no one took Fitzgerald Grant's breath away like Olivia Pope. From what she had shared with him, she was a powerful woman. Someone who wouldn't take no for an answer, and was hard to please. He got her attention now; he couldn't lose her. Not until he gave it his all. The energy from the random blind date would not go down in flames.

Scrolling down his contact list, he pressed Olivia's name. Three rings later, she picked up.

"Hey."

"Hi, Olivia. How are you?"

"I'm good, how about yourself?"

"Doing well."

"Good."

"Did you think over Teddy's idea?"

Fitz chuckled, "Actually, I did. But it's a variation."

"Oh?"

"Yes," he confirmed, stretching his legs on the coffee table, confidence building by the second. "I would like to take you out on a date. Without Teddy."

"Darn," Olivia fake whined.

Fitz scoffed. "Wait, were you only impressed with me because of Teddy? Did his charm persuade you?"

"Hell yes."

Olivia and Fitz shared a laugh. Every time they talked, the mention of their fateful blind date was sprinkled in their conversation.

"When are you available?"

"I'll set some time aside for you," she responded in her well-known slick tone.

Fitz grinned, silently cheering himself on. "How does Tuesday night sound? Gives me enough time to find a sitter."

"A reliable one?"

"Ha ha," Fitz remarked as he heard a snarky laugh over the phone. "Yes, Olivia Pope. I won't foul up this time."

Olivia was notified that her date was pulling out all the stops. So that meant an ensemble of leggings, a tank, and cardigan would not do the trick. The preparation was seamless but time-consuming. Once she entered the apartment from work, Olivia searched high and low for the perfect outfit. In the end, a blue blouse, white linen pants, and a pair of Jack Rogers was the choice.

As she predicted, at 6:30, she heard four knocks. Spraying a little bit of her favorite scent on her neck and wrists, Olivia walked to the door. Fitz was beyond handsome. Hair combed just so, sharp suit and crisp clean shirt.

"Good evening, Mister Grant."

"Mademoiselle Pope," he crooned, taking her hand, placing a soft kiss. "Thank you for letting me take you out. Are you ready?"

Olivia grabbed her clutch and keys, "Lead the way."

Fifteen minutes later, they stopped in front of 1789, a well-known establishment in the city. Olivia waited for Fitz to open the door for her, and help out of his car.

"Wow, Fitz. You have to reserve well in advance to get in here. How were you able to do this?"

Fitz nonchalantly answered, "I know a guy. It wasn't too hard to convince him to get us a table."

"Perks of being a fancy lawyer," Olivia joked. "How did you?"

"I told him I was bringing the most beautiful woman with me and I wanted to impress her."

Olivia jabbed him with her arm, playfully. "Oh, stop, Grant. You didn't have to do this."

Fitz whispered in her ear, "Yes. I did."

The maître d' led Olivia and Fitz to their table. Beautifully lit, with soft music playing. It was perfect. Dinner was glorious. Two hours of uninterrupted conversation, wine toasting, among a six course-meal. Olivia was enjoying Fitz's company - he made her feel at home, just as friendly in public as he was on the phone. It was a different vibe from a month earlier.

"Did you think I would be a dud," Fitz asked, taking a swig of his wine. "What were you thinking before I showed up?"

Olivia set her fork down. "Well, I was annoyed that our friends set me up on a blind date. Having control is a blessing and curse for me. I need to know what I'm getting into. It's hard to separate my work life from my personal."

Fitz took into consideration of what she did for a living. PR was a very calculated business and it took a lot of a person. But he wanted to stay clear of work talk. "Are you glad you stuck it out?"

Olivia batted her eyelashes. "Without a doubt. Yes."

After sharing a Gingerbread cake, Fitz called for the server.

"Let's get out of here."

The car ride home was funny. Fitz decided to turn on the top 40 station and somehow he got her to sing along to the latest hits. Olivia admired how he was able to put her mind at ease. Giggles bubbling out of her system as they took the elevator. They stood side by side, but stopped talking, but equally feeling the thick tension. She didn't know what to do next. Look to the side and profess her feelings about him? She wasn't expecting to like someone so quickly. Would she kiss him passionately? Tell him she needed more time?

The door opened before she could finalize her thoughts. Fitz waited for her to exit. They walked to the door.

"I had a lovely evening, Fitz."

"Me too," he replied lowly, sweetly, and confidently.

Olivia smirked, keeping her eye on Fitz. "Thank you again."

What else was there to do, except to say good night. Like the countless times before. On the phone. In person.

Feeling the appropriate key, Olivia was ready to turn the knob, when Fitz stopped her.

"Liv, wait."

Turning to meet his gaze, Olivia suddenly lost her breath. Different from the numerous visual connections since their first meeting. It was sudden and mesmerizing, like the impact felt when the wind gets knocked out of a person. So close, nothing could distract them. So in tune, their breathing synced, which honesty took her by surprise. Waiting for a sign. An excuse to break out of this trance.

A kiss was inevitable. But they could have. Her eyes scanned his, attempting to read his mind, ready to be a step ahead of him. Her hand still clutching the set of keys.

Fitz was the first to move. His Adam's apple bobbed. "Where do we go from here?"

Olivia shifted her weight, uncomfortable. With her voice dry from being silent, she mumbled, "I don't know."

"Go out with me."

The whisper was gritty and powerful.

"We just went out."

Fitz leaned forward. "Let me take you out whenever you want. Spoil you. Be the one you always call whenever you have a crappy day at work. Make you dinner. Be my girlfriend. Would you like to be my girlfriend?"

"Fitzgerald," she gasped.

"I'm serious, Olivia. Please consider. I know that since I met you three weeks ago, my life has better. You make my days better. I want more. I hope you feel the same way too. But... this is important to me. "

Viewing his face again, she noticed the sincerity.

"Yes," Olivia calmly answered. "I will like to be your girlfriend.

A quick grin spread across his face. Unknown to her, Fitz had a habit of swiping his tongue across his lips. There was a sensual fire in his eyes. Leaning down slightly, he kissed Olivia oh so gently. She sighed as his mouth covered hers.

He wasn't fully relaxing, she could the pressure. Maybe he was thinking she was going step away and reject him. But she didn't - placing her hands on his cheeks, she returned the kiss.

It felt like they couldn't separate. Finally, Olivia pulled away so that she could breathe. Fitz inhaled, watching her react. Her cheeks were flushed. Almost like the control she desired was long gone.

"Was that okay?"

"Yeah," she quietly replied. "You've been wanting to do this for a while."

Fitz leaned against the wall, "Yes."

"Me too," she crossed her arms. "I don't want the night to end."

"Well, let's continue."

"That would be inappropriate," she added. "You have Teddy to get back to."

Fitz brushed the thick strands of hair out of Olivia's eyes, so sweetly. "I know. But I can make a call and then we can be inappropriate."

Starting him down, Olivia began to laugh. "You are incredibly corny. But no, let's wait."

"I tried, I have many strings to pull, Liv."

Olivia pursed her lips. "I'm glad you're willing to be patient. Call me when you get home. We can talk all night, if you'd like."

The look on Fitz's face delighted her greatly. "Absolutely."

"Good night," Olivia curled her finger, bringing Fitz close. She cupped his chin and pecked his lips. Hearing him sigh, made her happy.

"Night, Liv."