AN: Thanks so much for reading my annual summer story. I hope you enjoyed it. It's not my favorite of my summer stories, but I think we still had some fun. I'm glad I could finish this, since summer is at an end it seems. Thanks for reading and drop a review. I appreciate it!
EOEOEOEOEO
Olivia snagged a bottle of water out of the cooler while Dan helped Elliot re-stake the tent. She turned and nearly ran into Casey, who had come up right behind her.
"Spill." Casey said, barely able to contain her grin.
"There is nothing to spill." She said emphatically.
"Is that why you're wearing Elliot's shirt?"
Olivia pulled Elliot's t-shirt away from her body, feeling self-conscious. She hadn't had a chance to put her suit back on or snag a bra. "I was changing when the tent collapsed."
"Stripping down with Elliot in the tent?" Casey raised an eyebrow knowingly. "Sounds like something to me."
"You have a wild imagination." Olivia walked away from the firepit and found a spot on the grass to sit down.
"C'mon." Casey said, following her.
Olivia stared at her friend, tired of pretending like nothing was going on. Casey was going to find out anyway, and Olivia knew that if she told her anything, Casey would keep it a secret. In fact, the begging for information would probably stop completely.
Well, maybe not completely.
"OK." Olivia said, and she saw a huge smile cross Casey's face.
"I knew it!" She said, plopping down on the grass next to Olivia.
"Nothing's happened." Olivia said. "At least, not yet." She bit back a grin.
Casey grabbed the hem of Elliot's t-shirt and tugged lightly. "You're naked in your tent and it mysteriously comes crashing down, and you're telling me that nothing's happened?"
"Elliot's been insisting that we wait until we get back." Olivia let out a sigh.
"Are you serious?" Casey said. "The way that man's been looking at you over the years, I figured he'd jump at the chance."
"I know." Olivia said, agreeing with her. "It's not for lack of trying on my part." She thought back to the massage in the tent, wondering how far things would have gone if the tent hadn't collapsed on them. Elliot had been weakening.
"That man has more willpower than I ever would have imagined." Casey said. She looked over at Elliot and Dan, standing by the tent they'd just re-erected. "But you're having some fun, right?"
Olivia smiled. "Definitely."
Casey glanced back at Olivia, still wearing a huge grin on her face. "It's going to be a long flight back to New York."
Olivia sighed and nodded. "You're telling me."
"I'm glad for you Liv." Casey said. "For both of you."
"Thanks."
"And now, you owe me."
"For what?" Olivia asked.
"If I hadn't invited the two of you along, this never would have happened!" She said emphatically.
"You don't know that that's true." Olivia said.
Casey rolled her eyes. "It's been…" She drew in the air with her fingers, as if she were doing some difficult math. "I can't even count how long it's been. It was definitely this trip that brought you this far."
"I might have had something to do with it too." Olivia said, confessing a bit of her role. "I kind of decided to maybe just…" She shrugged. "Let go a little. Maybe tease him a little. And see where things went."
"And you ended up naked in your tent with Elliot giving you a massage." Casey said, snagging Olivia's water and taking a long drink. "I think that ended pretty well then."
Olivia smiled, feeling a slight flush in her cheeks. She couldn't disagree.
"But you still owe me."
EOEOEOEOEO
It was their last night on the river, and everyone had mixed feelings about it. They were eager for hot showers, warm beds and screens that kept the bugs away. But the natural beauty, the camaraderie and the memories made outweighed all of those things. Dinner had been a hodge-podge of things that had been leftover from the past several days, and they were doing a good job of trying to finish up the last of the beer, wine, and vodka. The moon was almost full and was high in the night sky, but no one seemed anxious to call it a night. Couples were paired off around the fire, and the blaze felt good as the night cooled off.
Olivia was wedged in between Elliot's legs as he leaned against the log bench for support. He had a beer in one hand, as did she, but his right arm was wrapped around her. The palm of his hand was flattened against her stomach, having wormed its way beneath her t-shirt and sweatshirt, and she leaned back into him slightly, enjoying the intimacy of it. People were talking and telling stories, and it reminded Olivia of some of the first nights they'd been on this trip. She realized that if they decided to make this trip again next summer, she and Elliot would have stories to contribute to the conversation. Their accident today with the canoe and the rock had already come up, and they'd good-heartedly endured another round of ribbing.
Elliot leaned in slightly, closer to Olivia's ear. She smelled of soap and shampoo, having taken a bath in the river before dinner, and it was so much better than the constant smell of smoke, river water and bug spray that had been a constant in all of them this trip. "You smell good." He whispered.
Olivia smiled. "I just smell smoke."
"Mmmm." Elliot nuzzled her neck, not responding in anyway. After a few seconds, he spoke again. "I don't want to go home."
"I know." Olivia said. "But it will be nice to get back to civilization. I could use a nice, hot shower." Bathing in the river was necessary, but cold.
"Yeah, but we don't have to go home for that."
"What are you talking about?" Olivia was confused.
"Let's stay here." He slid his hand up slightly, closing the last inch between them. "Let's call Cragen and take another few days. Hell…a week. Let's drive back to Minneapolis and find a hotel and just…" He sighed. "I'm not ready to go back. I want more time with you." He was worried that when they got back to New York, their old selves would resurface and everything they had gained would be lost.
Olivia turned her head and stole a quick kiss. "I would like that." She was fairly sure she knew what was worrying Elliot. She had the same concerns.
"Yeah?" Elliot had expected her to object in some way, citing the job, his family, or some other reason why they couldn't stay.
"You seem surprised." She said, turning her head back towards the fire. Elliot snuggled back into her, resting his cheek against her ear.
"I guess I am. Kind of."
"I think we want the same thing."
"It's not just about sex." Elliot said quickly. He felt the muscle's in Olivia's stomach contract slightly as she chuckled soundlessly. "Okay, that's a part of it." Olivia turned her head again. "Maybe a big part of it." He finally admitted. "But honestly, I just want to be able to spend time with you without interruptions." He placed a kiss on her cheek. "I don't want to share you with Cragen, or Munch, or Casey and I don't want to fight perps and victims for time with you. I want you all to myself."
Olivia sighed, slipping her hand beneath her sweatshirt, covering Elliot's. "That sounds wonderful." She said quietly. She turned her head, bumping noses with him accidentally. "Will I get the rest of that massage?"
"You can count on it."
EOEOEOEOEO
They arrived at the landing about noon, happy that the last of the canoe trip had been uneventful. Everyone was tired and a little sore, but they had managed to eat most of the food and drink almost all of the alcohol, so there was resounding agreement that the trip had been a success. Everyone was circled around, and while Olivia was anxious to get back to Minneapolis, she felt a little sad at leaving their new friends behind. The group made them promise to come back the following summer and assured them that there was a permanent invitation with their name on it, even if next summer didn't happen.
It was a full hour later before the canoe rental company had come to retrieve the canoes and another hour before they got a ride back to the cabin and their cars. There was another round of sorting through bags, loading cars and long goodbyes, complete with hugs and an exchange of phone numbers. Olivia felt like she had gained a new family, and with her hand firmly clasped in Elliot's, she'd never felt happier. This trip had exceeded even her wildest expectations.
Dan agreed to drive, so Olivia and Elliot climbed into the backseat. Casey made them promise to behave, but she really hadn't said too much the previous night or that day, so Olivia just laughed. It seemed it wasn't as fun to tease them if they weren't still in denial.
She looked down at Elliot's hand, settled loosely on her upper thigh, just below the hem of her shorts. It was remarkable to her that they felt so comfortable touching each other…kissing each other…just holding hands. One week ago, she would have jumped out of her skin if Elliot had touched her so intimately.
She leaned in and whispered to him. "When are we going to break the news?" She nodded her head in Casey's direction.
"Well, once I can get a cell phone signal, I'm going to call Cragen. So, I assume they'll get the news when Cragen does. Do you think they'll really care?" He looked back at Casey, who was completely absorbed in a discussion with Dan.
"I think we should say something before then."
Elliot gave her a look that said she was on her own. In other words, he didn't care, so go for it.
"Hey." Olivia said, trying to get Casey's attention. The redhead turned in her seat to look at Olivia.
"Yeah?"
"I just wanted to let you know…I mean…we're thinking…" She motioned between she and Elliot. "I think we're going to change our flight and spend a couple of days in Minneapolis."
Casey looked back and forth between them, unable to hide her smile. Olivia knew she recalled their earlier conversation, where she'd told Casey that Elliot wanted to wait until they were off the river. Thus, the big grin. "Neither one of us has ever been here, so we thought, while we're here…" She shrugged her shoulders. She glanced over at Elliot, but he seemed to be enjoying her struggle.
"Yeah, I've heard there's lots to see here." Casey said, rolling her eyes. "I'll want a full report when you get back." She smirked. "The highlights and the lowlights." She shot a glance at Elliot and then at Olivia before turning back around.
Elliot leaned forward slightly. "Maybe we'll even share the photos."
EOEOEOEOEO
Olivia stood under the hot spray, dropping her head as the water ran down her back.
It felt amazing.
Even though she'd taken a 'bath' in the river every day, she felt like layers of dirt and bug spray were washing down the drain. Her shampoo actually lathered up, as did her body wash. She had visited the spa for a wax prior to the trip, and she was glad there was still no need for a razor to touch-up.
She knew she had to get out soon; she had to save some hot water for Elliot. It was going to be hard, but he'd given her an hour in the room by herself and she wanted to be ready so she could give him some privacy as well. Dan and Casey had dropped them at the JW Marriott, attached to the Mall of America, and after booking a suite for themselves, they'd agreed to a quick shopping trip.
They had parted ways, but not before Elliot had directed her to buy a dress for dinner. You don't have to buy me dinner first. He had laughed at her line, but he'd insisted, leaving her at the entrance to Nordstrom's.
Little did he know, she had some tricks up her sleeve.
And dinner was not part of the plan.
She turned off the water and toweled herself off. She unpackaged the scented lotion she had purchased and covered every inch of her body. She dried her hair and did her make-up, keeping a careful eye on the time. As she dug for her lip gloss, she found the bug spray. She smiled when she remembered the ridiculous conversations they'd had about remembering the bug spray and packing her personal effects. Right now, Elliot was the only personal effect she was interested in, and she tossed the bug spray in the garbage.
With just a few minutes left, she slipped her latest purchase out of the bag, ripped off the tags, pulled it over her head and let the material slip down her body. She adjusted it around her breasts and hips and looked in the mirror, turning from one side to the other. She was leaning towards the mirror, checking her lipstick one last time, when she heard a knock on the hotel door.
Olivia nabbed the white robe from where she'd laid it on the bed, and wrapped it around herself, wanting to save the reveal for after Elliot had taken his shower and gotten dressed. By the time the second series of knocks came, she was at the door, and she swung it open, ready with a big smile.
Elliot had a bottle of wine and two glasses in his hands, but they almost slipped from his hands when he saw Olivia. She was wearing the robe that the hotel provided, but her hair had been washed and curled, and her make-up was perfect. He couldn't help but linger for a second on those lips, wondering if he'd made a huge mistake in insisting on dinner.
A first date had seemed like a good idea at the time…
"I brought some wine." He leaned in for a kiss, but Olivia drew back.
"I don't kiss before the first date." She really wanted that kiss, but he'd been the one insisting on the right order of things.
Elliot gave her a deprecating look, but he knew he didn't have a leg to stand on. Olivia stepped backwards and turned, and he followed her into the room. The scent of lotion, shampoo, and maybe some perfume wafted back towards him. "How was the shower?"
"Heavenly." Olivia took the bottle of wine and glasses from Elliot and smiled when he pulled a corkscrew out of his pocket. "I'm not sure how much hot water is left." She teased. When she'd opened the bottle, she poured him a glass, trying to ignore the fact that he'd stripped off his shirt. "Enjoy." She said, handing him a glass as he headed towards the bathroom.
Elliot shed the rest of his clothes and stepped into the hot water. He groaned out loud, bracing his arm against the wall. He swore he would never take a hot shower for granted ever again. He used Olivia's body wash and shampoo since he didn't have any of his own, and he realized the combined smell would be his favorite for the rest of his life.
You don't have to buy me dinner first.
The implication was clear.
It just hadn't seemed right to check in to the hotel and fall into bed right away. He hadn't realized he was so traditional, but then again, dating, and casual sex had never really been an option for him, at least not in his adult life.
Olivia probably thought he was an idiot, and maybe he was.
He sighed.
Maybe appetizers and a drink would suffice.
He finished up his shower and wrapped the towel around his waist. He stood in the mirror and rubbed his cheeks, feeling the stubble there. He'd seen the whisker burn on Olivia's neck from his kisses the day before and he pulled out his razor from his dopp kit.
Tonight called for a smooth shave.
He finished up by slapping on some cologne and then finished off his wine. He knew he needed to hurry if they were going to make their reservation, and then he realized he'd left his newly purchased clothes in the bedroom. He tightened his towel around his waist and headed for the bathroom door. When he opened it, the scene before him confused him for a moment. The drapes had been pulled against the evening light, and candles had been lit and set around the room.
His eyes landed on Olivia, standing near the bed. He didn't have time to think before he saw her reach for the sash of the robe. She shrugged off the robe and it fell to the floor, but instead of revealing the dress he'd been expecting, he saw a silky black nightie. Thin spaghetti straps held the material in place, the deep V fell low against her breasts. The hem brushed the tops of her thighs, making her legs look impossibly wrong.
Fuck.
He wasn't sure if he said it out loud or in his head, but he saw her smile as she reached down and play with the hem.
"I decided I'm not very hungry." Olivia said. For dinner that is." She sauntered over to where Elliot was standing, purposely exaggerating the sway of her hips, until there were just mere inches between them. She pouted her lips and looked up at him through her lashes. "Are you going to be terribly disappointed if we don't go to dinner?" She placed the last two fingers of her right hand on Elliot's chest and trailed them down his chest, following the path of fine hair that disappeared beneath the towel. She rested her fingers there, teasing the edge of the towel.
Elliot clamped his hand over hers, stilling it against his stomach. This seductress standing before him was a far cry from the woman that sat across from him at work each day, but he wasn't complaining. It was just taking his mind a few seconds to reconcile the two, but his body was way ahead of that. Her touch…the tone of her voice…the look…the goddamn slinky black nightgown…hit him like a lightning bolt and he dragged their conjoined hands slowly back up his body, tugging slightly so that she was forced slightly closer. "How the hell could I be disappointed?" He let go of her hand and reached up, framing her face with his hands as he kissed her. He tilted her head, deepening the kiss right away, and he heard a small sound of surprise at the possessiveness of it. He slid his tongue in her mouth; he wasn't holding back. All of this unresolved sexual tension had been brewing for years and she had opened the floodgates.
He released her and she staggered slightly on her bare feet, clearly unprepared for his reaction to her question. He saw that her lipstick was smeared, and he rubbed his mouth on the back of his hand, seeing the smudge of color. "Let me see you." He said roughly, taking a few steps back so he could take her in again. He took his sweet time, tracing the lines of the nightgown down and over her breasts, eyeing the outline of her nipples clear against the fabric, the dip at her waist and the way the fabric hugged her hips. He continued the journey down to her thighs and then her calves and back up again, wondering if she was wearing any underwear beneath. "So, when you told me you got a dress…" He raised one eyebrow in question.
"I lied." Olivia answered back without hesitation. She adopted a small smile and lifted her chin slightly. "Am I going to hell?" She teased.
Elliot's eyes ran down her body and back up again, thinking all kinds of sinful thoughts. "We'll go together." He closed the gap between them again and slid his fingers around the thin strip of material at her shoulder. "As much as I love this, I need to see you out of it."
Olivia sucked her bottom lip between her teeth and bit down, taking in his chest and torso. The man was solid muscle and she placed the palms of her hands on his chest. "You first." She slid her hands down before he could stop her and tugged at the towel. It gave way easily and pooled at his feet and she took a few steps back, sliding her eyes downward. If Elliot was surprised or shy, he didn't show it.
And he absolutely had no reason to be.
"Jesus." She muttered beneath her breath before lifting her eyes to meet his. She walked back to where he was standing and slid her hands back up his torso and chest, tipping her head up slightly to kiss him. Elliot lifted one hand, cradling her head as he kissed her back, and it was pure heat. Olivia slid her hands downward, but Elliot caught them, breaking the kiss.
"My turn." He said. He grabbed her hand in his and walked back towards the bed. He turned and sat down, pulling in to stand between his legs. He sat there for a moment, just breathing in this moment. He had waited so long, and he wanted to commit each moment to memory.
Every sight, touch, taste, sound.
He wanted to touch her everywhere at once and didn't want to touch her at all. The moment he started, control would be lost, and he wanted to take things slowly.
Eliot reached up and slid his hands down her shoulders and arms until they landed at her waist. He felt the silkiness of the material, warm from her body. He continued outlining the shape of her body with his hands, until he hit the bare skin of her thighs. He paused for a moment and then slid them back up, taking the material with him as he moved up. The hem lifted to the tops of her thighs and he felt her trembling beneath him.
Her lips were parted but she seemed to be holding her breath…as if in anticipation…but even as he released the material and it shifted back down the top of her thighs, her expression didn't change. He thought that maybe, she wasn't used to giving up control. She had definitely started things tonight, but he had ratcheted them up quickly and taken control. He was thankful that she trusted him enough to relinquish it tonight.
Olivia felt her own body trembling as Elliot continued his perusal of her body. She wasn't used to this slow discovery…this quiet pace…but it sent her heart into overdrive. She wanted to know what was going through his mind, she was nervous that somehow, she wouldn't leave up to the fantasy, and it had sent her nerves into overdrive. "El…" She started, but she didn't know what to say. He slid his hands up, brushing the sides of her breasts, until he was holding the straps of her gown in his hands. He pulled them over her shoulders, so incredibly slowly that she found herself holding her breath again, silently spurring him on. The thought that in a few seconds, she was going to be completely naked and standing before Elliot was almost unimaginable and she swallowed hard.
Elliot hands had stopped moving and she saw he was looking up at her. It took her a second to decipher the look he was giving her.
He was asking permission.
She'd practically thrown herself at him, and he was asking permission. Her heart swelled.
She reached across her body and placed her right hand over his left, moving his hand and the strap down her arm, giving him his answer. She dropped her hand and Elliot paused for a moment, still looking at her.
"I love you." He whispered. He slipped the straps down her arms, tugging slightly to free her breasts, his eyes followed the material as it slipped down to her waist and past her hips, until it landed at her feet. He was in awe of the sight before him; his imagination hadn't done her justice. So much bronzed, toned skin, broken only by a small pair of matching silk panties. And her breasts…he was at a loss for words.
Olivia wasn't self-conscious and didn't mind Eliot's lingering looks, but she'd been patient long enough. She had barely laid a hand on him yet and this slow pace was torturous. She stepped out of the small heap of fabric around her ankles and reached for Elliot, placing her hands on his shoulders. Before he could even register what was happening, she grasped his mouth with hers and climbed onto the bed, straddling him. She could feel the length of him between her legs as she settled on his lap, and his hands automatically went to her ass, supporting her. As she deepened the kiss, he slid his hands to her lower back, and she ground herself against him. He let out a low groan and broke the kiss.
Elliot grabbed her ass and swung her around, dropping her on the bed. Olivia let out a sound of surprise, but quickly recovered, using her arms to pull herself farther up on the bed. Elliot crawled towards her, sliding his hands up her legs as he started to work his way up her body. He toyed with her panties, but left them in place, deciding to focus his attention elsewhere. He leaned over and placed small kisses on her abdomen, feeling her muscles jump and twitch as he worked his way up to her breasts. He slipped his hands upwards, grasping them firmly in his hands and he teased her with his fingers and his tongue, until Olivia was writhing beneath him.
Olivia lifted her hips, pressing herself more firmly against his erection. Elliot kissed his way up her neck, sucking and teasing the skin, and Olivia took the opportunity to shift, sliding one leg out and wrapping it around him, pulling him between her legs. His erection was pressing against her and she knew if it wasn't for one piece of thin satin, he'd be inside of her.
The thought was mind-blowing.
Olivia dragged her hands down his back, biting in slightly with her nails, before she settled on his hips, lifting her hips against him again. "I need you." She rasped out, reaching for material at her hips, intent on dragging it down. "Now." She moaned. "Pleeaaaassse.''
Elliot dropped his forehead against her shoulder, knowing he was helpless to fight her. He was rock hard, his body throbbing with need. He had always imagined this slow, exploration of her body, multiple orgasms before he even came close to this point, but the need for this to happen, for both of them, was just too great.
He would make it up to her next time.
The thought made him smile against her skin.
There would be a next time.
And a time after that.
He lifted himself up, bracing one hand on either side of her body and inched back down her body, pulling her panties down with it. He climbed off the bed, standing there, taking a moment to stare at the sight before him.
"What are you doing?" Olivia asked, watching him, watching her. As she watched, he stroked his own erection and her entire body clenched in anticipation. "Elliot." She said impatiently, and she saw him smile. He climbed back onto the bed, walking towards her on his knees, trailing his hand up the inside of her legs until he reached the apex of her thighs. Olivia spread her legs and moaned as Elliot's fingers slid between her folds.
"Are you ready for me?" He stroked her gently, feeling her jolt as he toyed with her clit. Olivia was moaning, lifting her hips in rhythm to his touch. She reached out for him, wrapping her hand around his length, and stroking him, following the pace he'd set. Elliot's fingers slid to her entrance; he needed to make sure she was open and ready for him. He didn't want to hurt her.
"Please." It was the only word she could manage, and she let out another moan as Elliot shifted, placing a knee between her legs. He pushed her legs apart with his knees, and wrapped one hand behind one knee, opening her up even more. He glanced up at her quickly.
"Give me a sec." He'd bought some condoms at the store today, but they were still in the package, buried in his suitcase.
"It's okay." Olivia said, reaching for him.
"Are you sure?"
"If it's okay with you…" Sex without a condom was never optional for her, but she hadn't even thought about it. She wanted to feel all of him.
Elliot didn't even respond. He slipped inside of her slowly, pulling back out before moving back inside her again, giving her body time to adjust to the intrusion. He pushed her leg up and to the side, until he couldn't go any deeper and they both groaned as they took a moment. Christ.
"Move." Olivia said, arching her head back as Elliot started moving his hips against her. The room was filled with the sound of skin on skin and their moans as Elliot moved against her. He slid a hand between her legs, teasing her clit. Olivia felt her body tightening and she knew she was close.
"Liv." Elliot gasped out, moving his hips faster. Her body was tightening around him, and he knew he wasn't going to last much longer. "I can't…" He felt her body clench around him and heard the cry escape from her lips as her orgasm tore through her body. He let himself go then, and he fucked into her hard and fast, getting his much-needed release.
Elliot collapsed against her, trying to keep his entire body weight from falling on her completely. He buried his face in her neck, kissing her heated skin before working his way back up to her mouth. "I love you." He whispered against his mouth. "I love you so much."
The depth of the emotion wasn't lost on her, and Olivia wrapped her arms around him, pulling him closer against her. "I love you." She kissed his cheek, feeling an incredible amount of peace and happiness wash over her. Elliot was still buried deep inside of her, their bodies intertwined.
"Can we just stay here like this forever?" Olivia asked in a whispered tone.
Elliot lifted his head and smiled down at her. "We might die of hunger and thirst." He teased, pressing his lips against her jaw.
"What a way to go." Olivia said with a sigh.
Elliot chuckled and he felt Olivia's body tighten around him. "You okay?" He asked, lifting himself up slightly.
Olivia pulled him back against her. "I'm perfect." She said.
"Yes, you are." Elliot said, meaning it.
"Flattery will get you everywhere." Olivia said, wrapping her legs around his thighs and lifting her hips slightly.
Elliot growled and captured her lips, hoping he was going to be able to keep up with her and looking forward to the challenge.
EOEOEOEO
Elliot woke up slowly, squinting at the morning light pouring into the room. The memories of the night before all came rushing back and he turned his head, feeling a moment of panic that Olivia would have slipped away while he was sleeping. He knew he was being ridiculous, as they'd made love again just a few hours ago, but he couldn't help it. He would always worry about her leaving him.
He turned his head and saw her laying with her back to him, the sheet tangled around her body. He lifted the blanket that he was covered with and slid closer to her, much like she'd done to him in the wee hours of the morning. He placed a few small kisses on her shoulder, and she stirred slightly. He really didn't want to wake her, as he knew she must be exhausted. They'd taken time to explore and to play after the first time, followed by room service and another round before falling into a state of near unconsciousness. They had been somewhat tentative, as they'd learned what the other person liked, but by the time she had woken him again, they'd fallen together as if they'd been intimate for years.
Today would be day one of whatever the future held for them, and a part of him couldn't wait to start this journey with her.
Elliot moved a little closer and slid his arm around her waist. Olivia sighed and snuggled back into him, and Elliot closed his eyes.
Day one could wait just a little bit longer.