A/N: Thank you, Brynn, for helping me cut the parts that needed to go! ;-) Mwuah!
& Bensler, please don't kill me with the next chapter! ;-) -XOC
Chapter Nine: Turning up the Heat
SVU Crib - Monday, June 30 – 8:15 a.m.
It was always in moments of extreme stress and panic that Olivia appeared most calm. On the job, she was a rock. She could tackle any task no matter how large and imposing. She could body slam a two hundred and fifty pound perp against a brick wall and walk away relatively unscathed. She could calm a victim when even the most stoic person would fall to pieces. Somehow, her professional demeanor failed to carry over into her personal. As she sat on the bench before the lockers, she wondered how it was that she could be unwavering in the midst of chaos at work but in her personal life, allow everything to fall apart.
Elliot is married.
That was the truth doing laps around her brain.
Elliot is married.
What the hell was he doing with a key to Rebecca Hendrix's house?
Elliot is married.
Why Hendrix? Hendrix of all people?
Elliot is married quickly morphed into Elliot is with Hendrix.
Had he separated again and not told her? Was that why he seemed so smug standing there in that restaurant with Lydia Whittington? If he was, in fact, separated, he could be dating again.
Olivia pressed her elbows into her thighs and allowed her chin to rest on her steepled hands. Of all the men in her life who couldn't seem to go away—the ones who just today seemed to be crawling out of the woodwork.—why was it that the only one she wanted was the one who couldn't seem to care less? It was pathetic. After all these years of getting to know her, of course he wouldn't want her. She was a wreck. She had nothing to offer. She wasn't even his type! He clearly had an affinity for blonds. Kathy, Dani, Rebecca—all blond.
Elliot was a good looking man. He had that All-American, marine, cop, dad, BBQ-Master look about him. Just looking at his desk you could tell what kind of guy he was. He had the requisite family photos of the gorgeous kids, the pretty wife, the candid shots in the backyard, at the park, at a ballgame. She couldn't see herself fitting into any of that and yet, she still held out hope. She had hope that one he would see her. It was ridiculous.
Olivia let out a deep breath when she heard Elliot's footfalls. He was just outside of the door. It was too late to run. It didn't matter anyway. It was time to give up. Pack it in. She would let him explain, break her heart, and then she would once again pick up the pieces and try to move on. She had Ryan. He was fun. She would have dinner with Andy tonight. He always knew the right thing to say to make her feel good about herself.
"What, Elliot?" she asked as he finally pushed through the door.
He didn't answer at first. He just looked at her sitting on the bench, staring at the lockers. She was just sitting there. He'd really expected to see her punching the bag, running on the treadmill. Hell, he wouldn't have been shocked to see her slamming her locker door shut over and over. But he didn't know quite what to make of her slumped posture. She was just sitting there.
"Liv…" he started as he made his way over to her. She didn't run. In fact, she didn't even move.
Elliot risked the chance of physical reprisal and sat down next to her.
"Come on, Liv. Let me explain."
"Ok."
He was stunned that she not only didn't protest, but she welcomed it.
"I, um, the thing about Rebecca is…" he was stuttering now because even though he wanted to tell her, he'd been thinking about how to get her to listen to the words he wanted to tell her and not the actual words themselves.
"Just spit it out because we have work to get back to," Olivia demanded in a monotone without looking at him.
"I left Kathy."
"Well, I should hope so if you're already shacking up with Rebecca." Again, Olivia's words were monotone.
Elliot wasn't sure how to read them or her. Shacking up with Rebecca? That rubbed him the wrong way and he retaliated, "What's that supposed to mean? And what business is that of yours anyway?"
Olivia straightened her posture and turned to face him. She looked utterly defeated and somewhat rigid as if she were bracing herself for the worst. "It isn't. I'm sorry I overreacted. You know how I feel about her. The whole thing just rubbed me the wrong way. It's your life, Elliot. You can certainly see whomever you want." She shook her head and then smiled softly. "Sorry you and Kathy couldn't work things out. Maybe you'll have better luck with Rebecca. She'll probably force you to talk." Olivia chuckled but it was mirthless. She felt pathetic.
Elliot was just stunned. Olivia seemed to have given all of this a lot of thought when there was nothing going on. He shook his head in disbelief. He'd gone to Rebecca because he needed out of his marriage. He needed to tell Olivia that he was in love with her. He needed to set things in motion so that when he was ready, he would be free to tell her. What he could not do is sit next to her listening to her wish him well with a woman he had absolutely no romantic interest in at all.
"Olivia, listen to me. This has got to stop."
Olivia whipped her head around to face him. Her stomach dropped, and she could feel a nervous heat wrapping its way around her entire body. He knew. She'd been too obvious in her feelings. Her jealousy. He was going to let her down, and she would be completely humiliated.
"Elliot. Please don't say it." She was shaking her head rapidly now. She couldn't think straight. She could feel the salt of her tears stinging her eyes. "Please, don't."
"I have to because this is getting out of control. I am not with Rebecca. Nor do I want to be. I left Kathy last night. I ran into Rebecca at a deli. I was going to check into a hotel, but I left my wallet in my jacket back in Queens."
She was hearing the words but they weren't making any sense. She couldn't string the words together fast enough to comprehend what he was telling her.
"What?" she asked weakly.
"When I told Rebecca what happened, she offered me her guest cottage. That's it. I just stayed the night in her guest house, and apparently, I need to get these keys back to her. I can't leave here until I know you understand me, though."
"What?" she asked again. She had no idea what he was saying. "You're staying with Rebecca?"
"No, not staying, stayed. One night. In her guest house. Tonight, I'll have to get a hotel room."
Olivia shook her head, "I don't understand. You and Kathy are…?"
"Over." Elliot reached out and grabbed her hand. "I'll drive back after work today and get my wallet and pick up a few things. I had to get out of that house last night. I can't live in this mess I've created, we created. Kathy and I, we don't work. There's no trust there anymore, and I'm not in love with her. Haven't been for a long time."
Olivia nodded. "Why are you staying in a hotel, Elliot? You can't afford to do that."
He sighed. "I know. But, I can't go back there."
"Why didn't you come to me? You could have called me. You'll stay with me."
Elliot looked puzzled. One minute she could barely look at him, and now she was extending an invitation to stay with her.
"What?"
"You can stay with me. Until you find a place."
Elliot laughed, "Olivia, I kept my apartment. I sublet it, and the person in it will be out by Sunday."
"So, until then? Elliot, my sofa folds out. It's not like I'm home much anyway. You have five kids, Elliot. You can't go spending a fortune on a hotel in the middle of a divorce and…"
Elliot tugged at her hand and she reciprocated by placing her other hand on his knee. "The divorce will be finalized soon."
"Soon? What does that mean?"
"I saw the attorney Friday. The papers that were filed a year ago are still valid. Our attorney is drawing up an addendum to include Eli in the custody papers. We'll just have to re-file that paperwork, and it's done. He's calling Kathy today to let her know."
"Oh." Olivia started to breathe heavily. He wasn't married. He was moving out. Her hope was returning but before it could take over, Lydia's face popped into her head. "Lydia Whittington." She said the name aloud before she could stop herself.
Elliot groaned. "Liv, I'm sorry about that." He shook his head, "You were right. She is definitely hiding something. I'm sorry about the other night. In fact, I think you were right. We need to start digging into her past."
Just as Elliot was about to thank Olivia for her offer to stay on her couch, the door bounced open, and Fin poked his head in.
"I'm not lookin' cuz I'm pretty sure I don't want to see, but Cap is lookin' for ya Liv."
Just as quickly as he appeared, startling the two of them, he disappeared.
"I guess that's our cue to get back to work."
Olivia stood up and stretched her legs. Elliot watched as she opened her locker and pulled out a bottle of water. When she turned around, he was still looking at her.
"What?" she asked with a shy smile.
"You're beautiful, Olivia. I don't think I've ever told you that before."
Her hand stilled on the cap to the bottle, and she froze. His words hit her out of left field, and she wondered if he was starting early on a new round of man whoring around town. She'd heard the rumors during his first separation and even witnessed some of his flirting first hand. She didn't, however, expect him to hit on her.
"Um, Elliot?"
Elliot stood up and placed himself between her and the door. She was now trapped between the lockers and Elliot himself and every muscle in her body tensed. He suddenly felt like he'd misread her signals and pulled back a little.
"You are beautiful person, Olivia. I know Cap is waiting, but I just wanted to say thank you. Thanks for being here for me."
"Olivia, are you listening to me?" He was still smiling as he slid one hand down the locker and gently massaged the back of her neck. Just the brush of his calloused fingers against her skin was enough to cause her hairs to stand on end. She opened her mouth to say something—words that she hoped would make sense—but before she could, his lips were on hers.
He pressed his body against hers and strengthened his grip on the back of her neck. She could feel his tongue in her mouth. Before she could pull away to assess and analyze and generally over-think what was going on, she dropped her water bottle and her hands wrapped around him.
It was the instant that she moaned into his kiss that Elliot knew. He'd taken a chance. Then, without waiting for a response, he'd taken what he wanted. It had usually worked out for him in every other aspect of his life, so he took the plunge and kissed her.
The door banged open once again startling the two detectives from the best first kiss either had ever had, leaving both disappointed that it was so brief.
"Liv, the Cap is on a tirade. You better get yo' ass down there now."
Elliot stepped aside as Olivia discreetly wiped at the corners of her lips as she picked up her water. She had no time to even glance at the expression on Elliot's face after what they'd just shared. She made her way downstairs and into the captain's office.
After a short pause, Elliot walked toward the door but Fin placed himself in front of it.
Elliot waited for Fin to say something and when he didn't, he said, "What, Fin?"
"What do you mean what? Elliot, I'm not messing around so listen to me. You got my girl all upset downstairs and then I come up here and you got her pinned to the lockers, face glued to hers. Last I checked, you were married. Don't go screwing around with her because if you break her and she leaves again, I'm coming after you. You got that?"
Elliot crossed his arms and his chest puffed out as if all on autopilot. Who was Fin to tell him how to treat Olivia?
"Why don't you mind your own business?"
Fin scoffed, "She is my business. Man…" He shook his head. "Look, all I'm sayin' is, I've spent more time with her this past year than you have. Ever since Eli was born, you been busy. I get that. I just don't want to see her get hurt. She's been through enough lately without you messing with her head."
"I left Kathy, Fin."
Fin scratched his neck and then shrugged, "Well good for you man, but that's happened before."
"No!" Elliot was yelling now. "Before—she left me. I don't even know why I'm defending myself to you."
Fin stepped aside, leaving the exit unblocked.
"I know Liv can take care of herself, but I know how she looks at you man. If anyone had the power to really tear her apart, it's you."
Fin could see the pained look on Elliot's face. He didn't much care for Elliot but he'd grown to love Olivia like a sister over the years. If Elliot was what she wanted, then he just better not screw her over.
"Just consider yourself warned, man."
Elliot nodded and headed back down to the bullpen. He didn't take threats from anyone, but he knew that Fin was only looking out for Olivia. He could hardly blame the guy for doing exactly what he would do.
SVU Cragen's Office - Monday, June 30 – 8:39 a.m.
Olivia rushed into Cragen's office worried about his reaction to her being so late. She was still reeling from the kiss Elliot had given her, and it occurred to her on the way down the stairs that he'd never accepted her offer to stay with her. There were so many things to do with Elliot spinning through her head that she didn't even register the other person standing just inside of Cragen's office until after she'd plopped down in a seat.
"Ehem, Detective Benson, I'm sure you remember Deputy U.S. Marshal Eckerson?"
Olivia's eyes widened, and she turned her gaze to follow Cragen's. There, leaning against the far wall, was none other than Andy Eckerson. Exactly what kind of personal hell had presented itself? Andy had told her yesterday that he may be assigned to the case, but she hadn't expected it to come about so soon.
Within the span of two days, she's had multiple exes thrust into her path, and then her partner goes and kisses her with no warning, no explanation. God was laughing at her.
"Hey, Andy. I didn't realize you'd be here today." Her voice was sincere because she was. She truly did like Andy, and for many years she was sorry it never worked out between them.
"You look great, Liv," he smirked and then looked back to Cragen, leaving Olivia to shift nervously in her chair.
She needed to concentrate on the task at hand, but she could still feel Elliot's lips on hers. She could still taste him.
"Olivia, the Brass has called in the aid of the U.S. Marshals," Cragen said, displeased that his team was already being asked to accommodate the feds.
"But, we don't even have a fugitive to apprehend, yet. Why would…"
Andy cut her off and Olivia showed her annoyance by glaring at him. This did not go unnoticed by Cragen.
"Liv, one of the victims was the mother of a state senator who has very strong connections to Washington…"
"I know that," she snapped. "I don't understand why you are stepping in so early on in the investigation?"
Andy rolled his eyes and tried not to smile. He loved Olivia's angry demeanor. It brought back fond memories, but he knew better than to stir the pot, "The Marshals have gotten some pressure to aid in this investigation so that when the perp is caught, he's apprehended and brought back alive. The last thing anyone wants is to have this three ring circus fall flat by dragging in a dead perp."
"I don't plan on gunning the guy down, Andy."
"I know that," Andy turned to Cragen, "your captain knows that, but these orders come from above. Nothing we can do about it. I thought you would appreciate the fact that I volunteered for the job since we already know each other so well." He smiled when he looked back over at Olivia.
"Yeah, ok," she consented. Andy was right. It could be worse. She could have to work with someone who didn't know how she operates, and that would be worse than having to put up with Andy and Elliot together.
"Liv, you'll be working with Andy on this. I'll reassign Elliot to rotate out with Fin and Munch."
Olivia's mouth dropped open, "But Cap…"
"No buts, Benson. It's you and Eckerson. Send Elliot into my office when you see him."
SVU Squad Room - Monday, June 30 – 8:57 a.m.
Olivia rushed out of Cragen's office and headed straight for Elliot. He was sitting at his desk, looking over some files when he felt Olivia's hand brush the back of his neck. It happened so quickly, he didn't have time to savor her touch before it was gone.
"Elliot, Cragen needs to see you in his office."
She didn't look happy but he could not tell if she was angry at him or about something else. Then he noticed Andy, who had made his way over to the coffee.
"What's Eckerson doing here?"
Olivia rolled her eyes, "He's here to help me apprehend the fugitive."
Elliot crossed his arms, "They are aware that we don't even have a suspect yet, right?"
She nodded. "Elliot, Captain has partnered me with him."
Elliot shook his head violently, "No way. No!" His voice was rising steadily and Olivia's hand gripped his forearm causing Elliot's voice to immediately lower into a stage whisper. "Olivia, he almost got you shot the last time you worked with him."
"El, I…" she looked over to Andy who was chatting away with Munch and then back to Elliot. The look in his eyes made her want to touch his face, kiss him again, but instead she just took a half-step closer and whispered, "Maybe this is what we need." She could feel Elliot tense under his hand that was still gripping his arm. "After what just happened…"
"Liv," Elliot swallowed hard realizing that they were standing in the middle of the bullpen, and they couldn't be in a worse place for what he wanted to do to her.
"No, Elliot, this will give us a chance to really focus on this case." She wanted to know if he would take up her offer to sleep on her sofa even after whatever it was that just happened. "You'll come home with me tonight, right?"
He smiled and nodded. "I will. Thank you, Liv. My apartment will be ready by Sunday."
"Okay. As long as you're with me until then." Olivia glanced over her shoulder when she heard Andy approaching. "Oh and Elliot, you have my permission to beat the hell out of him if he gets me shot."
With a smirk that Elliot was dying to kiss off her face, Olivia took a step back and made room for Andy.
"So, Stabler, looks like I'll be stealing your partner."
SVU Squad Room - Monday, June 30 – 9:31 a.m.
"Olivia, you and Andy heading out to talk to Esther Duvale?" Munch asked over his cup of coffee.
"Uh, yeah." Olivia looked around. "Where's Fin?"
"He went to pickup new lab reports from Doc Warner. I do believe I'll be paired with your auspicious partner today."
Olivia smiled as she grabbed her keys, "I certainly hope that's a compliment to me, John."
Munch smiled and winked, "It certainly is. Tell me, how is the unStabler's mood today?"
Olivia's face fell. She really had no idea. Horny? Pissed that he wouldn't be working with her? "Um, I'm going to let you field that one yourself. Andy and I are heading out. Good luck, John. Don't take any crap from my partner."
Andy was waiting out in the hall for her with two sodas in hand.
"Um, thanks Andy, but I don't really drink those anymore."
"Oh, ok. Well, extra caffeine for me, then. So, this Esther Duvale? She a tough one to break?"
Olivia laughed, "I swear to God, Andy. You just stand there and look pretty and let me do the talking. There will be no breaking anyone today. Got it?"
Andy smiled, "Yes ma'am. I think I learned my lesson the last time we worked together. I never told you, but I was impressed Olivia."
"Good. You should've been."
Duvale Residence- Monday, June 30 – 9:58 a.m.
"Andy, Mr. Rabun, Mrs. Duvale's son-in-law, is a little difficult. Just, please, don't provoke him."
"Me," Andy nudged her shoulder, "provoke?" He shook his head in mock disbelief and Olivia laughed.
They headed up the stairs and waited to be buzzed in.
"So, Liv. You still up for dinner with me tonight?"
Olivia turned back to the street and smiled. She would always have a soft spot for Andy. She just needed to be careful. Juggling three men was not on her list of to-dos. "Yes, Andy. You taking me somewhere nice?"
"Absolutely," he smiled as he pushed the door open at the sound of the buzz.
"Mr. Rabun, we're here to see Esther." Olivia stood in the doorway purposely blocking Andy from entering first.
"Yeah, yeah, she's in the living room. Come in. Hey, you aren't the guy from the other day?"
Andy shook his head, "No, I'm Deputy U.S. Marshal Andy Eckerson. I'll be assisting Detective Benson on this investigation from now on."
"Assisting? Heh. Taking orders from a…"
"Lenny! Just let the officers in. Mama's waiting for them," Pat called out from behind the surly man.
"Thank you, Mrs. Rabun."
"Right this way officers."
SVU Squad Room - Monday, June 30 – 11:55 a.m.
"Lunch?"
"Andy, let's just get in and see what the others have dug up. Then we'll see if we even have time for lunch."
Olivia pushed into the squad room and was met with a look from Elliot who was sitting at his desk. They shared a smile, and Olivia didn't even notice when Andy placed his hand on the small of her back.
"Hey, El. You and Munch get any leads today?"
Elliot glared at Andy who was standing a little too close to Olivia. He then pulled out a file and tossed it across to Olivia's desk.
"What's this?"
"That, partner, are Lydia Whittington's financials. Seems as though she's been running through her money a little too quickly."
Olivia flipped through the papers in the folder and then glanced up at Elliot. "They stand to inherit an awful lot of land from her mother-in-law's death, and what's this? 300,000? That's not very much."
Elliot shook his head, "No, but when you're desperate, your desperate. Liv, I think we need to dig into that elder abuse claim a little more."
"Whoa, whoa," Andy interrupted, "Elder abuse? Who's claiming that?"
"I am." Olivia handed the file back to Elliot and looked at Andy. "Do we need to skip lunch so you can go over the case file, Deputy?" She laughed, not taking her eyes off of Eckerson and Elliot rolled his eyes.
"No way. I'll catch up on the case after…not a chance I'm going to miss taking you out."
Olivia smiled and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.
Elliot watched as the two shamelessly flirted, touched and shared a friendly banter that he once exchanged with Olivia on a daily basis.
Before Elliot could lose control of his temper, Fin entered the squad room holding up a manila envelope.
"Liv, got something you need to see."
Fin made his way over to the group just as Cragen and Munch were exiting the captain's office.
"What've you all got?" Cragen spoke up as his detectives gathered around.
"Just came from Doc Warner's. Looks like all the vics were definitely raped and killed by the same doer, and it's probably someone young and relatively strong. Warner thinks we're looking for someone in their twenties or thirties."
"What does she know?" Olivia looked past Andy to Fin.
"The teeth marks all match. She was unable to get any DNA, but her documentation on the teeth marks is airtight."
"Ok, Liv, what'd you and Andy get."
Olivia stepped up and drew an arrowed line through each of the women listedon the board, connecting them. "According to Esther Duvale, she knows all three women Lenora Whittington, Selma Peters and Marcy Walker."
"What? How is itthat a middle-class, at best, woman knows a socialite and two homeless women?"
"Apparently," Olivia continued, "all of these women were at one time wealthy."
Benson Residence - Monday, June 30 – 7:00 p.m.
"Elliot just make yourself at home. I have drinks in the fridge but no food. You might want to order something. The menus are in the top…"
"Top left drawer. I know, Liv," Elliot smiled and grabbed her by the elbow, and dropped his duffle bag. She stopped going through her mail and looked up.
"What?"
"What do you mean what? I haven't seen you all day. Slow down."
He was looking forward to spending an evening with Olivia. He wanted to continue where they left off this morning. He wanted his lips on her again couldn't believe his luck that she wanted him here with her.
Olivia smiled but sighed, "El, I really need to get changed."
"Changed? I thought we could order in, curl up on the couch, maybe watch a movie. What's the rush?" His smirk told her that he'd forgotten about her dinner plans with Andy tonight.
"Oh, El. I have dinner with Andy tonight. I thought you…"
Elliot nodded, "Yeah, yeah. That's right. I…" He shook his head and released her elbow.
Olivia reached up to touch his face and he grabbed her wrist. These mixed signals were too much. He kisses her in the crib, and now he doesn't want her to touch him.
"Elliot, I…the plans were already set."
"I know. I just…it's been a long day. I completely forgot."
She smiled and leaned in to him. They looked at one another for a moment each wondering what the other was thinking.
Olivia pulled away with thoughts of Elliot still running through her head. She loved this man, she did. As much as she wanted him, she couldn't throw herself at him when he clearly just wanted to test his new, or almost new, bachelorhood. She was so aggravated with herself.
Olivia tried to tug her arm back. "Elliot, I really have to get ready."
"Really?"
She laughed, "Yes. Really!"
Olivia headed toward her bedroom and Elliot took a seat on the couch and flipped on the television. He started to get a little nervous about her evening with Andy when she spent the next thirty minutes cursing and pillaging through her clothes.
At some point, she came out of her bedroom, still in her clothes from work and headed to the kitchen for a bottle of water. She was starting to sweat.
"El, does it seem a little warm in here to you?"
Elliot placed the remote back on the coffee table and looked over at Olivia. "Yeah. A bit. You still not dressed?"
She took a swig of her water and shook her head. "No, still have to shower."
"Hey mind if I use the bathroom before you go in?"
"Go ahead."
Elliot walked into her bathroom and took in a deep breath. He just needed to splash his face with water. Hanging in the corner of the room, off a towel rack was a short, black cocktail dress. He turned toward it and picked it up. It had a slinky cowl neckline and no back. Elliot replaced the dress and the black on the stool next to it caught his eye. A single scrap of black lace. He knew he shouldn't but he couldn't resist. He picked it up and noticed the tiny triangular patch of lace held together by what were little more than three strings.
Olivia was going out with Andy dressed like this?
Elliot felt sick. She was dressing for Andy because she clearly wanted to impress him. He turned back to the sink and splashed some water on his face. When he reemerged from the bathroom, Olivia was sitting patiently on the edge of her bed.
"All done?"
"Yeah," he grunted.
Olivia brushed past him and disappeared into the bathroom. He knew this was more than just a friendly dinner between colleagues. It seemed more like a very friendly dinner between exes.
Olivia stood before the bathroom mirror and examined herself. Everything was perfect except her earrings, which were out in the living room. She was heading off to dinner with Andy, and she really was looking forward to it; however, she was dressing mostly for Elliot. She was so confused about what happened today. He kissed her, but then claimed to be her friend. She couldn't imagine that he would try and use her for sex, but she couldn't reconcile the mixed signals he was sending.
When she finally emerged from the bathroom, she was dressed in a pair of black stiletto heels and the short, very short black cocktail dress. She trotted out into the living room and when she turned to grab a pair of earrings from the lamp table, he could see just how low-cut this dress was on her. However, it was when she turned around to grab her cell phone that his jaw dropped. It truly was a backless dress and now he knew why her panties had to be so nonexistent. The fabric clung to her curves like a second skin.
Elliot cleared his throat. "Liv, why all this fuss just for Andy?"
She sighed, "Elliot, come on. What's wrong with trying to look nice?"
"Come here," Elliot waved her towards him, and she came to stand just in front of him. "You always look good."
"Elliot," she sighed. "What are you doing?"
Elliot was walking around her as if he were looking for something. "Just trying to figure out where the rest of your dress is," he said with a smirk. He was trying his best to put up a good front, but it was killing him that she was going out dressed like this with a guy who had seen her in much less.
She slapped him on the chest playfully. "Come on, El. Listen…I'll be back later. Make yourself at home, okay. You know where everything is."
"So, where are you meeting him?"
"Oh, I'm, uh, actually…"
Her intercom buzzed, and Elliot had his answer.
"Don't worry," she said, while he moved toward her. "I'm meeting him downstairs."
"Don't have too much fun tonight, Liv."
She smiled and they stood there in an awkward silence until Olivia turned to grab her bag and leave.
Elliot walked Olivia to the door and after she left and he locked it behind her, he let out a string of expletives. What the hell was the matter with him? He just let her walk out of here looking every bit the knock-out.
Elliot looked around her living room and decided to watch a little TV. He grabbed his duffle from where he'd dropped it beside the door and headed toward the couch.
"It's getting hot in here," Elliot mumbled to himself as he fished for a clean tee shirt.
Olivia stood outside of her building with Andy. The restaurant was only five blocks away, and he'd insisted on her walking back. Olivia was bracing herself for the inevitable. She knew him too well.
"Olivia. Let me walk you to your door," he leaned into her and smiled.
Olivia looked down and shook her head. "Andy…"
"What? Come on. I'm here in town to help you with this case. I'll be here for weeks. Could be months if it makes it to trial. What's the harm in a little extracurricular fun? You're not really seeing that O'Halloran kid are you?"
Olivia looked incredulous as Andy reached for her face. "What do you know about Ryan?"
"Come on, Liv. I asked around. Heard you may be seeing him." Andy took a step closer and played with the strands of her hair that had had fallen over her eye.
Olivia swatted his hand away and leaned back. She'd completely forgotten about Ryan in the madness of today. She felt a twinge of guilt—not because Elliot kissed her because she and Ryan were not exclusive—but because she'd spent so much time convincing Ryan that Elliot didn't care about her in that way. For all she knew, that was still the case. Elliot was going through a turning point in his life, and as much as she would love to think that kiss meant something, it was quite possible he was just looking for a way to release some pent up frustration. Dani wasn't around this time, she was.
"Andy, stop…" Olivia cut herself off. She was single. Yes, she and Ryan were seeing each other. Yes she and Elliot shared a kiss. She wasn't attached to any of them and Andy was right. He would be around for a while.
"Ok, Liv. I'm sorry."
Olivia shook her head. "No, I'm sorry. Dinner was lovely. I had a great time with you, Andy. I just. Whatever we had once, we need to keep it out of the office. Elliot knows we dated and I'm pretty sure Cragen knows." She smiled and looked up into his eyes. He was an incorrigible flirt, but he was a decent man.
"I want to kiss you, Liv." Andy wrapped one strong arm around her and pressed his hand into her bare back.
Olivia wanted to say no. She didn't think she was the sort of woman who would kiss three different men in the span of two days, but Andy's familiar touch and the way he looked at her had her thinking with other senses. "Ok."
He pulled her closer and after the newness wore off, in a matter of seconds, it felt like just yesterday that he was holding her and kissing her. Andy's kiss was much different from Elliot's. He wasn't as forceful, and the familiarity of his lips against hers what she needed after all the uncertainty that Elliot had caused.
"Liv," he said as he pulled away. "I want to see you again."
Olivia keyed into her apartment hoping that Elliot found something to keep himself occupied. She was a little concerned that Elliot might have seen her kissing Andy, so braced herself for a flare-up of jealousy as she entered. All she really wanted to do was shed her clothes and crawl into bed. She was utterly confused. She was having fun with Ryan, Elliot kissed her, Kurt had been calling her, and now Andy. She would be working closely with Andy, and he wanted to see her outside of work as well. She didn't think that going back was a good idea—especially with Andy. She remembered why they broke up, and while he may have changed since then, she wasn't sure it was worth the risk of further heartbreak. Despite all of that, she'd agreed to see him again.
When she pushed the door open, she was engulfed with a wave of heat, much like the temperature outside.
"El?"
"Back here, Liv."
Olivia followed Elliot's voice, which was emanating from her hallway. When she peered around the corner, she was met with a boxer-clad Elliot, headfirst in her utility closet.
"Elliot…what are you doing?" she asked only half aware of her words as she admired the muscles flexing in his back.
"Your a/c is out. Tried calling your super but got the machine." Elliot pulled his head out of the closet and turned to look at Olivia.
Olivia blushed and leaned her shoulder against the wall. She really was in Hell. Her apartment was steaming hot and so was Elliot. "So, you know what you're doing in there?"
Elliot laughed, "Not really." He ran his hand down his chest and then realized he was still dressed only in his boxers. "Shit, Liv…I'm sorry about the…it got really hot in here."
A slow smile crept across Olivia's face as she languidly scanned his body. She wasn't sorry at all.
