If Only You Knew Chapter 20, a scandal fanfic

"And if you don't like it, tune the f*ck out, and you must like it, 'cause you tuned the f*ck in." ~Meg Thee Stallion, 'Tina Montana'

Guest chapter 19 . 18h ago

Thanks for the long chapter which I read only the first and last paragraph. Cannot wait for the present as all these long long chapters are unneccesary and dragging. so you can hurry reach the present so I can start reading.

I always try to come from a place of love, but sometimes...Woosah. I mean, why waste your time? You are spending time that you will NEVER get back on something that you obviously don't like. Don't do that, and I mean this sincerely. Life's waaaay too short. Anyway, I see that many of you loved Chapter 19 and I appreciate all of your kind words. We're getting closer to the present and I will not be rushed into changing the pace of my story because someone doesn't have the patience or apparently, the range, to read. Thank you and enjoy.

TBOT

Fitz and Olivia landed on Monday afternoon and hit the ground running. She had a doctor's appointment first thing Tuesday morning so she stayed at her apartment. They spent a few hours together and had dinner at the restaurant at 12 Wilshire together before he reluctantly left that evening.

Olivia's client's valuation feedback was complete and she and her team began working on the due diligence review. It took a lot of time and it was exhausting, but she loved the challenge.

Fitz was just as busy at The Max, working long hours. They spoke on the phone several times daily and finally managed to have lunch together on Thursday afternoon. They spent their time catching up and making plans for the weekend.

As they stood outside the restaurant waiting for Fitz's car, he pulled her closer to his body. "How about a kiss before we leave?" he asked. Although they were in public, she had no problem complying with his request.

He bent to kiss her, long and slow and the world righted around him. He couldn't let days go by without kissing her, feeling her soft curves against him. "I missed this," he murmured, "I missed you." In such a short span of time, Olivia had become a huge part of his life.

"We'll see each other tomorrow, Fitzgerald," she reminded him.

"I know that, but it's been such a long week." He hugged her again so she could feel his hardness. It didn't take much when he was around Olivia to get him aroused. She always had that affect on him.

"Keep it in your pants, Grant," she said with a chuckle, before whispering, "I promise to work off all that frustration tomorrow."

Slowly, Fitz released her. "Promises, promises, Miss Pope. I hope you're ready to keep them."

Olivia didn't have a chance to respond when the valet attendant drove up in Fitz's car. He assisted Olivia before rounding the car and climbing the wheel. Shifting into gear, he drove off into the afternoon traffic towards Olivia's office.

By Friday evening Fitz and Olivia were ready to relax…alone.

Nathan had barely put the vehicle in PARK before Fitz jogged across the driveway to open the back door.

She breathed a sigh of relief before taking his hand and exiting the SUV.

"Everything okay?" he asked, concern lacing his voice.

Olivia smiled. "Yes, just exhausted."

"Rough day?"

"A little bit. But I'm here now." She kissed his cheek then took the hand he offered.

Nathan stood quietly, before Fitz turned and greeted him and took Olivia's leather weekender. He bid them good evening and drove down the driveway away from the house.

Fitz draped his arm around her shoulder then kissed the top of her head. "Let me see what I can do to make you feel better. I ran you a bath. Water's hot and so is your tea and you know I've been known to give a mean massage."

She glanced up at him as they stepped inside the house. "I like the sound of that."

"Well right this way, Miss Pope."

As promised, a hot bath was waiting, and the scent of vanilla wafted throughout the room. The lights were dimmed and a few votive candles were strategically placed.

Fitz took his time undressing her and helped her as she lowered herself into the steamy water. Olivia sighed, her body and mind succumbing to the pure bliss. Every muscle in her body moaned with pleasure as she leaned back against the headrest and closed her eyes, allowing the water to loosen her limbs.

He knelt down next to the tub. "Did I tell you how much I missed and love you?" he asked as he played with the strands of hair that had come loose from her messy bun. Olivia was grateful that her eyes were already closed so Fitz wouldn't see the tears well up in her eyes.

"You don't have to say anything, Livvie."

She nodded, but didn't open her eyes.

Sighing, he stood. "I'll be right back with your tea."

She finally opened her eyes and looked at him. "Thank you, babe."

"You're welcome, Livvie." He turned and left the bathroom.

"Here's your tea."

Olivia's eyes fluttered open. Fitz was sitting on the edge of the tub with a mug in his hand. She sighed, sat up and took the drink. "Thank you."

Fitz took this opportunity to reach into the water for the pink sponge. He gently washed her back, squeezing the hot sudsy water over her shoulders and her breasts. He leaned in and kissed her cheek before dropping the sponge back into the water and standing.

"Aren't you going to join me?"

"No, Livvie. This is for you. I'm going to prepare us a light dinner. It should be ready when you're finished."

She nodded. "Okay."

"I'll see you downstairs when you're done," he said before leaving the bathroom again.

She placed the mug on the small stand next to the tub, leaned back and closed her eyes again.

The water was lukewarm and so was her tea when she finally stood and stepped out of the tub. She dried and moisturized her body before slipping into a lightweight two piece lounge set with a button-down top and drawstring pants. When she finished, she grabbed the mug of tea and headed downstairs.

The enticing smell wafting through the house from the kitchen made her stomach growl. She laughed to herself as she walked toward the open kitchen. She was greeted by Fitz standing at the stove, his back to her, stirring something over the stovetop wok burner.

Fitz sensed movement and looked over his shoulder.

Olivia smiled as she walked over to the sink and poured out the now cold tea before rinsing the mug and placing it on the counter. Closing the distance between them, she stood next him and slid her arms around his waist, squeezing him tight, as if she would never let him go.

"Something smells good, babe."

He closed his eyes and breathed in her scent before leaning down and kissing her cheek. "It's nothing fancy, I just threw together a vegetable and chicken stir fry that we'll have over couscous."

"Hmm, sounds delicious. I'm going to set two place settings at the island."

"Okay, we have about five minutes before the food's ready." He turned back to the stove. "Oh, there's a tossed green salad in the refrigerator. Would you get it, please?"

"Sure."

After a few minutes, Fitz plated their food and joined her at the island. Olivia poured glasses of water with lemon and they both dug in. They talked quietly while they ate. Fitz enjoyed looking at her as they talked about their day. He loved that the sparkle was returning to her eyes as she spoke. Earlier she seemed out of sorts.

Olivia enjoyed being alone with Fitz in their own little bubble. While in Antigua, she'd gotten used to waking and going to sleep with him. Her mind drifted off as she thought about that special time…

"So I invited him here to have dinner with us tomorrow night."

She shook her head, not sure of what she'd heard. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"Ford's in town and I invited him over for dinner. I'm just going to grill steaks, nothing formal."

Olivia forced a smile. Her mouth was smiling, but inside, her stomach muscles felt as if they were tied in knots. She hoped Fitz didn't sense her uneasiness. It took a great deal of effort not to say anything. She'd only met Ford once and that was enough for her. She'd been watching the basketball game when she felt someone watching her, and looked up to see him staring at her. More than once. It made her uncomfortable.

She'd only heard one side of the conversation he was having with Fitz when they were at The Max, but something in her gut told her it was about her and to not trust the man. Olivia had willfully ignored her gut instinct when it came to her ex, for years, and look at how that turned out. She may have disregarded the signs before, but she wouldn't make that mistake again. Whatever was going on between the Grant brothers, she didn't want to be in the middle of it. Fitz thought he could handle his brother but Olivia wasn't so sure. Ford Grant didn't get where he was by taking no for an answer, ever.

Olivia stood drinking a glass of water as she watched Fitz load the dishwasher. She would never get used to Fitzgerald Grant being so thoroughly domesticated. He didn't have live-in help. He'd told her that, like his mother, he didn't like having strangers living in his home. He did, however, allow Maritza and her team to come in twice a week, but that was it. She stared at his broad back as he bent over to close and start the dishwasher. Yes, she thought, I would've liked Christine Grant, had we been given the opportunity to meet.

"Are you okay?" she asked. "You seem…," she angled her head. "You don't seem like yourself."

He turned to face her and leaned against the island, crossing his arms over his chest. "I'm fine, Livvie. Just have a lot on my mind."

She nodded, encouraging him to keep talking.

"Ford and I need to have a long overdue conversation, and I'm just thinking of what I'm going to say."

Olivia knew that wasn't all but she didn't push him. "I think you'll find the right words," she said." You know I can go home tomorrow so the two of you can be alone."

He stood up straight and shook his head. "No. He's coming to have dinner with us. You're not going anywhere."

She wasn't excited about having dinner with Ford at all, but she would do it for Fitz. "Well as I've said before, I don't want to be the reason you make any long-term decisions about your life or your career, especially if it affects your brother and Grant Holdings."

He moved and stood towering above her. "Livvie, whatever happens between Ford and I has absolutely nothing to do with you or us. Okay?"

She shook her head 'yes,' but she also knew that Ford would do whatever he had to do, to get what he wanted. She'd dated and been engaged to a man like Ford Grant. They did whatever they wanted, to whomever they wanted, and didn't care about who they hurt. Consequences be damned.

Fitz removed the glass from her hand and set it on the counter before cradling her face between his hands. "Enough about my brother." He lowered his head and placed a light kiss on her mouth. "I'm going to make sure that I'm the only Grant man you ever think about."

Olivia stared up into his beautiful blue eyes. "How are you going to do that?"

"I'm going to start by tasting these," he whispered, as he ran his tongue over her parted pouty lips.

He reached down to unbutton her top and lowered his head. "Then I'm going to sample your beautiful breasts." He eased her against the refrigerator and suckled first the left and then the right breast. He alternated between nipping her nipples with his teeth and rolling his tongue across them.

As he worked on her breasts, one hand moved lower and pulled the drawstring on her lounging pants before reaching inside them. To Fitz's delight, she wasn't wearing panties. His fingers found her wet and pulsing. Withdrawing his fingers, his gaze met hers as he put them to his mouth and sucked each one.

"You taste as good as you smell, Livvie."

Wrapping her arms under Fitz's shoulders, Olivia pressed her body closer. She wanted him so bad. Biting her lip, she drew a deep breath. "Oh, baby."

Fitz pressed his groin to her middle, wanting Olivia to feel how much he wanted to be inside her. "What is it, baby?"

"I want you…now," she gasped.

"I want you too, but I need to get protection." He attempted to move but she held him in place.

Standing on her tiptoes, she whispered in his ear. "I have an IUD." Fitz's eyebrows shot up and then he smiled.

Olivia released him and moved her hands to the drawstring on his sweatpants. He helped her push them down his waist as she reached inside his briefs and grasped his erection.

Fitz's pants settled around his feet and he stepped out of them while lowering his head to suckle on her breasts again. Wrapping an arm around her waist, he pulled at her pants with his other hand.

Olivia released Fitz's cock long enough to shrug out of her top and push her pants down and off, and to help Fitz out of his briefs. She moaned when he lifted her off her feet. Wrapping her legs around his waist, he kissed her as he slowly entered her body. Her breathing rose with each inch. She rotated her hips until he was all the way inside her body. He stared at her for a moment, holding her in place until her body adjusted to him.

"You okay?" he asked, kissing her forehead.

"Yeah…just…um…did you get bigger?"

He chuckled, resting his forehead against hers. "No babe. You're just a little snug."

She smiled. "Mmm, but we still fit perfectly together."

"Always, my love."

When Fitz moved a little, her head fell to his shoulder. Holding onto his neck, she moved her hips up and he began to slide in and out of her at a slow and steady pace.

They stood in the dimly lit kitchen, her back against the cool surface of the refrigerator. They were in absolute harmony with each other. A deep groan came from Fitz's throat with each thrust. Her muscles squeezed around him, pulling and constricting tighter with each thrust. He could feel the wetness coming from Olivia trickle down his thighs as he drove into her over and over.

"Yes, yes, yes," Olivia chanted until it became a litany. The flutters began, softly at first, and she knew it wouldn't be long before she climaxed. But she didn't want to orgasm. Not yet.

Fitz felt Olivia's vaginal muscles contract around his cock, squeezing and pulling him in. The familiar tingling at the base of his spine signaled he was close to a climax which was the last thing he wanted to happen.

He couldn't control his hips as they moved back and forth like a jackhammer.

Tightening his hold on Olivia, he lifted her higher for deeper penetration. Then it happened; he lost all the control he had tried to keep composed as he shook against her.

Fitz growled deeply as he came and he screamed Olivia's name. "Livvie!"

Within seconds her body shuddered hard against his as her orgasm tore through her body. Their cries overlapped as they climaxed simultaneously.

Olivia held on for dear life as their breathing slowed down. She was still trembling when he lowered her legs to the floor and wrapped his arms around her.

"How are you doing, Livvie?"

"Hmm?"

Fitz released her and eased his cock from her.

"I'm good." A shy smile spread over her face.

"You're good?"

"Better than good." She pressed a kiss to his chin. "I'm a woman who just had mind blowing sex in the kitchen. I'm damned good!"

He grinned down at her. "It is an experience."

"And thanks to you, a new one."

Fitz stared at her in disbelief. "New?"

Olivia returned his stare. "Yes, new."

"You've never had sex in the kitchen before?" he asked.

"No. Have you?"

He took a moment and laughed when she shoved his solid shoulder.

"Clearly you need time to count them all, mister."

"No, Miss Smarty Pants. I hesitated because I can't recollect ever finding the kitchen all that enticing. So, yeah, it's a first for me too."

Olivia stood on tiptoe and pressed a kiss to his lips before Fitz took her hand and led her toward the staircase. They walked into the bathroom, shared a quick shower and fell into bed together. There was nothing more to be said because their bodies had done the talking for them.

Fitz and Olivia had awakened before the sun rose so she could enjoy the massage he'd promised and to make love again. After he'd rolled off her body, he'd lain face down on the bed while she'd straddled him. She'd reenergized him all over again as her tongue trailed down his spine. He'd begged and pleaded for her stop but she pretended she didn't hear him. They'd made love a second time, and before he'd exploded inside her body, he'd forgotten his name, who he was and where he'd come from. She had stripped him bare, her power over him complete. He belonged to her. Olivia Pope.

They lay in a sweaty tangle of limbs as their breathing calmed down. Fitz was the first to speak. "Why'd you get an IUD? I told you I would take care of protection."

She nodded with her head still on his chest. "Yes, you did. But after Antigua, we needed backup."

He raised his head slightly to look down at her.

"Don't look at me like that, Fitz, we have to be careful. Besides, it will make our lovemaking more spontaneous."

Playing with her curls, Fitz smiled at her comment. "You know how I love spontaneity."

She sat up and kissed his cheek. "Yes, I do."

Fitz moved to the side of the bed and stood. "I've got to pick up a few things for dinner."

She lay back against the mound of pillows staring at his gloriously naked body. "Where are you going?"

He stopped and leaned against the doorway of the bathroom, arms crossed. "I'm going to the farmer's market, meat market and Deacon's restaurant to get truffles and dessert."

"Mmm, truffles," she said. "I can't wait."

He chuckled before he walked into the bathroom and closed the door.

Olivia lay back and closed her eyes, thinking about their dinner guest. It's only for a few hours. You can do this, Liv. The sound of running water brought her back to the present. Slowly a feeling of security replaced the uneasiness she began to feel when she thought about Ford Grant. That was because of Fitz. "Everything will be okay."

She sighed contentedly and stretched again before sliding out from beneath the cover. Gasping as the cool morning air enveloped her nude flesh, she ran toward the heat of the bathroom. She giggled like a teenage girl as she turned the knob on the door. Maybe, if she played it right, and she was confident she could, she'd convince Fitz to go another round before they set off for the day.

After breakfast at the Beachwood Café, in the Hills, they set off on the first of Fitz's errands of the day. They started at the farmer's market where Fitz carefully touched and smelled the fruits and vegetables before he purchased them. He also picked up several fresh herbs and fresh flowers for a centerpiece. Next they went to the meat market for three Waygu New York strips. Fitz and the butcher, Liev, tried to explain marbling and cooking methods to her, and why they were so important. Olivia just nodded and smiled. Their last stop was Deacon's restaurant where Fitz picked up the truffles and a sweet potato cheesecake for dessert before heading home.

The couple returned to the Hills and began prep work for dinner. As sous chef, Olivia helped Fitz with chopping vegetables and herbs and he walked her through making a kale salad with pomegranate molasses. They laughed and talked as they went about their work. Olivia finished the kitchen tasks Fitz had assigned and then went to set the dining room table. She next arranged the fresh hydrangeas, lilacs and peonies in a crystal vase and placed it in the middle of the table. Kissing Fitz, she headed upstairs to the room he used as an office, to work for a few hours until she would need to get dressed for dinner.

Seated behind the desk, she reached for her phone and tapped the screen. It rang once. "Hey little sister!" Cecily answered.

"Hello, Cis. How are you?"

The sisters had been playing phone tag since she'd returned from Antigua. They'd communicated by text daily, but still needed to hear each other's voice at least once a week.

"How you doing, Lib?"

"Busy." They both laughed.

"Tell me about it. I had to cancel dinner with my husband twice this week due to emergencies. Of course I made it up to him before he left to make his tee time this morning. Miss Cecily is quite satisfied."

"Cecily! I really don't need nor do I want to hear this."

"Girl, please, when it's good, it's good." Cecily chuckled.

"So big sister, what are you up to today?" Olivia asked.

"I'm just leaving the salon. I have a date with August tonight."

"Oh yeah? How's everybody?" She and Cecily had used the same hairstylist for years.

"Everybody's good. Coleman sends his love."

"He's so sweet. I'll send him a text. He just wants to know if I'm taking care of my hair."

"You're probably right." Cecily laughed. "So what are you up to?"

"Fitz is having his brother over for dinner this evening. We've been all over L.A. today picking up the different ingredients that he needs. I just finished peeling and chopping veggies and herbs before I called you. I've become a pretty good sous chef."

"What?! You, Libby? In the kitchen?"

Olivia let out a loud laugh at her sister. "It's true. I'm learning so much and Fitz is so patient. You and The Maya may have some competition when I get back to D.C."

"A chef and a wine connoisseur, go head Lib."

"I haven't been drinking as much wine lately."

"Really? Why not?"

"Wine calories add up quickly and lately I've had little to no time to work out. So it's very limited wine for me until I can get back to my workout routine."

"I see. So are you joining the Grant brothers for dinner?"

"Yes."

"You don't sound as if you want to."

Olivia sighed. "Honestly, I don't, but Fitz asked me to, so…"

"What's going on, little sister?"

"His brother, Ford…I don't know…I don't think he likes me seeing Fitz."

"Why would you say that? Did he say something to you?"

"No. I've only met him once, but even then I could feel it."

"So he makes you uncomfortable?"

"Very."

"Have you said anything to Fitz?"

"No. I mean, what would I say? Hey Fitz, I don't think your brother likes me. And why should whether Ford likes me even matter? Fitz and I aren't serious, and neither of is looking for a relationship. Once this merger is complete, we'll each go our separate ways. Who cares if his brother doesn't like me." She knew Cecily didn't believe anything she'd just said. If it didn't matter, she wouldn't be feeling the way she did.

"Look Lib, whether you and Fitz are in a serious relationship or not, he needs to know that his brother makes you uncomfortable and possibly doesn't like you. Don't willingly put yourself in an awkward situation. Okay?"

"Yes, Cicely." Cecily knew that when Olivia used her full name, she was annoyed with something she said.

"And why does how his brother feels bother you?" Cecily asked. "It's over when you leave L.A. anyway. This isn't long-term. That's how you wanted things, easy with no strings."

"I know that's what I said, Cis."

"But…" Cecily urged.

"But I didn't think that I would start to care for him."

"Sounds as if it would be hard not to fall for a man like Fitzgerald Grant. Is that why you're willing to tolerate his brother? You care about Fitz?"

"Of course." She loved him.

"You more than care for him, Lib. You're in love with that man, aren't you?"

Her first instinct was to deny her sister's very astute observation, but she couldn't. She was quiet for a moment.

"What am I going to do, Cis?"

Cecily blew out a breath. "You either put your cards on the table, and be honest with him or you let things go the way they've been going."

"You of all people know that I've learned, the hard way, I might add, how to keep my emotions in check."

"But why would you want to? You've said you care for the man. Hell, you love him. Tell him."

"I am not going to tell him how I feel, especially since I was the one who was so adamant about not wanting anything serious."

"Goodness Lib, I just don't understand why you're fighting your feelings for Fitz."

Olivia pondered Cecily's words. She thought about the time they'd spent in Antigua, everything they'd shared. Then she said, "I can't go through that kind of hurt again, Cis."

Cecily heard the catch in her voice. She knew Olivia was talking about what happened with her ex.

"Are you okay, Olivia Carolyn?" she asked with concern in her voice.

"No, I'm not okay," she responded with a bit of sadness in her voice. "But I will be. It's just that…"

"What, Lib?"

She sighed. "Nothing. I'm a big girl. I knew what I was getting into."

"Are you sure about that?"

"Yes Cis, I'm sure." She wasn't.

"Mmm hmm," Cecily said with a bit of skepticism. "Lie to yourself if you want to, but not to me, Olivia."

"Whatever, Cecily."

Cecily laughed. She knew she was right.

"Look, since you insist on having dinner with Fitz's brother, if he gets out of line or if he's disrespectful, please tell Fitz."

"It's really okay. I can handle him for a few hours. I'll eat and converse, then I'll excuse myself. I have a lot of work to do anyway. We're in the homestretch with this case, and things are moving quickly."

"Well that's all well and good, but don't forget what I said."

"I won't."

The sisters were quiet for a moment. "You know Lib, since you're not ready to be honest with Fitz, and you're not sure if you want things to go on the way they've been, there's always another option."

"What's that?"

"Get out before someone gets hurt," her sister said with finality.

"Well, I need to start getting ready for my date. I don't know what my husband has planned, but I'm going to be ready for anything."

Olivia laughed. "I have some work to complete before dinner. Talk to you later, Cis. I love you."

"Love you too, Lib. Goodbye."

Olivia ended the call, her sister's words still on her mind.

Olivia stood and watched as Fitz exchanged a rough hug with his brother, while pounding his back. It gave her time to get a good look at the brothers. There was no mistaking they were related. Both were well over six-feet, had broad shoulders and it was obvious they both worked out to stay in shape. Tonight they were both casually dressed in dark jeans and shirts, sans ties and jackets.

Fitz realized his brother was staring at the beautiful woman standing next to him and extended his hand to Olivia without glancing at her. He smiled when he felt her palm on his. He heard his brother exhale deeply. It was apparent Olivia had the same effect on his brother that she had on him.

"Ford, you remember Olivia."

"Of course. It's good to see you again, Olivia," he said as he leaned down to kiss her cheek.

"Hello, Ford," she responded with a smile that didn't quite reach her eyes. She didn't think Fitz had noticed, but he did.

Ford smiled at Olivia. He couldn't help but think as he always did his brother had exquisite taste in women. She stood next to Fitz wearing a fitted cashmere turtleneck in black, paired with black boyfriend skinny jeans and black leather booties. Her hair was a profusion of curls and her make-up minimal. She wore the heart pendant necklace and diamond hoop earrings.

Fitz moved his arm around her waist as he led her and his brother over to the bar.

"Something smells good, brother."

"Thanks Ford. What can I get you to drink?"

"My usual."

"Scotch neat coming up."

They made small talk as Fitz poured two snifters of premium whiskey. Olivia had walked ahead of them to the kitchen to start cutting up lemons for Fitz's lemon vinaigrette dressing and the King trumpet mushrooms, to be sautéed and served with the steaks. She looked up when the brothers walked into the space. Ford took a seat at the island while Fitz moved to the refrigerator and removed a pitcher of virgin planter's punch and poured a glass for Olivia. She looked up at him and smiled. Ford observed the look between them with interest.

They made light conversation as Fitz and Olivia worked to finish preparing dinner. Ford watched the couple as they moved in sync around the kitchen, as if they did it every day. This was definitely different from when he dated Jillian. They had never entertained guests nor had Fitz ever allowed anything, including his relationship with Jillian, to come before Grant Holdings.

Olivia removed the salad and dressing from the refrigerator and took them the dining room. She and Fitz finished the roasted broccoli and truffle fries together and moved them to serving dishes. Olivia stood next to Fitz and watched as he grilled the steaks to a perfect medium rare for him and his brother, and medium for her. He plated the meat before lowering his head to drop a kiss on her hair. "Please get the wine and the water from the fridge. I'll bring the plates."

"What about the punch?"

"I'll come back and get it."

He gestured for Ford to lead the way into the dining room. "Brother."

Ford had sat quietly watching Fitz and Olivia. He had felt like an intruder watching their private moment when Fitz leaned down and kissed her. There was a familiarity, a deep intimacy in the way they looked at each other and touched. He'd averted his eyes, which is why he didn't hear his brother when he spoke.

"Earth to Ford," he heard Fitz say laughing.

"I'm sorry. What did you say?"

"I said we're moving into the dining room."

"Oh, okay." He stood and the brothers preceded Olivia to the table.

Olivia tried to keep from staring at Ford Grant but every time she looked up, his cool blue green eyes were staring back at her. And as she'd told Cecily before, he made her feel slightly uncomfortable. She shrugged it off, intent on enjoying the dinner that she and Fitz had prepared.

"This salad is very good, Olivia."

She looked up and saw both brothers staring at her. "Thank you. Fitz has been teaching me to cook. Tonight was a lesson in salad making."

"Is that right?" he asked.

She didn't know why, but she detected a hint of sarcasm. "Yes, that's right," she answered.

"My brother has always loved to cook. When the Grant cousins would visit our grandparents for summers on the Vineyard, Fitz could be found in the kitchen with Gram Ivey and Cook. I always thought he was crazy, but now I understand. It's a good way to relax," Ford took a sip of water.

Fitz changed the subject. "So JR wanted to tag along with you to Thailand next week?"

Ford nodded before speaking. "Yes, but mom put her foot down and threatened to divorce him if he went."

This made Fitz laugh. "Score one for mom!"

He rested his hand on Olivia's knee under the table and turned to her. "As you know, my father officially retired earlier this year but he's made himself available as a consultant to Ford. He promised mom that they would spend more time together. Needless to say, he's having a hard time letting go."

"Well she's relented somewhat. He comes into the office once a week. I think it's just to get him out of her hair for a few hours."

Fitz laughed again. "You're probably right."

"So Olivia, what brings you to L.A.?"

Damn, she thought. She was hoping to get through dinner with minimal engagement with Ford. She swallowed the truffle fry she'd been chewing before answering. "My job."

"You're a lawyer right?"

"Yes, Ford, I am."

"Do you have a client here in L.A.?"

Her gut told her that Ford knew the answer to every question he asked. Although she wasn't a trial lawyer, she knew to never ask a question you didn't already know the answer to. She was sure Ford knew this too.

"Yes, I'm working on a project. I think you met my client last month." She picked up her glass of water and took a sip, avoiding his gaze.

"Yes, yes I did." Ford realized Olivia wasn't going to share any additional information, so he turned to Fitz.

"So did you two enjoy Antigua?"

They both stopped chewing and looked at one another before turning to Ford.

He smiled at their shocked faces. "You took the company jet, I saw the manifest."

Fitz had forgotten that Ford, as President and CEO of Grant Holdings, had access to that information. "We went down to celebrate Olivia's birthday. Had a great time; even saw Nick Rolle."

"What?! I haven't seen Nick in ages. Then again, I haven't been to the island in a few years."

The conversation between the three went from Antigua to foreign travel to movies and finally their careers. Olivia relaxed for the first time that evening as she listened to the Grant brothers talk about their antics, and how they played tricks on their mother when they were growing up. Fitz and Ford were smiling and laughing at the memories. She loved seeing Fitz happy and genuinely laughing, knowing that would probably change later.

"I'm going to get dessert," Olivia announced.

Fitz looked at her. "Would you like me to help?"

She smiled at him and stood. "No, Fitz, I can manage."

"You're sure?"

"Completely," she said and then headed for the kitchen.

After a few minutes she heard the clink of dishes and wasn't surprised when Fitz walked into the kitchen carrying a stack of dishes and flatware like an experienced waiter. He set them on the counter before walking up behind Olivia as she cut two generous slices of cheesecake as the coffee brewed.

"Aren't you going to have dessert?"

She looked up at him and wrinkled her nose. "No dessert for me, but I'll join you with my tea."

Fitz studied her. "Everything okay?" He'd noticed the strained smile she'd given Ford when he'd arrived and the short answers during dinner.

She nodded in response, but said nothing else. He waited, hoping she would say more, but she didn't. Fitz knew instantly that there was more to whatever was going on, but he wouldn't push her.

The buzzing coming from the coffeemaker signaled the end of the brewing cycle and their conversation. "To be continued," he said as he removed the carafe of steaming gourmet coffee from the machine and placed it on a tray along with the cheesecake, cream and sugar. "I think we have everything," he said before following Olivia into the dining room.

They entered the dining room and found Ford typing on his phone. He glanced up as the couple approached the table. His face broke into a huge grin when he saw what they were having for dessert.

"Is that Deacon's Sweet Potato Cheesecake?"

Fitz laughed at his brother's reaction. "Yes, it is."

"My favorite dessert!"

Olivia couldn't help but smile at the look of pure joy on Ford's face.

"I know. It's my favorite too."

The cheesecake, washed down with several cups of coffee, disappeared quickly. Ford requested a second slice prompting Fitz to put several extra slices in a to-go bag for him take with him.

Fitz declined Olivia's offer to help with clean up and instead encourage her and Ford to relax. Ford asked if she wanted to sit out on the deck since it was such a clear and beautiful evening. Fitz thought that was a great idea and lit the fire pit to ward off the nighttime chill. She didn't really want to be alone with Ford, but she would do it for Fitz. After going upstairs to retrieve her wrap and making a pit stop in the kitchen for more tea, she joined Ford.

They sat in silence for several minutes just looking at the city below them.

"So what's going on with you and my brother?"

His question caught Olivia off guard. "Wha...what?"

"Do you like Fitz?"

"What's not to like?"

Ford chuckled. "Well don't fall for him because if you're looking for something serious or lasting, because Fitz is probably not your man."

Olivia continued to sip her tea, not looking at Ford.

He leaned in closer. "You know he was seeing someone for a while but broke it off when she wanted more than friendship."

"So you're saying he's only interested in a platonic relationship?" Olivia was curious to see where Ford was going, since she knew his last statement was the furthest from the truth.

Ford nodded. "Look Olivia, Fitz and I don't have detailed conversations about who we do or don't sleep with, but he's told me that he's not looking for a permanent relationship."

"What makes you think that I'm looking for something permanent?"

"I know my brother doesn't date."dessert for me, but I'll join you with my tea."

Fitz studied her. "Everything okay?" He'd noticed the strained smile she'd given Ford when he'd arrived and the short answers during dinner.

She nodded in response, but said nothing else. He waited, hoping she would say more, but she didn't. Fitz knew instantly that there was more to whatever was going on, but he wouldn't push her.

They entered the dining room and found Ford typing on his phone. He glanced up as the couple approached the table. His face broke into a huge grin when he saw what they were having for dessert.

"Is that Deacon's Sweet Potato Cheesecake?"

Fitz laughed at his brother's reaction. "Yes, it is."

"My favorite dessert!"

Olivia couldn't help but smile at the look of pure joy on Ford's face.

"I know. It's my favorite too."

The cheesecake, washed down with several cups of coffee, disappeared quickly. Ford requested a second slice prompting Fitz to put several extra slices in a to-go bag for him take with him.

They sat in silence for several minutes just looking at the city below them.

"So what's going on with you and my brother?"

His question caught Olivia off guard. "Wha...what?"

"Do you like Fitz?"

"What's not to like?"

Ford chuckled. "Well don't fall for him because if you're looking for something serious or lasting, because Fitz is probably not your man."

Olivia continued to sip her tea, not looking at Ford.

He leaned in closer. "You know he was seeing someone for a while but broke it off when she wanted more than friendship."

"So you're saying he's only interested in a platonic relationship?" Olivia was curious to see where Ford was going, since she knew his last statement was the furthest from the truth.

Ford nodded. "Look Olivia, Fitz and I don't have detailed conversations about who we do or don't sleep with, but he's told me that he's not looking for a permanent relationship."

"What makes you think that I'm looking for something permanent?"

"I know my brother doesn't date."

"What?" Olivia frowned in confusion. "Ford, why are you telling me all of this?"

He stared at her. She really was a beautiful and he could see why Fitz had fallen for her. He was surprised that she didn't seem too upset about what he was telling her.

"I'm just warning you, don't fall for him."

Olivia smiled to herself. She was right he didn't want her, or anyone e

"What?" Olivia frowned in confusion. "Ford, why are you telling me all of this?"

He stared at her. She really was a beautiful and he could see why Fitz had fallen for her. He was surprised that she didn't seem too upset about what he was telling her.

"I'm just warning you, don't fall for him."

Olivia smiled to herself. She was right he didn't want her, or anyone else for that matter, dating his brother. And she would bet that it had everything to do with Grant Holdings. She didn't respond, she just allowed him to talk.

"He's noncommittal. He may meet a woman at a party, a restaurant etc, but he doesn't do the whole 'date thing.' He's a player and he'll never, ever commit to you."

"Well that's good because I'm only interested in him for sex."

Ford choked on his drink and Olivia chuckled lightly. He turned to look at her.

Olivia wore a composed expression on her face but inside she was seething. Ford didn't know a damn thing about her or what she and Fitz had together. And it was none of his business. She would laugh if the whole situation wasn't so sad.

"Just be careful."

"Well we're not serious, so you have nothing to worry about," she said with a shrug.

They were sitting in silence when the door opened and Fitz walked out on the deck with his own snifter of scotch, two Montecristo cigars, a cigar cutter and a lighter. Olivia jumped up from her seat which earned her a bizarre look from Fitz. She ignored the look and kissed his cheek. "I'll leave you guys alone. I have a ton of work to finish."

He kissed her on the lips before she could leave. "See you later, babe."

"It was nice seeing you again Ford. Take care." He winked at her and raised his glass. "Nice seeing you too, Olivia." She nodded and stepped through the doors and headed upstairs.

Fitz and Ford lay on matching chaise lounges, staring up at the sky and puffing on cigars occasionally making small talk.

"Are you and Olivia Pope dating? Is it serious?"

Fitz's hand tightened on his snifter. He didn't appreciate Ford's questions about his private life and he really wasn't in the mood for any of his bs. He still wasn't over the stunt he'd pulled with their mother.

"How is that any of your business?" Fitz wanted to know.

"It's my job as President and CEO of Grant Holdings to make sure that the company succeeds and when my right hand starts declining meetings and pushing back on new assignments, I need to know why."

"Ford I've told you more than once, I'm tired."

"Well just don't let whatever you have going on with Olivia make you forget your obligations to GNA, Fitz."

"I am well aware of my obligations, Ford. You remind me quite often."

"You sound annoyed with me, Fitz."

"Not annoyed, just trying to understand you. You know I've supported every move you've made within GNA. I went to JR and Senior on your behalf more than anyone else. I lobbied board members to vote in your favor to make sure you'd be appointed President and CEO. It was me who defended their decision to our father and grandfather. They didn't feel you were ready but I assured them that you had paid your dues and had earned the position. You don't need me."

Ford remained silent while Fitz unleashed everything he was feeling.

"It's time for you allow someone else to become your right hand. We have several family members who are ready to dip their toes deeper into this crazy business. You know this."

"Yeah, I know. But they're not you."

Fitz was surprised. His brother needed a crutch.

"You're the only person who has been able to go a couple of rounds with Dad and Senior and come out winning most of the time."

"That's only because I refuse to be intimidated," Fitz said as he took another puff of his cigar.

"Which isn't easy," Ford responded.

"Don't I know it."

"So you and Olivia have been spending quite a bit of time together. Antigua, Santa Monica…" He realized his mistake as soon as the words left his mouth.

Fitz held his snifter mid air. He felt the heat of anger burn his face. "How did you know about our visit to Santa Monica? Did you have me followed?" he asked, his voice rising in indignation and disbelief.

Ford cleared his throat and looked at his brother. "Let's just say that I needed answers and I got them."

Fitz was barely able to contain his fury. Sitting up, he turned, placed his feet on the ground and faced his brother. "Have you lost your fucking mind? What the hell's gotten into you?" he asked incredulously. "How dare you, Ford. You had no right to interfere in my private life."

"I have every right," Ford said, "especially when your personal life interferes with the business."

"When has that ever happened, Ford? What I do in my private life is none of your damn business." Fitz didn't appreciate his brother's blatantly high-handed attitude or his invasion of his privacy.

"Why you wound me, big brother." He pressed his hand dramatically against his chest. "Everything about you is my business. If I don't look out for you and the best interest of GNA, who will?" he asked arrogantly.

Fitz was speechless. He couldn't believe his brother.

"Besides, I needed to know if Olivia was your latest flavor of the month."

Before he knew it, Fitz's hands were wrapped around Ford's throat. "Don't you ever refer to Olivia as 'the flavor of the month.' She is not a problem for you or anyone else. Stay the hell out of business, Ford." It was only the sound of Ford gasping for air that made him loosen his grip and shove him back onto the lounge like a rag doll. He sat coughing and gasping for air, unable to believe his brother had actually choked him.

Fitz paced the length of the deck like a caged animal. He had never been this angry in his life nor had he ever put his hands on his brother. He felt horrible until he thought about what Ford had done. He was still pacing when the door to the deck opened.

Olivia had worked for at least two hours, before she shut everything down. When she walked into the bedroom, she noticed Fitz hadn't come up yet. She decided to go downstairs to make another mug of tea before she went to bed.

She had just stepped into the living room when she heard voices. Then she heard her name. "Don't you ever refer to Olivia as 'the flavor of the month." Shocked, she walked toward the door of the deck and opened it.

"Fitz," she called, "is everything alright?"

He nearly jumped out of his skin when he heard her voice. He walked toward her.

"Yes, Livvie, everything's fine. Ford and I were just talking."

Olivia glanced at Ford who was sitting on the lounger holding his neck.

Looking back at Fitz, she asked, "Are you sure?"

"Yes I'm sure."

"Well I didn't mean to interrupt you guys. I just heard your voice and decided to check on you and tell you goodnight."

He pulled Olivia into a tight hug before pulling back and looking down into her face. He leaned down and kissed the worry lines from her brow.

"Everything here's fine, Livvie. Ford and I were just talking about the AsiaPac project," he glanced at his brother who smiled up at Olivia. "He's trying very hard to convince me to join the team, but he knows I won't. Isn't that right, Ford?"

Ford nodded. "But I'm not giving up."

She laughed lightly. "Okay. Don't stay out here too late." She turned to leave the deck.

"Goodnight, Ford."

"Goodnight, Olivia."

In the kitchen, as she waited for the water to boil for her tea, Olivia thought about what she'd overheard. She knew all wasn't well between the brothers, but she'd wait for Fitz to tell her, if and when he was ready. Ford thought she was Fitz's "flavor of the month." She smiled and then laughed out loud. If only he knew. Dropping a tea bag into the mug of hot water, Olivia turned off the light and headed back upstairs.

Fitz and Ford hadn't spoken any words since Olivia walked back into the house. Fitz was sure she'd heard part of their conversation. He'd deal with that later. He was still standing and when he looked down, he realized both his hands were still clenched into fists. He knew he needed to apologize to his brother and get him out of the house before he ended up doing more damage.

"Ford, I'm sorry. I don't know what got into me. I will never put my hands on you in that way again."

Ford held up his hand. "It's okay Fitz, you don't have to apologize. I had no right to do what I did and for that I'm sorry." He stood from the lounger, walked over to Fitz and stuck out his hand. Fitz ignored his hand and pulled him into a hug.

Ford stepped back, feeling like a total ass. After all he'd done to his brother he was still willing to forgive him. But he knew Fitz. He knew that just because Fitz had forgiven him, he wasn't going to forget. Ever. He'd really screwed up this time and pushed him too far. Ford had never seen his brother like that before. Eyes glazed over. So angry. He was like a man possessed. It was scary. In that moment he understood how much he'd misjudged his brother's relationship with Olivia Pope, and the lengths to which Fitz was willing to go for her.

Sighing heavily, Ford finally spoke. "I think it's time for me to go." He'd just turned to walk into the house when Fitz stopped him.

"Ford, I want you to know that I apologized for putting my hands on you but I won't forget why I did it. What you did was unconscionable and I'm not sure if or when I can ever forgive you for that. From now on we discuss GNA business only, nothing else. It is strictly business between us."

Ford nodded silently.

"And I do not ever want to hear about what happened here tonight, or what's going on in my private life or anything else that happens between you and me, from our mother. She shouldn't be caught in the middle of what's going on between her two grown sons. Do you understand?"

Ford looked at Fitz and nodded in the affirmative.

"Last thing, I do not ever want to hear Olivia's name pass your lips again. Are we clear?"

Ford nodded again.

"Good. I just need to make sure." He clapped Ford on his shoulder and they walked into the house toward the front door. They were halfway across the room when Fitz snapped his fingers. When Ford turned, he saw his brother walking toward the kitchen. When he returned, he was holding the bag containing his cheesecake. Ford smiled. "Thank you, brother."

"You're welcome, Ford. Enjoy."

Ford had just made it out of the door when Fitz spoke again. "I need you to know, little brother, that if you ever do anything like what you did, again, next time I may not stop."

Ford nodded his head in understanding, his brother's message crystal clear. He walked across the driveway to the waiting vehicle. His driver quickly opened the door and Ford climbed in. In a matter of seconds, the vehicle had disappeared down the driveway.

Fitz closed and locked the door, and leaned against it. He'd been considering only slowing down but now he felt that maybe it was time to make a clean break from the family business altogether. He'd always believed that Ford could do anything he set his mind to. He was just that driven. But Ford had changed. He'd become consumed by his own dreams and he expected his dreams to become Fitz's dreams too. At any cost.

Fitz shook his head before standing and walking out on the deck to begin the process of putting out the fire in the fire pit. Once he was finished, he closed and locked the doors to the deck and set the alarm. Extinguishing all the lights, he climbed the stairs, anxious to join the love of his life in slumber.

Fitz was restless. When he awoke for the third time it was nearly sunrise, and Olivia's side of the bed was empty. He sat up and looked around the room before standing, grabbing a long sleeve tee and pulling it over his bare torso. The slightly ajar door to the balcony caught his attention and he walked toward it. He found her wrapped in a heavy blanket, curled up on a lounge chair. It was cool outside as the early morning fog engulfed the Hills.

She turned when he pushed the door open. "The sun will be coming up soon and I wanted to see it," she told him, lifting the cover, silently inviting him to join her.

Fitz slipped beneath the warmth of the blanket. He pulled her onto his lap and wrapped his arms around her before planting a kiss in her hair.

They sat in silence, listening to the sounds of the city coming awake. Minutes later she spoke and caught him completely off guard. "Your brother doesn't like me and it appears that he's not really happy with you and me seeing each other."

Fitz tightened his hold on her and Olivia burrowed deeper in his arms. "Did he tell you that?"

"Not in so many words," she whispered, "but he made it clear that you were not the man for me if I were looking for a future together. It made me uncomfortable."

"I'm so sorry, Livvie. I knew something wasn't right with you. What did he say?"

Fitz listened as Olivia repeated the conversation she'd had with his brother. When she finished, he was beyond livid. Clearly Ford had issues. Fitz was barely holding it together, especially after what he'd learned about Ford the previous evening. He wasn't going to divulge that information to Olivia, she didn't need to know. However, it was one thing for his brother to screw with him, but he would not stand idly by while he lied to Olivia.

"Livvie you know none of what he said is true. I've been nothing but honest with you from the beginning. I've shared more of myself with you than I have with any other woman. You know me."

She snuggled closer. If Ford's intent was to plant seeds of doubt, he'd failed. Miserably.

"Fitz he doesn't want anything coming between you and your work with Grant Holdings. That includes me. Any decision you make, that he doesn't like or agree with, will be blamed on me."

"I know that, Livvie. That's something he's going to have to work through on his own. I mean, what is he going to do if I decide to leave the company?"

She turned to look at him. "Is that something you're thinking about?"

"Maybe. But that's not Ford's decision to make. And if I decide to leave, it would have nothing to do with you."

"Will he see it that way?"

"Doesn't matter," he answered. "Look, you only gave me two and a half months and I don't want spend a second of that time on my brother and whatever the hell is going on with him. There's no way I'd let his blatant lies come between us. You let me worry about Ford Grant. Okay?"

She tilted her head back and looked at him. "Okay."

"Hey, Livvie?"

"Hmm?" she answered lazily.

"Why don't we generate some heat?" he asked as he thrust his hips upward so she could feel what she was doing to him. Oh how he loved spontaneity.

She laughed out loud as he pulled the blanket over their heads just as the sun began to rise. They missed it.

The ringing of Olivia's phone from inside the bedroom startled the sated couple awake. As they emerged from their cocoon, still intimately joined, the sun hit them full force.

Olivia yawned. "What time is it?"

"I know it's past dawn," Fitz remarked.

"Well then, good morning."

They shared a quick kiss before Olivia's phone rang again. Slowly they pulled themselves apart and left the deck. Fitz headed to the closet to change into his workout clothes, while Olivia moved across the room to answer her phone.

When he emerged from the closet, she was no longer in the bedroom but he could hear her voice from the office down the hall. He washed his face and brushed his teeth before walking down to the office to check on her. She looked up and nodded before returning to her conversation.

Other than leaving to take a shower and have breakfast with Fitz, Olivia spent the entire day in the office working and putting out the occasional fire. Fitz only disturbed her to offer her something to drink and snacks. After a long day, she finally packed up and dressed for dinner.

Later they enjoyed a casual dinner and each other's company in a quiet corner of a popular farm-to-table restaurant in downtown L.A. Olivia relayed the details of the busy week to come, while Fitz lamented the possibility of having to travel to Seattle on business, away from Olivia. Ford was the furthest thing from either of their minds.

The valet brought the Porsche around and Fitz stood while Olivia slid onto the passenger seat. He walked around and climbed in behind the wheel. Olivia grinned over at him. "Where to?" she asked.

"How do you feel about an overnight guest?"

"At my place?"

"Yes, your place Livvie."

She had no problem with him sleeping at her place but it had been Fitz who didn't want the staff to see him coming and going from her penthouse apartment and maybe sharing that information. They always stayed at his house for the privacy.

Olivia smiled that slow, sexy smile that made Fitz's stomach muscles tighten. "I'm sure I don't have anything for you to sleep in," she said in a sultry voice.

He leaned over, his nose almost touching hers. "Oh I'm sure we can find something for me to sleep in, and I can guarantee that it will fit like a glove," he said before kissing her.

"Well Mr. Grant, I feel a long night coming on."

Fitz didn't disagree as he quickly put the car in gear and sped off, heading to 12 Wilshire and a night of unbridled passion!