Quarantine Day: Who knows, I've stopped counting. Thank you for your well wishes and the reviews.

Stay at home,

TBOT

Olivia gazed out of the small window of the private jet. The last time she'd flown on the Grant corporate, luxury aircraft, she had been pregnant and didn't know it. She was thinking about their time in Antigua, where they'd unknowingly created their daughter, when she felt Fitz's large hand covering hers. She turned to her left and looked at him.

"How are you?" he asked.

She smiled at him. "Good."

The flight from Washington Dulles International Airport to Teterboro Airport in New Jersey had taken almost an hour. It seemed they'd just taken off when the pilot's voice came over the intercom to let them know that were approaching the airport and to prepare for landing.

Fitz squeezed her fingers before he stood and moved across the aisle to sit next to Elliott, who had fallen asleep almost immediately after take-off. It was early afternoon and by now she'd have taken a nap at school. He made sure she was still secure in her booster seat before securing his own seatbelt.

Olivia turned her gaze back to scenery and watched the rapidly approaching New York and New Jersey landscape. A feeling of quiet solitude swept over her. This was going to be a fun weekend and she was giving herself permission to have a good time and not feel guilty or ashamed for anything that might happen. Anything.

Her ears popped from the loss of cabin pressure as the pilot brought the jet down smoothly on the runway, and taxied until it came to a complete stop. Olivia glanced at her watch and noted the time, one-thirty. It was still early.

Fitz unbuckled his seatbelt and stood. He extended his hand to Olivia and helped her up. She gathered her carry-on and Elliott's backpack, with Bugsy's head peeking out, while he unbuckled their daughter and lifted her into his arms. She hadn't awakened, and burrowed deeper into her father's arms. JR approached the couple and removed the booster seat before turning and exiting the aircraft.

They all thanked the flight crew as they descended the stairs and walked to the huge black SUV waiting on the tarmac. The driver had the doors open as the crew loaded the luggage while Fitz and JR got the booster installed and Elliott situated. Olivia and Christine had both donned sunglasses and stood waiting while everyone finished what they were doing. It wasn't long before they were on their way to Manhattan.

When they pulled up in front of the three-story greystone home, Georgia stood next to a white man, waiting on the stone steps. When the driver stopped, the man descended the steps and went around to the black of the SUV to begin unloading the luggage.

Elliott had awakened during the drive and now had her second wind. Fitz helped her out of her seat and placed her on the sidewalk next to his mother. Christine took her hand and walked up the steps toward Georgia.

"Hello, Georgia."

"Hello, Mrs. Grant, she said in a lilting voice."

Christine pulled Elliott in front of her and introduced her.

"Georgia, this is my granddaughter, Elliott Christine Marie."

"Oh Mrs. Grant, she's absolutely beautiful."

"Thank you, Georgia." Christine looked down at her granddaughter, who was leaning into her side. "Can you say hello, ladybug?"

Elliott waved shyly at the smiling woman.

She bent down to Elliott's level. "Hello little one, I'm Georgia and I've been waiting for you. I have a surprise in the kitchen."

That perked the little girl up.

"And this is Olivia Pope."

Olivia extended her hand to the woman who was about her height. "It's nice to meet you, Georgia."

She nodded and shook Olivia's hand. "Welcome, Ms. Pope."

Turning towards the door she said over her shoulder, "Come on in. I have everything ready and lunch will be served whenever you're ready."

"Thank you, Georgia," Christine said as she walked into the expansive foyer of her home. "I'm starving." They'd decided to forego lunch on the plane since it was a short flight and Christine had planned lunch at the Grant home.

They left Fitz, JR and the Grant's handyman, Jake, to take care of the luggage. As they walked through the foyer and into the large den, the first thing Olivia noticed was a baby picture of Elliott on the mantel above the fireplace. It was a copy from the scrapbook she'd made for Fitz. There were many pictures of around the room of Fitz, Ford and their parents. There were also more pictures of Elliott.

Olivia was still staring at Elliott's baby picture when Christine walked up next to her and put an arm around her waist.

"I still can't believe this beautiful little girl is my granddaughter. Thank you for this gift, Olivia."

Olivia nodded, touched by Christine's words.

"Thank you again for opening your home to us Christine."

Christine smiled at Olivia. "You are family, so my home is always open to you. Now, have a seat and relax before we have lunch. I'm going to check on the food and to make sure Georgia isn't sneaking the ladybug snacks before she eats."

Both women laughed. Christine turned to leave the room and almost bumped into her son on his way in. "Excuse me, Fitzgerald."

He walked over to Olivia who was looking at a photo of Elliott on an end table. He noticed the look on her face and he reached out to squeeze her hand. She leaned into his side, happy to be with him in that moment. Although her family was always there to pitch in, she was grateful it was Fitz who was there to help take care of their daughter.

If she was being honest, she needed this long weekend. Her current case had her on emotional overload and the past week was very busy, hectic. This meant their daughter spent more time with her father, but she didn't seem to mind, because she had his undivided attention.

It had been a short week and she had packed in a lot. From work, preparing for this trip and Elliott's stepping up ceremony, she had been going non-stop. Fitz's presence had been the calm she needed. Of course he was his normal charming and helpful self, but he also looked out for her. She'd had a hair appointment on Wednesday and since Fitz's temporary home was near the salon, she'd stopped to pick up Elliott on her way home and he'd talked her into staying for dinner.

The house was lovely. Olivia looked around the spacious living room as Elliott took her hand and they walked toward the kitchen. They'd just stepped into the kitchen when she heard a beeping sound.

"What's that?"

"Dinner," Fitz and Elliott said at the same time.

"Dinner," she repeated.

"Me and Daddy made pizza, Mommy." Elliott's big eyes twinkled with excitement and Olivia smiled down at her baby.

"Sounds good, sweet pea." She looked at Fitz. "Do you need me to do anything?"

"Nope. I have everything under control. Would you like a glass of wine?"

"Sure, but I'll get it."

"Okay." He turned and finished mixing the salad while she walked over to the built in wine cabinet and selected a cabernet sauvignon. After pouring herself a glass, she leaned against the sink and watched as they finished preparing the salad. Elliott stood on a step ladder next to her father, acting as his sous chef.

Feeling her eyes on them, Fitz glanced up and smiled at her.

"How was work, Livvie?"

"It was…busy and long. How was your day?"

"Pretty good. I was recruited to help decorate for the ceremony tomorrow."

She looked at their daughter. "Are you ready, sweet pea?"

"Uh-huh. We practiced our songs and speeches one last time and Miss Ambrose said we were perfect."

Her parents laughed.

Olivia walked over to the island and leaned in to kiss her daughter. "Well I can't wait to see you."

"And neither can I," her father added, before leaning down to kiss the top of her head.

Olivia took a seat at the island and observed her two favorite Grants together; father and daughter, strangers just weeks ago but now they had a deep bond. She always enjoyed watching them together. It warmed her heart to see Elliott blossom under the attention she received from her father.

Fitz removed the pizza from the wood fire pizza oven and placed it on a cooling rack before he sliced it. Olivia took the salad to the table that he'd already set and where Elliott was sitting, waiting to eat. After a few minutes, Fitz sliced the pizza and joined his "family" for dinner.

Georgia walked into the room and announced that lunch was served. Fitz took her hand and led her into the foyer. "I'll show you where you can wash up."

"Thank you," she said as he walked her down a long hallway.

They entered a large bathroom and she watched as he closed the door behind them.

"What are you doing?"

"What does it look like, I'm washing up."

"You had to come in here with me? What will your parents think?"

She looked at him skeptically before turning on the faucet in one of the twin marble sinks and tapping the soap dispenser.

Fitz took a step, pressing his chest to her back. "That I'm in here trying to feel you up."

"Fitz!" She looked at him in the mirror. "They wouldn't."

"No, Livvie, they wouldn't."

Olivia closed her eyes as she felt the heat from his large body behind her. He had become so much a part of her day-to-day existence. She woke each morning anticipating his arrival and was surprisingly sad when he left each evening. Fitz had unexpectedly come back into her life and turned it upside down.

He stepped next to her and used the other sink and when he finished, he reached for one of the folded towels on a ceramic tray and handed it to Olivia before taking one for himself. They dropped the towels in a basket and Olivia walked toward the door but Fitz pulled her to him and wrapped her arms around her waist.

"Behave darling."

He laughed before kissing her on the lips. "Okay, darling. Now come on, let's go before my mother sends a search party for us. And by party, I mean our daughter."

She threw back her head and laughed before following him out of the bathroom.

After lunch JR left to meet him brothers, Christine took Elliott out to her garden in the backyard so they could enjoy the swing and Fitz led Olivia down the same hallway to the elevator, built into an alcove, so they could go to her room. He'd barely had time to kiss her when the car stopped on the third floor. Taking her hand, they walked down the carpeted hallway and into the suite that Christine had had made up for her and Elliott.

"How many suites are on this floor?" she asked.

"Three. My parents are on the second floor, along with two additional guest suites."

Olivia walked across the sitting room and looked out of the floor-to-ceiling windows and looked out at Central Park. It was a beautiful day in New York. She then turned and walked into the bedroom which contained an en suite bathroom, dressing room and closet. Her luggage was sitting on racks in the dressing room and her dress bags had been hung up in the closet.

She sat on the queen size bed and he sat next to her.

"Do you need help with anything?"

Olivia looked at him. "I don't think so. I'm just going to lie down for a few minutes, and then I'm going to get up and get our things together for tonight, and take a nice long shower."

Fitz put his arm around her. "What if I hang around to make sure you don't slip in the bathroom?"

She shoved at him and put some space between them.

"Fitz."

He gave her that crooked grin. "Just thought I'd try."

"You're incorrigible."

Fitz leaned over and kissed her cheek. "No I'm not, I just want to help."

"Yeah, right."

They sat staring at each other. Olivia knew she had to stop denying the obvious. She wanted and needed Fitzgerald Grant. But, she also knew they needed to talk before they did anything. Fitz stood. He knew what she was feeling, because he was feeling it too. Reaching out his hand, she took it and stood in front of him.

"I'll let you get settled. The car will be here at six."

She looked at her watch. It was three-thirty.

"Yes, I know. We'll be ready."

He stared at her for a few seconds before he leaned down and kissed her. Olivia returned the kiss, increasing the pressure. He slipped his tongue into her mouth and she moaned. They stood, tongues dueling.

"Fitz," she moaned.

"I know, baby," he whispered against her mouth. He stepped back and stared at her. "I'm going to go. If you need anything, I'm just across the hall. Our daughter will probably come looking for you soon. I'll take care of her while you get ready."

She nodded and watched as he walked out of the bedroom and closed the door to the suite behind him. Groaning, she collapsed on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. She pounded the mattress with both fists. Fitz had only kissed her and now she was like a cat in heat. They were wading into dangerous waters. She just needed one night, nothing more. She had to satisfy an itch that needed to be scratched. One night of carnal bliss with Fitz, that's it. She. Needed. It.

Sighing, she opened her eyes and slipped off the bed. She had to get up and shower before getting ready for the Grant family dinner.

X

"Did I tell you how beautiful you look tonight?" Fitz whispered in Olivia's ear as they walked down the sidewalk behind his parents, who each held one of Elliott's hands. She looked up at him with a smirk. He hadn't but he didn't really have to. It was in the look he gave her when she'd opened the door to her suite after he'd knocked. He'd stood staring and was only brought out of his trance by their daughter's voice.

"No, Fitz, I don't think you have," she finally replied.

"Well, you look spectacular."

"Thank you," she said, blushing. She'd packed the white Alexander McQueen off- the-shoulder silk jersey dress with a flap waist detail, to wear to dinner simply because she'd never worn it before. It had been tailored and showed off her toned, svelte body to perfection. She'd paired it with four inch silver strappy sandals and a silver clutch. By the looks Fitz was giving her, she'd made the right choice.

She looked up him again. "You look very handsome too, Mr. Grant." And he did. He was resplendent in a custom dark blue suit, stark white monogrammed shirt, platinum gray tie and leather slip-on shoes.

"Thank you, Miss Pope," he said as he led her up the steps to the home of his father's brother, Frazier. When they stepped inside the four story building, there were Grants milling around everywhere. Fitz leaned down again and whispered in her ear. "If my family wasn't standing around, gawking at us, I swear I would kiss you, in several different places."

"Fitz," she said through clenched teeth.

"Sumner!" he called out before she could finish. A tall blond-haired man with piercing blue eyes and his arm around the waist of a woman turned and walked toward the couple.

"Fitz! How are you, cousin?" he asked as he pulled him into a rough hug. "It's good to see you."

"It's good to see you too, Sumner." He smiled at the woman standing next to his cousin. She had hazel eyes, a tawny-gold complexion and her hair was pulled back into a neat bun. She was also pregnant.

"Hello, Nicole. How are you doing, sweetie? Is your husband taking good care of you?" he asked before he kissed her cheek.

She laughed. "He is, and I'm fine, Fitz. It's so good to see you again."

Olivia stood next to Fitz with a sly smile on her face. She was hiding her shock. Sumner Grant's wife was black. He pulled her closer to his side.

"Sumner, Nicole, I'd like you to meet Olivia Pope."

Olivia extended her hand first to Nicole who ignored it and pulled her into a hug.

"Hello, Olivia. I'm glad to finally meet you." Olivia didn't miss the knowing look in Nicole's eyes. So Fitz's family had a little diversity. She'd always believed that if she'd married him, she'd be the one changing the complexion of his family. She was wrong.

Sumner pulled her into a hug before releasing her and kissing her cheek. "Hello, Olivia. I've heard a lot about you."

Olivia looked at Fitz, who shrugged and gave her that crooked grin.

"Where are the kids?" Fitz asked.

"They're with Lennore," Nicole answered.

"Where's your…?" Elliott ran up and hugged Fitz's side before she could finish.

"Daddy!"

"Is this the beautiful princess my cousin's been telling us about?" Sumner asked. He reached down and lifted her into his arms. "Your daddy was right, you are a beautiful princess."

"Thank you," Elliott said just above a whisper, her big blue green eyes studying the faces of the smiling strangers.

"Somewhere around this place, Aunt Chris is over the moon."

Fitz nodded, smiling. "You're right about that."

"Yes, you are." All heads turned to see Christine and JR, all smiles, approaching the group. They all laughed.

Fitz turned back to Sumner and Nicole. "Guys, this is my daughter, Elliott."

"Hello, Elliott," Nicole said, smiling up at the child.

"Hi," the little girl responded.

"Olivia she's gorgeous."

"Thank you, Nicole."

She turned to Christine and JR. "Hello you two." They each gave her a hug.

Christine stepped back and looked at the young woman. "Nicole, how far along are you now?"

Nicole rubbed her belly. "I'm almost six months."

Olivia gave her an empathetic look. "I remember the second trimester. We shou-"

"Daddy!" A little girl around Elliott's age ran up to Sumner. "Noah won't let me sit next to him," she whined, a look of annoyance on her pretty little face. She stood in front of him glaring up at Elliott. Sumner lowered her to the floor and the two girls stared at one another. He stooped down to their level.

"Nola, this is your cousin, Elliott. Elliott, this is Nola." Neither girl uttered a word.

It was Christine Grant who broke the stand-off. "Nola, let's go find your grandmother." She took both girls hands and walked away, with JR following behind them.

"Crisis averted," Sumner joked.

"She's beautiful," Olivia said as they watched them walk way.

"Thank you, Olivia. She's also spoiled," Nicole responded, narrowing her eyes at her husband.

Everyone laughed, including Fitz.

"Are you laughing, Fitzgerald?" Olivia asked. "If I didn't put my foot down, constantly, our daughter would run roughshod over you. She's already learned how to bat those pretty eyes to get what she wants."

This made Fitz laugh harder. "Yep. I'm the weakest link and she knows it. I can't deny her anything."

"Between him, all her grandparents and my sister, I'm outnumbered."

"That's true too," Fitz said without remorse.

"Yes, but mommy's always on the case," Olivia winked at Sumner and Nicole, and Nicole high-fived her.

"Sumner can't talk. Our two have him wrapped their grimy little fingers."

Sumner threw up his hands in surrender. "It's true." They all laughed again.

Fitz and Sumner engaged in conversation as the four of them walked toward their table.

"So, where's Ford?" Sumner asked his cousin.

"Majorca."

"He's still in Spain?!" He shook his head. "That's Ford, couldn't find the time to attend Senior's ninetieth birthday celebration. Always has been selfish. Nothing's changed."

Had it been anyone else, Fitz might have defended his brother but Sumner knew him well, and he was telling the truth. His relationship with his brother had changed drastically after their dust up in L.A. five years ago. He hadn't forgotten what he'd said about Olivia or that he'd had him followed. His brother had kept his distance while he was in Asia, contacting him only about business. Sure he missed him, but he still couldn't get past what he'd done.

Olivia heard Fitz and Sumner discussing Ford. When Christine had called to inquire about her and Elliott attending Senior's birthday celebration, she got a feeling in the pit of her stomach at the thought of seeing Fitz's brother again. Although they'd moved on from the incident in L.A., she wasn't sure why but she had a feeling that he hadn't been completely honest with her when she'd contacted him four years ago. But when Christine casually mentioned that Ford wasn't going to be able to make it, she put her suspicions aside and agreed to attend.

They reached their table in the well lit, large dining room. Sumner's parents, Frazier and Lennore, were the hosts, and Olivia glanced toward their table to see Elliott and Nola sitting together watching something on a pink tablet. Fitz seated her next to Nicole and she looked around the room at the mostly blond-haired, blue-eyed, fair-skinned Grants in attendance. Fitz and Sumner went to get drinks and she and Nicole were chatting when a petite woman with a short pixie hairstyle rushed over to them with a huge smile on her face.

Wow, the next generation of Grant men were really determined to date and marry whomever they wanted, Olivia thought as the pretty African American woman approached the table.

"Hi, ladies," she said.

"Hey, Bebe, how are you, girl?" Nicole asked.

"I'm good." She turned to Olivia. "Hello, Olivia. I'm Bebe Grant, Patrick's wife."

"Hello, Bebe."

"I'm so happy to finally meet you."

"Finally?" Olivia asked.

"We'll talk later," she winked at Olivia.

"Where are Pat and the kids, Bebe?"

"Pat's somewhere talking with Fitz and Sumner, PJ's at the kid's table and Oliver's upstairs with Diana."

She turned to Olivia. "Diana's my mother-in-law. And the blonde man standing and talking with JR is Phillip, Patrick's father and my father-in-law."

Olivia nodded.

"I met your daughter. She's beautiful. She looks just like Fitz and Christine. Those eyes. Girl you don't know how happy you've made her."

Olivia didn't respond but she was well aware of how happy Christine Grant was to have a granddaughter.

"How did you meet Fitz?" Nicole asked.

Olivia gave them the brief and sanitized version of how they met. Neither Nicole nor Bebe asked why she'd kept Elliott away from her father for four years and she didn't volunteer the information. She appreciated them both for that.

"I'd like to believe I got the best Grant from this generation, but Fitz is more than a worthy runner-up up," Nicole mused.

"Hey!" Bebe said, taking mock offense with Nicole's comment.

The three women laughed like old friends.

"It looks as if we sister-girls are batting a thousand when it comes to scooping these fine ass Grant men though," Bebe said.

"I second that," Nicole added.

Olivia silently agreed with both women, but she didn't tell them that she and Fitz weren't a couple. They assumed they were together because they had a child together. She didn't say otherwise.

"Well, I haven't seen Fitz this happy and relaxed in a while," Bebe said as they watched the guys talking across the room.

Nicole gave Olivia a pointed look. "I think Miss Olivia here has something to do with that. What's up girl?"

Olivia tried to suppress a blush. "Nothing. That's all because of Elliott."

Bebe sucked her teeth. "Don't be so modest, Olivia. It's you too."

Olivia's response was to change the subject. "So tell me, how did the two of you meet your husbands?" she asked. They both knew she'd avoided answering their questions and had purposely changed the subject. Both women went along but that part of the conversation wasn't over.

Fitz walked up after a few minutes and reached out his hand to her. "Come on, Livvie, I want to introduce you to my grandfather."

She glanced at their daughter, who was still sitting with Nola and both their grandmothers, the guest of honor and a few others. As they approached the table, Olivia saw up close where Fitz and JR got their blue eyes. The older man looked up and seemed to look through her instead of at her. She narrowed her gaze at him. To say he was intimidating was an understatement, but she dealt with men like him all the time.

Fitzgerald Senior stared at the stunning woman standing beside his beloved grandson before standing. "So you're the woman who has my grandson's heart. I hope you know how lucky you are." The others at the table gasped.

"I beg to differ, Mr. Grant," Olivia said.

"How's that?"

"I'd like to think Fitz and I are lucky to have met each other." He didn't need to know that they weren't a couple. She extended her hand. "Happy Birthday."

He stared at it, and everyone at the table held their breath. Then he took it in his large one. "You don't scare easily, do you?"

"No, not really." But I'm too much of a coward to talk to your grandson about what happened five years ago.

Senior gave her a genuine smile. "Good for you. Come with me. You can have her back Fitzgerald," he said when his grandson frowned at him. "I just want to talk to Olivia."

There wasn't much Fitz could do but stare at Olivia as Senior led her across the room and out on the terrace.

"Is that your daughter's mom with Senior?"

Fitz turned to find his young cousin, Payne, standing with his date.

"Yes."

Payne slapped Fitz on the back. "Nice, cousin. She's smoking hot!"

"Payne!" His date's face turned beet red.

Fitz grasped Payne's arm and pulled him close. "Don't ever disrespect Olivia or your date like that again," he said through clenched teeth. He stuck his hand out to the young woman. "Hello, I'm Fitz, this knucklehead's cousin."

She shook his hand. "Hello Fitz, I'm Sarah. It's nice to meet you."

"Same here."

Fitz was smiling but he was pissed. He couldn't believe Payne. They'd all grown up in the same environment but his younger cousins seemed to break every rule of etiquette and decency that they'd been taught. He made a mental note to talk to his young cousins, again, about their treatment of women, because the next time one of them made a comment like that about Olivia, he wouldn't be as understanding.

Fitz moved around the table to where his daughter was sitting.

"Daddy!"

He lifted her onto his lap. "Hi, princess. Are you having fun?"

She shook her head. "Uh-huh. Me and Nola are watching Moana on the tablet."

He laughed. "You're watching Moana again?"

She shook her head. "Daddy, I wanna to go to the sleepover tomorrow. Can I?"

"We'll have to ask mommy, okay?"

"Okay." She turned her attention back to the movie.

"Will Olivia be okay?" Christine asked, looking toward the terrace doors.

"Yes. He's probably trying to give her the third degree and she's probably not having it."

There was nervous laughter from some at the table.

Christine spoke softly to her son. "He probably saw the way you feel about her all over your face. Neither of you can hide it. He thinks he's looking out for his favorite grandchild."

"And how do I feel, Mom?" Fitz asked, smiling at her.

"Now Fitzgerald, you know I'm not going to interfere in your relationship with Olivia. The only thing I will say, and only because you asked, is that you're still in love with her and she's in love with you too. You have a beautiful little girl," she smiled at Elliott on his lap, "there's no reason for you two not to be together."

Everything his mother said was true. But, he knew at some point he and Olivia were going to have to sit down and have a serious conversation. He had no idea what was on her mind but if he had to guess, her thoughts were the same as his.

"You're correct, Mom. But Olivia and I have some things we need to work out."

"I know. I just want you to be happy."

"I am happy. Of course I'll be even happier when Olivia becomes a part of my future, along with our daughter."

She leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Good. Here comes your future right now."

"Mommy!"

Fitz turned to see Olivia and Senior smiling and walking towards them, her hand in the crook of his arm. She didn't look worse for wear after dealing with his grandfather. He stood and went to meet them. Senior released her hand and kissed her cheek before taking his seat at the head of the table.

They got Elliott settled at the kid's table with her new bestie, Nola, before taking a seat at their own table, with Fitz's cousins. He had several questions but he would save them for later. The family enjoyed a seven course dinner and a few toast in honor of the family patriarch, Fitzgerald Thomas Grant, Sr.

Later, after dinner, Elliott went off to play with her cousins and Fitz and Olivia sat in one of the sitting rooms along with Sumner, Nicole, Patrick, Bebe, Ryan and Abby Grant. It was a lively and sometimes loud conversation and Fitz and Olivia could've easily been the fourth married couple in the group.

She liked Fitz's cousins. They were just as nice and accepting as his friends had been. They all laughed at Bebe's and Abby's ribald jokes. The redhead had a wicked sense of humor. It felt good.

It wasn't long before the kids joined their parents. It was way past most of their bedtimes and Olivia wasn't surprised when Elliott climbed onto her father's lap and promptly fell asleep. Fitz stood as did the others. He reached out his hand to Olivia and helped her to her feet. Everyone said their goodbyes before leaving.

Since the big celebration was being held at a Grant property, everyone had gotten a room for the night. Nicole had offered the services of her hairstylist and make-up artist and Olivia had graciously accepted. They would all meet at the hotel the next day.

X

Olivia followed Fitz, as he carried a sleeping Elliott, down the hall to the elevator. She punched the button and they steeped in when the doors opened. They stepped out on the third floor and walked down the hallway to her suite. He placed their daughter on the bed and lightly kissed her forehead. Olivia went into the bathroom and got a warm soapy towel. When she returned, he'd removed her shoes. She used the towel to wipe Elliott's hands and face, and together they finished undressing her, got her into her pajamas and under the covers with Bugsy.

They both stood quietly beside the bed watching their daughter sleep. After a few minutes, Fitz took her hand and led her out of the bedroom, through the sitting room, across the hallway and into his suite. He closed the door and leaned against it, crossing his ankles and his arms across his chest.

There was no way she was going to sleep with him under his parent's roof unless they were married. She didn't care what he'd done in the past, but that wasn't going to happen with her.

She turned to look at him. "Fitz, what…?"

"I've never slept with a woman here and I'd never put you in a compromising position where you'd have to defend yourself."

Olivia smiled. He'd read her mind.

"What about your brother?"

He chuckled. "I plead the fifth. However, we weren't allowed to bring girls home to spend the night. Christine Grant laid down the law with both of her sons because she didn't want us to use her home like a hotel. She found a girl up here once and went ballistic. I felt sorry for the girl, but it wasn't her fault. Ford knew the rules."

"What did you do when you wanted to have sex with someone?"

"I left home at thirteen and lived in a dormitory for seven years. I got an apartment my junior year of college, so it was never an issue.

She nodded. "So why are we here?"

Fitz straightened and walked further into the room. "I thought we could have a nightcap."

She let out the breath she'd been holding.

He looked at her. "Why did you think I brought you in here?"

She turned her head away from his penetrating stare. "You're doing it again, Fitz," she said in a low voice.

He looked at her and smiled, letting her know that he knew exactly what she was talking about.

"Trying to seduce you?"

She abruptly lifted her head. "Yes."

Fitz chuckled. "Guilty as charged."

She lifted a brow. He hadn't even tried denying it. "Well, stop it." She knew he didn't believe she wanted him to stop, because she didn't.

"Yes, ma'am," he said giving her that grin that always did things to her.

They stood in the silent room, facing each other. Suddenly, Fitz leaned in close and whispered near her ear. "You need to relax."

She took in all of his male, clean, masculine freshness, and there were a few minutes before she replied. "No, I don't."

He reached out and touched her hand. "Yes, you do. Have a seat, I'll get our drinks."

"Fitz, I don't think…"

"Have I ever forced myself on you, Olivia?"

She looked at him for a moment, and shook her head. "Of course not."

"And I don't ever plan on doing so. Now have a seat."

Olivia walked over to the sofa and took a seat. She removed her shoes and pulled her legs beneath her, waiting on Fitz to bring her that much needed drink.

Fitz poured two snifters of scotch and walked back to the sofa. He passed her the glass and then took a seat on the opposite end of the sofa. For a moment, they sipped their drinks in silence—scotch, not Olivia's favorite, but it was okay. She looked around the room, and then at Fitz. His gaze was fixed on her. That blue gaze never left her face.

They conversed softly while sipping their drinks, and talked about everything from their daughter, (yes she could attend the sleepover), to dinner and his family. Everything except themselves.

"What did you and my grandfather talk about?"

"What's said between Senior and Olivia stays between Senior and Olivia."

"Oh! It's like that, Livvie."

"Yes."

They both laughed.

"I really like your cousins, Fitz," Olivia said before taking another sip of her drink. "Bebe and Abby are comedic team and Nicole is a sweetheart."

They liked you too. One of them a little too much."

At her confused look he explained what had happened with his cousin, Payne.

"How old is he?"

"Twenty-four, and always in party mode."

"At that age he's supposed to be in party mode, Fitz. Weren't you partying at that age?"

"No. I was in graduate school and quite serious."

"Well, you're one of the few guys who wasn't a weed smoking, skirt chasing, binge drinking boy in college. I cringe, thinking about the boys Elle will have to deal with."

"I swear if I find some pimply faced, pothead boy sniffing around my daughter, I'll snap his head off."

Olivia laughed. "Why do men always talk about hurting a boy if they come near their daughter?"

"Because we know what we've done to some man's daughter."

"It's called karma and payback, Fitz. Plus, you have a long time before you have to think about Elle going out with a boy," Olivia said.

Fitz nodded before he took another sip of his drink and stared at Olivia over the rim. He reached out and pulled Olivia from her place at the end of the couch and next to him. She sighed and leaned her head on his shoulder.

"Karma is a bad girl," he whispered.

"That she is."

They were quiet for a moment, sipping their drinks. She felt Fitz shift and pulled her closer to him before he lowered his head and kissed the side of her neck. When she didn't move away but rolled her head to the side to give him better access, he continued. She moaned as he switched from kissing one side of her neck to the other. As he kept kissing her, he deftly turned her around to face him and lowered his lips to hers.

Olivia abruptly broke the kiss. "Fitz we can't," she whispered.

Let's see about that, shall we?" His hands held her head as he brought his lips down to hers again.

Olivia fisted his shirt, bringing him closer to her. They kissed for a long time while their hands roamed and explored one another's bodies.

Fitz pulled back, his gaze looking at her body. In one swift move, he pulled her onto his lap and she straddled his thighs. He moved his hands down her waist as he pressed his growing erection into her, making her feel him against her core. She felt his growing arousal and bit back a moan.

He kissed her mouth again, and from her mouth he moved to behind her ear, kissing her spot. His hands and lips were moving over her body. Olivia knew she wanted him.

"You have no idea how badly I want you," he said, as if reading her mind. She loved the feeling of having this gorgeous and sexy man want her.

"I can't do this," she whispered and pushed at him before attempting to scramble from his lap. He grabbed her and stopped her from moving.

"What are you doing?" he asked.

"Fitz we both know what will happen if we don't stop. This is as far as I can go. I'm not sleeping with you in your parent's home."

The more she protested, the bigger his smile became. She knew he could see right through her little ruse.

"It felt right, didn't it? Just like before," he said with that trademark grin. "I know you enjoyed it. Don't keep lying to yourself, Livvie."

Determined to stay strong, Olivia refused to give into his intense blue gaze, and that bedroom voice. Her heart was beating fast in her chest. She needed to think things through and the only way she could do that was in her room, alone.

He leaned forward and touched his forehead to hers. "You, my sweet baby, are an extreme temptation," he growled. "Sure you won't change your mind?"

Olivia slowly shook her head 'no.' She was sure she wanted him. He'd called her a temptation, and she wanted to be that and more. But not tonight. Sighing heavily, she moved from his lap and stood. Fitz stood with her and took her hand. He bent to pick up her shoes, walked her to the door and opened it for her. They walked across the hall and she walked into her room. He stood in the doorway and she went up on her tiptoes and kissed his cheek.

"Goodnight, Fitz."

"Goodnight, Livvie."

She smiled up at him before stepping back into the room and closing the door and leaning back against it. All she could think about was how she wanted to taste Fitz again, touch him. The next time, she would allow him to seduce her and they wouldn't stop at a kiss.

Grinning like a fool, she touched her lips where he'd kissed her before straightening and walking to the bedroom to check on her daughter, take a shower and go to bed. She knew she would have the same a recurring dream where they were both naked as she did wicked things to him, tasting every inch of his body and then she allowed him to return the favor. Yes, she couldn't wait to close her eyes, she thought as she sauntered toward the bedroom.