A/N: I know, I know, I promised you this last week. I thank you for your patience and your encouraging words. You guys know how to keep me encouraged and writing. Please forgive any errors, I edited this on my iPad and rushed to get it posted today.
One of you reached out to me and said you were having a difficult time and needed this chapter for an escape. I hope it provides some small measure of comfort. Enjoy!
Olivia woke up early Saturday morning feeling recharged and ready to go. Fitz was returning to Miami tonight and she had tentative plans to see him after her dinner with Abby. Deciding the day would go by faster if she was productive, she was out of the house early. She was driving down Collins Avenue singing along with Ella Mai on her self-titled album, when a series of error messages and warnings lit up her dashboard. She felt her car decelerate despite pressing firmly on the gas pedal. Fighting against her rising panic, she eased her car to the shoulder of the busy highway.
"Damn it," Olivia cried out, slamming her fists on steering wheel. This was the last thing she needed today.
After several unsuccessful attempts to revive her car, she pulled out her cellphone and called Jake. After multiple rings, she was directed to his voicemail. She repeated the process with unanswered calls to Abby and Quinn. She quickly sent the three of them text messages asking them to call her. Deciding it was time to rescue herself, she opened her glovebox, pulled out her car's manual, and looked for her dealership's contact information.
She was in her car playing Candy Crush on her phone, waiting for the tow truck, when she felt the first trickle of sweat at her hairline. It was getting hotter in her car and she didn't know how much longer she could stay inside, but the prospect of standing on the side of the highway was even less appealing. It was time to call in the cavalry. She dialed one of the few numbers she had committed to memory.
"Hello," Fitz answered groggily, not even fully awake and already cranky.
"Fitz? Why does it sound like you're asleep? You're supposed to be at the president's breakfast."
"Who am I talking to?" Fitz asked, slowly waking up.
"It's me, Liv," she answered confused. "Is someone there with you?" She asked, jealously rising within her.
"I'm alone. Like I have been every night since you went home to your husband," he snarled. It wasn't his best moment, but he was tired and annoyed by her continued questioning of his fidelity when she was the one that slept beside another man every night.
Olivia gasped audibly, completely unnerved by his revelation. She thought about all of the times she'd implied or outright accused him of being with other women. Had she been wrong all this time? Why hadn't he said something sooner? Suddenly, she was awash with emotions. Fitz hadn't said anything sooner because although he'd made his wants and desires clear, he didn't want to pressure her to reciprocate his feelings. He was once again putting her first, at great sacrifice to himself. Suddenly, she felt like an ass.
Disappointed in himself for snapping at her, but lacking the energy to manage Olivia's feelings in this moment, Fitz pressed forward. "And I know who you are, Olivia Pope Ballard." She cringed at his use of her married name, something he never did. Was he reminding her that she was the one clinging to her commitment to another man? "I want to know what you are in this moment. Am I talking to my girlfriend or my assistant?"
"Fitz, I'm sorry. I didn't know -
"Am I talking to my girlfriend or my assistant?" he repeated.
"Does it matter?"
"Yes, if this is my assistant calling to remind me of my schedule, I'm hanging up and going back to bed. If this is my girlfriend, I'm waking up to talk to her, but warning her I've yet to have my first cup of coffee and am working on less than four hours of sleep."
"Don't hang up," she said quickly. "I need your help."
Fully awake now, Fitz sat straight up in bed. "What's wrong? Where are you? I'm on my way."
"Calm down. I'm fine, it's my car that's the problem. I'm stranded on Collins Avenue and I can't get in touch with Abby or Quinn. I've called the dealership and they're sending a tow truck -
"I'm on my way."
Olivia laughed. "Don't be ridiculous. Even with your father's jet it will take you hours to get here. Will you call Brian and ask him to come get me? It's already eighty degrees here and my stupid car is dead so I can't roll down my windows. I'm baking in this death trap," she whined.
Fitz smiled, remembering she didn't know he was home. When he'd arrived early this morning he wanted nothing more than to crawl in bed with her. However, he knew she wouldn't allow him in her marriage bed and he didn't want to drag her out at that ungodly hour. Instead, he took an Uber home and crashed, planning to surprise her when he woke up. "Why didn't you call him directly?"
"I didn't want to be presumptuous," she said shyly. Although Fitz had fallen into the habit of calling her his girlfriend, she was unclear of their relationship status and didn't want to overstep. She didn't think Fitz would mind her borrowing Brian, especially since he was out of town, but she didn't want him to think she was in this relationship for anything other than him. His money and lifestyle were his and she didn't want to give the impression that she felt entitled to any of it.
"Nonsense, what's mine is yours. Plus, you know Brian would have said yes as a favor to you. He likes you. You're the only person in my life he calls by their first name. Send me a pin and I'll send it to him. He lives in Coral Gables so it's going to take him about thirty minutes to get to you."
"That's fine. I'm sure the tow truck will take longer. I would take an Uber home, but I don't want to abandon the car."
"No problem. I can't have my incredibly beautiful and sexy girlfriend stranded on the side of the road. Speaking of which, what are you wearing?"
"Fitz," she warned, rolling her eyes at his antics. "I'll see you tonight. I'll wear something special for you."
"Come on, Liv," Fitz whined. "Humor me."
"It's one hundred degrees in this car. I'm already frustrated. I don't need you adding to it."
"Please," he begged. "The sooner you tell me what you're wearing, the sooner I will hang up and call Brian to come get you."
"Fine," she huffed. "I'm wearing a Boston College t-shirt and a pair of skinny jeans. Happy?"
"Almost. What about your shoes?"
"You're being ridiculous," she complained.
"The longer I'm on the phone with you, the longer it will take for Brian to get there."
"I'm wearing Jordans. Satisfied?"
"Extremely," he said in a low growl.
"You are incorrigible. There is nothing sexy about my outfit."
"Maybe not, but the body underneath," he moaned in appreciation.
"I'm hanging up now," she said laughing. "I'll see you tonight. Call me when you land."
"Will do. I -," he began, cutting his sentence short when he realized what he almost said.
"Fitz?"
"I'm here," he replied.
"Everything ok?" she asked, oblivious to what almost transpired between them.
"Everything's fine. I should go so I can call Brian."
"OK. Bye."
"Bye." Fitz disconnected the call and flopped back on the bed, groaning in frustration. He had to be more careful. He wanted the moment when he finally declared his feelings to be special, not some reflexive statement at the end of a phone call.
His phone alerted him to an incoming text. It was Olivia's pin. He forwarded it to Brian with quick instructions before heading to his bathroom to get ready for the day.
XXXXX
Olivia heard the loud growl of another engine behind and checked her rearview mirror. She groaned in frustration as she watched a motorcycle pull over behind her car. The last thing she needed was a gearhead knight in leather armor riding to her rescue. She quickly exited the car and walked toward the motorcycle rider, careful to maintain a safe distance between her and the passing traffic.
The stranger dismounted the motorcycle and confidently swaggered toward her. He was a tall man, wearing dark jeans stretched tightly over his muscular thighs, a black leather jacket, and a dark helmet that concealed his face. Olivia nervously chewed on her bottom lip as he got closer. She never had a weakness for bad boys, but Fitz had awakened her libido and now it was running wild. When he was close, she felt her pulse begin to race and the butterflies swarm the way they always did whenever Fitz was near. Olivia shook her head to clear her thoughts. Get it together, Liv, Fitz doesn't have to star in all of your fantasies. Right now, you need to get rid of this man before Brian arrives.
She took a couple of quick steps toward him, talking as she moved. "Thank you for stopping, but I'm fine. I've already called a tow truck and my husband will be here any minute," she said, running her left hand through her natural curls, displaying her wedding rings.
The man removed his helmet, ruffled his hair, and flashed her a lopsided grin. "Will you settle for me instead?"
"Fitz!" Olivia exclaimed, leaping into his arms and peppering his face with kisses. He caught her with his free arm, chuckling at her exuberance. "You're supposed to be at the AIA conference."
"I was at the conference and now I'm here, with you." He kissed her softly on the lips, before moving to deepen the kiss, allowing her warmth to soothe him. It was good to be home. "I missed you," he whispered against her lips.
She smiled, gazing at him. "I missed you too," she said, pressing her lips to his again, her fingers threading into his soft curls. He kissed her like a man starved, a deep, endless kiss that made her want to crawl out of her skin and into his. God help her, this man. She'd never get enough of him. They were reminded where they were by a cacophony of whistles, horns blowing, and catcalls from passing drivers.
Fitz lowered her to the ground, letting her body slide down his in slow motion. "Hi."
"Hi." She took a step away from him. "What are you doing here?"
"I'm here for you. I missed you so I flew home early. You look cute," he said, fingering one of her natural coils. Olivia frowned in that way that crinkled her nose, making Fitz laugh. "What? You do," he said, leaning forward and kissing her nose. "Between your hair and your outfit, you could be an undergrad. I like it."
Olivia rolled her eyes, choosing to ignore his comments about her appearance. "When did you get back?"
"I landed about four a.m."
"Why didn't you call me?" she pouted.
"It was four a.m.," he said, laughing. "I didn't want to wake you. What do you have planned today?"
"I'm spending time with you," she said with a huge grin. "Do you have something planned?"
"I thought we could spend the day together, maybe ride down to the Keys. I'll have you back before your dinner with Abby."
"On that thing?" she asked, gesturing toward his motorcycle. "Is that why you wanted to know what I was wearing?"
He nodded his head, shrugging off a backpack Olivia hadn't noticed he was wearing. "It's supposed to be a nice day, not too windy. It's a beautiful ride."
"I'm not exactly dressed for the beach."
"We'll get whatever we need there."
"Does that include a helmet?"
Fitz squatted down, unzipped the backpack, and handed Olivia a helmet and a small leather jacket. "Whose are these?" she asked.
"They're for you." Olivia looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "They're new. I bought them for you before I knew you were you." Olivia laughed. She held up the leather jacket, inspecting it, before slipping it on. "It may be a little big. I didn't know you would be so tiny," he said with a big grin.
"What about my car?"
"Brian's on his way. Just leave your key under the driver's floor mat." Olivia looked at him suspiciously. "What? It's not like someone can steal it?" he asked, laughing.
She walked back to the car and retrieved her Prada bag. "Where are you going with that?" he asked.
"You don't really expect me to leave my purse. Do you?"
"Just take out what you need and put it in your jacket pockets."
Olivia frowned at him. "I need all of it. Especially if we're going out of town."
"Olivia," he said exasperated. "It's just a day trip. You need your phone, wallet, and sunglasses. What else do you have in there?"
"My things. I need my things," she whined.
"You can't hold onto that thing and to me."
"Fine," she said petulantly, rummaging through her purse stuffing her pockets with random things.
Fitz watched on in amusement. "Are you ready?"
Olivia popped the trunk and dropped her purse inside. Fitz tossed in his backpack and slammed the trunk closed. "I'm ready," she said, placing the helmet on her head. Fitz helped her with her chinstrap, making sure the helmet was secure before putting on his own helmet. He mounted the bike and offered her a hand, helping her climb on behind him.
Fitz turned the key in the ignition and fired the engine with a practiced flick of his wrist. The motorcycle roared to life, sending a vibration surging from her core through the rest of her body. Olivia lurched forward and moaned lustily at the sudden feeling between her legs coupled with the feeling of her breasts and belly pressed against Fitz's taut muscles beneath his leather jacket.
Olivia startled at the sound of Fitz's rich laughter filling her helmet. "Are you okay back there?"
"You're enjoying this aren't you?"
"Every second. Just hold on tight and you'll be fine."
Olivia wrapped her arms around his waist, clinging tightly to him. Fitz leaned forward over the motorcycle and took off, rocketing down the highway.
XXXXX
Fitz pulled the motorcycle into an available space at an open air farmers market and killed the ignition. He removed his helmet and then turned to help her remove hers. Olivia ran her fingers through her hair, pulling it into a messy bun on top of her hair, securing it with a hair tie she pulled from her pocket. Fitz laughed and asked, "What else do you have in those pockets?"
"I told you I needed my things," she said, accepting his hand as he helped her off the bike. Olivia stood on shaky legs, numb from squeezing him and the vibrations during the ninety minute ride.
Fitz immediately wrapped his arm around her waist holding her up. "Are okay? Can you walk?"
Olivia pushed away from him. "I'm fine. Why are we here?" she asked curiously.
Fitz shrugged. "I thought it would be nice to spend the day being tourists. You know, being anonymous, blending into the crowd, doing new things. Just enjoying each other and being a normal couple."
Olivia laughed. "A normal couple? Do you think we'll ever be a normal couple?"
"We can pretend," he said, intertwining his fingers with hers, the cool metal of her wedding bands resting against his flesh. He tried to tell himself her rings were a symbol of a commitment she'd already broken, but there were still times when the doubt crept in. "Liv," he called hesitantly. "I know I have no right to ask, but -
Olivia frowned. "What is it? What's wrong?"
"Nothing's wrong," he reassured her. He hated feeling so insecure, but he knew the constant reminder of her truth would eventually make him resentful and ruin their day. "It's just your wedding rings. I was wondering if you would -
She smiled, understanding what was troubling him. "Of course," she said, sliding the rings off her finger and putting them in her pocket. "Anything else?"
He grabbed her around the waist, pulled her close, and kissed her softly, before resting his forehead against hers. "Thank you," he said, pecking her lips again.
"I know this is hard -
"You're worth it. Do you want to go inside?"
Olivia nodded her head and Fitz led the way. The market was an outdoor oasis featuring colorful artwork and huge murals by local talent. Once inside, the couple wandered aimlessly hand in hand through the market stopping at random booths to sample the artisan cheeses, cured meats, baked goods, fresh juices, and organic produce. After taking a tour of the full market, they returned to their favorite stands to purchase bread, fruits, meats, and cheeses for a breakfast picnic.
They were sitting at a table under a tree enjoying the warm, but tolerable, weather and live music when Olivia's phone vibrated. She looked at her phone, debating whether or not to answer the unknown caller. "You should answer that," Fitz advised her. "It's probably the dealership calling about your car."
Olivia nodded and answered the phone. Fitz listened intently to her side of the conversation. When her face twisted in frustration, he plucked the phone from her hand and joined the conversation. "Fitz..." she protested.
"What?" he asked innocently, standing up from to table to prevent Olivia from reclaiming her phone.
Turning his attention to the caller, he began peppering the serviceman with questions? After a couple of minutes of negotiating, Fitz asked the man to hold on while he explained to Olivia. "They think they know what caused the problem. They can either fix it or, if you've lost confidence in the car, they have a new model they can deliver to your house tonight. How do you want to proceed?"
"I can't afford a new car. I still haven't finished paying for that one."
"We can afford anything you want."
"Fitz...I can't let you buy me a new car. How would I explain that?"
"You don't have to explain anything. Just tell the truth and we can be done with this charade. Aren't you tired of the lies? How much longer are you going to deny your happiness? Do you think you're protecting him, that waiting will somehow make this easier? The woman he loves is in love with someone else." Olivia gasped aloud. "What? That is what's happening between us, right? I certainly hope so. It wouldn't be worth the pain otherwise." Olivia looked at him in stunned silence, her eyes brimming with tears. Her selfishness was hurting everyone around her, but her cowardice prevented her from doing something about it. "It won't hurt any less to hear that from your lips next month than it will tomorrow. He's going to be devastated, there's no way around that."
Frustrated, Fitz returned to the call. "Just fix the car. Do whatever ever needs to be done. Charge it to this card," he said, rattling of his sixteen digit credit card number, expiration date, and three digit CVV from memory. After thanking the man for his patience, he disconnected the call. Before he could give the phone back to Olivia, it started vibrating in his hand. He looked down and saw a picture of smiling and very much in love Olivia in Jake's arms. "It's for you," he said giving her the phone before walking away.
Ten minutes later Olivia found Fitz leaning against his motorcycle, his hands shoved in his pockets. "Hi," she said.
Fitz paused a moment before replying. "Hi," he said his eyes not meeting hers. "Do you want me to take you home?"
Olivia closed the distance between them, invading his personal space. "Why would I want that?" Confused, his eyes found hers, hoping for a clue as to what she was thinking. "I'm sorry," she offered in a soft voice. "You were right. About all of it, but I can't, not yet."
"I shouldn't have pushed," he replied with a shy smile. "Come here." Olivia walked into his arms and let him hold her. He kissed her softly on the top of her head. "I'm sorry too. I just wanted to help, but my jealousy got in the way and ruined everything."
"You haven't ruined anything. I appreciate that you wanted to take care of me. It's going to take some time to adjust to your normal. In my world if something breaks, you fix it. In your world, you replace it." Fitz silently wondered if she was talking about her car or her marriage. "Thank you for rescuing me and for fixing my car," she said, leaning up and kissing him. "Now, can we go back to being tourists? What's next?"
"Have you ever fed a tarpon?"
"What?"
"Come on," he said releasing her and handing her her helmet. "It will be fun."
Olivia let her hair down, put on her jacket and helmet, and climbed on the motorcycle behind Fitz, holding him tighter than necessary. He placed his hands over hers and then she heard his smooth baritone in her helmet. "You're not alone. I'm in this with you." Without waiting for a response, he fired up the ignition and raced away from the farmers market.
XXXXX
They spent the rest of the morning driving down the Keys, stopping along way like tourists to feed the tarpons, visit the Dolphin Research Center and the Turtle Hospital, enjoy the breathtaking view from the seven mile bridge, and tour the home of Ernest Hemingway. They were both starving when Fitz stopped along a line of motorcycles in front of a bar with great reviews on Duval Street.
"Fitz," Olivia exclaimed through her headset. "You brought me to a motorcycle bar?"
"Not on purpose," he responded, removing his helmet and looking at the other motorcycles trying to get an understanding of what was waiting for them inside. Olivia removed her helmet and bounded toward the entrance. "Whoa," he called, catching up to her before she reached the door. "We don't know what's waiting for us in there. I know you're excited, but we need to be careful. There are all kinds of biker groups, not all of them will be friendly to us."
"To us or to me?" she asked huffily. "It's a public place. I'm as welcome as they are. I'm not going to let a bunch of racist assholes dictate what I can and cannot do. I'm going in and having a drink. Are you coming with me?"
Fitz reached out and grabbed Olivia's arm, preventing her from entering the bar. "I'm not risking your safety to prove a point."
"I'm going in that bar," she snarled.
"I know and I'm coming with you, but you have to promise to follow my lead. I'm not having any of that turn the other cheek bullshit. If someone so much as looks at you wrong, I'm going to put him and his friends down quickly. If I don't think I can keep you safe then we're leaving and you're not going to fight me on it. I swear to God I will pick you up and throw you over my shoulder caveman style if you try to fight me. Do you understand?"
Olivia stared at him with an open mouth. He was incredibly sexy when he was fiercely protective and knowing he would unleash all that barely contained testosterone fueled aggression for her made her tingle with desire. She had a half a mind to jump him right there on the sidewalk. "Do you understand?" Fitz repeated, pulling her out of her fantasy.
"I understand. Now, let's go inside. I'm starving."
Fitz opened the door and escorted Olivia inside. She nearly devolved into a fit of giggles when she saw twenty African American men ranging from their early twenties to their late sixties milling about the bar in leather vests with colorful patches. It was a black bikers' club. She turned to him and smiled. "Do I need to repeat that little speech to you? I'm not risking your safety to prove a point," she said, mocking him.
"Come on smart ass. Let's grab a table."
The couple found an empty table near the front of the bar, giving the bikers' club a wide berth. "What are you drinking?" Olivia asked.
"I don't drink when I ride."
"Are you impaired after one drink?"
"No, but I never have just one drink."
"Will you today?" she asked, with sad eyes that made it impossible to deny her. "I don't want to drink alone."
Fitz surveyed the bar, not finding any of the options particularly appealing. "I'll take the best scotch they have and a bacon cheeseburger with onion rings." Olivia crinkled her nose in disgust. "Make that fries. I don't want to kiss you with onion breath," he said with a chuckle.
After a quick eye roll, Olivia left him at the table and went to the bar to place their order. "I'll be with you in a sec," the bartender called. Olivia turned around and admired Fitz. He wasn't doing anything special, just sitting there looking delicious in his tight, white t-shirt. He looked content, happy even, but his reaction this morning proved that he wasn't, not fully. It was time for her to get out of her own way and meet him where he was. He wouldn't wait for her forever.
Her thoughts were interrupted when the bartender approached her. "What can I get you?"
Olivia faced the woman. "I'll take two bacon cheeseburgers with fries, a Patron margarita on the rocks, and your best scotch."
"This is not a scotch crowd. My best is Johnnie Walker Blue Label."
"He'll survive," Olivia said, handing the woman her credit card.
"You can put it on my tab," said the man seated at the bar near her, turning in his chair and raising his glass to her in a mock salute.
"Thanks, but that's not necessary. I have it."
"That's the problem and you don't even realize it."
"Excuse me?" Olivia asked, confused.
"Why doesn't he," the stranger nodded in Fitz's direction, "have it? You are together, right?"
"Excuse me?" Olivia asked again, her tone angry this time.
"That's what I don't understand about sisters like you. You tolerate behavior from white dudes that you would never accept from a brother. You are a beautiful, black queen and you deserve to be treated that way by all men. You could have any man you wanted. Why are you with that guy? He clearly doesn't appreciate you."
"So I should what, leave him? Why, because you offered to buy my lunch?
"It's more than he offered to do. A man that's selfish in one area is most likely selfish in other areas as well. Let me guess, he's a doctor or lawyer and he's convinced you that you're lucky to have him. He doesn't get a pass for how he treats you because of the size of his bank account. You don't have to settle."
Fitz had been watching the interaction between Olivia and the stranger from his seat. The interaction had grown tense, but she seemed to be holding her own. Using the bartender delivering their drinks as an excuse, he joined her, standing close, but not approaching or touching her. "You good?" he asked evenly.
"I'm fine. I'll be right there." Fitz opened his wallet and pulled out some money. "I already paid for lunch."
"You know I hate it when you do that," he said, putting cash on the bar. She raised an eyebrow at him. "For the bartender." He took his glass and returned to the table.
The man looked at her with a cocky grin. "That's the man you want to be with? One that doesn't care that you're standing here entertaining me when you should be over there with him. A real man, a black man, would have stood up for you instead of walking away from a challenge."
"Don't mistake his confidence for indifference. He asked if I needed help and I declined. You think you're the first man to approach me with this bullshit. He trusts me and he knows he doesn't have anything to worry about. He didn't need to get in some dick measuring competition with you. His is bigger. He knows it and he knows I know it. He doesn't need to prove it to you or anyone else in this bar."
Olivia turned to walk away when she felt a hand on her arm. Immediately, she heard the scrape of Fitz's chair as he leapt to his feet. She held up her hand, freezing him in place. "I said he wasn't possessive, not that he wasn't protective. I suggest you take your hand off of me before I let him come remove it for you," she growled in a low voice. Bowing to the pressure of Fitz glaring menacingly at him, he immediately released her, raising his hands in surrender. "Smart choice," she said, taking her drink and joining Fitz at the table.
"What was that about?" Fitz asked when she was seated.
"Apparently I'm a beautiful black queen and you don't deserve me."
"I know that," he said, giving her his trademark crooked grin. "But that doesn't explain why he touched you."
"It's no big deal," she said dismissively. "Let's not let it ruin our meal."
"He thinks he's more deserving? Why? Because he has more melanin than I do?"
"Let it go, Fitz. He's an asshole. It happens. It's best to just ignore guys like him."
Fitz started to speak, but paused when he saw the bartender approaching with their burgers. Once they were served, Fitz resumed the conversation. "Have you ever been with a black man?"
"What?" Olivia sputtered, nearly choking on a french fry. "Do you really want to compare sexual histories?"
"Hell no! I'm just asking about one time with one guy," he said , popping a fry in his mouth. "I know there was at least one boy at Cushing Academy, Italian boys during the summers, and Jake, but none of those guys were black or maybe they were."
"Fitz," Olivia called, stopping his spiral. "Why is this important to you?"
"I don't know," he answered honestly.
Olivia reached across the table and held his hand. "Talk to me," she said softly.
"I don't know."
"Just starting talking and we'll figure it out, together."
"When I was away all I could think about was getting home to you." Olivia looked at him patiently waiting for him to continue. "Then I rushed home to be with you, but I couldn't, not right away. So I waited. And then this morning, when I saw you, when you jumped in my arms, everything was perfect. I was home, not just in Miami, but with you."
"And now?"
"I don't know."
"Stop saying that. How are you feeling now?"
Fitz looked at her, holding her gaze as he struggled to find the right words. "Like a tourist." Olivia's eyes dropped to the table, unable to to look at him in that moment. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said that. It's not you, you've done everything right. It's me. I can't get out of my head today and it's sabotaging our time together."
Olivia's eyes found his again. "You don't ever have to apologize for being honest." She stared at him for a moment, her eyes glistening with tears. She stood from her chair, walked around the table, and carefully lowered herself into his lap. "You are not a tourist and it breaks my heart to hear you say you feel that way," she said, kissing him tenderly, but briefly, mindful of their audience. "I don't want to be with a black man or any other man. I don't have wild oats to sow. If I'm a beautiful black queen," she said with a chuckle. "Then you are my king and the only man I want to do life with. Together, we are home, but we're still under construction. What can I do to make you feel as certain about that as I do?"
"Are you? Certain?"
"Yes," she replied without hesitation. "Are you?"
"About how I feel or how you feel?"
"Both."
"I'm getting there," he said with a weak smile.
Olivia's heart sank at his reply. No matter what he said, she knew his insecurities had everything to do with her. Lately his messaging had been fairly consistent. He was tired of waiting and wanted her to act now. It was past time for her to make her move. She kissed him again before returning to her seat. "You should eat, your fries are getting cold."
After they finished eating, she asked, "What's next?"
"I thought we could spend the afternoon at the beach."
"We would need gear and it's not like we have a trunk to haul everything."
Fitz smiled. "Look around. This whole town is built to cater toward the impulsive vacationer. I'm sure there are thirty boutiques between here and the beach where we can get bathing suits and towels. We can put our suits on under our clothes and wedge the towels between our bodies on the bike. If we go to a public beach they have vendors there that will rent us whatever else we need. It's the off-season, how bad could it be?"
"You want to go to a public beach?" she asked incredulously.
"What's wrong with a public beach?"
"Nothing. It's just not a place I'd expect you to want to go."
"I don't think you give me enough credit," he said, taking her hand and pulling her up from the table. "Come on. Let's go. You have a bikini to buy."
Fitz excitedly dragged her out of the bar and helped her secure her helmet. This time there was no hesitation as she eagerly climbed onto the motorcycle and wrapped her arms around him. He fired up the motorcycle and carefully navigated into traffic.
XXXXX
They were lying side by side on their rented beach chairs under their rented umbrella, looking to all like any other normal couple enjoying themselves. "I've been with a black guy," Olivia spontaneously offered.
"Do I get details?"
"Some, not all. I was a freshman at Boston College and he was a first year law student at Harvard."
"You were dating Jake when you were a freshman at Boston College," he teased.
"Do you want the details or to judge me?" Fitz made the zipping his lips gesture and remained silent. "We dated for about six months before his mother decided that my pedigree wasn't good enough for her son."
"Your pedigree? Your mother was a college professor and your father was a lawyer. What more did she want?"
"Apparently little orphan Annie wouldn't play well as the backstory for a future First Lady?"
"She was one of those moms."
"Don't say it like that. You have one of those moms."
"I do not," he protested. "I'm living the life I want. My mom never tried to control me or dictate who I could date. She may not be shy in expressing her feelings about my choices, but she respects that they are my decisions to make. Do you know what happened to your mama's boy?"
"He's the junior senator from California."
"Shit, Liv. You dated Edison Davis? You really could have been First Lady." Fitz chuckled as if privy to an inside joke.
"What?" she asked.
"Harrison called you my Michelle Obama,"
Olivia laughed softly. "What prompted him to say that?"
"He thought I was cheating on you with Jake's wife."
"Huh?"
"It's a long story."
"Do I want to know?"
"Probably not."
"So..." she said, dragging out the word. "Back to me being your Michelle Obama."
"That's the thing, I don't think I want you to be my Michelle."
Olivia's head was spinning trying to keep up with the conversation. "You're going to have to use more words if you want me to understand."
"Everyone knows Michelle's biography. Princeton for undergrad and Harvard for law school. She worked as a lawyer and a hospital executive. However, when Barack ran for and was elected president, she gave up her career to be First Lady to the country and wife and mother for her family. I don't want that for you. I don't want you to ever have to decide between chasing your dreams and supporting mine. I want us to be more Jay-Z and Beyoncé than Barack and Michelle."
Olivia shook her head. "I'm a little worried that your relationship goals are based on celebrity couples."
"Hear me out. Beyoncé is a superstar. She's an incredibly talented artist, arguably the best at what she does, a wife, and mother. Jay-Z is a legend in his own right. He's one of the greatest MCs ever, a successful businessman, entrepreneur, husband, and father. Individually, as Jay-Z and Beyoncé they are among the greatest to do what they do, but together they're a billion dollars on the elevator. That could be us."
Olivia laughed heartily. "You need to spend less time at the club. We are not a billion dollars on the elevator." She sat up and looked at him over her sunglasses. "Are we?"
Fitz pushed up his sunglasses so she could see his eyes. "Not yet, but we could be," he said with a wink.
Olivia laid back on her chair. "Why can't this be our lives?" she whined. "No jobs, no responsibilities, and no obligations. Just the two of us doing whatever we wanted whenever we wanted."
"It could, but don't you think you'd get bored."
"I think we could find new and interesting ways to entertain ourselves," she said with a wink. "It's getting hot. I'm going for a swim. Do you want to join?"
"Nah, I'll stay here."
"Suit yourself," she said, walking gingerly through the hot sand.
Fitz watched as Olivia waded into the water until she was waist deep; then she dove under the surface and disappeared. She emerged moments later, her brown skin glistening with water droplets. She was always beautiful, but in this moment standing in with water, the sun reflecting off the water and in her eyes, she was radiant. All at once, the distance between them was too great to bear, dropping his sunglasses on his chair, he joined her in the water.
The couple enjoyed a lazy day at the beach, enjoying the sun, water, and each other. The tensions from earlier in the day had eased away and they were both able enjoy being with each other in the moment. They were flirty and a little handsy in the water, enough to satisfy their need for each other, but not so much as to draw the ire of the people around them. They were currently lying together on their towels letting the sun dry the ocean water from their skin.
Fitz sat up on his towel and leaned over Olivia. "You're blocking my sun," she protested.
"You're naturally tanned. You don't need the sun."
"I like the way it feels on my skin."
"I can think of better things to feel on your skin," he said, running his fingers along her inner thigh, stopping just short of where he wanted them."
Olivia shifted on her towel, moving his hand. "Behave," she warned. "We're in public. I don't think a public indecency charge would look good on either of our records."
"It's not my fault. You're just so damn tempting in that bikini. You bought the tiniest one you could find." Fitz looked up at the sky, the sun would be setting soon. As much as he hated it, it was time for their day together to end. "We should go. I need to get you back to Miami for your dinner with Abby."
"I don't want to go," she whined.
"Come on, Liv. Red already thinks I'm the bad guy. I can't give her any more ammunition against me."
"I don't care what she thinks," Olivia dismissed. "She's just being overprotective. I'm not some teenage girl with a crush. I don't need her mothering me. I know what I'm doing and I want to stay." Fitz stood up and dusted the sand off his hands before reaching down for Olivia. "Did you hear me? I want to stay here, with you."
"I heard you all three times, but we can't live on love alone. If you want to stay were going to need a room, clothes, food, and toiletries."
Olivia looked at him, her eyes stretched wide with surprise. "Are you just going to keep throwing that word around?"
"Do I have to strike the word from my vocabulary because you can't say it or hear it said to you?"
"No...but..."
"But what?"
Olivia shook her head. "I'm just not used to this version of you."
"Do you want me to reign it in? I can, if it makes you uncomfortable."
"No," she said, a smile slowly spreading upon her lips. "I think you're adorable when you're like this. Can we stay another hour?"
Fitz nodded. "Whatever you want, my lady," he said, settling back on the towel beside her.
Olivia snuggled closer to him, resting her head on his shoulder. "Today has been wonderful, thank you. I think I'm starting to like it when you surprise me."
"Good because I plan to do it more often," he said kissing the top of her head.
XXXX
Fitz and Olivia were cruising around town, looking for a place to spend the night. They had already passed a dozen hotels, but none of them "spoke" to Olivia. Fitz's patience was wearing thin when heard her say, "What about that one on the left?" Fitz turned his head and saw, nestled discretely between the surrounding buildings, a sophisticated, but small hotel. If the inside was as beautiful as the structure, it would be perfect. "Do you think they have a room?"
"There's only one way to find out," he replied, navigating the motorcycle down the hidden driveway.
The couple walked hand in hand into the lobby. Once inside, Olivia turned around slowly, taking in the room. The interior did not disappoint. It was beautiful with crystal chandeliers, lots of natural light, fresh aromatic flowers, and modern furniture. It was formal, yet warm and inviting. Fitz walked up the young man working behind the registration desk. "Good afternoon, sir. Are you checking in?"
"We hope so, but we don't have a reservation. Do you have a room just for the night?"
"One moment, please. Let me check." The young man turned his attention to the computer screen. A few minutes later he looked up at Fitz. "I'm sorry, the only room we have available is the Bella Suite."
"We'll take it," Fitz replied.
"Sir, I should warn you the suite is approximately one thousand dollars a night."
"That's fine," Fitz said, reaching for his wallet.
Olivia placed her hand on his arm, "I've got it."
"Don't be ridiculous. It's no big deal."
"I want to take care of you tonight."
Fitz melted a little at her words. "I appreciate that, more than you know, but you can't," he said looking at her now bare ring finger on her left hand.
"Oh, right," Olivia commented, understanding what he was saying. If she paid for the room, she would have to explain to Jake why there was a thousand dollar hotel charge on their credit card statement.
After completing the registration process, the young man handed Fitz the room keys and asked, "Do you need someone to help you with your bags."
"We don't have any," Fitz replied with a chuckle. "That's our next adventure. It would be helpful if you would arrange for a car for us this evening."
The young man looked at the couple curiously. They didn't have a reservation, luggage, or a car, yet the man didn't blink when he told him the price of the room. He wonder exactly what was going on with them. "Of course, sir. Why don't you get settled into your room and I'll call you when your car is here."
"Thank you," Fitz said, before leading Olivia through the lush garden patio in search of their room.
Thirty minutes later, Fitz and Olivia were snuggling in the back of an Escalade, while their driver took them around town so they could get the supplies they needed for the night. First on their agenda was clothes. The driver pulled to a stop in front of a charming boutique. "I think the lady will find what she needs here," he said.
Fitz instructed the driver to wait for him while he got Olivia squared away in the shop. He took her hand and led her inside. Once inside, they both quickly scanned the clothing. "Do you think you can get what you need here?"
Olivia's fingers traced along the collar of a nearby shirt, gauging the quality of the material. The shop didn't have a wide variety of options, but Olivia liked what she saw so far. "I think so."
Fitz reached in his wallet, selected a credit card, and handed it to Olivia. "Here, use this to buy whatever you want. Call me when you're done and I'll come back for you."
"Fitz, they're not going to let me use your card."
"They will let you use that one. Trust me," he said, quickly pecking her on the lips before making his way out of the boutique.
Olivia shook her head and sighed. He was nearly impossible to deal with when he was like this. He had no concept of what it was like to exist in her world. She looked down at the black, metal credit card in her hand and gasped in surprised. The card was engraved with her name, Olivia Pope Ballard. He added her to his no-limit American Express account. That's why he'd been certain she would be able to use the card.
It was a big gesture and a clear indication of where he thought their relationship was headed. He wasn't waiting for her consent before moving their relationship forward. He was all in and he was going to keep proving it to her over and over again. She wished he knew that she didn't need anything of the trappings of his life. She only wanted him. Walking over to the closest salesperson, she pushing past her discomfort with his generosity and starting her shopping adventure.
Three stores later, she was back in the car with Fitz. "Did you get everything you needed?" he asked.
"Yes, thank you. Here," she said, reaching in her pocket and handing him the black card.
"Keep it. It's yours to use whenever you want for whatever you want."
"Fitz, you know I can't accept this," she said sternly, still extending the card.
"Are we really going to do this right here and now?"
"Yes," she replied harshly, refusing to concede on this issue.
Fitz took a deep breath, turned to her, and began explaining. "Olivia, I want to share my life with you. All of it, not just the parts you pick and choose. For better or worse, that includes the money. I'm a wealthy man and I want you to have access to all of things I have access to and I don't want you to have to come to me to get it. I'm your partner, not your keeper. I won't govern your life or your spending habits. If you want something, you should have it. It's just that simple. If you had that card this morning, you wouldn't have been on the side of the road waiting for a tow truck. Someone would have been there, immediately. This is not just what I want for you. It's what you deserve."
"It's too soon, you can't just -"
"I know you and I trust you. Having that card isn't going to change who you are. I travel a lot and I won't always be here to rescue you. I need to know you are taken care of even when I'm not around."
"Fine. If it means that much to you, I'll keep it, but I'm not going to use it," she said petulantly. Fitz shook his head. He couldn't figure out why Olivia was stubbornly clinging to her independence. He was trying to help her, not control her. "You had the card in your wallet today. You requested it before you knew I was stranded. This isn't about taking care of me."
"I ordered the card after you agreed to go to New York. Jean and my mom are likely going to drag you out with them and I didn't want you to have to pay for anything."
"I don't want your money."
"I know, but we're a package deal," he said flashing her a lopsided grin. "There's only one rule for the card."
"What's that?" she asked, crossing her arms defensively.
Fitz shook his head at her childish behavior. "You need to let me or my accountant know immediately if you lose the card or if it's stolen. You could buy a small island with that thing."
"Only a small island? What if I wanted to buy a large island?"
Fitz laughed. "Why would such a tiny little person need a large island?"
"I need space for my things." They both erupted into a fit a laughter at her clever reply.
XXXXX
Tired from their full day, Fitz and Olivia opted to have dinner at their hotel rather than going out. It turned out to be an excellent decision as their four course meal was divine, leaving them satisfied, but not stuffed. After dinner, they took a slow stroll around the property, walking through the gardens and past the pools. The evening air was a little cool, giving Olivia the perfect excuse to wrap herself in Fitz's arms. They were mostly quiet during the walk, not feeling a need to fill the space, enjoying the rare moment alone with each other.
Eventually, they made their way back to their room. "Do you mind if I get ready for bed first?" Olivia asked.
"Of course not," Fitz replied. Pulling her close and kissing her deeply before releasing her. "You are amazing."
"What did I do to deserve that?"
"Nothing and everything," he said, watching her walking into the bedroom.
He paused to pour a whiskey for himself and a glass of wine for Olivia before following her into the bedroom. He retrieved the remote from the nightstand and turned on the news before sitting down and enjoying his drink.
Olivia opened the bathroom door and stepped nervously into the bedroom. She found Fitz, fully dressed, sitting on the edge of the bed so engrossed in what he was watching on CNN that he didn't turn in her direction. "I always thought you were more of a Fox News guy," she teased.
Speaking as he turned toward her, he replied, "Not all of us are Repub-". His words caught in his throat as he took in the sight before him. Olivia was posed sexily in the doorframe, wearing only a cream lace bra and matching thong, her hair hanging free in its natural curls, and a light dusting of makeup on her face. Although she'd been in a similar state of undress for parts of the day, he was still caught off guard by her beauty.
"Fuck me," he whispered in a hushed voice as his blood rushed from one head to the other.
"That's the plan," she purred, slowly twisting her hips as she sauntered toward him, leaving no doubt about her intentions.
Fitz's normally bright eyes were dark with lust and he licked his lips as he watched his seducer stalk him. He was typically the dominant partner and this role reversal was nearly impossible for him. Left to his own devices, he'd rip off the rest of her clothes; toss her on the bed; pin her to the mattress face down, ass up; and drive himself into her until she begged for mercy. Yet, he sat still and silent, patiently waiting for Olivia to make her move.
He studied her closely, hoping for some clue about who she needed him to be tonight. The cream lingerie was a change for him. Most of the women he encountered wore red or black, but unsurprisingly Olivia made a different choice. He wondered if she picked the lingerie because of how the color complimented her skin tone, giving it a deeply attractive warmth. Or, was she sending him a message, highlighting her relative innocence. The thought of being her teacher excited him in ways he no longer thought was possible.
Olivia boldly stared directly into Fitz's eyes, hoping that her anxiety would not show. She was trying to appear sexy, confident, and in control, but her heart was thundering wildly in her chest. Did he want her as badly as she wanted him or would her reaction the last time they were together make him hesitant? She pushed away the negative thoughts and focused on the man in front of her. He was everything she'd ever wanted in a man and he was hers. Tonight, she would finally become his.
Fitz's hungry eyes scanned every inch of her as she approached him. He ached to feel the warmth of her exposed skin, as he explored the curves and valleys of her body. Every nerve-ending in his body was screaming for her touch by the time she reached him. "You are so beautiful," he choked out in a raspy baritone, his need for her stealing his ability to speak.
The intensity of Fitz's gaze fanned the flames of desire burning within her. Olivia could feel her arousal building, tightening into a heated coil that pulsed within her core. "You keep saying that and I may just start to believe you."
"You should; it's true." He pulled her onto his lap, guiding her hips with his hands. Taking his time, he threaded his fingers through her hair and lowered her face to his, brushing his lips against hers. Fitz's kiss was gentle and tender, his lips quietly seeking reassurance that he was what she wanted. His lips and tongue moved against hers slowly, but with a thoroughness that caressed every part of her mouth, his deliberate movements driving her wild.
Fitz's hands, now freed from her hair, started to slowly massage her shoulders and back, while his mouth traveled along her curves and edges, kissing her mouth, her jawline, her neck, and her ear. "This isn't why I asked you to spend the day with me," he said in the softest whisper against her ear, desperately trying to maintain control until he knew she was absolutely sure.
Olivia pulled away, looked down at him, and cradled his face in her hands, brushing her fingers lightly across the outer shell of his ear. She giggled softly as they turned a deeper shade of red, further telegraphing his desire. "But, it's exactly why I asked you to spend the night with me," she said in a breathy whisper against his ear. Her lithe fingers gently stroked his cheeks, as if to soothe the tension of the moment. "This is me choosing you and giving all of myself to you. That is," she paused, flashing him a wicked grin, "if you still want me."
In that moment, he knew he was lost to her forever. Once he claimed her as his own, there would never be another woman in his life. He was hers to do with as she wished and right now she was commanding his immediate attention. He lowered his hands to her hips and pulled her to him so she could feel how hard she made him. He kissed her deeply and passionately, using his lips, tongue, hands, and body, trying to tell her that she wasn't alone, to let her know just how badly he wanted her. "I will always want you, never doubt that," he whispered into her mouth before devouring it.
His tongue slid along the seam of her lips, demanding entrance, and she yielded to him. His fervor denied her attempts to breathe or protest, not that she would if she could. He poured his heart into the kiss, expressing all of the emotions he couldn't give voice to. Saying the words aloud in this moment was a risk he wasn't willing to take. Not yet. It was too soon and she wasn't ready to hear it. Olivia was his future and, if denying this indulgence now would help him secure that future, it was worth it.
Fitz skillfully unhooked her bra and she dropped her arms from around him, allowing the lace garment to fall between them. He stared at her, unabashed in his admiration of her beauty before lowering his mouth to her breast. He flicked his tongue over her stiff nipple, causing Olivia to cry out in pleasure. His eyes immediately snapped to hers and she smiled at him encouragingly, pulling his head back to her swollen breast.
A burning ache settled between Olivia's legs and she rocked slowly on his lap, rubbing against his covered erection. He could feel the heat of her core through his clothes, his shaft pulsing beneath her, begging for attention. Her nails dragged against his scalp as she threaded her fingers through his hair. "Feels so good," she moaned quietly.
"Wait for me," he quietly commanded.
"I don't know if I can," she replied, digging deep for the willpower to hold off the fire building within her.
"Damn it, Liv," he growled, tossing her onto her back. He rose up on his knees, his large frame looming over her much smaller one, looking at her as if he was seeing her for the first time. His future happiness was laid out in front of him, his for the taking. She was everything and, without her, he was certain he would cease to exist.
Holding her gaze, Fitz slowly unbuttoned his shirt, revealing one inch of hard flesh at a time until the shirt hung fully open, revealing the muscular planes of his chest and the cut sections of his abs. Olivia raked her fingers over his pecs, dragging her nails through his chest hair and down across his abs. He drew in a deep breath when she touched him, his abs tightening, his fingers digging into her hips.
Fitz moved to lower her thong down her legs and she lifted her hips, allowing him to slowly slide the flimsy material down her legs. He spread her legs wide so he could admire her. She was beautiful, absolute fucking perfection. Unashamed, Olivia held herself open for him, tiny shivers overtaking her body as every part of her cried out in anticipation of what he would do to her next. Her pussy was bare, glistening with evidence of her arousal. Slowly, he licked his lips, yearning to taste her. That would have to wait because, first, he wanted to reintroduce himself to her body, branding every single inch as his.
Moving tantalizing slowly, Fitz lowered his head, laying a whisper of a kiss across her lips. He nibbled at her lower lip, teasing her, delighted when she arched her back, pressing her breasts into his chest. Every move was deliberate, intentional. It wasn't about stopping the fire, it was about redirecting it. He was going to take her places she'd never been, but he wanted her to remember every kiss, every touch, and every single second of their first night together.
"Fitz, please," she pleaded.
"Please what?" he asked,
"Kiss me," Olivia begged, wrapping her legs around him and pulling him close. His mouth seized hers with a raw hunger, parting her lips and driving his tongue into her mouth. He swiftly captured her tongue with his, sucking it into his mouth. She moaned with delight, her body going soft and pliant beneath his. Oh how he wanted to devour her, wanted to slide inside her and feel every inch of her wrapped around him, but he knew he had to be patient, to focus on her needs.
Fitz pulled his lips from hers and dropped his head to the curve of her neck, kissing, biting, licking, and sucking on the sensitive skin. He discovered all of the spots that made her squirm with need - the hollow behind her ear, the pulse point in her neck, both of her nipples, her navel, her protruding hip bone, the inside of her thigh, and the instep of her foot. Olivia writhed beneath him, feeling more alive with each new sensation that Fitz brought forth. Never before had any man worshipped her body so. This was more than just desire. He needed her more than he needed his next breath and she was pushed to brink of tears by his intensity.
Mustering every ounce of control he had, Fitz slowly crawled up her body. Her thighs fell open, making space for him in the cradle of her womanhood. Olivia raised herself a little, her chocolate eyes connecting with his electric blue eyes just seconds before he lowered his head between her legs. At the touch of his mouth, she cried out, her body lifting from the mattress as pleasure tore through her overcharged system like lightning bolt.
"So easy," Fitz said with a smirk, the strain on Olivia's beautiful face as she struggled to hold off her orgasm turning him on even more. "I could make you come all night."
She scowled briefly at his arrogance. She wanted to put up more resistance, but he was a magician with his tongue, skillfully playing her body. "How about you show me instead of telling me."
Fitz released a quiet roar, accepting her challenge. His lips kissed her swollen sex and he took a slow, broad lick up her center. Olivia gasped, her back arching deeply. He parted her lips with his tongue, the tip flicking against her clit. His tongue alternated between circling her clit and plunging inside; teasing, taunting, and pushing her ever closer to edge.
"Your tongue feels so good!" Olivia exclaimed as her fingers tangled in his curls, feeling an urgent need to touch him. A thin sheen of sweat glistened on her skin as writhed back and forth, alternating between pulling at his hair and the bedsheets. She was floating in that sweet spot right before the rapture of orgasm, but she knew she couldn't stay there for long.
Fitz continued pleasuring her with his mouth. He slowly inserted one finger into her, and then a second, stretching her before adding a third. Her walls constricted around him, pulling his fingers deeper inside. "You are so fucking tight," he growled, pumping his fingers in and out of her. All Olivia could do was moan in response. One final flick of his creative tongue was all it took to push her over the edge. Olivia cried out, her entire body short-circuited, as her world exploded.
Fitz kissed his way up her body, eliciting a series of giggles as his lips pressed against her sensitive skin. His body rubbed against her, his arousal evident but controlled, as he captured her lips and pushed his tongue into her mouth. "Can you taste how sweet you are?" he asked.
His naughty words made her ache with want for him. Reaching between their bodies, her fingers found his belt buckle. She paused, waiting for his reaction, and was surprised he when didn't say or do anything. She slowly started to unbuckle his belt, her nervous fingers fumbling as she made quick work of his belt, unfastening his jeans, and pulling down his zipper. Her hands slid in his boxers and over his butt, sliding his pants and boxers lower and lower until his cock sprung free, rigid and leaking precum.
His eyes were intense as she wrapped her slender fingers around him, stroking up and down, lubricating him with his own precum. He didn't stop her, didn't slow her down, and didn't say a word. For long minutes she pleasured him, encouraged by the soft sounds he made and the restless twitching of his body, as she wrapped his manhood in her fist.
"Liv, please," he pleaded through gritted teeth. "Not like this." After a few more tugs, she released him, pulling him on top of her and kissing him deeply. He gently pushed away from her, standing up and toeing off his sneakers. He stripped off his pants, socks, and underwear, standing in front of her in all his glory. Her eyes greedily ran over his body, pausing when she reached his midsection, her eyes growing wide when she saw how long and thick he was.
"What?" he asked with a laugh. "You just had it in your hand."
"This is the first time you've let me see you. You're beautiful, perfect," she said, her fingers tracing the veins and ridges of his penis.
"Thanks," he said, blushing wildly as he crawled between her legs and reached under the pillow above her head.
Olivia watched as he pulled out a gold fold packet. "You knew?"
"I hoped," he corrected her. "I wanted to be prepared."
"Can I?" she asked, reaching for the condom.
Fitz raised up on his knees, leaning back and resting on his heels. When he handed the condom to her, he immediately noticed her hands were trembling as she tried to open the wrapper. He took her tiny hands between his, stilling her movements. "It's okay. We don't have to do this if you're not ready. I'm content to just hold you."
"Really?"
"Yes, I will always put your needs first."
"Good because right now I need to feel you inside me."
Fitz looked down at her with a toothy grin. "As you wish." He released her hands and she ripped open the wrapper, tossing it aside. Taking his erection in her hand, she unrolled the condom over his penis. Removing her hands, he said, "I've got it from here."
He lowered his body over hers and, using one hand, lined himself up at her entrance. He felt her body tense up in anticipation. He pulled back, "You can't do that, sweet baby," he whispered softly, his face hovering over hers. "It will be painful for both of us."
His need for her was quickly becoming a pleasure-pain paradox, but he ignored his discomfort and focused on her. He curved his hand around her cheek, staring adoringly into her eyes. In that moment, Olivia's heart opened and she received the love he was trying to pour into her. Gone was the last trace of hesitation and doubt. Here, with this incredible man, was where she wanted to be. Where she would always want she would always want to be. "Slowly," Olivia said.
"I can do slow," he replied. Leaning in, he pressed a lingering kiss to her lips and blazed a path with his mouth down her cheek and along her neck. She tilted her head back, closing her eyes and relaxing under him. He continued kissing his way down her body, letting her moans and whimpers be his guide. When his mouth moved to the left and captured her nipple, she cried out with an intensity that she couldn't control. Then, she arched beneath him, and he gave her what she wanted, what they both wanted.
It had been so long, too long, and she was so wet, so tight, so absolutely perfect. He worried about how his body would react. He'd never gone so long without sex before and he didn't know what to expect. He'd done this more than a thousand times, but never had he felt as much pressure as he did tonight. The fear of embarrassing himself and disappointing her only amplified his anxiety. He had to get this perfect or there might not be a second chance. She deserved his best, more so than any other woman before her, and he didn't know if he could deliver.
Fitz moved over her, lifting his head to witness her reaction as he flexed his hips and pushed into her with slow, exquisitely pleasurable deliberation. Her tight channel gripped him, her inner muscles protesting his intrusion before yielding to his size. Once he was fully embedded inside her he stopped, giving her a moment to adjust to him.
"Fuck, Liv," he said in a strained voice. The tension in his body and the sweat beading on his forehead proof that he was on the edge of losing control. A tentative upward tilt of her hips signaled him that she ready.
"Look at me," he commanded. When she opened her eyes, he pulled his hips back slightly and she released a little whimper at the void he left behind. He thrust into her again, deeper this time, keeping his movements as slow as he possibly could. He repeated this slow stroke until he was so deep inside her that she couldn't tell where she ended and he began.
Olivia wrapped her legs around his waist and squeezed him so he would increase the painfully slow rhythm he was inflicting on her. "Faster," she begged. He increased his pace, driving harder, faster, growling her name as she stretched tight around him, squeezing him, gripping him, and pulling him back to her. He was right there on the edge, but he refused to fall without her.
Fitz swiveled his hips, changing his angle so he hit her right against her G-spot. The sensation spread out through Olivia's entire body causing her muscles to shudder with pleasure. She cried out, arching her spine and moving against him again. Her nails dug into his ass as the waves of pleasure wracked her body over and over. Her walls were fluttering wildly around him, signaling her impending orgasm.
"You know what I want," he said, gritting his teeth trying to hold off his orgasm. "Give it to me," he growled. Lifting her legs over his arms, he pressed his pelvis tightly to hers and circled his hips slightly, applying just the right amount of pressure on her clit.
"Holy shit," Olivia cried out, her entire body twitching and trembling violently as she came. With one last driving plunge, his hard body jerked convulsively into hers as he groaned her name and fell forward, burying his face in the crook of her neck.
They both lay there panting, covered in sweat, struggling to recover. Fitz was the first to regain his senses, realizing he was crushing her with his body weight. Still buried inside her, he held her tightly to him and rolled them over so she was resting on top of him. He wanted to stay this way forever, the two of them still connected, their hearts beating together.
Careful not to disconnect their bodies, Olivia lifted her head so she could see his face. "That was - that was - I don't think there are words. You really are a sex god."
Fitz threw his head back in laughter. "Don't grade me yet, I'm not close to being finished with you." Olivia's mind started thinking about them making love again and she felt her body starting to respond once more, shamelessly grinding her hips into his.
He stilled her hips with his hands, "I have to clean up first. I'm going to pull out, okay?" She nodded and he rolled her onto her back, kissing her as he slowly withdrew from her. "I'll be right back. Don't fall asleep," he said, giving her another lingering kiss before sliding out of the bed and heading for the bathroom.
Fitz emerged from the bathroom sporting a Cheshire grin and a full erection. Olivia stared at him in disbelief. How was that possible? He was forty years old. He couldn't possibly have the refractory period of a teenager. Could he? She immediately forgot how exhausted she was as every part of her body ached to be connected with him again.
She propped herself up on her elbows and gazed intently at him with sultry eyes before saying, "You can fuck me now."
Fitz dropped the washcloth he was holding and crossed the room in several quick strides. Grabbing her by the ankles, he pulled her to the foot of the bed, chuckling when she cried out in surprised. He easily flipped her over onto her stomach and lifted her hips so she was kneeling facing away from him. Trailing hot kisses from the curve of her ass along her spine to the column of her neck, he used the weight of his body to press her shoulders to the mattress, while his left hand held her hips in place.
"Is this okay?" he whispered close to her ear, reaching around to stroke her slick folds, his fingers sliding easily in her wetness.
"Yes," she hissed. He crushed his lips against hers and she groaned into his mouth while his thumb rubbed across her clit, filling her body with shivers of pleasure. "Oh, yes. Just like that," she encouraged him, pressing her butt into his crotch.
"What's your safe word?" Olivia's head snapped in his direction, her eyes wide with alarm. Fitz immediately stilled his fingers so she could focus on his words. "I would never hurt you nor would I ever denigrate you. The word is in case things get too..." his words trailed off as he searched for the appropriate phrase. "In case they get too intense and you need to tap out. You say this word and I stop. It doesn't matter how good it feels or what I'm doing, I stop immediately and without hesitation."
Olivia paused. Of course she was familiar with the concept of a safe word, but she'd never been in a position where she had to use one. She was simultaneously nervous and excited about what he had planned for her. She believed him when he said she wasn't in any danger, but she worried her relative vanilla sexual experiences would leave her ill-equipped to satisfy him. Deciding to trust him, she reached under the pillow and handed him a condom stating, "Boston."
"Boston," Fitz repeated, his hand running along her spine, positioning her as he wanted her.
Olivia turned her head over her shoulder and smiled as she watched him carefully unroll the thin rubber sheath down his shaft. Leaning forward, Fitz kissed her again, smoothing his hands down her body as he lined himself up with her sopping wet core. Slowly, he pushed inside her, forcing her softness to yield to his thick member. His gaze held hers the entire time, watching with pride as her face contorted with pleasure. She gasped and arched her back, allowing him to slip deeper inside her, a warm sensation washing over her as he stretched her beyond her capacity.
Fitz waited for a sign she was ready for him. After a moment, Olivia began to rock against him, slowly easing away from him before pushing back into him. "So perfect," he bit out, his jaw clenched as he fought against the avalanche of sensations as her walls wrapped around him, tight, so fucking tight, pulling him into an abyss of mindless pleasure. His eyes rolled back as he gripped her hips with his hands, his whole body shaking with the agony of need.
Fitz pulled out and thrust into Olivia, her tiny body lurching forward as she dropped her head and released a strangled cry. "Where do you think you're going?" he asked through gritted teeth. He grabbed her hips roughly and thrust into her repeatedly, claiming her, making her his. Olivia lost all reason as flashes of pleasure coursed through her veins, heating her body and soul. He was drawing out a need and desire within her she didn't know existed and he was fulfilling it such that he had her meeting him, thrust for thrust.
Fitz's punishing pace made the bed cry out in protest, squeaking and groaning. He was convinced it was going to collapse beneath them, but he was determined she would fall first. His left hand cupped her breast as he buried his face in her neck, nipping her flesh with his teeth. She was close, he could tell by the way her inner muscles were fluttering wildly around him, murmuring something he couldn't make it out, her voice muffled by her position on the mattress. It was only when he turned her head to kiss her that he realized she was chanting his name, the sweet sound almost enough to make him cum on the spot.
Refusing to find his release before giving her hers, Fitz kissed her roughly and slid his right hand around her body, circling her clit with his nimble fingers. "Oh, fuck Fitz, yes," she shrieked at the new sensation, shattering beneath him in an explosive orgasm. Fitz slowed his stroke pressing quick, light kisses down the column or her neck and across her shoulder, nursing her through the end of her orgasm. He withdrew from her and she fell forward on the bed, sobbing with pleasure.
Fitz scooped her up and walked her over to the nearest wall, pressing her against it, kissing her with enough force to erase any doubt about how this would end. "Hold on," he whispered in her ear. Too weak to resist him, she wrapped her legs around his waist, desperately clinging to him with no hope of controlling anything. She spread her legs wide, pressing her face in his shoulder, biting down to muffle her screams as he entered her with a single thrust, his hard member once again filling her completely.
Fitz took her with a hunger and a fierceness that had her crying out in pleasure, her nails clawing at his back, as he began jackrabbiting into her. She held herself open for him. Using his shoulders for leverage, she pressed down, allowing him to hit her deeper than anyone ever had. Lost in the throes of all-consuming passion, Olivia felt her ability to form a coherent thought slipping away. All she could focus on was the way he made her feel as he pushed into and withdrew from her repeatedly.
They were worn out from the effort, both of their bodies covered with sweat, moving more by instinct than anything else. Somehow, his lips found hers for a rough kiss, his hips moving erratically as he barreled toward his release. Fitz wanted to stay in this moment forever, but, despite his best efforts, he was still human. He broke off the kiss, crying out her name and throwing his head back as his pleasure claimed him. His nostrils flared and he thrust into her one final time, the muscles in his legs and ass locking up as he spilled his seed into the thin layer of latex separating them. Fitz's eyes found Olivia's just in time to watch them roll back in her head and he caught her as she crumpled unconscious into his arms.
Olivia's eyes fluttered opened slowly. She was disoriented by her surroundings and surprised to find Fitz's face hovering over hers. "Welcome back," he said.
Olivia pushed herself up one elbow, turning her body toward him. "What happened?"
"You passed out."
"Oh my god," Olivia groaned, falling back on the bed, covering her face in embarrassment. Suddenly, her eyes shot open and she bolted forward. "Did you?"
"Yes," he replied quickly, sheepishly adding, "just before you."
"Did I scare you?"
"No," he replied, awkwardly looking away from her.
"It's happened before?" she asked tentatively.
Ignoring her question, he asked one of his own. "Why didn't you use your safe word?"
She shrugged. "I didn't know I needed to. I've never felt like that before. I didn't know that was going to happen."
"If you're okay, I need to..." his voice trailed off as he looked down at the soiled condom he was still wearing.
Olivia giggled softly, crinkling her nose in disgust. "Go. I'm fine."
Fitz leaned over Olivia and quickly pecked her lips before pushing himself off the bed. Instead of heading to the bathroom, he made a beeline for the mini bar. He retrieved a bottle of water and brought it back to Olivia. "Here, drink this," he said, handing her the bottle.
"Fitz, I'm fine," she protested. "I don't need a ten dollar bottle of water."
Fitz twisted off the cap. "I opened it. Now, you have to drink it," he said, placing the bottle in her hand and disappearing into the bathroom.
Olivia collapsed, her body boneless against the soft mattress. Her eyes were heavy lidded from spent passion. She'd dreamed about this moment, fantasized about this night one hundred different ways, and yet it was nothing compared to the reality of it. He was everything she ever wanted in a lover. He was passionate and tender, wild and creative, strong and loving.
She heard the bathroom door open and turned in the direction of the sound without opening her eyes. "Do you want to take a shower?" Fitz asked.
"Yes, but I don't think I can stand."
Fitz laughed. "I may have another solution."
Olivia heard water running in the bathroom and a Fitz moving around the bedroom, but she didn't have the energy to open her eyes. She felt the mattress sink in with his weight and her eyes flew open when a warm damp cloth pressed against her collarbone. "A sponge bath?"
Fitz paused his movements. "Too much?" he asked shyly.
"No. It's kind of sweet, actually."
He lovingly moved the cloth over her body, washing every inch of her tenderly. When he was finished, he scooped her into his arms and carried her to the right side of the bed. He gently laid her on the bed, covering her nakedness with the duvet. "Will you get cold? Do you need a t-shirt?"
Olivia struggled to open her eyes. "Not if you're coming to bed."
Fitz quickly walked around the bed and joined Olivia in the middle of it. He spooned her, holding her tightly, afraid she might disappear if he let go. Olivia pulled his arms tighter around her, seeking both the warmth of his body and the security of his embrace.
Olivia flipped around in his arms so she was facing him, lightly tracing the contours of his beautiful face with her fingertips. "Thank you for today. Everything was...everything was perfect."
"You're perfect," he replied.
"You can stop trying so hard," she teased. "I'm already yours."
"Is that so?" he asked, his lips touching hers in a soft kiss.
His lips parted, inviting her tongue to join his. Without thinking she leaned into his kiss, pressing her body into his. Without breaking the kiss, he wrapped his arms around her and held her tightly against him. Remembering how spent she was, Olivia abruptly pulled away from the kiss, quickly moving away from him. He chuckled, pulling her back into his embrace. "I couldn't again so soon anyway," he said, nuzzling her neck. "I need ten minutes."
She pecked his lips. "I'll be asleep by then." Snuggling into his warm body, she laid her head on his chest and allowed the steady rhythm of his heartbeat and the feel of his fingers on her hip, drawing soothing circles, lull her to sleep.
"Livvie?" he asked, his eyes threatening to close.
"Yes," she mumbled, her voice thick with sleep.
"Promise me you won't run in the middle of the night."
"Fitz..."
"Please, Livvie, I'm exhausted, but I can't fall asleep unless I know you'll be here when I wake up."
"I'm not running. I promise. I want you. I choose you." she said, lifting her head and stretching toward him for an awkward kiss. Olivia snuggled back into the heat of Fitz's body. He wrapped his arms tightly around her, holding her as close as he possibly could before sinking back onto the pillows and falling asleep.
A/N: I hope it was worth the wait and that I met your lofty expectations. Our Olitz still has a long way to go to be a happy, healthy, and committed couple, but it seems like they are well on their way. As always, I love to read your comments. Let me know what you thought – good, bad or otherwise.