A/N: Sorry to disappear. Life can be so distracting when you're trying to write. Plus, I'm still recovering for the sight of a new black chic in Fitz's bed on Scandal. The sight made me stress eat. I miss Olitz and that kicked my butt to finish this chapter.

Warning Chapter 5 is mostly fluff to move the story along. The good news, if you want more, is that this was turning into a 7K word chapter so I picked a place to end this chapter and start the next. About half of Chapter 6, which has a little more substance, is already written and the rest is pretty complete in my head. I should be able to post again within a week.

At precisely eleven o'clock the next morning the doorbell rang. Olivia opened the door for a well-dressed young man. "Hi, I'm Brian," he introduced himself, "Mr. Grant sent me to pick up Mrs. Olivia Ballard. Are you Mrs. Ballard?"

"Olivia, please, and I'm ready."

"Please come with me Mrs. Ballard." Olivia rolled her eyes at Brian's formal reply and followed him to the car.

When they reached the car, Brian opened the rear passenger side door and helped Olivia into the car.

"Hi," Fitz greeted her in his rich baritone.

Expecting the car to be empty, Olivia startled at the sound of his voice. "Shit, Fitz, you scared me. What are you doing here?"

"Good morning beautiful," Fitz responded, practically beaming with joy at being reunited with her. "Speaking of beautiful, you look amazing. Not at all casual, but amazing nonetheless. I thought we could spend the day together. Is that okay with you?"

Olivia looked at Fitz, all eager and excited about what he had planned for her, and found him irresistible. "Hmmm….tell me what you have planned and I'll think about it," she responded, far more seductively than she intended.

Fitz didn't miss Olivia's tone, but he opted to tuck it away and ease her into the day. "Well…the Marlins are playing your beloved Red Sox this afternoon. I thought we could go to the game, but you are inappropriately dressed for a baseball game, unless you're the kind of woman that gets dressed up to go to a game."

Olivia looked down at her outfit, she was wearing a cream puffy sleeve top, a slate grey and cream speckled skirt with bright salmon strips, and nude four inch Jimmy Choo peep toe pumps. "I am most definitely not that kind of girl. I could run up and change quickly."

"No, you're perfect, gorgeous and I love what you did with your hair. I'll adjust our plans."

Olivia smiled brightly. She'd taken a risk with her hair, agreeing to an asymmetrical brown ombre bob with caramel highlights that could be worn wavy or straight. Jake had been too drunk and angry to notice the change and she was feeling a little needy for external validation. "But I want to see my Sox," she pouted. "It will only take a minute for me to change into jeans, a Sox t-shirt, and flats."

"It's not my fault a woman as intelligent as you are can't follow a simple instruction. I said dress casually."

"I thought you meant Fitz's fiancée casual, not going to a baseball game casual. I bet Mellie wouldn't dare go out in public in jeans and a t-shirt."

"She also wouldn't be caught dead at baseball game. You, my dear, are a different breed entirely. Not only would you enjoy the game, but you would know the players and their stats. How many players were selected for last month's All Star game?"

"Six – Ortiz, Bogaerts, Betts, Bradley, Wright, and Kimbrel – the most since 2008." Fitz chuckled at her enthusiasm as she rattled of the names of the Red Sox players. He had no idea if she was correct or not, he just enjoyed watching her reaction. "But, the Cubs are going to win it all this year. Their entire infield started for the National League."

"Those loveable losers? They haven't won since the early 1900s."

Olivia placed her hand over her heart and shrugged her shoulders. "I have a soft spot for loveable losers."

"Is that why you're married to John?" Fitz quipped.

"No, but it is why I'm this this car with you," she quickly replied with a wink, before erupting into a fit of giggles.

"You think you're funny, just for that we are absolutely not going to the game. Brian," he called, getting the driver's attention, "take us to the Indian Creek Country Club." Brian immediately directed the car into traffic and navigated toward the club.

"Fitz, I want to see my Sox," she whined. Fitz couldn't believe how sexy she looked with her arms crossed and her bottom lip protruding as she pretended to pout. The Olivia he knew from work was an occasional flirt, but the confident, charming minx beside him was wholly unexpected and he was completely captivated. If she kept this up, it was going to be a very long day. "Going to your golf club is not an acceptable substitution. I hate golf. Am I even welcome there?"

"Of course you're welcome. You're my guest. Why wouldn't you be welcome?"

Olivia raised a questioning eyebrow, but Fitz's only response was a blank stare. "Do you really not know what I'm talking about?"

"I don't," he responded honestly. "Enlighten me."

"I'm sure I don't look like the other members," she said, pointing to the back of her hand.

"Why, because you're black? Jay-Z and Beyoncé are members. They're black."

Olivia couldn't contain her laughter. "They're also Jay-Z and Beyoncé. Of course they can be members. I am not Beyoncé. While, we're on the subject. Am I even believable as your fiancée? I thought you preferred your women blond."

"This is Miami. I've dated beautiful women of all ethnicities. Trust me, no one will question why I fell in love with you. You as my fiancée may be more believable than Mellie."

Olivia's face flushed with heat. She knew he wasn't actually in love with her, but there was something about the way he said it that made her feel desired. "Fine," she said, still not entirely comfortable about joining him at Miami's most exclusive country club. "I'm not thrilled about it, but I'll go. However, I'm not playing golf and I'm not watching you play golf either," she warned.

Fitz smiled, "I'll make you a deal. We are going to the club for lunch, but, since you're being so cooperative, the next time your Red Sox are in town, I'll get us two tickets right behind the dugout. Unless, you'd rather sit in the Diamond Club."

"You have a deal, but only if you agree to wear a Red Sox t-shirt and hat," she replied, picturing his precious curls hidden beneath the hat. She wondered what it would feel like to run her fingers through those curls. Would they be as soft and silky as they looked? Would he moan as the pleasure emanating from her fingers trickled throughout his body?

Fitz noticed the faraway look on Olivia's face and wondered what she was thinking about. Her statement was innocuous enough, but it obviously triggered a thought or a memory, maybe even a fantasy. He was curious if she was thinking about him and, if so, what exactly she was imagining him doing. "Liv," he called, reluctantly pulling her from her thoughts. "We're here," he announced as the car pulled in front of the club entrance.

"Oh, okay," she replied sheepishly, slightly embarrassed to be caught fantasizing about him.

Brian quickly exited the car and opened Fitz's door, permitting him to exit the vehicle. Fitz rounded the car and opened Olivia's door. He admired her bare, smooth, golden brown legs as she gracefully exited from the car. Had she always been this beautiful, this desirable? He was sincere when he pitched this plan to her as a business arrangement, but he was starting to doubt his ability to keep things strictly professional. How was he supposed to share a space with this intoxicating creature for four days and not respond to her? Desperate to touch her, he placed his hand on the small of her back, gently guiding her toward the door. When his hand made contact with the material of her blouse, she flinched.

"Relax, Livvie," he whispered in her ear, "as your fiancé I'm going to have to touch you periodically. We can't have you flinching, revealing the lack of intimacy in our relationship." Olivia silently chastised herself for her physical reaction to Fitz's touch. He'd gotten it all wrong, she didn't flinch because she was uncomfortable, she flinched because the heat from his simple touch ignited a desire that echoed through her body. What was happening to her? She'd spent the last four years at his side, but today his simple proximity set off a swarm of butterflies in her stomach. Fitz was counting on her to be professional, not some love-struck teenager. Willing herself to get it together, she threw back her shoulders and confidently strode forward through the door Fitz was holding.

"Mr. Grant, welcome back. It's been a while since your last visit" the greeter called out warmly.

"It's been too long Gael. I didn't call ahead, but we were hoping you'd have a table available for lunch."

"For you, Mr. Grant, anything. I'll call to the restaurant and have them prepare a table. Do you need an escort or do you remember the way?"

"Gael, you flatter me, but I know for a fact you would have said the same to any member. No need for an escort, Olivia and I will make our own way to the restaurant."

Once they were seated, Olivia was the first to speak. "Livvie? Where did that come from?" she asked.

"It just sort of came out. It thought pet names would make us more believable and I can't exactly call you beautiful all the time. Do you hate it?"

"No…it's just…" her words trailing off as she wistfully looked at the table. "It's just no one has called me that in a very long time."

Sensing her sadness, Fitz replied, "That one doesn't have to stick. I can use something else. What does John call you?"

"Livvie's fine," she countered, smiling softly. "I like the sound of it in your voice. It just caught me off-guard, that's all. I know what to expect now." Changing the subject, she said, "Now that we're settled, will you tell me why you wanted to have lunch here instead of going to the game? You know I'm not actually Vivienne. I already know which utensil to use with each course."

Fitz released a hearty laugh, causing the other patrons to take note of their table. "Look around," he softly commanded. Olivia discreetly let her eyes wander the room, quietly observing the occupants of the near and far tables. "Do you recognize anyone?"

"No."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm confident. This is not exactly my usual crowd. Why, do you recognize them?"

"Yes, I know most of the people here, but it's important that they don't know you or Jake."

"I don't know anyone and I don't' think Jake does either. Why is this important?"

"It's important because I brought you here to test our chemistry."

Olivia frowned in confusion, "How is lunch at your club supposed to test our chemistry?"

"This is not just lunch, beautiful. It's our first official date," he said with a wicked grin. Olivia felt her body flush with excitement and silently scolded herself for physically reacting to his flirting. "Some of Miami's biggest gossips are in this room. I'm sure all of them have heard that I'm dating someone, but none of them know that I was engaged to Mellie. I want you to convince them that you are the woman I'm dating, the one responsible for changing my playboy ways."

"What are the rules?" she asked, already confident she would succeed. She could tell from the way the restaurant hushed a little when they entered that she and Fitz had already attracted many of their attention. It wouldn't be hard to convince them of something they already suspected.

"There are no rules. You can say or do anything you want. I will do the things expected of any loving, adoring fiancé, but I won't initiate any contact. I will do anything you ask me to and, of course, I will follow your lead wherever you take me."

"You will do anything I ask?" she asked with one eyebrow raised. "Anything?"

If only she knew that he would gladly accept any challenge, agree to any request, if it meant he could hold her attention for just a little longer. "If you're bold enough to ask, I'm confident I can comply."

"Challenge accepted." Olivia slipped her left hand off the table, discreetly removing her bridal set and placing the rings in her purse. When she finished, she roughly massaged her ring finger before bringing her hand back to the table. Fitz, unable to see what she was doing, looked at her with amused curiosity. When Olivia saw his expression, she explained, "It's kind of hard to sell a romance when only one half of the couple is wearing a wedding ring."

Fitz dropped his gaze to her naked ring finger wishing it were truly that easy to remove her husband from the picture. Shaking away thoughts of what could be if she were single, he leaned across the table and whispered, "Quickly, before the waiter returns, are you the kind of woman that likes it when a man orders for her or does the thought of it make you want to burn your bra?"

Olivia giggled, once again causing some of the female patrons to take note of their table, and batted her long eyelashes at Fitz before replying softly, "Your dom is showing. You can order the drinks and I'll think about letting you order lunch."

"Fuck," Fitz quietly whispered under his breath at both the idea of the lovely temptress seated before him in the role of sexual submissive and the waiter's untimely return to the table.

"Have you had an opportunity to review our wine list? Are you ready to order or would you like me to send over the sommelier?"

"We'll have a bottle of Dom Perignon, unless the lady prefers Veuve Clicquot."

"Dom Perignon is acceptable," she replied demurely.

"The lady has excellent taste," the waiter offered before heading in the direction of the bar.

When the waiter was clear of the table, Olivia reached across the table and entangled his fingers with her own, ignoring the tingling sensation spreading through her body when they touched. "Are we celebrating something or is champagne a staple at your business lunches?"

Fitz listened intently while lazily drawing small circles on the back of her hand, enjoying the feel of her smooth skin against his rough fingertips. "Champagne is a staple at all my lunches, business or otherwise, with beautiful women."

Olivia broke eye contact and shifted uncomfortably in her chair. "You are incorrigible."

"And you can't take a compliment."

Olivia's eyes quickly flashed back to his burning brightly. "Yes, I can."

"If so, then explain to me why you shrink a little bit every time I tell you that you're beautiful. Surely people have been telling you this you're whole life."

Olivia look at him blankly. This was a question one answered for her lover, not her boss. How was she supposed to explain the mixture of emotions she felt sitting across from him? She couldn't possibly explain how different, how seen and appreciated, she felt when she was with him these past few days. How could she explain the butterflies he set off in her stomach every time she felt him looking at her? She wouldn't dare speak to her insecurity that, despite the perfectly coiffed hair, fancy clothes, and expensive shoes, she still didn't fit in his world and would any minute be exposed for the fraud she believed she was.

Fitz, sensing her hesitance to respond, quickly offered, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to put you on the spot. I just don't understand how a woman as beautiful you are isn't used to people telling her that she's beautiful."

"No need to apologize. It was a fair question. The short answer is I blossomed late. I your typical socially awkward teenage girl, too smart, too thin, flat chested, braces, and glasses. Think of the girl you cheated off of in calculus." Olivia looked up and was a little unnerved by the expression on Fitz's face and he tried to picture the girl she described turning into the woman he knew. She took a long swallow, focusing on her water glass instead of Fitz and continued. "Trust me, no one thought I was beautiful. Eventually, the braces came off and I transitioned to contacts, but still no one was breaking down my door for a date. Then, one day, this," she said gesturing to her now voluptuous figure, "happened. Suddenly, boys who couldn't see me before went out of their way to impress me. The problem is that I wasn't used to the attention and mistook flattery for sincerity. I had to learn the hard way that people will say anything to get what they want from you."

"And now," he interrupted, "when someone tells you that you're beautiful you assume the asshole only wants to sleep with you. I never met the girl you described and I've barely scratched the surface to the woman you've become, but from you I sit you are an exceptionally beautiful and talented woman. It's unfortunate that you don't believe me when I say it."

"Why?" she asked, anger rising in her voice. "I believed Jake when he said it. I was young and bitter when we met, life dealt me a raw hand, but he was able to see past that. He was kind, patient, and he showed me that not all men leave once they get what they want. He's the perfect husband. He's loving, devoted, and supportive. He's my biggest fan and the loudest voice in my balcony. He was there for me when I was all alone in life and he never, not once, acted as if I owed him something. I couldn't ask for a better partner in life. I don't need your, or anyone else's, validation."

Breaking his own rule, Fitz reached out and caressed her cheek. Staring deeply into her eyes, he calmly replied, "It's unfortunate because you deserved so much more. You deserved options. You deserved men from all walks of life clamoring for your attention, fighting for your devotion. You are an amazing woman, any man, hell every man, would be lucky to have you in his life, and you deserved more than one voice telling you that. You deserved an old-fashioned cockfight, pissing match, or duel to the death with scores of men reminding you every day exactly how special you are. You didn't get that and, while you may think your husband is perfect, you'll never really know that because he's the only man you trust."

"I am not a prize at the state fair, you can't win me," Olivia hissed with a forced smile on her face, pulling her hand away from his.

Fitz silently berated himself. What the hell was he thinking, pushing her like that? How did he think she would respond to him challenging the foundation of her marriage? Did he really expect her to forget about more than a decade of marriage just because he told her she was beautiful? Needing to regain control of the conversation, he responded, "That's what you think this is? Me trying to win you? I'm absolutely trying to win, but you're not the prize I'm after. I'm chasing another, more attainable, brass ring – complete control of Grant Enterprises, my birthright."

Olivia leaned back in her seat, suddenly feeling foolish. She'd projected her mixed emotions onto Fitz and assumed he was trying to seduce her. "I'm sorry. I overreacted. I don't know what I was thinking."

"No, I'm the one that needs to apologize. I shouldn't have said what I said. Your marriage is none of my business. Can we start over?"

"Of course," she replied, smiling brightly. "The waiter is headed our way. You can order lunch for both of us."

As soon as Olivia stopped talking, the waiter appeared at their table. He made a small production of uncorking and pouring the champagne, clearly performing for Olivia. When the champagne was served, Fitz turned to the waiter and asked, "Is Juan Carlos here?"

"Chef Ramirez is in the kitchen preparing for tonight's dinner menu. Chef Johnston will be preparing your meal. Do you have a special request?"

"Yes, will you tell Juan Carlos that Fitzgerald Grant is here and would like to speak with him?"

"Of course, sir," the waiter responded, before quickly disappearing from the table.

"What are you up to Fitzgerald?"

He flashed her a wicked grin. "You'll see," he teased. "While we wait," he said, reaching for his glass, "I'd like to propose a toast."

"Please," Olivia interrupted, "allow me," she requested, raising her glass. "To the next CEO of Grant Enterprises."

"And to the woman without whom none of this would be possible," he finished, lightly clinking his glass against hers. Olivia tilted her glass to her lips and took a sip, giggling softly when the effervescence of the champagne bubbles tickled her nose. Fitz released a barely audible sigh of relief. He was worried that he'd derailed the weekend before it even began with his earlier monologue. He meant every word he said, she deserved better than Jake, but it wasn't his place to try to convince her of that. He was her boss and she'd been clear over the years that she wasn't interested in more. For her, this weekend was strictly business and the parts of herself that she'd revealed had been to further the ruse, not a weakening of her commitment to her husband.

"A penny for your thoughts," Olivia whispered, pulling Fitz from his thoughts. Before he could respond, an attractive thirty-something Hispanic male approached the table.

"Fitz!" the man called, patting Fitz on the back

"J.C.," Fitz replied, rising from the table and embracing the man.

"It's been too long my friend. What are you doing here in the middle of the day and drinking champagne no less? I thought you fancy executives worked twelve hour days."

"Have you ever known me to be all work and no play? I may not be a millennial like you, but I appreciate the importance of work-life balance."

"If not work, what's been keeping you so busy that I haven't seen you in six months?"

Right on cue, Olivia cleared her throat, reminding Fitz of her presence, causing both men to turn in her direction. Juan Carlos stared at Olivia in disbelief. Most of Fitz's conquests were the blond haired, blue-eyed plastic, Barbie doll types, more "American" than Juan Carlos preferred. But the woman seated with Fitz was almost the complete opposite of his usual style and he struggled to tear his eyes away from her. "Olivia…." Fitz paused, uncertain if he should introduce her by maiden or married name. Understanding Fitz's dilemma, Olivia nodded her head ever so slightly, giving him permission to use her maiden name. "Olivia Pope I'd like to introduce you to my good friend, and the best chef in Miami, Juan Carlos Ramirez."

"You must be the reason why Fitz has begged off the last five poker nights. It's a pleasure to finally meet you," he said taking her hand and raising it to his lips.

Olivia felt the familiar sensation of heat rushing to her face. "Guilty as charged," she replied, removing her hand from Juan Carlos's grasp and cuddling into Fitz's side. Fitz took the hint and wrapped a possessive arm around her waist, pulling her closer to him. "Although, in my defense, he never mentioned he was supposed to be playing poker. What's the game? Texas Hold 'Em? Five Card Draw? Seven Card Stud?"

"You play poker?"

"I'm a woman of many talents," she countered, winking at Fitz.

"Fitz is overdue to host. You should host the next game at his condo. Show off some of your many talents," he quipped.

Fitz was impressed with the way Olivia was handling herself with J.C. She was charming, witty, and just the right amount of flirty. He'd never really doubted her, but watching the two of them together, he was reassured that she would be the perfect companion this weekend. Interrupting their banter, Fitz interjected, "I thought the first rule of poker night was no significant others."

"You're absolutely correct. That's why I invited Olivia to host at your condo and didn't invite you."

Olivia turned to Fitz laughing, "I'm sure you could find something to do to entertain yourself for a couple of hours."

"I can't believe it," Fitz pouted, "I just got kicked out of my poker game at my condo. Fair warning J.C., Olivia can't boil an egg. The boys will starve."

"Hey, mister," Olivia exclaimed, playfully punching Fitz in the arm. "You've never complained about my cooking before."

"That's because I'm a huge fan of your other talents."

"You're lucky you're cute," she replied, turning in his arms to face him. Without warning, she reached her free arm around his neck, burying her fingers into the hair at the nape of his neck, and pulled his face toward her. If Olivia's actions caught Fitz unaware, there was no external sign as he willingly leaned forward. Olivia felt his breath ghost across her face as his nose grazed hers. Before she had too much time to think about it, his lips carefully landed on hers and he kissed her gently. Before either one of them could lose control, he pulled away from the kiss, leaving Olivia wanting, the sound of her own rapid pulse rushing in her ears.

They stared at each other in disbelief, each a little shocked by the kiss and both hungry for more. They were pulled from their haze by the sound of Juan Carlos groaning. "Oh God, please tell me you're not one of those couples? I was just starting to like Olivia."

"Who are those couples?" Fitz asked defensively.

"You know…the ones so wrapped up in each other that the rest of the world can disappear in an instant."

"You're being dramatic. It was a simple peck."

"I'm being dramatic? You should see yourselves both standing there flushed as if this were your first kiss. How long have you been together?"

"A couple of months," Fitz deflected before Olivia could speak. Feeling slightly embarrassed, Olivia pulled away from Fitz and returned to her seat.

Juan Carlos whipped around to face her. "Whoa…I didn't mean to chase you away pretty lady. I'm just not used to Fitz being so open with his feelings or his affection. He's typically more reserved in public. I've never seen him this free. He's different with you and that's a good thing. I think you may be bery good for him. Let me make it up to you?"

"Are you really going to let me come to poker night?"

Juan Carlos laughed. "Maybe, if Fitz blesses it, but that's not what I had in mind. Have you ordered?"

Olivia frowned in confusion. "No."

"Excellent! Let me prepare a special meal for the two of you. My way of apologizing for before."

"J.C., you don't have to do that. I just wanted to you meet Olivia. I didn't, I don't expect you to cook for us."

"Nonsense! I insist. The two of you would be doing me a favor. I want to try a new four-course menu, but haven't found the right venue. You two are a perfect test case. Olivia, do you have any food allergies."

"Nope," she responded, beaming from all the attention.

"Any dislikes?"

"I'm not a fan of raw oysters and cilantro tastes like soap."

"I can work with that," he said, turning to face Fitz. "And you, sir, any new quirks I should be aware of?"

"None for me." Holding his gaze, Fitz mouthed the words thank you. Juan Carlos nodded his head in acceptance, turning back to Olivia he said, "I'll have the waiter send over another bottle of champagne and give you two lovebirds some space." With that, he hurried away from the table.

After Juan Carlos left, Olivia spoke up. "I'm sorry."

"For what?"

"For kissing you like that in public. I shouldn't have done that. I won't do it again." Olivia wasn't sure why she kissed him. It should have been awkward, forced, two friends pretending to be more, but it wasn't. Kissing him felt natural and she felt bad for enjoying it. She had allowed herself to get caught up in the moment of meeting his friend while pretending to be his girlfriend and it just happened. Hadn't Jake warned her that this would be the case if she invited temptation in their marriage? She needed to compartmentalize, to separate Fitz's fiancée from Jake's wife. She reminded herself that whatever was happening between she and Fitz wasn't real, it was an act, a charade, to further his professional interests.

"You didn't." The truth was that Fitz wanted to kiss her, it had been all he could think about since she got in the car this morning. Hell, who was he kidding? He'd wanted to kiss her since the moment they shared in his office yesterday. Somehow he'd resisted, reasoning with himself that he was her boss and that kissing her would not only be inappropriate, but it would most likely chase her away. Beyond this weekend, he needed her in his life and was wasn't willing to risk that for a fleeting moment. But, the moment wasn't passing and, now that he'd kissed her, he couldn't believe how badly he wanted to explore the rest of this tiny woman.

"What?"

"You didn't kiss me. I kissed you. I told you I would follow your lead and I did. Honestly, I was a little worried that I'd misread your signal and that you'd slap me. I'm not uncomfortable kissing you in public…"

Olivia furrowed her brow and crinkled her nose. "But, Juan Carlos just said…"

Fuck, Fitz cursed to himself as he fought his urge to lean across the table and kiss her nose. Is there anything she does that's not completely adorable. Focusing on her words, he offered, "I know what he said. I'm typically not a fan of PDA. I hate being the prop while the woman I'm with performs for an audience of her friends or strangers. I'm not a tree for women to piss on to mark their territory."

"Well…it kind of was a performance…"

"That's different. We're both performing, trying to sell ourselves as a couple. It's not just you being obnoxious to make others jealous. Like you said, I'm not a coveted prize to be won at the state fair," he said, winking at her. "Relax and enjoy the moment Livvie. You're about to be wowed by the finest chef in the state."

A/N: Well…well…well…Fitz is starting to chip away at Olivia's boundaries, while she battles to keep them firm. Will they be able to convince themselves the kiss was just part of the act and not an indication of the yearning they are both feeling? Will they be able to pretend for five more days without things becoming real? Will Olivia cheat on Jake? I'm not sure I have all the answers yet, but I'm along for the ride. Are you?