Weekend Fiancee

by anonolitz

Fitzgerald Grant is the COO of an architectural firm and Olivia Ballard is his executive assistant. When Fitz's plans for an important weekend retreat go awry he asks for Olivia's help to save an important business deal. When Olivia agrees to join him, sparks fly between the couple. Will their pretend engagement lead to something real?

21. Chapter 21

A/N: This is the second of two chapters posted together. If you haven't already read Chapter 20, you may want to go back and read that first. I hope you enjoy!

It was Friday night and Jake was sitting on the couch, watching a documentary, when the doorbell rang. "Liv," he shouted to her, "someone's at the door."

"It's Abby or Quinn, we're meeting here," she replied. "Let her in and send her upstairs."

He opened the door and Olivia's redheaded friend bounded into the house, launching herself in his direction, and wrapping him in a hug. "Hey Abbs," he said, hugging her tightly. He stepped away from her and took in her appearance. "You look amazing."

"Thanks," she said, blushing slightly. "Where's Liv?"

"Upstairs, getting dressed."

Abby looked around, noticing the television was on the bottle of beer on the coffee table. "You're down here hiding from Tsunami Liv?"

"You know how she is when she's getting dressed to go out. She tries on everything in her closet three times, rejecting everything before finding the perfect outfit, usually her first choice. I think she asks for my opinion just so she can yell at me for being clueless. The whole process works best if I make myself scarce until she's dressed, showing up just in time to tell her how stunning she looks."

Abby laughed. "You're a wise man. Let me go upstairs and rescue my friend from herself. With any luck I'll have her dressed before Quinn gets here.

Abby climbed the stairs and knocked on the master bedroom door. "Liv," she called pushing the bedroom door open.

"In here," Olivia replied from the bathroom.

Abby stepped into the room noticing immediately the absence of clothes or shoes on the floor. "Bitch, you better not be in there in your underwear. Quinn will be here any minute now. We don't have two hours to wait for you to get dressed." She walked in the bathroom, surprised to find Olivia fully dressed and standing in front of her vanity, putting the finishing touches on her make up. "Damn girl! That look is straight fire. I can't believe Jake is going to let you go out in that dress."

Olivia moved the lipstick tube away from her lips and glanced up at Abby in the mirror. "He's my husband not my father, I don't need his permission," she said, resuming her previous task.

"He hasn't seen you."

Olivia laughed and looked herself over in the mirror. She was no Renée, but she was more than satisfied with her results. She turned to face Abby and said, "Nope, he's still avoiding me." She spun around slowly. "How do I look?"

"Completely and utterly fuckable."

Olivia threw her head back in laughter at her crass friend. "That's exactly what I was going for."

"You're such a tease. Men are going to be all over you tonight. Why advertise something that's not available?" Her eyes fell to her friend's feet. "Where did you get those shoes?"

Olivia extended one foot to show Abby her shoes. "They were a gift," she said coyly.

"Louboutin, Jake did well. What did he do?" Olivia frowned in confusion. "Your birthday is in January and your anniversary is not until the end of the month. Those aren't shoes you buy your wife just because it's Wednesday. Those are I fucked up and I'm begging you to forgive me shoes. Is he having an affair?" she asked, gasping in shock.

"Jake is not having an affair," she said firmly. "Now, get over here so I can see you," she said, throwing her arms around her friend and air kissing both cheeks. Stepping away from the redhead, she said, "You look incredible!" Abby was dressed in an emerald green scrap of material that accentuated the barely there curves on her lean frame. The vibrant color against her alabaster skin in combination with her fiery red hair making a bold impression.

"What, this old thing?"

"You're gorgeous and you know it."

"I am, aren't I?" Abby teased, laughing. "This may be the only time I get into Utopia. I didn't want to leave anything to chance. Speaking of Utopia, exactly how did you get us on 'The List' tonight?"

"I cashed in a favor with a guy who knows a guy."

"Is one of those guys the reason for all of this?" she asked, gesturing toward Olivia's dress and shoes.

"I'm just trying to keep up with you," Olivia replied, avoiding her question. "Where's Quinn?"

"Late, as usual."

Olivia shook her head. "Let's get started without her. What are you drinking tonight, vodka or tequila?"

"Oooh...let's do tequila shots."

Olivia rolled her eyes. "You do know we're not twenty something anymore?"

"Shut your mouth. I'm only as old as I feel, and, tonight, I feel like I'm twenty something. I'm not going to let my married, middle aged friend kill my buzz."

"Your married, middle aged friend? Ouch! Bring your skinny ass downstairs and I'll reintroduce you to Olivia Pope."

"Olivia Pope, huh? You haven't been her for more than ten years." Pausing for a moment, Abby grew serious. "Are you sure everything is okay with you and Jake? Quinn won't be here for at least another fifteen minutes, we could talk if you want."

"I'd rather drink," Olivia said, shrugging off Abby's concern. "Come on, there's a bottle of tequila downstairs with our name on it."

Fitz arrived at Utopia earlier than he normally would to be sure everything was in place for Olivia before her arrival. He exited the car and walked up to a bored looking bouncer at the VIP entrance. "Mark, they have you on the line tonight?" he asked the club's head of security.

"Fitz," the man greeted him with a bro-hug. "I had a couple of guys call out. I thought I'd take the first shift outside tonight. Where've you been? You haven't been through in weeks. Must be some good pussy to keep you out the club."

"Something like that," Fitz said with a chuckle. "Listen, I have some friends on The List tonight. Will you and your boys look after them and make sure no one gives them a hard time?"

"We got you."

"Thanks," he said, discreetly handing the man an envelope.

"What are their names?" he asked, checking his list.

"Olivia Ballard, Abigail Whelan, and Quinn Perkins." Mark nodded, making a small notation beside their names. "Is Sammy working tonight?"

"Yeah, she's in there."

"Good, tell her to add a couple of bottles of whatever you and the boys are drinking to my tab."

"Will do," he said with a broad smile. "We'll make sure your friends get the red carpet treatment. They sitting with you?"

"They have their own table on the lower balcony."

"The lower balcony? What kind of friends are these?"

"The Miss Independent kind. She's not on my tab."

"That's gotta be new for you. Is she what's kept you slung up at home?"

"I've been busy," Fitz answered with a smirk.

Mark shook his head. "Alright, I'll let the boys know to keep an eye out. You want me to text you when they get here?"

"That's great. Thanks."

Fitz made his way into the club, walking slowly to allow his body adjust to the sensory attack from the loud, pulsing music and the bright multicolored lights surrounding the dance floor and illuminating the DJ booth. He nodded at the VIP host, who, recognizing him immediately, smiled and waved back. He was making his way to his usual table on the upper balcony when his path was blocked by a beautiful Latina woman wearing a gold, spandex mini dress.

"Ay, papi! Where have you been? I've missed you," Sammy said, pulling him into a friendly hug.

Smiling softly at the enthusiastic younger woman, Fitz stepped away and answered. "Working. I only have a couple of months left to prove to my father and the Board that I'm ready to take over the company."

"Is that even a question?"

"Apparently so, some people doubt I have the gravitas for the position," Fitz said in a mocking tone.

"I thought that's why you were with that Mellie person."

Fitz shrugged. "We broke up."

"Should I offer my condolences or congratulations?"

He laughed heartily. "Definitely congratulations." Fitz began to look around, checking out the staff milling about. "Is Jacci working tonight?"

"Please tell me you're not sniffing around that hoe again. You took her to one corporate party and you would think you proposed the way she acted. You're all she talked about for weeks. She was so pissed when you stopped taking her calls. She'd planned your whole lives together after that party."

He shuddered at the thought. "I'm not - what did you say - sniffing around her again. I have some friends coming tonight and I don't want them bumping into her."

"Are they partying with you?"

"No, they're on the lower balcony."

Sammy scoffed. "Her highness would never deign to work the lower balcony. Plus, some NBA player and his entourage are on The List tonight. She'll be too busy flirting with them to pay attention to you."

Fitz exhaled audibly with relief. "Are you working that party?"

"Not my crowd, I prefer my millionaires ridiculously handsome, confident, and quiet. Those here to observe others rather than to be seen." He nodded his head, thanking her for the compliment. She looked down at the mostly empty dance floor. "Why are you here so early?"

"I wanted to avoid the crowd waiting to get in."

Sammy looked at him curiously. Fitz was a permanent fixture on The List, a table reserved for him every night. As long as he arrived before midnight, he walked right in and headed straight for his table where Sammy or another bottle girl made sure he had everything he needed. "Are you headed up to your table or down to see Huck?"

"I think I'll go hang out with Huck while I wait for Charlie and Stephen."

"I'll bring your drink down there. Do you want a bottle or glass?"

"Bring a bottle and two glasses, please."

"We're not supposed to drink while we're working," she scolded playfully.

"I won't tell Adam if you bring two glasses and a shot of whatever you're drinking," he said with a wink before heading off in the direction of the DJ booth.

Thirty minutes later, a buzzed Olivia and her equally buzzed friends were in the back of an Uber headed for Utopia. When they arrived, Olivia directed the driver to drop them off at the front of the club. She opened her door and stepped out of the car, one toned caramel leg after the other, followed closely by Abby and Quinn. Olivia was acutely aware of the feeling of hungry eyes pouring over every inch of her. She felt doubt beginning to creep within her. Maybe Abby was right. Maybe she should have worn another, less provocative dress, but there was one pair of eyes she wanted to feel on her and she hoped he would meet her inside.

As per usual, the line to get in Utopia was wrapped around the building. Instead of joining the line, they walked up to the VIP bouncer and gave their names. Olivia was a bit surprised when they were waived into club without having to show their IDs. As she walked through the famed purple door, Olivia could feel the stares shift from hungry to angry as those waiting outside openly wondered what was so special about her and her friends that allowed them to skip the line.

Olivia led her friends down the dark VIP entrance and into the club. When the hallway gave way to the club's dance floor, she started to understand what the hype was all about. The club was full of flashing lights, punishing bass lines, and jaw-droppingly gorgeous people in amazing clothes. Utopia was a playground for Miami's rich and beautiful and she felt like an imposter, a young girl playing dress-up in someone else's clothes and pretending to belong. She wished Fitz was by her side. He would know exactly what to say or do to calm her nerves and put her at ease. As thoughts of Fitz invaded her mind, she involuntarily began searching the faces on the upper balcony looking for him.

"Who are you looking for?" Abby asked, bringing her back to the present.

"No one," Olivia shrugged off the question as a VIP hostess approached them.

"Olivia Ballard?" she asked.

"That's me."

"We have a table for you on the lower balcony. Please come with us." As Olivia and her friends stepped forward, they were surrounded by bouncers that helped them move through the crowd.

"Do they do this for everyone?" Abby shouted in Olivia's ear to be heard over the music. Olivia shrugged her shoulders. The security presence felt a little like overkill and she had no doubt that one Fitzgerald Grant was behind all of the extra attention they were getting. While she was grateful not to have to fight her way through the crowd, she worried that this was more evidence of his controlling nature.

"I feel like a celebrity surrounded by all these men in black," Quinn squealed. "How did you get us on The List tonight?"

"I know someone that's friends with the DJ," Olivia responded, her eyes once again searching the upper balcony. Fitz was here, wasn't he? The point of asking him to get her on The List was so he would know where she was and they could sneak in some time together. He'd been a little cool at the office the past few days, but she assumed he was still unhappy with her decision to stay with Jake while she moved toward her independence. She tried to reassure him that Wednesday was a temporary setback, but she could tell a part of him had changed, hardened. She was looking forward to tonight as a reset of sorts. They needed some time to just be Olivia and Fitz, to give into their insane chemistry together and forget about everyone and everything else for a while.

Fitz felt his cellphone vibrate in his back pocket. He took out his phone and saw the notification was a message from Mark. Olivia was finally here. He'd been waiting for her arrival for over an hour. He was starting to get antsy and worried that she wouldn't show up. He unlocked his phone and read the message.

Mark: Your friends are here.

Mark: Please tell me the sexy redhead is your girl because one of her friends...gat damn. Shortie made me want to do things that would get me fired.

Fitz: LOL. I don't know the redhead. I only know Olivia.

Mark: Is she the sista?

Fitz: Yes.

Mark: You're one lucky white boy.

Fitz: Trust me, I know. Thx 4 taking care of her.

Mark: No problem. My boys are going to have their hands full keeping men off of her tonight.

Fitz: Tell them 2 only step n if shes n trouble. Dont want her 2 feel smothered.

Excusing himself from his friends and the women they invited to the table, Fitz walked up to the balcony and began searching the crowd for Olivia. It didn't take long for him to spot the trio of beautiful women being escorted through the crowd by no less than six bouncers. Fitz chuckled to himself. Mark knew how to make an impression.

As the group reached the stairs, most of the bouncers fell off, allowing Fitz to get his first full glimpse of Olivia. His breath caught in his throat at the sight of her. Her hair was bone straight and her lips were stained a dark berry color. Even from across the club he could make out her smoky, sultry eyes. She was wearing a black micro mini dress that put all of her best assets on full display. His lust-filled eyes traveled down her body as she moved. The woman was a goddess and he couldn't believe she wanted him. His eyes fell to her feet and he felt a bulge form immediately in his pants. She was wearing his shoes, the ones he selected with images of them digging in his back as her brought her over the edge time and time again. She was trying to kill him, he knew it. There was no way he was getting through this night without having her.

He saw her turn in his direction, her eyes searching for him, and he stepped away from the balcony, concealing his location. He wasn't ready to reveal himself, not yet. He was content to watch her for a while. He quietly observed as Olivia and her friends were seated at their table and a bottle girl attended to them. He tore his eyes away from her for a moment and noticed her friends. Olivia was right, of course, her friends were both beautiful in their own right, but neither of them called to him the way she did. A few months ago, he would have been all over her slender friend with the alabaster skin and flaming red hair. But, today, with her seated beside Olivia all he could muster was a meh. The same was true for the curvy brunette currently throwing back shots. She was attractive sure, but she lacked the bold, confidence Olivia exuded.

Assured that things were going smoothly, he rejoined his party, keeping a watchful eye on Olivia and her friends.

"Is she here brotha?" asked his friend Stephen in a thick Scottish accent, a little heavier than usual, most likely to impress the woman seated in his lap, nibbling on his ear.

"Who?" Fitz replied, turning away from his friend distracted by motion at Olivia's table. The women were making their way to the dance floor. Fitz felt his body tense. She looked amazing and, while he knew she was dressed for him, no one else did. There would be nothing to prevent other men from approaching her, dancing with her, touching her. His finger flexed instinctively. He hadn't come to the club prepared to fight, but he wouldn't hesitate to defend her if it came to that. He felt his phone vibrate and snatched it from his pocket, laughing as he read the message.

Mark: Relax, man. We've got her. I have at least six pairs of eyes on her at all times. We can get to her in 20 seconds, less if she's in distress.

Fitz looked around the club and spotted Mark, positioned on the upper balcony so he could watch both him and Olivia. The two men exchanged briefs nods.

Fitz: Thx

Mark: NP

The woman in Stephen's lap hissed irritated as he sat her aside and leaned forward to Fitz. "Dude, this girl has you seriously fucked up. We haven't seen you in weeks. You finally call and tell us to meet you at Utopia only to spend the whole night looking at the door or at your phone. Who is she? I know it's not your fiancée. I want to meet this new mystery woman. If she's here, invite her up."

The woman seated next to Stephen scoffed in disgust. "Asshole," she said to no one in particular. "Let's go," she said to her friends, each of them taking a glass of champagne as they left.

"What was that all about?" Charlie asked, confused by the women's abrupt departure.

"I invited Fitz's mystery woman to join us and they got pissed and left. I don't know why. It's not like he was paying any of them any attention."

"I thought you were engaged. What happened to Mellie?" Charlie asked.

"She called off our engagement when the naked wine angel in my bed threw up on her favorite shoes."

"You fucked the girl from Cibo?" Charlie asked.

Fitz shrugged. "I told you I was. How many bottles of wine did we order that night just to make her fly? I hate wine," he said with a laugh.

Stephen laughed boisterously. "You owe me a thousand bucks," he said to Charlie. "I told you there was no way our boy was getting married, not even for control of his father's company."

"Damn it," Charlie grumbled reaching for his wallet and handing Stephen a wad of hundreds. Turning to Fitz, he said, "You're picking up the tab tonight."

"Don't I always?" Fitz asked. "You cheap bastards never pay."

"You should pay. We work hard for our money, you were born into yours."

Fitz playfully shoved Stephen. "She was right, you are an asshole."

"We can't all be good looks, charm, and daddy's money."

"You do realize I'm forty, right? I'm COO of one of the most successful design-build firms on the east coast. I stopped spending my father's money a long time ago."

"Doesn't he still sign your paychecks?" Charlie asked, laughing heartily.

"I've had enough of this abuse," Fitz said, rising from his seat. "I'm going to find Olivia."

"Wait...don't go, brotha. You know we kid because we love. Tell us about Olivia. Wait...Olivia? Isn't that your assistant? Your insanely gorgeous, but very married assistant?"

Fitz shoved his hand through his hair and plopped back down on the couch, grabbing his glass and emptying its contents in his mouth. "That's the one," he replied before telling his friends the abbreviated version of the last two months.

Olivia, Abby, and Quinn made their way to the dance floor, four bouncers helping them push their way through the crowd of desperate, but attractive women hanging out on the edge of the dance floor hoping to be invited to one of the VIP tables on that level. Olivia felt the tension in her body began to wash away as the bass line throbbed through her like a second pulse. Olivia loved to dance. She would dance with anyone, men, women, friends, strangers, usually it didn't matter to her. But, tonight she only wanted to be with one man and he was yet to make an appearance. Determined not to let his absence ruin her night, she began dancing by herself in the small opening the bouncers had cleared out on the floor. Taking her cue, Abby and Quinn started dancing with her and the bouncers fell back to their positions on the perimeter of the dance floor. Huck was good, seamlessly folding one song into the next. It didn't take long for Olivia to lose herself to the music, forgetting about everything except the beat pounding up through her high heels and reverberating through her body.

Olivia wasn't surprised when the first group of men approached and started dancing with them. She understood this was part of clubbing and didn't mind as long as they didn't insist on touching her in the wrong places. She understood the bump and grind of hip hop music, but was quick to dismiss a guy if he insisted on repeatedly grabbing her butt, was too rough with his handling of her or became aroused. She was too old to be having dry sex with a stranger in a night club.

Thirty minutes later, Olivia had grown annoyed at being grabbed and groped by the carousel of spoiled, entitled men that approached her. All she wanted right now was to go back to the table and drown her disappointment in a very expensive glass of red wine. Fitz hadn't shown up and, at this hour, she doubted he would. She'd intentionally let the last guy that approached her get a little handsy, dance a little too close, hoping to draw him out. It hadn't worked. Fitz was probably holed up in his condo with some blonde trying to forget about her.

Olivia looked over at her friends, both of whom were having fun dancing with two very attractive, undoubtedly very rich, men. She envied them a little, their freedom, their lack of commitments and obligations, and their ability to act on their desires. If they wanted these men, they'd have them and, if not, they would choose someone else or go home alone. The simplicity of it all made her bitter.

Olivia was moving toward her friends when she felt the fine hairs on the nape of her neck rise and her pulse race with anticipation as Fitz's presence enveloped her. She didn't know exactly where he was, but she could tell he was close. She was tempted to search the crowd for his face, but she didn't. Instead, she continued moving toward her friends, pretending she was unaffected by him even as her body yearned for his touch.

Fitz gave a chortle, watching as Olivia tried to ignore him. She knew he was there, he could tell. He halted his progress, waiting for her to be separated from her friends. He didn't know how much they knew and he didn't want to draw any unwanted attention their way. A group of young, intoxicated college girls pushed their way through the crowd, moving Olivia and her friends in opposite directions. Seizing the opportunity, he silently approached her from behind, resting his hands on her waist, carefully pulling her body into his.

Without turning around, Olivia reached up and wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers threading in the hair at his nape. She deliberately began to sway against him, allowing the throbbing beat to dictate her movements. "I was beginning to think you weren't coming."

"Hello, beautiful," he said, leaning down and kissing her on her shoulder. "You look amazing, easily the sexiest woman here tonight. But, you know that, don't you?"

"I worried I got all dressed up for nothing," she said with a slight pout. "Where have you been?"

"I was here when you and your friends, the redhead in the green dress to our left and the brunette in the silver dress directly across from us, arrived."

"What took you so long to come to me?" she asked, slowly grinding against him in a tantalizingly erotic way.

Fitz released a low moan, his body responding to her delicious torture. "I was watching."

His response shocked Olivia, causing her to momentarily loose her rhythm. "I thought you were too possessive to be a voyeur," she purred.

"I am," he responded, his voice dripping with sex as he pressed against her, firmly grasping her undulating hips and holding her close to him. Her senses flooded with desire as she felt his need throbbing against her back. "I had to make sure you weren't followed."

She arched her back and pressed her butt against him. "Followed?" she asked innocently. "Who do you think would follow me?"

Fitz simply growled his response, refusing to utter his name in that moment. "If you were mine and you left the house dressed like this without me, you would have to be punished."

His sexy threat sent a chill snaking its way down her spine. "How exactly would you pun-

Olivia let out a small yelp as he swept her hair to the side and sank his teeth into her neck, the resulting sensation an intense mix of pain and pleasure that flooded her panties. "Mmmm...you smell heavenly," Fitz murmured against her neck before kissing the spot he just bit. He dragged his lips along the skin on her neck upwards towards her ear. Reminding himself to be gentle, he moved his hands along her delicate rib cage, pleased by the feel of her chest heaving as her breaths became ragged with arousal, and cupped her breasts. He traced his tongue along the outer shell of her ear before speaking. "I've found that orgasm denial is an effective way of discouraging naughty behavior," he said, his hot breath tickling her skin.

She flipped around in his arms so she could face him, her fingers once again finding purchase in his hair. She pressed herself against him and lowered his head so her lips brushed against his when she spoke. "You'd really deny me," she whined softly.

Olivia's eyes danced with delight when Fitz's hips involuntarily jerked against hers as she pushed him to his limit. He was painfully hard and knew he would have to leave her soon or risk dragging her into the nearest semi-private spot. "Not even I have the willpower to deny you. Denying your orgasm is a very different thing. Look it up," he instructed seductively before capturing her lips with his. He kissed her deeply, his tongue tangling with hers as he tasted the combination of tequila and her natural sweetness, claiming her as his for all to see. Olivia didn't flinch as she felt his hands creep under her dress and palm her ass, grinding her against him. Instead, she melted into him, kissing him back, giving herself to him. He pulled away from her suddenly, leaving her breathless and panting. "I should go. Your friends are headed this way."

"Don't go," she pled, already missing his warmth as his body began to separate from hers.

He looked deeply in her eyes, two huge chocolate pools drunk with lust as much as with alcohol. "I won't be far," he promised, kissing her again before moving into crowd.

Before she could chase him, she heard Abby's voice exclaim, "There you are," as she grabbed her by the wrist turning her to them.

"Who was that?" Quinn asked, watching the muscular back of the stranger as he disappeared into the sea of dancers.

Olivia shook her head, trying to clear the haze from her mind. "Nobody," she huffed. "Let's go back to the table. I need a drink."

Olivia and her friends were swapping stories about the men they danced with and throwing back tequila shots when Sammy approached their table carrying three bottles of Armand de Brignac Brut Rose Champagne. "Which one of you is the lucky woman or is it all three of you?"

"Excuse me?" Abby asked.

"I come bearing three bottle of champagne compliments of the infamous Fitzgerald Grant. One of you beautiful creatures has captured his attention. Whichever one of you it is, is about to have the best night of her life."

"What do you mean by that?" questioned Quinn.

"The man is a sex god. Rumor is he can make a woman cum without touching her," she explained, as she uncorked one of the bottles and started serving the effervescent liquid.

Abby sat up at attention, now intrigued. She was well aware of the rumors about Fitzgerald Grant's prowess. She wanted to meet him for years, but somehow their circles never overlapped. She thought about asking Olivia to introduce them, but didn't want her caught in the middle if things didn't go well. "Do you know this from experience?"

"No," Sammy said, smiling wickedly, "my wife would kill me, but Fitz is one of the good ones."

"How so?" Olivia chimed in, finally joining the conversation.

"He's a flirt, but he's respectful. He's not one of those rich guys that assumes because he's spending a lot of money he can have me too. You never see him forcing the issue. If the woman he's interested in turns him down, he moves on. Plus, he's very generous, the tip on these three bottles alone will pay my rent for the next three months. I can't risk that for one night, no matter how amazing I know that night will be.

"Wait...you just said you have a wife," Quinn pointed out.

Sammy laughed, shaking her head. She'd never understand straight people's obsession with putting people into sexual boxes. Why should she have to limit herself to one gender when she could have both? "I prefer being with women to having average sex with men. There's nothing average about Fitzgerald Grant." When she finished serving the champagne, she turned to Olivia. "Have fun tonight," she said, winking at her.

"How did you know it was me?"

Sammy smiled knowingly at her. "When I told your friends about the mythical being that is Fitzgerald Grant, they leaned forward in their seats, curious, intrigued, and a little disbelieving. You, however, remained relaxed and unfazed on the couch. There's only one explanation for that, you know unicorns exist because you know Fitz."

Olivia laughed nervously, trying to ignore the way her friends were looking at her. "We work together. I'm his assistant."

Sammy quietly observed the woman seated before her. Olivia either had the best job in the world or the worst. She wasn't sure which would be harder, resisting Fitz's advances or giving into them and maintaining a professional façade. Despite the wedding bands, she suspected Olivia had opted for the latter challenge. "Enjoy! I'll be back to check on you a little later."

As soon as Sammy was out of earshot, Abby lifted one of the bottles out of the ice bucket and examined the brilliant pink-gold bottle and prominent spades logo, whistling quietly. She turned her attention to Olivia, "The Ace of Spades; care to explain why your boss just sent over three ten thousand dollar bottles of champagne?"

Olivia took a long sip from her glass, savoring the strawberry, cherry, and wood tones. Fitz was a man with impeccable taste in all things. "You're making it a bigger deal than it is. He's just being polite. We bumped into each other on the dance floor. I'm sure to him a ten thousand dollar bottle of champagne is the equivalent of a hundred dollar bottle for us. It's an indulgence for sure, but not one that's going to be more than a blip in the budget."

"I saw him bump into you. The two of you seemed mighty cozy for professional colleagues." Heat rushed to Olivia's face. How much did Abby see? She'd been so distracted by Fitz that she'd forgotten to pay attention to who was watching and limiting what her friends saw. Had Abby been watching the two of them the whole time?

"What are you talking about? What did I miss?" Quinn asked.

"Nothing-"

"Liv and her boss grinding all over each other. Judging from how he dances, Sammy may be right about his skills. I bet he's huge. He moves like a man with an anaconda in his pants. Oooh...do you have a dick pic?" Abby asked, tapping her fingers in glee.

"Abby!" Olivia scolded.

"What's wrong with you?" Quinn asked Abby. "Olivia's married, she's not like you with your stable of men. Not all of us are content to be married to our jobs. Some of us want companionship for longer than one night. You are better suited for Fitz than she is." Olivia's eyes flared with anger at the mention of Fitz being with another woman. "She and Jake have been married forever. They are the happiest, most in love couple I know."

Abby watched as Olivia fidgeted nervously with her wedding rings. "Now this all makes sense. The dress, the shoes, and the mysterious hook up from 'a guy that knows a guy'. One of those guys is Fitz, isn't it? Quinn and I are your cover story so you could be with him. Not that I'm complaining. You're welcome to use me anytime if you promise to take care of me like this," she said, leaning back on the couch and demonstratively sipping from her glass.

"Why are you always stirring up trouble?" Quinn asked Abby. "Olivia's not having an affair with her boss. Why would she? Have you seen Jake? He's perfect. They're perfect together."

"Have you seen Fitz?" Abby countered, searching her clutch for her cellphone. She scrolled through images of Fitz until she found one from a golf charity event. He was captured in mid swing, the muscles in his arms and chest flexed and straining against his golf shirt. "This is Olivia's boss," she said thrusting her phone at Quinn, "the man the bottle girl just described as a sex god."

Quinn dismissed the photo. "It's probably airbrushed. No 'real' man looks like that."

"Let me see," Olivia said, reaching for the phone. She couldn't help the smile that lit up her face as she looked as the photo. "No," she said, laughing as Quinn shot Abby a victorious smirk. "The photo is not airbrushed," she continued. "He really looks like that." Abby laughed as Quinn's eyes widen in shock. "You should see him without the shirt," she said giggling as Quinn nearly choked on her champagne.

"Are you really -

"Relax, Quinn, I'm just kidding," Olivia interrupted her, mentally chastising herself for thinking she could tell her friends about her relationship with Fitz. She should have known Quinn wouldn't understand, that she would expect her to be the dutiful wife instead the dynamic, alive woman she was when she was with him. Abby, on the other hand, probably would encourage her to sleep with Fitz, but she'd never support Olivia's decision to leave Jake to be with him. Abby was in an abusive relationship during undergrad and generally mistrustful of men, but, for some reason, she liked Jake. Olivia put on a brave face, plastered on a fake smile, and addressed her friends. "But, he really does look like that. He doesn't need to be airbrushed."

"Why don't you invite him down so we can see for ourselves?" Abby proposed. "Or, better yet, asked him to send a dick pic.

"What?" Olivia asked, her eyes scanning the upper balcony, wondering where he was sitting and if he was watching her look for him. "He's my boss," she hissed. "I'm not asking him for a dick pic. He might send it."

"You're not the least bit curious?" Abby queried. "You had to feel it when you were dancing with him."

Olivia bit the inside of her cheek. Of course she was curious. She'd felt him pressed against her and caressed him through his clothes, but, thus far, that's all he'd allow her to do. Every time she made a move, he'd assert control of the situation and flip the focus to her. "He's a grown man; he can control himself. Plus, we weren't dancing that close."

"That's not what it looked like to me."

"How would you know? You had that young boy draped all over you. What happened to him anyway?"

"He was wearing a Fossil watch, just some tourist pretender. I'm done kissing frogs. I'm not sleeping with a man unless his net worth is at least eight figures," Abby explained with a laugh.

Quinn rolled her eyes. "You can't judge a man's worth by the size of his wallet."

"How's the air up there on your high horse? You do know true love, soulmates, and all that romantic bullshit is just a myth. If that's what you're waiting for, you're going to be single forever. Ask Olivia, she's married and even she doesn't believe in that crap. Relationships are partnerships and I'm looking for an equity partner. Speaking of which, hand me your phone Liv."

Olivia frowned. "Why do you need my phone?"

"I'm going to text Fitz."

"I'm not giving you my phone so you can text Fitz."

"Fine, then you text him. Quinn and I want to meet the unicorn."

Olivia looked at Quinn, who nodded eagerly and said, "It would be rude not to thank him for the champagne."

"Fine," Olivia said, reaching for her phone, "but I can't promise he'll answer. I'm sure his table is full of supermodels. He may not be interested in leaving them to join his assistant and her friends down here."

"Stop stalling and start typing," Quinn bossed sassily.

Olivia unlocked her phone and quickly typed a message.

Olivia: Ace of Spades? Really? I thought we had an agreement. No spoiling or surprises 2night.

"That's done. Now, can we talk about something other than my marriage and my boss? Quinn, are you still dating Gideon?"

"We've been on a couple of dates, but," Quinn shrugged, "I don't know. Can a journalist and an Assistant State Attorney really make it work?"

"That's what you do, not who you are -

Olivia's statement was interrupted by her cellphone lighting up with a notification. "Is it him? What did he say?" Quinn asked.

Olivia checked her phone.

Fitz: U said that but I never agreed. Plus a bottle of champagne is hardly spoiling u. Im just making sure u stay hydrated.

She quickly typed.

Olivia: It was 3 bottles of ridiculously expensive champagne. Thank u but u don't have 2 spend ur $$ 2 impress me.

His response was almost immediate.

Fitz: I know. Thats what makes it fun.

"What is he saying?" Abby asked. "Is he coming?"

"Nothing. I was just thanked him for the champagne and gave him a hard time for being so grandiose. I haven't invited him."

"What are you waiting for? Invite him down or ask if we can come up. All he can say is no and, based on how quickly he's responding, I don't think he'll say no."

"I'm not sure it's a good idea. He's my boss. We've been drinking. I'm not sure I want to mix business and pleasure."

Abby was quick to interject, "Hand me your phone."

"I'm not giving you my phone."

"Then stop being a pussy and invite the sex god down for a drink."

Olivia laughed and started typing.

Olivia: My friends want 2 meet u.

Fitz: Meet me or ur boss?

Olivia: U

"Well..." Abby asked impatiently.

"He's thinking about it."

"What's there to think about?" Quinn inquired.

Fitz: Do they know?

"Give me a second. He's trying to figure out what he's walking into. Let me respond to this message."

Olivia: Know what?

Fitz: About us?

Olivia: About us?

Olivia: ?

Olivia: JK. No. They r team Jake.

Fitz: Only cuz they havent met me.

Olivia couldn't help but laugh out loud. "What's so funny? Give me your phone. I want to see his messages." Abby demanded.

Fitz: Am I cumming n u?

Olivia's eyes grew wide at Fitz's last message. "You are not getting my phone."

Olivia: :-o Not w/ my friends watching. Get ur sexy ass down here.

Fitz: U think my ass is sexy?

Olivia: I think all of u is sexy. R u coming?

Fitz: OMW

"He's on his way down," Olivia declared. "Abby, I need you to be on your best behavior. I know you think he's some mythical being, but to me he's a very real person. Please don't embarrass me in front of my boss."

"Why are you singling me out?" Abby asked petulantly.

Olivia ignored Abby's attitude. "Because I know Quinn would never say or do anything inappropriate to a man she's meeting for the first time, especially not to my boss. You, on the other hand, are a wild card and have been since the day we met."

"Facts," Quinn chimed in.

Abby laughed. "Fine, I'll be good, but if he decides he wants to be bad, I'm going to follow him right down that little rabbit hole."

"When have you ever been good?" Quinn asked, making them both erupt into a fit of drunken giggles.

Olivia rolled her eyes, annoyed by Abby's behavior. Of all of the women in the club tonight, why did she assume that she would be the one that Fitz chose? Abby was gorgeous no doubt, but Olivia knew it would take lot more than that to capture Fitz's attention. Deciding to put an end to whatever Abby was planning before it started, she said, "It doesn't matter anyway. I think he's seeing someone."

"You think he's seeing someone or you know he is? Either way, it doesn't matter to me. I'm not trying to marry him, I just want to spend one night in his Wonderland.

"Abby," Quinn scolded.

"What? I'm only saying what I know both of you are thinking. We all know Fitz Grant's no saint. He's proud of his bachelor lifestyle."

"Drop it," Olivia growled when she saw Fitz approaching them. She watched as he swaggered up to their table, all six-feet-two inches of testosterone-filled man with his pretty boy face and the body of a god. Olivia's eyes glistened and her mouth watered at the sight. She wanted him in the worst way.

"Holy shit! That's your boss?" Quinn asked.

"I told you he didn't need to be airbrushed," Olivia replied with a giggle.

The group fell silent as Fitz arrived at the table. "Evening, ladies." He quieted a laugh as Olivia's friends sat in stunned silence. His eyes moved to Olivia and she confidently returned his gaze, boldly drawing him to her.

Abby was the first to recover, extending her hand towards him. "I'm Abigail Whelan, but my friends call me Abby."

He took her hand in both of his and squeezed tenderly. "It's nice to meet you, Abby."

"The pleasure is all mine, friend," she said, seductively uncrossing and re-crossing her legs.

This bitch, Olivia thought as Abby shamelessly flirted with Fitz. She knew introducing him to her friends before she could claim him as hers was a terrible idea. She didn't know how she long would be able to sit idly by watch Abby throw herself at him before she would be compelled to reveal the true nature of their relationship. For now, her best option was to ignore Abby's antics and hope Fitz would do the same.

Fitz pivoted his attention to the third woman seated at the table. "That must make you Quinn Perkins," he said, extending his hand.

Quinn grasped it, shaking it firmly. "It's nice to finally put a face to a name."

Fitz looked at her curiously. Did she really not know what he looked like before today? He released a low laugh. "I hope Liv has been kind to me."

"I'm always kind to you," Liv retorted.

Fitz settled on the couch beside Olivia, leaned over, and kissed her on the cheek. "Liv," he greeted her before taking a swallow from his drink and setting it on the table, staring at her with a wicked smile.

"Fitz," she responded, her eyes dancing with delight, her skin tingling under his gaze.

They were pulled from their reverie when Quinn asked, "In this era of me too are you really comfortable greeting your female employee with a kiss?"

Fitz swallowed thickly. Quinn was obviously aware of his reputation and was warning him away from her friend. "I would never harass an employee or any woman, least of all Olivia. She is much more to me than just an employee, she's a friend and trusted confidant. I would never touch her without her permission." Olivia once again felt heat rush to her face. Fitz found a way to declare her significance in his life without exposing their secret.

"Do you also have her husband's permission?"

"He doesn't need his per -

Fitz touched Olivia's arm, silencing her. He flashed Quinn a smile far more generous than he felt. "I know Jake well. We went to graduate school together. We now work in the same city, in the same industry. In fact, my work with Olivia closely resembles to work they did together. He understands better than anyone the intimacy that comes from spending eight to ten hours per day with another person. He knows what it means to consult with them about every deal and every decision, trusting them with your fears, weaknesses and insecurities. He also knows that relationship only works if you invest in each other personally and professionally. I know where the boundaries are, and, if I forget, Liv is quick to remind me."

"It sounds like you're on a very slippery slope. Did you know that more than forty percent of women choose a coworker for their first affair?"

"Quinn," Olivia barked.

Fitz laughed heartily. "You got all of that from a simple peck on the cheek. You must be Olivia's friends from law school."

"How did you know?"

"The cross examination and wild supposition gave you away."

Quinn blushed. "I'm sorry. It's an occupational hazard. I'm an Assistant State Attorney for Miami-Dade County."

"If you are anywhere near the bulldog in court as you are for your friends, I never want to be on the wrong side of the law. Turning to Abby he questioned. "And you?"

"I'm a partner at Crosby, Maxwell, and Turner. If you're ever in the market for new representation we'd love to pitch you."

"Thanks, but I prefer in-house counsel. I don't like to share." He briefly rested his hand on Olivia's leg as he reached for his drink. She knew his comment was directed at her as much as it was Abby.

"Feel free to call me if you change your mind."

"I won't. I'm a loyal guy," he said with a wink. Olivia looked at him with admiration. It couldn't be easy to sit there, have her friends challenge him, and not be able to fully defend himself. Thus far, he had appointed himself well. She hoped it continued because she wasn't ready for him to leave, not yet.

Fitz took a sip of the amber liquid in his glass. "What are you drinking?" Abby asked.

"Scotch," Fitz and Olivia responded simultaneously.

"I have this fantasy that starts with me sitting down at a bar and ordering a Scotch neat and attracting the eye of a sexy, sophisticated stranger. But, in reality, I don't know the first thing about Scotch. I'd probably make a fool of myself," Abby said with a laugh.

Olivia looked at Fitz and crinkled her nose. "It's not my favorite, but I can drink it." He smiled as he recalled her stealing sips from his tumbler over the course of the weekend they spent together, eventually learning to appreciate the qualities of a good Scotch.

"Is it true that men find it sexy when a woman drinks their beverage of choice?" Quinn asked.

"I can't speak for all men, but I find it sexy when a confident woman sits at a bar and orders her favorite drink. For me, it's not the liquor, but her presence that's far more important. I'm attracted to a woman who knows what she wants and isn't afraid to ask for it," Fitz responded, his eyes darting from Quinn to Olivia. "However, I will admit I find the taste of my drink on my girl incredibly hot."

As if on cue, Sammy walked up to the table carrying a bottle of Macallan 1851 Inspiration. "I thought I'd find you here." She sat the bottle and four tumblers on the table. "I brought extras in case you want to share," she said to Fitz. She poured a serving into a tumbler and handed it to Fitz. "Ladies?"

Fitz looked at Olivia and raised a questioning eyebrow. "No thanks," she said. "I'll stick with the champagne."

He brushed aside his disappointment at her response given what he'd just shared. "Abby? Quinn?"

"I'm game for anything," Abby said in a suggestive voice.

"I can't let you drink alone," Quinn added.

Sammy poured the liquid into two more tumblers and served them to the woman. "I'll be back to check on you soon."

Quinn was the first to sip her drink. The whiskey burned as it went down and she couldn't stifle a small cough. "Everyone responds like that the first time. Don't give up on it," Fitz said encouragingly.

Abby fared much better, savoring the rich liquid, allowing it to warm her from the inside. "It's not terrible."

"Not terrible?" Fitz repeated, feigning offense.

Abby took another sip, slowly warming up to drink. "It'll never be my first choice."

"But it's good enough use as a lure to catch a sexy, sophisticated stranger?" Fitz asked, making Olivia and Quinn laugh and Abby to shoot him a glare. "What?" he asked laughing. "I thought we were friends."

"So, we're friends now?" Abby asked with a devilish smirk.

Fitz looked at Olivia. She shrugged saying, "You got yourself into this. I trust you can get yourself out."

Never one to back down from a challenge, Fitz replied, "We're friends."

"Well then friend, she said with a sly smile, "is it true that you can make a woman cum without touching her?"

Fitz turned his head in Olivia's direction. "Why are you looking at me? I didn't tell her that. How would I know?"

Fitz narrowed his eyes in her direction, uncertain how to proceed. "Do you want me to answer her?"

"Why are you asking me?"

"They're your friends. How well do you want them to know me?"

"She's your friend now," Olivia answered, obviously enjoying his predicament.

"Well, friend, to my knowledge, I have never given a woman an orgasm without touching her," he said with a laugh. "It may not have felt like I was touching her or I may have touched her in places that aren't typically stimulated during sex, but I've found touch to be an essential part of the female orgasm.

Quinn's face scrunched in disgust. "So, you're one of those creepy toe suckers?"

Fitz laughed heartily. "No, not unless you're into that kind of thing," he said looking at Olivia with a devilish smile. "The female body is littered with erogenous zones. Most men are lazy. They don't take the time to truly study women, worship them. They are so focused on the destination that they don't take time to enjoy the journey. I've found that if you slow things down, study every nook and cranny of your partner's body, and pay attention to her reactions; you can heighten her pleasure to the point she will achieve orgasm from the slightest touch to that special place on her neck, eyelid, armpit, or a more obvious place."

Fitz watched the three women. He had their rapt attention, their faces were flushed, and their breathing labored. He studied Olivia. She was barely holding on, showing all of the telltale signs of arousal. He knew if he touched her now she would combust. She wanted him and he wanted nothing more than to give her what she wanted, but he didn't know how to get her away from her friends. His eyes darted around the club while he tried to come up with a plan. That's when he saw Jacci walking in their direction.

"Fuck," he said under his breath, but loud enough for Olivia to hear.

"What?" she asked.

"Yes."

"What?" she asked again.

Fitz deliberately looked at someone and then shifted his eyes to her. "Yes."

"Oh," she said, discretely looking over her shoulder in search of the woman Fitz was talking about. The club was packed and there were at least two dozen women in the area where he'd looked. Then she saw her, an attractive, slim brunette wearing a gold spandex mini dress that appeared to be headed for their table. "The bottle girl?"

"Yes."

"Why is she coming over here?" she asked, panic creeping into her voice.

"I don't know. I'm sorry. She was supposed to be working the upper balcony. I'll get rid of her."

"Everything okay over there?" Abby asked, looking curiously at her friend and her boss having a hushed conversation.

"Everything is fine. Just roll with us. Okay?" Olivia answered, scooting closer to Fitz. He let his arm drop to her waist, pulling her closer. She stretched her left arm behind him, concealing her left hand and wedding bands. Olivia turned her focus solely to Fitz, leaning into him, sipping champagne and giggling softly at what he was saying. Quinn and Abby ignored the pair as if the scene unfolding before them were an everyday occurrence, looking up only when the empty handed server approached the table.

"Excuse me ladies," the young woman, said starring daggers at Olivia.

"We're not interested," Olivia said without looking at the woman.

Undeterred, the woman pressed on. "You haven't even heard what I'm offering. It's definitely an upgrade from your current situation."

"Nice to see you too, Jacci," Fitz said flatly as he and Olivia turned in the woman's direction.

"Fitz," she said coolly.

"You mentioned an upgrade?" Abby questioned.

Still looking at Olivia she said, "Mr. Wade would like to invite you and your friends to join him and his friends in The Nest."

The group of friends looked in the direction of the club's most exclusive party room, reserved for Miami's rich and famous. The Nest was located on the uppermost level of the club, extending above the dance floor, connected to the upper balcony by eight walkways that stretched from the room like spider legs. "Mr. Wade?" Olivia asked.

"Dwayne Wade, guard for the Mi-

"I know who he is," Olivia interrupted Fitz. "I'm just curious why she would think a married, aging basketball player would be an upgrade from our current company."

"Liv, it's The Nest, you have to at least consider it," Abby pleaded.

"If you want to go, go, I'm not stopping you."

"The invitation was to you and your friends. They can't get in without you," Jacci clarified.

"Liv," Quinn whined.

"Trust me," Jacci interjected, "just because Romeo here isn't wearing a ring doesn't mean he's available. He didn't even invite you up to his table with his friends. Is he at least picking up your tab?"

"There are multiple fallacies in your suggestions and questions. You assumed Fitz was the pursuer. He's at our table because we invited him to join us. I'm not some giggling debutant waiting for him to notice me and pluck me from the crowd. In that vein, I don't want or need him to pick up my tab. I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I can also take care of him, if he would allow us it."

"I let you take care of me. You bought breakfast that one time," he said, dropping his face into the crook of her neck. Shielded from her friends, he sucked at her pulse point, making her squirm.

"Liv," Abby called sharply. "Focus!"

Fitz lifted his head and found Abby glaring at the two of them. "What's most appealing, The Nest or Dwayne Wayne and his entourage?" he asked.

"Fitz," Olivia warned, knowing where he was going.

Suddenly intrigued by Olivia's reaction to Fitz's question, Abby asked, "Why?"

"If it's the former, just name the date, obviously not tonight, and you and your friends can have The Nest. A special party for my new friends. It's not that big of a deal. If it's the latter then you have to work that out with Liv. The best I can offer tonight is hanging out with my friends and me in the DJ booth. If you're nice, Huck may put together a mix just for you ladies."

"You'd really cover the minimum?" Abby asked Fitz.

"It's a small price to pay to get to spend the rest of the night with this beautiful woman," he said looking at Olivia like she was his reason for being. A small tremor shot through her body as she simultaneously felt exposed and adored.

"Only one hundred and fifty thousand dollars," Jacci responded snarkily. Fitz narrowed his eyes in her direction. Why did she have to be so common?

Olivia looked at Jacci and snidely commented, "And you were concerned that he wasn't covering my tab."

Turning the conversation back to Fitz, Quinn asked, "Are your friends single? Do they look like you?"

"Are they in your tax bracket?" Abby added.

Fitz laughed and asked Olivia, "Where did you find them?"

"I wish I could blame it on the alcohol, but it wouldn't be much different if they were sober. Is Juan Carlos here?"

"No, he's working tonight. Stephen and Charlie are here."

"Oooh...Stephen...I could listen to that man read the phone book." Olivia looked at her friends and said, "He's gorgeous with this sexy accent that will make you melt." Fitz glared at her, his eyes burning with jealousy. "Relax, babe, you know I'm yours," she said, placing a chaste kiss to his lips. Turning to her friends, she said, "I don't know Charlie, but if he's anything like the rest of Fitz's friends you won't be disappointed."

"We're in!" they said together.

Fitz pulled out his phone to text Stephen and Charlie and ask them to meet him in the DJ booth. Olivia looked around distractedly, when her eyes landed on Jacci, she acted as if she was surprised to see her. "Why are you still here? Please tell Mr. Wade thank you, but I'm with someone else. You're dismissed," she said shooing her along.

Fitz laughed and asked, "Really?"

"Really," Olivia replied, reluctantly moving away from him. "She was all kinds of inappropriate."

"Friend of yours?" Abby asked Fitz.

"We spent a weekend together a couple of years ago. She wanted more. I didn't. She didn't take it well," he said with a shrug.

"That's why you can't sleep with the help. They start believing they can live with you in your world. I learned that lesson the hard way."

Fitz felt Olivia bristle beside him as her insecurities about their differences flared up. His blood boiled with anger that she would for a second think of herself as the help. He would not tolerate that kind of thinking. She was not now, nor had she ever been the help. She may not have accepted it yet, but she was the woman he was going to spend the rest of his life with. He grabbed her hand to get her attention. When she looked at him, he simply said, "Don't."

She extracted her hand from his, her eyes flickering between him and her friends. Before she could say something, Quinn spoke up. "The two of you looked mighty cozy just now," she said, her statement lingering in the air like a question.

"We should," Olivia answered. "It's an act we've done many times before. I can't tell you how many times I've had to chase away some turned out thot. Being his assistant is a full service job." Quinn gasped in shock. "Not like that," Olivia said in horror. "I only pretend to be his girl. I'm sure he has a harem somewhere to take care of those needs."

"Do you really think so little of me?"

"Yes," all three women said in unison before erupting into a fit of drunk giggles.

"The kiss was real," Quinn said, not dropping the subject.

"A harmless peck," Olivia dismissed. "A side effect of all the champagne."

Fitz raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? In that case I'm going to order three more bottles." Before Quinn could respond, he looked at her and said, "Relax, counselor, I'm just kidding. When the night is over, I will send Olivia home safely in your care. But, I am ordering more champagne." With that he discretely motioned for the nearby bouncer to approach the table. When the man arrived, he explained what he needed and patiently waited for the team to assemble.

Moments later the group was pushing their way through the crowd. When they arrived at the booth, they found Stephen and Charlie waiting for them. "You too pretty to push through a crowd? Afraid you're are going to be molested? You need security to escort you now?" Stephen teased Fitz.

"Damn," Abby hissed in Olivia's ear.

"Told you," she replied with a smirk.

Huck looked up from his table and nodded at Fitz, raising a finger and then gesturing for everyone to take a seat.

"I didn't want the ladies to get roughed up by the crowd," Fitz explained, stepping out of the way so Olivia and her friends could be seen.

"Well if it isn't the lovely Olivia Ballard. You are pure barry," Stephen said rising to his feet. He walked toward Olivia and embraced her tightly, winking at Fitz over her shoulder.

"You charming devil. I have no idea what you are saying, but I think I like it," Olivia responded, moving out of his embrace. "These are my friends Abby and Quinn."

"Ah...your friend's a ginger. Makes me a wee bit homesick. Did you know Scotland has more redheads than any other country?" Stephen asked, really hamming it up.

"You're from Chicago," Fitz retorted, rolling his eyes.

Charlie stood up and joined the group. "Hi, I'm Charlie and I don't know why I'm still friends with these two."

"How do you know each other?" Olivia asked, settling on the couch beside Fitz.

Charlie was the first to respond. "We went to high school together. He paid me to hack the school's computer system and change his Spanish grade our sophomore year."

Fitz laughed. "I was one of his first clients. He now runs one of Miami's most coveted cybersecurity firms."

"Are you the one responsible for the encryption, two factor authentication, and twelve character passwords at Grant Enterprises?" Olivia asked.

"Guilty as charged," he replied.

"Don't say that around Quinn. She's a Miami-Dade prosecutor."

Quinn blushed slightly. "Sounds like a good friend to have," Quinn added, taking a seat beside him.

"And you?" Abby asked Stephen.

"We went to undergrad together. I knew him when he was a pretentious, tortured and brooding artist."

"He skipped the starving part," Charlie interjected. Everyone laughed at Fitz's expense.

"I brought the three most beautiful women in the club to your table and this is how you thank me?"

"Thank you, Fitz," Stephen and Charlie sang in unison.

Fitz was rescued when his Huck joined the group. "Hey, I'm Huck," he said, awkwardly introducing himself.

"Amazing set," Liv complimented him. "I'd love to get a sneak peek at your playlist."

"I would show it to you, but then I'd have to kill you. Let me spin something for you. What year did you graduate from high school?"

"2001."

"That was a great year – Destiny's Child, Train, Alicia Keys, Coldplay, Nelly, Outkast. Lots of good things to work with. What's your favorite dance song right now?"

"Slide," she answered without hesitation.

"Good choice. I'm going to play that next and then I'll play your mix. Have fun out there."

Olivia finished her drink and stood up from the couch. She looked at her friends and asked, "Are you coming?"

Abby and Quinn looked at her and then looked back at Stephen and Charlie. Reluctantly they answered in unison, "We're coming."

Olivia turned and looked at Fitz, pouting playfully. "Are you really going to let me dance alone?"

"How could I resist that face?" He looked at his friends, "Gents, are you joining me or are you going to let me have these beautiful women all to myself?"

The two men eased off the couch and escorted the ladies onto the dance floor.

Thirty minutes later, the exhausted group collapsed onto the couches in the DJ booth. "That was wicked pissah," Olivia shouted to Huck, her Boston accent making a rare appearance.

Huck looked at Olivia with a confused frown. "It's a compliment. The best a girl from Boston can offer," Fitz explained.

Olivia looked at him with adoring eyes. He remembered. This wonderful man sitting beside her paid attention to all of the small details of her life and tucked them away for the future. He deserved so much more than he was getting from her right now. She had to find a way to show him how important he was to her. She needed him to know that she was all in even if her circumstances prevented them from being together the way he wanted. She looked at her friends, pleased to find that they were completely distracted by Stephen and Charlie. She reached across Fitz and took his tumbler off the table, finishing his drink.

Fitz watched her curiously, wondering what she was up to. Oliva gave him a slow, sexy smile, quietly challenging him. "I need to use the bathroom."

"What?"

"Will you escort me to the bathroom?" she asked with a devilish twinkle in her eye.

"Wait here," he said, getting off the couch and walking toward Huck. Olivia watched as the two men had a hushed conversation. Her attention was piqued when Huck removed a silicon bracelet from his pocket and handed it to Fitz. Fitz nodded his thanks and returned to Olivia.

"Let's go," he said, extending a hand to Olivia and helping her off the couch.

Abby watched as the pair disappeared into the crowd. "What's up with those two?" she asked Stephen.

"What do you mean?"

"They act more like a couple than colleagues."

"I think you're reading too much into their interactions. Fitz isn't the guy everyone thinks he is." Abby looked at him in disbelief, causing Stephen to chuckle. "I'm not saying he doesn't live down to his reputation from time to time, but he wouldn't do that Olivia. They're just friends."

Abby absentmindedly sipped her champagne, not quite convinced by Stephen's denial. Everything about tonight seemed orchestrated to bring the two of them together in a way that wouldn't arouse suspicions. Olivia had worked for Fitz for years, but never once could she recall a story about them bumping into each other socially. She worried her friend was flirting with more trouble than she could handle with Fitz.

Fitz allowed Olivia to walk ahead of him, his hands resting on her waist, gently pushing her through the crowd. When he steered her toward a door marked private, she queried, "Fitz?"

Without responding, he brushed past her and waved the silicon bracelet in front of a small, nondescript black box on the wall. The red light on the box flashed green and Fitz opened the door. "This way," he said, taking her hand and leading her down the hallway. He stopped in front of the women's bathroom. "There you go."

Olivia pushed through the door and pulled him behind her, pausing briefly to lock the door.

"What the hell, L-

She grabbed his shoulders and pulled him toward her, her lips crashing onto his, her tongue quickly sliding into his mouth. He parted his lips and gently sucked her tongue into his mouth. He could taste the Scotch on her tongue, and his body quivered in response. His hands moved down to her butt and pulled her into him, making her completely aware of his hard presence.

She leaned her weight against him and he allowed her to walk him backwards. As the pair moved slowly into the room, a tangle of arms, legs, tongues, teeth and lips, her heel caught in a drain in the floor, causing them to stumble backwards into the wall. He laughed into her mouth. "You're drunk."

"I'm not drunk; I've been drinking. There's a difference. Don't worry, I'm sober enough to consent." She kissed him again. If possible, this kiss was greedier, needier than the first, her lips hungry and demanding against his. She pressed her body into his, her hips gyrating slowly against him driving him wild, the ridiculous height of her heels allowing her to brush against him in places she normally couldn't. Fitz tried to focus on anything other than the fire blazing within him from the friction their bodies created.

She kissed across his jaw and down to the spot where his pulse was pounding rapidly in his neck. He felt her nimble fingers at his chest, unbuttoning his shirt about halfway down and pushing it off his shoulders. Her hands slid over his exposed skin, delicately exploring the planes of his chest and shoulders. She kissed him along his collarbone and made her way back up to that spot. She placed her lips over that spot and sucked, hard. The little vixen was trying to mark him, but he made no effort to stop her. If this is what she needed to quiet her demons, he would willingly give it to her. He was surprised when she released him before he was marked, thinking maybe she just needed to know she could.

He didn't have much time to dwell on that thought because she'd drawn one of his nipples in her hot mouth making him groan with pleasure. She nipped roughly at the flat bud before swirling her tongue around the small peak, soothing the sting. She unbuttoned the rest of his shirt and ran her fingers along his taut chest and abdominal muscles, while her lips sought out his, drawing his tongue into her mouth. Her lips didn't linger on his mouth long and, soon, her fingers were replaced with her tongue.

"Liv, what are you doing?"

"I think you can figure that out for yourself," she said dropping to her knees, tracing his happy trail with her tongue. She tugged at the buckle of his belt with one hand and massaging him gently with the other.

He dropped his head back against the wall, unable to focus on anything other than the sensations she was creating with her hand. "Jesus," he cried when he felt her small hand snake into his boxer briefs and grab his rigid member acquainting herself with his size and length. Using her thumb, she smeared precum from his head over his entire length and stroked him ever so slowly. Struggling to regain control, he grabbed both of her hands, stilling their movements. Oh how he wanted her continue, but this wasn't how he wanted to remember the first time she took him in her mouth. "You can't. Not like this."

She looked up at him, hurt etched deeply in her face. Gently he pulled her to her feet. "You on your knees in some club bathroom. This is not who you are," he explained. "It's who you think I want you to be, but I don't. I'm yours. You don't have to do this."

"But, I want to -

He silenced her with a bruising kiss, lifting her into his arms, her legs wrapping instantly around his waist. He reversed their positions, so her back was pressed against the wall while his lips and tongue plundered her mouth. Desperate to feel him where she needed him most, she rocked her hips, rubbing herself against him. He lifted his mouth from hers and she cried out in disappointment.

His kissed his way down her throat to her covered breasts. She wasn't wearing a bra and he could feel her nipples harden from the attention. He drew the bud into his mouth and worked the tip through the material of her dress. Her breath caught in her lungs and she ground against him, desperate to find the right motion and the right pressure to bring her where she needed to be. Fitz knew he had to stop or risk embarrassing himself. It took all the control he could muster, but he pulled away, lowering her to her feet, ignoring her whimpers of protest.

He sank to his knees and pressed his face to her covered pubis. She shoved his head away. "I thought this isn't who we are."

"It's not who you are, but it is exactly who I am. Now, do you mind?" he asked her, trying to nudge her hand off his head. "I'm kind of busy here." Olivia didn't move, she didn't pull him to her nor did she push him away, she just remained still. "Livvie?" he questioned, seeking permission to proceed.

She sighed loudly. "This isn't right. It can't be one-sided. You can't push me away and expect me to welcome you. You can't have one set of rules for you and another for me."

"That's not what's happening here," he said, planting tender kisses across her abdomen while running his hands along the back of her thighs. "I've tasted you before and it would please me very much to do so again. Will you let me?" he asking, moving his hands to her hips and his fingertips underneath the edge of her thong. Olivia nodded silently and he slowly pulled the material down around her feet, discretely tucking it in his pocket.

Lifting one of her legs over his shoulder, he latched his mouth to her, his tongue expertly moving through her folds to find one of her spots. She cried out in pain and pleasure at the sudden overstimulation, shifting unsteadily on one high-heeled foot trying to get away from his mouth. Fitz grabbed her hips, balancing her against him and the wall. "Don't worry. I won't let you fall."

This time he approached her slowly, tenderly separating her folds with his tongue, lapping lightly at the sensitive bud buried there. When it became too much, he pulled back, careful to pay attention to her cues, his tongue stroking the inside of her slippery slit. "You are so fucking wet," he growled.

"Only for you," she purred.

Fitz made his tongue flat and wide, thrusting it through her slick, tight tissue, mimicking what he'd like to do to her with other parts of his body. She moaned softly, rocking with him as he repeatedly drove into her. He spread his long fingers over the tense muscles of her abdomen feeling the way they contracted and released as he worked her slowly. Listening to her body, he withdrew from her cavern allowed his tongue to slither through her folds and whirl around her clit. He'd find a spot that made her writhe against him needy and desperate and push her right to brink before backing off, driving her crazy.

Growing impatient with his teasing, she anchored herself with fists full of his hair and moved against his face, in rhythm with him, directing him where she needed him. He could tell from her movements she was close and, although he wasn't ready to stop, he knew she couldn't take much more. His tongue curled around her clit, sucking it into his greedy mouth. He flicked his tongue hard against her quivering clit a couple of times, giving her the stimulation she needed to find her release.

His greedy mouth wrecked her and she screamed his name as she came violently, her leg buckling, unable to support her. He eased her to the floor and into his embrace, holding her tightly, her small body jerking with aftershocks. He ran his fingers through her hair and placed feather light kisses down the side of her face. "Come home with me. Spend the night with me," he asked, his voice almost pleading.

She kissed him tenderly before letting her head fall to his shoulder. She couldn't look at him, not now when she knew she was hurting him after he was so generous with her. "I can't," she whispered. She felt his arms loosen their hold as he subconsciously prepared to let her go.

"Do you even want to?" he asked quietly.

Olivia felt her insides ripping to shreds. How could he even ask that question? She looked up at him, her eyes hooded from her orgasm and glassy from the alcohol. "Fitz," she exhaled, searching for the words to make him understand. "Every time we are together another part of me leaves him and becomes yours. Every time you touch me you leave an indelible memory that sustains me until the next time we can be together. Every time I walk away from you I am overwhelmed with guilt. Not because of what I'm doing to him, but because of what I'm doing to you. I want to go home with you, but we have to make the small, hard decisions now so the big decisions will be easier later."

Fitz placed his lips against her temple and kissed her tenderly. Then he cradled her head in his hands and leaned his forehead against hers. "I know." He pushed himself up from the floor. "Can you stand?" he asked leaning over her.

Olivia wrapped her arms around his neck and used him to pull herself into a standing position. She caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror. Her dress was hiked up around her waist, her face was flushed, her hair was mussed, and her lips were swollen from his kisses. "I look like –

"Someone who's just had the most amazing orgasm."

Olivia shoved at him playfully. "I'm serious," she said, tugging down her dress. She looked around the floor, frowning when she didn't find what she was looking for. "Fitz, where are my underwear?"

"Why are you asking me?" he replied, feigning innocence.

Olivia pushed him away and finger combed her hair in the mirror before wiping away her lipstick.

"How do I look?"

Fitz laughed. "Like someone who's just had the most amazing orgasm."

"Let's go lover boy," she said, pulling him out of the bathroom, laughing as he struggled to adjust himself before following her.

They were walking toward the DJ booth when a hand reached out and grabbed her arm. "Liv, there you are," Abby shouted. "I been looking for you everywhere."

Olivia subconsciously distanced herself from Fitz. "I was in the bathroom."

"I looked there," Abby said sternly, closely observed the pair. Olivia was practically glowing with heavy lidded eyes, but Fitz wasn't giving off the same post-coital vibe. Whatever was happening between them, it was more than friendship.

"I was in the employee's bathroom. Huck gave me his security bracelet so I didn't have to stand in line," Olivia explained. "What's wrong?"

"Quinn's sick. The lightweight never could hold her alcohol," she said, rolling her eyes. "We need to go."

"Is she okay? Where is she?"

"She's okay, for now, but we need to get her home. Charlie is sitting with her in the DJ booth while Stephen and I looked for you two."

Olivia turned to Fitz. "I'm sorry. I've got to go."

"No need to apologize. Go, take care of your friend."

Olivia looked up toward the lower balcony. "I have to go upstairs and close out our tab," she explained to Abby.

"Don't worry about it. I'll take care of it," Fitz proposed.

"Thank you for the offer, but I don't need you to cover our tab. They have my credit card. They can charge it. I just need to find our VIP host and get it back."

"Do you need it tomorrow?" Olivia paused, trying to think. Fitz reached into his pocket for his wallet. He removed a card and handed it to her. "Here, take this."

"What's that?" Olivia asked, her confusion evident.

"It's my debit card. Take it; you already know the PIN. I'll have Sammy close out your tab and give me your card. We'll switch cards on Monday."

Olivia pushed his hand away. "I'm not taking your debit card. I don't want your money."

"I know, that's why I'm trusting you with it."

"No," she said firmly. "I'll be fine without my credit card for the weekend. Just bring it to me on Monday."

"Liv," Abby pressed. "We need to go."

"I'm coming."

"At least take my car," Fitz offered. "Quinn is sick and you and Abby have been drinking. It's not safe for you to be in a strange car with some random man. I'll share a car with Stephen."

"Thanks," Olivia said, hugging him quickly before rushing off with Abby to find Quinn.

Abby and Oliva quickly gathered their things from the DJ booth and helped Quinn to the door. When they emerged from the club, Olivia quickly scanned the line of cars waiting at the curb, looking for Brian. When their eyes met, he opened the passenger and rear passenger doors and immediately headed toward them to help her with Quinn.

Olivia pointed to Fitz's Maybach. "There," she instructed Abby. "That's the one."

"Liv, that's not our car," Abby protested.

"I know," Olivia snapped. "It's Fitz's."

Abby looked at her in shock. Before Liv could respond, Brian approached the trio. "Hi, Olivia," he said with his usual smile. Nodding toward Quinn, he said, "It looks like someone was overserved. May I?"

"Please," Olivia replied. Brian quickly scooped Quinn into his arms and carried her to the car, leaving Abby and Olivia behind.

Abby stepped in front of Olivia, cutting off her path to the car. "Liv, what's going on with you and Fitz? He's been a little too generous tonight. More generous that you would expect for a coworker or friend. Don't you think? First the champagne, I saw him try to give you his credit card, and now he is sending you home with his driver. Whose home are you going to, yours or Fitz's?"

"What exactly are you trying to accuse me of?" Olivia hissed.

"I'm your friend. I'll always be on your side. I just don't want to see you get hurt."

Olivia's eyes softened. "Fitz is not going to hurt me."

"Liv, you know who he is, what he's capable of doing. You can't trust him."

"That's all in his past. Fitz has changed. He isn't the man you think he is." Olivia looked up and saw Brian waiting outside the car, looking anxiously at Quinn in the backseat. "Can we talk about this later?" Olivia asked. "Right now we need to pray Quinn doesn't throw up in Fitz's car before we can get her home and in bed."

"Fine," Abby huffed, walking toward the car. "But, you can't avoid me forever. We're going to have this conversation."

"I'm not trying to avoid you. We'll have lunch soon," Olivia promised, pulling Abby into a tight hug.

With that, both women took their respective places in the car and Brian pulled away headed in the direction of Quinn's condo.

A/N: I'm going to stop there. I'm sorry to be away for so long. I hope the double chapter at least made up for some of the wait. I promise it won't be three months before I post my next chapter. As always, I love to read your thoughts about the chapter.