Unexpected

Olivia smoothed out her dress and walked down the blue carpet with politicians, officials and diplomats. The place was flooded with reporters and journalists along with hundreds of cameras flashing from all directions. She looked around and couldn't help but smile at the fact that many of these people were her clients at some point. Many of them nodded and acknowledged her presence, but few came over to speak to her. She could understand; it was like having a normal conversation with your therapist outside of their office; an impossible feat, she knew too much of their dirty laundry.

As she entered the dining hall, the President was already standing at the doorway greeting his guests. He looked up and their eyes met for a second before his lips curved into a smile. Liv looked away quickly, feeling her face heat up. She made her way down the line and shook hands with the officials, but when it came to him, his grasp lingered for a second longer and his heated gaze caused her to blush.

"Olivia" he said huskily.

"Mr. President" she responded shyly.

When their hands pulled apart, she felt her breathing resume to normal as she walked to find her seat. She didn't dare to turn around and look at him; one look and everybody would know.

It was strange not having the First lady greeting guests with the President. It was a bold statement on Fitz's part. Liv looked around the room; it seemed that the number of guests that attended the dinner wasn't affected by the divorce spectacle. However, there were certainly more women in the room than before, many Liv had not seen before, and many who did not have a ring around their wedding finger.

It was difficult to pinpoint Fitz in the crowd; he was either being pulled in for a photo-op by a diplomat or swarmed by politicians who required his immediate attention for one favor or another. Liv found herself sitting at the table alone and watching this charade unfold. She was asked to dance a few times by a few diplomats she had met in the past, but she didn't want too, not with anyone but him. He felt so far away, even when he was in the same room as her. His eyes would wander toward her longingly, and he would smile at her wearily.

"It's okay," she mouthed as smiled back knowingly. He had certain duties as the President of the United States, and entertaining everyone was just one of them. Still, she couldn't help but smile at the women who were literally throwing themselves at him and yet his gaze never tore from hers. He didn't even seem to acknowledge them. She turned back to her table and took sip of her wine; she felt her heart flutter in excitement as she saw him brush away some politician and make his way toward her.

"Would you like to dance?"

She felt her lips curve into a smile "I was beginning to think when you were going to ask –" she turned around and found that it was not Fitz she was looking at.

"Jake."

"Olivia" he smiled brightly. He stood in front of her, donning a crisp black tuxedo and a matching bowtie. Unlike Fitz, his hair was cropped short and neatly cut, his eyes were a light brown, almost caramel. He stood tall, not as tall as Fitz, but strong and lean. He was attractive, but something felt different. It was like the time when she was given a sip of French Bordeaux from her father's personal collection, it was in that moment where she realized that nothing else would ever come close to the elegance of the Bordeaux. Fitz was her French Bordeaux and she didn't want anyone else but him.

"What are you doing here?" she looked at him quizzically.

"Selling pens has its perks" he joked.

"I'm serious."

"We're at a party Olivia, don't be so serious. Dance with me."

"I don't want to dance."

Before she could protest, he had pulled her to her feet and smiled,

"Too bad."

His hand enveloped hers as he led her to the dance floor and pulled her against him. He started to sway her around, his eyes never leaving her face.

"What are you doing?" stepping back and putting some distance between them.

"It's a common practice called dancing, I'm sure you're—"

"You know what I mean." She interrupted.

"You haven't answered any of my calls Olivia." he replied, a tinge of hurt in his voice.

"I've been busy." Avoiding his gaze and focused on looking ahead as they continued to move across the floor.

"With who?" he grinned.

"It's not what you think and stop looking at me like that."

"Like what?" he eyes gleamed playfully.

Olivia didn't say anything; instead she looked over his shoulder to find Fitz staring at them. His eyes narrowed and his jaw was locked in a stony manner. He stopped paying attention to any of the officials who had swarmed around him. She could tell that they were desperately trying to engage him into their discussion; instead his eyes were locked on her and Jake.

Jake looked at her curiously, "So he's here isn't he?"

Olivia glared at him and stepped back, warning him that he was too close.

"Do you want to dance or talk? Choose one." Liv replied dryly.

Jake laughed, "Ouch"

The song ended and Olivia immediately pulled from Jake's grasp. As she applauded the band, she felt him lean over and whisper in her ear "You still haven't told me the who you've been busy with Olivia."

"I didn't think I was obligated too" she replied curtly, turning to him.

Still, there was a clear smirk on his face. He was unfazed by her candid remarks, but his eyes suddenly changed their focus to someone behind her.

"Do you mind if I Jake?" a familiar voice said behind her. She could already feel his presence and his scent lingering behind her and it was intoxicating.

"Of course, Mr. President" he sounded surprised as he looked at the Olivia and then at the President. Olivia could see that his eyes darken for a split second before returning to his usual playful, grinning face. He stepped back and gave Olivia a knowing look before disappearing into the crowd.

Fitz took her hands into his as the band started to play another song. He pulled her close, in a possessive nature, letting everyone know that she was his. He was quiet as they swayed on the dance floor.

"So that's who you were on the phone with," he said quietly, looking down at her.

Liv met his accusing eyes and answered, "yes it was."

"Okay" he nodded, and smiled at her, he seemed to accept his notion quickly, too quickly.

"That's all you're going to say? And look away; you're making very obvious right now. They'll know."

"Then let them know. I'm a single man remember?"

"It's too soon, I'm surprised you're not interrogating me."

"Do I need to ask anymore questions?" he grinned at her.

She laughed, "I like this."

"I trust you and I love you, so I don't think asking more questions will be necessary. I know you are mine." He said moving closer to her.

She shivered as he said those last words.

"You're going to have to dance with other women Fitz."

"For appearances" she added.

"I've paid that price with Mellie already. Our marriage was an appearance."

"You haven't paid it in its entirety yet. The divorce is still fresh."

"Let me enjoy this for now, before I get my toes stepped on by one those women Cyrus had invited." Fitz rolled his eyes.

She shook her head, "I didn't know that was his work."

"Eligible bachelorettes." Fitz muttered.

"Cyrus knows best." Olivia teased.

Fitz shook his head, " I don't know about that, but he's certainly something." He looked down at her again, with the same longing look he had before and leaned in closer.

"How do you know Jake?" Liv asked suddenly moving back, putting some distance between them; giving him the "you-have-to-watch-yourself" look.

"I thought we weren't playing this question game." Fitz smirked.

"I didn't say I wasn't."

"Well you're going to have to give me something for that kind of information."

Olivia felt her heart race as she responded shyly, "What would you like Mr. President?"

Fitz's voice lowered as he murmured in her ear "Stay over tonight."