A/N: I hope you survived a Scandal-less Thursday. I have to admit my little heart is hurt by how many of you say you are no longer watching the show. I'm really enjoying Season 6. I would enjoy it more if Olitz would get their act together, but I understand it's a process and am enjoying the story that Shonda is telling. There is only one possible way the story ends and I am okay with her taking her time to get there. Enough of my blabbing…I hope you enjoy!

"Relax and enjoy the moment Livvie. You're about to be wowed by the finest chef in the state."

"Juan Carlos seems like a good friend. How did you meet him?"

"I dated his sister."

"Oh," Olivia replied.

Fitz thought he detected disappointment in Olivia's voice, but dismissed it. Why would she care that he used to date his friend's sister? He decided to continue the conversation and see where she took things. "It was shortly after graduate school. It only lasted six months, but she let me keep J.C. in the break up. Turns out we were a much better match than his sister and I."

"Do you still see her?"

Fitz nodded his head. He wasn't making things up. She was definitely bothered by his ex still being in his life. "Occasionally, mostly at family functions like J.C.'s birthday or holiday celebrations."

"It's nice that you were able to maintain your friendship with both of them."

Fitz couldn't tell if she was jealous or just making conversation. He suspected the former, but the latter was far more plausible. "It helps that she's happily married to a former defensive lineman for the Dolphins and they have three beautiful daughters."

Fitz watched as Olivia's shoulders visibly relaxed and she leaned back in her chair. Was it the conversation making her tense or the environment? Before Fitz could probe further he heard footsteps approaching the table. He looked up and was surprised to see Juan Carlos approaching the table.

"This is taking it too far my friend. First, you offer to cook for us and now you're serving us too. Where's our waiter?"

Juan Carlos laughed as he placed two plates on the table between Fitz and Olivia. "Relax, I told him I'd take care of your table. How am I going to know if you like the food if I don't watch you taste it? We've been friends for too long for me to trust what you tell me. I need to see your face. Your face never lies, it's why you're a terrible poker player."

Olivia laughed freely. "I'm sorry babe, but he's right. Your face gives you away every time."

"If that's true, what am I thinking now?"

"You're thinking that Olivia would be much happier with me and that we should run away and make dozens of beautiful babies together." Fitz forced a smile, but both Juan Carlos and Olivia noticed that his right hand was now clenched into a fist. "Relax buddy," Juan Carlos instructed, swatting at Fitz's clenched fist, "I was just kidding. I'm not trying to take your girl and, judging by the horrified look on her face, she wouldn't go if I tried."

Olivia reached across the table in search of Fitz's hand. He lifted her hand to his face, his eyes never leaving hers, and gently brushed his lips across her fingers. Burning from the intensity of his gaze, Olivia averted his eyes from Fitz to Juan Carlos. Eager to lighten the mood, Olivia asked, "What did you bring us?"

"This is shrimp and grits with andouille sausage, bacon, peppers and onions served in a phyllo tart shell."

Olivia crinkled her nose with uncertainty. "Shrimp and grits? Together?"

Fitz laughed at Olivia's reaction. "The lovely lady is obviously not a southerner. Where are you from?" Juan Carlos asked.

"I'm from Boston."

"Boston, really? I would have guessed D.C. You don't sound like you're from Boston."

"Why, because I don't sound like this – pahk your cah in the Hahvahd yahd?" Olivia said in her thickest Boston accent. "My mother was an English professor and is currently rolling over in her grave that her baby is at the Indian Creek Country Club talking like a Southie."

Fitz squeezed Olivia's hand tightly. There was so much he wanted to say, he wanted to comfort her or offer his condolences, but couldn't because Juan Carlos was there and any decent boyfriend of longer than a month would know that his girlfriend's mother was dead.

"Your mother died? I'm sorry," Juan Carlos offered.

"Thank you. It was a long time ago. Now, are we going to talk or are we going to eat?"

"Please," Juan Carlos replied, gesturing at the appetizer, "dig in."

Fitz and Juan Carlos watched as Olivia tentatively held up a tart and took a small bite. The flavors were so rich and diverse she couldn't help the moan that escaped her lips. Beaming, she looked at Juan Carlos and, in her best Boston accent, said, "That is wicked pissah!"

Fitz and Juan Carlos laughed in unison. "I don't know if that's a good thing or a terrible thing."

"It's the highest praise a girl from Boston can offer. Fitz, you've got to taste this," she said, holding up her tart for him to bite. Fitz hesitated, he didn't normally allow women to feed him, but then he leaned forward, his lips parted, and swept the morsel she offered into his mouth with his tongue, his lips brushing against her fingertips as they closed. Olivia felt a small tremor race through her body when his lips made contact with her skin. What the hell was that? Why is the feel of his lips against my skin so electric?

"Olivia's right, that's delicious." Fitz's words pulled Olivia from her trance and she turned to look at Juan Carlos, slightly embarrassed that he had to witness their intimacy. "What's the second plate?"

"This is tuna ceviche with a little red onion, lime juice, and avocado served on a bed of spinach. I would normally include chopped cilantro, but I left that off so as not to ruin the dish for Olivia."

Fitz nodded to Olivia inviting her to taste first. She deferred, "You first this time."

"Are you worried you don't know which fork to use?"

Juan Carlos looked at Olivia with mild alarm. "Ignore him; he thinks he's being clever. It's an inside joke that's only funny to him." Turning to Fitz, she asked, "Are you going to eat or are you scared?"

"There is nothing to be afraid of, I trust J.C. implicitly." Fitz picked up his cocktail fork, grinning wickedly at Olivia, and sampled the dish. He closed his eyes and let the flavors wash over his tongue. "That's perfection, one of the better ceviches I've had. Almost as good as your mother's. The lime's tanginess and the peppers' bite are a wonderful complement to the fish. Olivia," he said, sliding the plate toward her.

Olivia cautiously sampled from the plate. "That's incredible! If it's only almost as good as your mother's, she must be an amazing cook."

"She is the best cook I know," Juan Carlos explained proudly. "I've been in the kitchen with her since I was four years old. She taught me almost everything I know." Olivia smiled sadly. "You two should come to the next Ramirez family event. I know she would love to meet the woman who finally convinced Fitzgerald Grant to settle down."

Olivia shifted uncomfortably in her seat, but it didn't appear that Juan Carlos noticed. "It would be an honor and a pleasure to join you and your family. Just let Fitz know when and we'll be there."

"It's a date. Now, I will leave the two of you to enjoy the rest of your appetizers while I go check on your salads and entrees."

When Juan Carlos was clear of the table, Fitz asked, "Are you okay?"

Olivia reached for another shrimp and grit tart. "I'm fine. Why do you ask?" she questioned, placing the tart in her mouth.

"Your body language was all over the place. You were happy, then I think I detected a bit of sadness, and finally some anxiety or discomfort."

"Do you always pay such close attention to your lunch guests?"

"I do when I care about the person on the other side of the table." Once again, Olivia shifted slightly in her chair. "You're doing it again. I'm clearly making you uncomfortable. Talk to me Liv. Tell me what's wrong. I can't fix it if you don't talk to me."

"Nothing's wrong."

"Liv," he implored.

"It's just…I think we're losing sight of what this is?"

"This? Us?"

"Yes," she replied softly.

"Is this because of what J.C. said? Liv, I don't expect you to attend his family dinner. I am incredibly grateful that you agreed to join me for this weekend. I wouldn't impose on you further. If J.C. invites you to dinner, I'll make something up or tell him that we broke up. Either way, after today, you'll never have to see him again." Olivia released an audible sigh, but didn't fully relax. "There's something else, isn't there?"

"Yes."

"What?" Fitz asked, his frustration evident in his voice.

"I don't mean to be difficult."

"You're not being difficult, but I need you to talk to me. I can't read your mind."

Refusing to make eye contact, she stated, "You can't say things like you care about me when no one's listening. It's not true and it's not fair to me."

"What do you mean it's not true? Livvie, look at me." Fitz paused and waited for Olivia to make eye contact. Slowly she raised her eyes from the table to his eyes. "Just because you're married doesn't mean I don't care about you. I care deeply about your happiness even though I'm not the one that makes you happy. I care a lot about you as an employee, a person, and hopefully a friend. I don't see how we could pretend to be lovers for a weekend and not walk away friends. I wasn't exaggerating when I said I need you in my life. I wouldn't do anything, including making you feel uncomfortable, to jeopardize what we have."

Olivia looked at him with tears glistening in her eyes. "I feel so foolish."

"Don't, you live an honest life. I envy you that. You're not used to this, pretending to feel something that you don't. For me, in my relationships, pretending is what's real." Pretending had indeed become what's real for him. He pretended he didn't need love or companionship. He pretended the only needs he had were ones that could be fulfilled by short-term meaningless relationships, one night encounters or sex with strippers and escorts. For years, he pretended his bachelorhood was a brave choice instead of a cowardly one. He pretended professional achievement and his trust fund were all he needed to keep him warm at night. But, sitting here across from Olivia, he wondered if this was what it felt like not to pretend. For the first time in more than a decade, he allowed himself to wonder what it would be like to have more, to have her. Jake may not have Fitz's wealth or professional success, but he had Olivia and Fitz was starting to envy him for it.

Pretending is what's real. Those words rang in Olivia's ears. Is that what she was doing here, now, with him? Pretending that she could love a man other than her husband. Pretending that she found Fitz charming. Pretending to be the enchanted girlfriend for his friend and the restaurant full of socialites. Pretending that this, what was happening between them, was real and not some elaborate ruse to further both of their professional interests. Or, was it just the opposite? Was she pretending that she was impervious to his charm? Pretending that the butterflies she felt when he looked at her weren't real. Pretending that is wasn't desire that set her skin on fire when he touched her, kissed her. Pretending that her marriage was solid. Pretending that nothing, not even the charming and talented Fitzgerald Grant, could come between Jake and herself. If she was so happy at home, why was she here with him? Was it really for the money and promotion or was she just pretending it was?

Fitz and Olivia were both pulled from their thoughts when their server approached the table carrying their salads. "Chef Ramirez sends his apologies for not bringing out your salads personally. He wanted me to assure you that he will return with your entrées."

"Please tell Juan Carlos that he doesn't need to fuss over us. He has already gone above and beyond with this personalized meal."

"Speaking of personalized," he said, placing the salads on the table in front of Fitz and Olivia, "these are Chef Ramirez's signature chopped salad with twenty-one different kinds of herbs and vegetables. Can I bring either of you anything else?

"No, thank you, everything is perfect," Olivia replied.

"I hope you enjoy!" With that, the server retreated from the table.

"The salad fork is the one to the far left," he teased, winking at her.

"Asshole! If I didn't feel like everyone in this restaurant was staring at us, I'd fling a carrot in your direction."

Fitz laughed. "You're a feisty little thing," Fitz said aloud and added - and I find it incredibly sexy – in his head.

"If by feisty you mean independent, self-sufficient, intelligent woman; I'll agree. Did you plan this?" Olivia asked suspiciously.

"What? J.C. cooking for us? No, that was all you sweetheart. I asked if he was here because I thought it would help you relax if I introduced you to a friendly face. You saw how he was dressed. It was professional, but not what he was wearing when he brought out the appetizers. At best, I thought he would make a recommendation about what we should order and make sure the chef took good care of us. I never expected him to cook for us."

"He's cooked for you before? Right?"

"Of course, but never like this." Olivia shot him a quizzical look. "When he was first starting out, I would hire him occasionally to cook for private dinners or special events, but he's been far too busy for that type of private gig for a couple years now."

"But he's cooked for you here?"

"Yes, but only in his official capacity. I always ask to see him when I'm here and sometimes he's the chef and sometimes he's not, but I would never ask nor would I expect him to offer to prepare a special meal for me."

"What's different this time?"

"You."

Once again, Olivia's face flushed with heat. Damn it, she scolded herself. I have to stop responding to him this way. He doesn't intend for his words to be received the way I'm reacting to them. "You flatter me, but, seriously, stop deflecting."

"It wasn't flattery and I'm not deflecting. I'm telling you the truth. The difference between today and other days is that today you are my guest and he assumed my girlfriend. After the introduction, you mostly drove the dynamic between the three of us. I'm not surprised he offered to cook for us. You're rather infectious, you get under people's skin in a good way. It's why I asked you to join me this weekend, why I played hooky from work to spend the day with you, and why J.C. is in the kitchen preparing you the best meal you've ever had."

"I don't know how I feel about being called infectious. Makes me think of a disease."

"It's a compliment, accept it and smile."

Olivia's face suddenly lit up with excitement. Fitz wanted to believe that she was accepting his advice, but knew it was far more likely that J.C. was approaching their table with their entrées. Fitz turned around and saw J.C. and several servers headed in their direction. The first quickly cleared their used dishes and made way for the chef.

"Sorry I wasn't here to watch you taste the salads. I trust you enjoyed."

"We did, thank you. Not only was the presentation beautiful, but the combination of fresh flavors and textures were unique and quite satisfying," Olivia responded.

"Excellent! Now on to the main course. I was delayed in the kitchen because I totally scrapped my entrée plans. My original plans were to wow you with my culinary skills, but ultimately I decided to give the lady a taste of home." Juan Carlos signaled to their waiver to serve Olivia's meal. "For you, my new favorite Boston transplant, may I present a breaded cod stuffed with Muenster cheese, a side of lobster macaroni and cheese, and pan-roasted asparagus with roasted pepper, honey, and sherry vinegar."

Olivia squealed with delight. "It looks delicious. It's been a long time since I've eaten like this. You've combined my favorites from several different restaurants. Thank you."

"Don't thank me, you haven't tasted it yet. I hope I did your city proud." Juan Carlos nodded to the other server, indicating that he was ready to serve Fitz. "For you, because I didn't want you to be jealous, I prepared a breaded flounder with wild mushrooms, shrimp, crab, and hollandaise sauce. You'll have to beg Olivia to share her lobster macaroni and cheese because, in my opinion, it the most delicious thing on your table. Please, eat, I'm dying to know what you think."

Olivia nodded to Fitz for him to sample his food first. Fitz used his fork to cut off a healthy sample of the fish and tasted it, taking his time to enjoy the flavors. "This is truly decadent. The fish is mild and tender. The breading is the perfect complement to the richness of the fish. It's among the best fish entrées I've had anywhere and definitely deserves a place on your menu. This will quickly become your most requested dish."

"That's high praise. Thank you." Juan Carlos turned to Olivia, "Your turn."

Olivia used her fork to scoop up a generous portion of the lobster macaroni and cheese and tasted it. When the flavor hit her tongue, her eyes rolled back in her head and she released a quiet moan. After a moment, she turned to Juan Carlos and said, "I think I just had my first food orgasm. That is amazing and easily rivals anything I've had in Boston. You are officially my favorite of all of Fitz's friends."

Juan Carlos laughed heartily at Olivia's reaction and compliment. "That is the highest praise I could possibly hope for. I'm so glad I was able to meet your lofty expectations. Unless there is anything else you need, I'm going to return to the kitchen and ponder what to serve for dessert. Bon appétit!" As suddenly as they arrived Juan Carlos and the servers disappeared from the table.
"Watching you sample your meal was perhaps the more erotic thing I've witnessed between two fully clothed adults. Are you going to let me taste it?" Olivia pushed her plate toward Fitz. "What? You're not going to feed it to me?"
"I didn't think you liked it when I fed you. You hesitated when I offered you the tart."
"That was before I learned how sensual it can be to taste food from your fingertips. I can only imagine how sweet it would be to dine from your fork."
"Fitz," Olivia growled in warning.

"What?" he asked innocently. "Can we just agree to relax and enjoy ourselves? For today, let's just be Fitz Grant and Olivia Pope, a newly engaged and ridiculously in love couple. I promise to respect your boundaries."

Olivia paused to consider his proposal. What was the harm in giving in fully to the moment? They were in the middle of a crowded restaurant, there was only so far they could push each other in this public space. Olivia scooped another helping of the macaroni and cheese onto her fork and beckoned Fitz seductively with her index finger. Fitz leaned forward, parted his lips, and closed his eyes. Olivia extended her arm and tenderly fed him from his fork. Fitz released a low growl that sent a shiver down Olivia's spine. "Fuck that is good. J.C. was right, that's far superior to my meal and my meal is among the best I've had anywhere. Why didn't he serve that to both of us?"

"It's because he likes me more than he likes you. I'm infectious, remember," she teased.

Fitz smiled at the return of playful Olivia. "I think it's because you're the most charming and beautiful woman I've ever dated."

"Flattery will get you nowhere Fitzgerald."

"I only speak the truth. One day I hope you can see the woman you've let me see today."

They quickly fell into the routine of old lovers, thoroughly enjoying their meal while they took turns teasing and feeding each other. When Juan Carlos returned to their table to check on them, they delighted in torturing him with their adorable and mildly obnoxious interactions. Juan Carlos was reluctant to admit it, but he was rather fond of Olivia, much more so than any of Fitz's previous girlfriends. Fitz used to declare himself a bachelor for life, but he was clearly smitten and Juan Carlos suspected that Fitz was falling quite hard for the lovely Olivia. He was very happy for his friend and made a note to get Fitz alone so he could express all of this to his friend.

After dessert was served, Olivia noticed one of the other patrons waiving their server over to their table. Olivia shot him a devilish grin. "Hope you're ready to pay up mister, I just won."

"What do you mean you just won?"

"Do you see that woman over there talking to our server?"

Fitz discretely turned around in his chair so that he could see the person Olivia was talking about. "Yes, that's Kaitlyn Jordan, what about her?"

"She's asking our waiter about me, about us."

"What? How do you know? Maybe she needs another glass of wine."

"He's not her server. That conversation is definitely about us."

"How are you going to prove it?"

"Easy, in a couple of minutes I'm going to excuse myself and go to the restroom. If she's the kind of woman I think she is, she will follow me. She will time it just right so that we are washing our hands at the same time, where she will casually ask me how I know you."

"Why would she do that?"

"Simple, it's an opportunity for her to get a closer look at me and I'm sure she'll try to chase me away by dropping hints about your playboy ways."

"Why would she do that? Our parents socialize, but we don't. Kaitlyn doesn't really know me."

"Have you slept with her?"

"What? No! Believe it or not, I haven't slept with every woman in Miami."

"Maybe she's not chasing me away for herself. Maybe one of her friends wants to be the next woman warming your sheets. Either way, we're about to find out if I'm right. I hope you have a worthy prize. What do you what me to tell her when she asks about our relationship?"

"I don't care."

"Come on, Fitz, be serious. How do you want me to answer the question?"

"I am being serious. I don't care what you say as long as you don't tell her the truth."

"How can you not care? You said earlier that this room is full of Miami's biggest gossips. Whatever I say to her will be spread throughout your world. What if Mellie hears the rumors? You need to control the narrative here."

"Fuck, Mellie. She left. I don't care what she thinks," Fitz responded bitterly.

Olivia looked at Fitz like he'd grown a second head. "She left because she caught you in bed with someone else."

"She knew what she was getting when she agreed to marry me." Olivia stared at Fitz in disbelief. "Don't look at me like I'm some monster. My relationship with Mellie was an arrangement that benefitted her far more than it did me. I needed to portray an image of a settled family man for the Board and she agreed to help me do that. Trust me, she's not somewhere nursing a broken heart. Our engagement was never about love, it was always a business arrangement."

"Is that how you view relationships, as a business arrangements?" Olivia asked solemnly.

"Of course not." Fitz reached across the table, his open palm an invitation. Olivia alternated between staring at his face and his empty hand, uncertain how she wanted to proceed. "Livvie, please," he quietly implored her to trust him. Olivia hesitantly placed her hand in his and he quickly entangled their fingers. "It is my fervent desire to find the woman I'm supposed to spend the rest of my life with. One that I will love more than I ever thought possible. A woman that challenges me every day to be a better man than I was the day before. A woman whose strengths complement my weaknesses. One that both my mother and my friends love and that will love them in return. A woman that never has to worry that she'll find me in bed with a wine angel because she knows and trusts that after being with her I could never share myself with another woman. Mellie was never that woman and neither of us ever pretended she was."

"That makes me sad."

Fitz chuckled at her comment. "Don't be, we both know I've been thoroughly enjoying my bachelorhood, perhaps a little too much. Plus, if I'm being honest, I'm happy Mellie left when she did, before things went too far. If Mellie hadn't stormed out Sunday night I wouldn't be sitting here with you."

"Fitz…" she said, her voice straining to contain the emotion that threatened to erupt.

Fitz flashed her a lopsided grin. "Hear me out. I know this relationship is just as fake as my relationship with Mellie. The difference is I actually enjoy spending time with you and getting to know you better. I have had more fun with you today than I've had in years. So, are you going to the bathroom so you can fail miserably?"

"We both know I won the moment you introduced me to Juan Carlos. You have the full attention of every woman in this restaurant. They all want to sleep with you. It must be nice to be you."

"They would argue it's better to be you. You have the full attention of every man in this restaurant, the chef is fawning all over you, and you are dating one of Miami's most eligible bachelors. If you ask me, it's much nicer to be you. Are you going to kiss me goodbye before you leave?"

Olivia smiled, leaned across the table and kissed him lightly on the lips. "Happy?" She winked at him, excused herself, and headed in the direction of the restroom adding a little extra sway in her hips for his benefit. She couldn't hide the smile that spread across her face when she hear the scrapping of a chair leg against the floor shortly after she passed by Kaitlyn's table.

Olivia entered the bathroom and headed directly for one of the stalls to collect her thoughts. She was rattled by Fitz's comments on love and relationships and still hadn't decided what she was going to say to Kaitlyn. As Olivia stood there in the stall waiting for Kaitlyn, she began to feel foolish. Maybe Kaitlyn wasn't following her into the bathroom. Maybe the movement she heard was Kaitlyn and her guest leaving the restaurant. Olivia was just about to give up when she heard the bathroom door open. Olivia took a couple of deep breaths, ran her fingers through hair, threw her shoulders back, and confidently exited the stall.

Olivia approached the sinks and observed Kaitlyn's reflection in the mirror. She was a strikingly attractive woman in her early forties, with olive skin, dark hair and eyes, standing at the counter refreshing her makeup. Olivia felt Kaitlyn's eyes staring at her in the mirror, taking in every small detail. Pretending to ignore her, Olivia turned on the water and deposited a dollop of soap in her palm. Olivia took her time washing her hands, feeling Kaitlyn's eyes on her the entire time. It wasn't until Olivia moved to dry her hands that the woman finally spoke. "I couldn't help but notice Chef Ramirez at your table. It appeared the two of you were having special meal. Are you and Fitzgerald celebrating something?"

Olivia worked to suppress the arrogant smirk that threatened to spread across her lips. There was something about the other woman's tone that simultaneously unsettled her and made her want to crush her. "Isn't Juan Carlos fabulous? He just prepared the most amazing meal I've ever had. Fitz is lucky to have such a talented friend. How do you know Fitz?"

"Fitz and I have been friends since high school. I don't imagine he can say he knows most of the women he dates longer than two weeks. It's unusual for him to be out with someone so early in the day. What's the special occasion?"

Olivia delighted in Kaitlyn's snarky tone. This woman was definitely not pleased that Olivia was with Fitz, but it didn't appear her discontent had anything to do with Mellie. "It's too soon to talk about. We haven't even had a chance to tell his parents. I'm not sure Fitz is ready to share the good news."

Kaitlyn glanced down at Olivia's now bare left ring finger. "I'm sure he wouldn't mind. I can keep a secret. Plus, you're here celebrating today. He obviously doesn't' intend to keep it a secret for long."

Olivia doubted that Kaitlyn would hold whatever Olivia told her longer than it took to get back to her table. "Why don't you come back to our table and join us for a drink? I'm sure Fitz would love to see you and then we can tell you why we're celebrating together."

"I couldn't possibly impose."

"I insist. It's no imposition, plus I'd love to get to know another one of Fitz's friends. It's settled, you're joining us."

Fitz heard a familiar clatter of heels on the floor and knew that Olivia was returning from bathroom. He looked up to find her smiling triumphantly, Kaitlyn in tow. When Olivia approached the table, she leaned over and whispered, "Pay up, mister," in his ear before kissing him on the cheek. "Babe," she said loud enough for Kaitlyn to hear, "look at who I ran into in the bathroom. I insisted that she join us for a drink."

Fitz shot Olivia daggers before signaling to the waiter to bring an extra chair and champagne flute. When Kaitlyn was settled and served, Olivia started the conversation. "Kaitlyn noticed us talking to Juan Carlos and asked what we were celebrating." Ignoring Kaitlyn's obvious discomfort, Olivia pressed on, "She would be the first person we told so I wanted us do it together."

Fitz stared at Olivia, delighting in her amusement at Kaitlyn's discomfort. He reached across the table and held Olivia's hand. "Well, I was hoping we could keep it between us for a couple of days, but what the hell. Olivia's made me the happiest man in the world by agreeing to marry me."

Kaitlyn choked on her champagne, inhaling the bubbly liquid, which resulted in a coughing fit. "Oh dear," Olivia exclaimed with false compassion, "Fitz, help her."

Fitz patted Kaitlyn roughly on her back, starting to enjoy the moment as much as Olivia. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," she sputtered, "but you really must excuse me." Kaitlyn took three steps away from the table before turning and saying. "Congratulations, I'm very happy for both of you."

"Thank you. I'm sorry you have to leave so soon. I was hoping to get to know you better," Olivia replied. "Bitch!" Olivia mumbled under her breath loud enough for Fitz to hear.

When Kaitlyn cleared the area, Juan Carlos returned. "What the hell was that about?"

"Kaitlyn was curious about all the attention you were giving our table and accidentally on purpose bumped into me in the bathroom. The bitch implied that I was a one night stand and questioned why Fitz and I were out during daylight hours".

"The little devil across from me invited her back to our table to torture her. It was well deserved and I couldn't help but join in so I told her that Olivia and I were engaged and she choked on her champagne." Fitz and Juan Carlos doubled over with laughter.

"Serves her right. She's such a nosy gossip. The woman needs a job. She has too much time on her hands."

"Well, my friend," Fitz said rising from the table and embracing Juan Carlos. "Olivia and I have thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, but we have another appointment we must get to. Please charge me whatever you like and have them add a generous tip for our waiter to my account."

Juan Carlos feigned injury. "You insult me. I wouldn't dare charge you for being my guinea pigs. I am pleased that you enjoyed the meal." Turning to Olivia, he said, "It was a pleasure meeting you. My friend is a very lucky man and you should never let him forget it. Please come back anytime and ask for me."

"The pleasure was all mine," Olivia said, opening her arms to embrace Juan Carlos. "Everything was delicious. I hope to see you soon and it would be even more enjoyable if you're not working."

Fitz and Olivia stood in front of the club waiting for Brian to arrive with the car. "That was very kind what you said to J.C.."

"Maybe, but it was also true. In another lifetime I think the three of us would be good friends." Before she could expound any further, Brian arrived with the car. Fitz opened the door and helpful Olivia into the car.

When they were both settled, Brian asked, "Where to sir?"

"Brian, please take us to thirty-six northeast First Street."

"Sure thing." Brian smoothly eased the car away from the curb and merged into traffic.

"Where are we going?" Olivia asked.

"It's a surprise."

"How about a hint?"

"You should google the definition of surprise. The whole point is that you don't know where we're going and you are shocked and delighted when you find out."

"I hate surprises."

"What is there to hate about surprises?"

"It's too much pressure."

"Pressure? For you? I can understand the pressure on the surpriser to plan something that the surprisee wants and will enjoy, but what's the pressure on the surprisee?"

"The pressure to enjoy the surprise and react the way the surpriser expects you to. Not all surprises, even ones that are well thought out, are good surprises. You're standing beside this person who's super excited because he believes he planned the perfect thing that's just going to wow you. But what happens if you're not wowed? It's rude not to be excited and happy after all the effort he's put into surprising you. So, you have to pretend. You have to smile, squeal, maybe even cry to protect his precious ego. I hate having to pretend that I'm happy when I'm not, but I don't' want to be an asshole, so I pretend. And that's why I hate surprises. It's so much easier for me to know I'm going to be disappointed up front so I can prepare myself to pretend to be excited."

"Does that really happen? Have you really had a surprise you hated?"

"Absolutely! I'm sure all women have. For our first wedding anniversary Jake bought me a vacuum, it was very nice and very expensive, but it was still a vacuum."

Fitz howled with laughter. "Did he really buy you a fucking vacuum?"

"He did. He was a terrible gift giver for the first several years of our marriage. He's still not the best, but now he mostly just buys what I tell him I want. It's not exciting or surprising, but at least I know I won't be disappointed."

Dropping his voice an octave, he asked, "Have I ever disappointed you?"

Fitz's tone caused a shiver to race through Olivia's body. "Not yet. I was suspicious of your lunch plans, but that turned out fabulously. Juan Carlos is delightful and it was hands down the best meal I've ever had. It made me a little homesick."

"You see…good things happen when you trust me."

"That may be a bit of an overstatement. It's only been two days and you've already shown me some of you best stuff. I know because I'm usually your little elf, helping you woo the latest woman to hold your attention."

"You haven't even scratched the surface of my best stuff. I know how to spoil a woman and I know it doesn't involve gifts with batteries or electrical cords."

Without warning, the driver suddenly swerved, causing Olivia's small body to collide with Fitz. He instinctively wrapped his arm around her, pulling her even closer to him. Olivia looked up at him, her chocolate brown orbs wide with shock and surprise. "I'm sorry," she offered, making no attempt to escape his embrace. Fitz marveled at how good it felt to have her in his arms, her tiny frame fitting perfectly into the contours of his much larger frame.

"Are you okay?" he asked, allowing his eyes to freely roam over her body.

Olivia's skin flushed with heat from the intensity of Fitz's gaze as he unabashedly admired every inch of her. Olivia shuddered in his arms, her body tingling with arousal, the tension in the car making it difficult for her to breathe. She giggled softly, still tipsy from the champagne at lunch, when she noticed he was staring at her lips. "You want to kiss me," she boldly stated. "You want to kiss me for real. Here, where no one can see us, where there's no reason for us to pretend. You want to kiss me for you."

Their unexpected proximity overwhelmed Fitz as her presence assaulted his senses. The sound of her giggles rang in his ears, the sweet scent of her body wash and perfume filled his nostrils, the silky smooth skin of her exposed thigh warming his hand, and the sight of her dilated pupils and chest heaving with ragged breaths, giveaways of her arousal. He yearned to slide his tongue into her mouth, to taste her, kiss her, and explore her. "Do you want me to me kiss you?" he asked, his baritone desperate and raspy.

The thought of his lips pressed against hers threatened to dissolve her restraint and allow her to give into her desire. Instead of pushing away from him, she leaned forward, inviting him to kiss her. "I'm married," she whispered, her warm breath ghosting across his lips.

"I know," he replied, using every ounce of willpower he could muster to remain perfectly still. He understood her response. Her mind was battling with her body. She was married, off-limits to him. Yet, here she was, her body pressed again his, practically begging him to kiss her. Nevertheless, he wouldn't. As badly as he wanted her in that moment, he knew it had to be her decision. He would rather nothing happen than risk losing her to regret and guilt.

Olivia was frozen in place, torn between leaning forward to capture his lips with hers and pushing away from him, retreating to safety on her side of the car. As much as she wanted to give into her feelings, she couldn't be the one to initiate contact and she knew he wouldn't. It was the only rule of the day, she could do anything she wanted, but he wouldn't initiate contact. Unable to think with him so close, she offered the first excuse that came to mind, "I work for you."

"I know."

"I can't," she said, the longing evident in her voice even as she was pulling away.

Fitz, smiling at her warmly, reached out and gently caressed her cheek. "I don't want you to."

Oliva returned to her side of the car, taking a moment to collect herself. How did the day turn from harmless, friendly flirting to this? She was happily married, she shouldn't be lusting for another man, much less her boss. Did she want to blow up her entire life? Because that is exactly what giving into whatever this feeling was would do. It would ruin her marriage and her professional relationship with Fitz. Was one kiss worth all that? All of the fighting with Jake had allowed Fitz to get in her head. She desperately needed some space from him and to reconnect with her husband. The problem was she wasn't going to get that. She and Fitz were scheduled to leave for Martha's Vineyard tomorrow afternoon. Did that give her enough time to work things through with Jake? She wasn't sure, but knew it would have to be. She absolutely couldn't get on a plane with Fitz tomorrow feeling the way she felt now.

Fitz studied Olivia closely as her defensive walls were resurrected. He wondered what she was thinking. Did she really want him to kiss her or was that just the champagne talking? Was he right to make it her decision? Did she interpret his inaction as lack of interest or weakness? Was she feeling any of what he felt? Were these feelings real or the result of an alcohol fueled, flirty lunch? He wanted to talk to her, ask her these questions, but how could he engage her without insulting her. She wasn't some whore off the street, she was a beautiful, smart, sexy woman that deserved his respect. How could he ask her what she wanted without accusing her of being a lying whore?

Fitz and Olivia were pulled from their thoughts when Brian announced their arrival. Olivia looked out the window and noticed they were parked outside the Seybold Building. "Fitz, why are we here?"

"Trust me, Livvie," he said as Brian opened the car door. Fitz exited the car and extended his hand back into the vehicle to help Olivia out. "Are you coming?" he asked when she failed to take his hand. Olivia looked at him uncertainly. "Do me a favor, just come in and see what I have planned. If you hate it or you're uncomfortable, we'll leave immediately and I'll have Brian take you anywhere you want to go. You don't ever have to pretend with me," he added, flashing her a lopsided grin.

Olivia took his hand and exited the car. He once again placed his hand on the small of her back, pleased when she didn't flinch, and guided her into the building. He walked her to a nondescript office on the first floor. When they entered the office, a bored-looking receptionist looked up and asked, "Can I help you?"

"Yes," Fitz replied. "We're Fitzgerald Grant and Olivia Ballard. We have a two o'clock appointment with Samuel Friedman."

"One moment please," the receptionist instructed, turning to make a phone call. After a moment, she returned her attention to Fitz. She handed him an electronic key card and said, "Use this to access the elevator. His office is on the tenth floor."

"Thank you."

When they returned to the hallway, Olivia suspiciously asked, "What are you up to and when did you make an appointment?"

"I called Samuel while you were in the bathroom at the club. Now, do you want to stand here and talk about how I planned your surprise or do you want to go upstairs and see what it is?"

Olivia hesitated. The Seybold Building was home to some of the finest jewelers in Miami. She knew the basement, first, and second floors were filled with individual shops, but the higher floors were where the private jewelers and dealers resided. She had never been above the second floor and was curious to see how the other half lived. "You haven't disappointed me yet. I'm in, but you have to promise to show some restraint. I have a husband and he's already uncomfortable with your largesse. I don't want more trouble."

"Trouble? Me? I ensure you that you have nothing to worry about." Grabbing her hand, he pulled her in the direction of the elevators. "Let's go. Samuel is waiting."

A/N: I'm going to stop there. Well, what do you think? How was lunch? Is Olivia as in control as she thinks she is? Is addressing the problems with Jake the answer to controlling her feelings for Fitz? And, what about Fitz? Should he have kissed Olivia? Is he right to wait? Will he get another opportunity? The next chapter will include Fitz and Jake interacting for the first time. I've already written the scene and am excited about it!