A/N: Contrary to popular belief, I have not abandoned this story. Life just got in the way. Everything is good so I'm not complaining, but I was struggling to find the motivation to write. You can thank Southwest Airlines for helping me find my way back to this story. I was stuck on a flight without Wi-Fi. The only thing I had downloaded to my iPad was the first and second seasons of Scandal. Four hours later, I was all in my Olitz feels and ready to write again. I hope you enjoy!
Even before he was fully conscious, Fitz was aware of Olivia's presence, her small body wrapped around his, her warmth engulfing him. He was afraid to open his eyes, afraid of what he would find when he looked at her. Would she be stricken with guilt and shame, ready to bolt, or would she be at peace with her decision, ready to pair her actions with her words? He blinked a few times, trying to focus his eyes before turning his head in her direction. The most ridiculous smile spread across his face when he found Olivia smiling back at him, her chocolate brown eyes sparkling brightly, reflecting the sunlight from the nearby window. "You're still here," he croaked out.
Olivia propped herself up on her elbow, looking down at him. He was ruggedly handsome in the morning, his curly hair a tousled mess, a faint stubble of beard on his cheeks, his voice deeper than usual. The knowledge that he was naked, and likely erect, beneath the sheet caused heat to rise up between her legs, her body tingling with desire. "I promised you I would be," she said, giving him an affectionate kiss.
Wrapping his arms around her, Fitz nuzzled his face against hers, his stubble tickling her cheek. "How are you feeling?"
"Good, a little sore, but good," Olivia said, deftly avoiding his real question. He wanted to know how she was managing the emotional fallout from their night together. Last night had been glorious and the harsh light of the morning had done nothing to dampen those feelings. She had cheated on her husband and the morning after she felt freed instead of shamed. Fitz had given her back so much that she thought she'd lost and now he'd given her the one thing she thought she'd never have again - happiness, the kind that comes from being seen and loved for your authentic self. His love was the kind of love that gave you wings and made you feel invincible. She was pretty sure this is what it felt like to be on heroin. If so, she understood why people were willing to ruin their lives chasing their next high, for that's how she felt right now. She was willing to give up everything, her job, her friends, and her family to remain in this moment with this man for the rest of her life.
Fitz wasn't surprised, but a little disappointed, when Olivia responded about her physical well-being rather than her emotional state. He studied her demeanor for any sign of doubt or regret, but she seemed her normal self or at least the carefree person she was when they were together. If she was having second thoughts, she was doing a good job of hiding it from him. "How did you sleep?"
"Sleep? You're like an infant. You woke me up every two hours last night. That's not sleep." They'd spent the night alternating between making love, napping, and straight fucking. He was insatiable and she'd responded to his touch with wanton abandon as he skillfully coaxed orgasm after orgasm from her.
"I didn't hear you complaining last night," he said, tickling her rib cage.
Olivia giggled. "I'm not complaining now. I'm just pointing out that you didn't let me sleep."
"We have fifteen years to make up for."
"Yes, but did we have to do it in one night?"
"Does that mean morning sex is off the table? How long do I have you?"
Olivia groaned. The last thing she wanted to talk or think about in this moment was her husband, but she understood why he was asking. Despite his romantic ideals about their relationship, Fitz couldn't escape the reality that their time together was limited and eventually she would have to go home. Deciding a direct answer was the kindest thing to do, she explained, "He stayed in DC an extra day. He's from Wisconsin and a huge Packers fan. As luck would have it, they're playing the Redskins this weekend. I surprised him with tickets to the game. He won't be home until late tonight."
"That was very sweet of you," Fitz commented, not bothering to mask his bitterness as he turned away from her.
"Not really." Her comment got his attention and he looked at her, frowning in confusion. Olivia brushed her index finger along his furrowed brow. "I bought them so I could spend time with you."
"When did you buy the tickets?"
"The night you left. You told me to find a way for us to be together. I found a way," she said with a shrug.
Fitz looked at her with concern. "Did I...Did I bully you into this...into last night?" he asked
"Oh, Fitz," Olivia said gently, her fingers caressing his face and forcing him to look at her. "You didn't bully me. Last night was beautiful. I never knew intimacy could feel like that and I'm not talking about the blackout orgasm. Being with you is all-consuming and overwhelming in the best of ways. Last night, you were the deferential partner, allowing me to control what happened. I know that wasn't what you're used to or what was easy for you. I also know you did that for me, so this morning there would be no regrets about crossing the line. Everything that happened between us happened because I wanted it to. We crossed that line together and I've never felt safer or more cared for than I did with you last night," she said, rolling on top of him.
They laid there for a while, an intimate tangle of limbs, trading lazy kisses, neither one trying to start something, but both aware of the fire smoldering just beneath the surface. "Livvie," he whispered into her mouth. "Promise me -
"Anything," she purred, shifting her body over his in a way that let him know she was every bit as turned on as he was. Afraid of what he'd say next, she distracted him by raining kisses along his scratchy jawline, his cheek and then his mouth.
Intoxicated by the feel of her movements, he grabbed her hips, stilling her for a moment. "Promise me that, whatever may happen, whatever you decide, that you'll never forget this weekend. That you'll never forget what it feels like to be -
"Happy," she whispered, finishing his sentence. She pushed up into a seated position, straddling his waist, unashamed when he openly admired her nakedness. Everything about her - her delicate smile, the hint of his cologne on her body, the radiance of the sunlight in her brown eyes, the softness of her skin - was perfect. She was so beautiful in that moment, the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen. She was too good for him and he knew he'd never be the man she deserved, but he was ready to spend the rest of his life trying to be that man for her. He'd been granted a second chance at his happily ever after and he wasn't going to squander it.
Fitz reached up, his trembling hands going to Olivia's cheeks to bring her head down so that he could reach her mouth. Just before their lips met, he corrected her, "No, loved." She released a small sigh of satisfaction and melted into his embrace. When their lips touched, his hunger for her took over and he kissed her like he'd never kissed anyone before; a kiss full desperation and longing. His entire being begged her to pick him, choose him, love him, as he held her tightly to him. Unable to help herself, she rocked against him, smearing her wet heat on his abdomen. Fitz groaned. "You're killing me, woman."
"What?" she asked innocently, nibbling on his earlobe. "I'm not even touching you."
"That's the problem."
"Oh, you want me to touch you?" she teased, sliding her fingers over his chest muscles, slowly dragging her nails through his chest chair.
"Yes," he hissed. Olivia slithered down his body, her tongue running down his abs and around his navel. "Wait," he cried, scrambling to stop her. "Not like that."
Olivia looked up at him with a confused frown. "You don't like it?"
Fitz chuckled softly. "Every man likes it."
"What's the problem then?" she asked, hurt creeping into her features.
He pulled her up to lie on his chest, stroking her back soothingly. "I won't last," he said, his face flushing with embarrassment.
Olivia reached down to stroke him, feeling his hips flex as he jerked in her fist. "I don't care about that."
"I do. That's not who I am," he said, moaning softly as he relaxed under her touch.
She swelled with pride as she observed the effect of her ministrations on him. It still amazed her how this strong, powerful man could come undone at her touch. "You don't have to perform for me. You've already proven yourself again and again and again and again and again. Being with you is a transcendent experience. I want to make you feel that way."
"You do," he grunted, his words choked off by the building pressure within him as he swelled in her hand.
"You know what I mean," she whined seductively.
Fighting to focus on anything other on the feel of her small, warm hand stroking him slowly, he replied, "I can't control myself when I'm around you. I need to be in control or..." He stopped abruptly, unsure how much of himself to reveal to her in that moment.
"It's okay. There are other ways," she said against his neck, nipping at his skin, and making him hiss out a breath. He moved to flip her over on her back, but she stopped him. "I want to be on top," she explained, her lips brushing against his. "I want to see how beautiful you are when you come." Then, as if she was starved for him, she plundered his mouth, teasing, tasting and nibbling at his lips while his hands stroked her back, her waist, the curve of her hips, pulling her toward his midsection.
Olivia slowly pushed herself down his body until she was straddling his thighs. She took a moment to admire him, allowing herself to get lost in his loving gaze. He was so much more than his reputation as a great lay. It was true that the sex they had over the past twelve hours had been the best of her life, but what they'd shared had been about so much more than a mutual getting off. It was a conversation between two souls, finding the completeness they'd been seeking in each other.
A warm flush of desire overcame her as she studied his handsome, precious face. It was full of complex emotions as he battled between his need to control things and his desire to please her, even if that meant relinquishing control. She knew she had him in a compromised position, his cock was fully engorged, straining upward, resting against his belly, and in desperate need of attention. The most immediate path to his release was to allow her to mount him, but she could tell he was uncertain.
Giving Fitz time to make his decision, Olivia reached under the pillow and removed yet another condom. Carefully, she tore the foil wrapper, removed the thin circle of latex, and gently unrolled it on his penis. She snaked her way up Fitz's body, stopping with her pelvic bone pressed against his groin, and her breasts pressed against his chest. Then she leaned forward and kissed him gently, teasingly. She tangled one hand in his hair and moved her other hand between their bodies, wrapping around his cock and lining him up with her entrance. She pulled away from him, once again getting lost in his cerulean blue eyes, eyes that were filled with a longing and heat that she'd never seen before, as she lowered herself down on him, impaling herself fully. He felt much larger when she was on top and she slowly rocked back and forth, giving herself a moment to adjust.
Fitz released a deep moan of satisfaction at the feeling of being ensconced in her wet cavern. Instinctively, his hands fell to her hips, gripping her tightly while he thrust up into her, attempting to control the pace. Olivia flashed him a wicked smile, shaking her head as she moved his hands from her hips to her breasts. "No topping from the bottom. Just relax and let me take care of you," she said, swiveling her hips in a sinful way, drawing out a slew of vulgarities.
Fitz was accustomed to women bouncing on his dick like porn stars, but the magic she was working with her hips was a new sensation. "What are you doing to me?" he cried out.
Olivia threw her head back in quiet laughter. "You like?" she asked, moving her hips in a circular motion that nearly undid him. Stripped of all inhibitions, she rode him, her breasts swaying to their rhythm, her core muscles bunching and rippling, pleasured sighs escaping her slightly parted lips. Fitz relaxed beneath her, losing himself in feel of her warm, silky heat wrapped around him and the ensuing the pleasure rippling through his body.
Olivia looked down and noticed his beautiful face was marred with tension as he struggled to delay his orgasm. "Don't fight it," she said, leaning forward, her hands pressed against his chest for balance. She adjusted her angle, drawing him in deeper, tightening her muscles around him.
"Dear God," he cried out.
Feeling the pressure of her own need, Olivia picked up the pace and allowed him to push deeper inside her. Twining their fingers to steady her, Fitz took control, driving into her hard and fast. She matched his frenzied pace, pushing past the urge to give into her own desire, instead focusing on bringing him to completion.
Her head fell forward and he watched as her love for him danced upon her features. Something primal broke free and he was overwhelmed with the need to possess her. "Mine," he growled, sneering at the surprised look on her face. "Tell me, Olivia" he commanded. "Who do you belong to?"
Olivia's eyes locked on his, neither daring to break their connection in this moment. "I am yours and you are mine," she proclaimed, lowering her body to his and covering his mouth with her own.
Releasing her hands, he gripped her waist, his fingers digging into her flesh, and guided her to the rhythm he needed. With a devilish twinkle in her eyes, Olivia arched her back and gripped him tightly with her walls. "Fuck...Livvie," he cried out, slamming her down on him and holding her tightly in place as he exploded into her.
Needing to find her own release, Olivia reached down and rubbed her clit until an orgasm ripped through her. She cried out and collapsed forward onto Fitz. They lay in a tangled, breathless, sweaty heap, both trying to process what just happened. Olivia was the first to recover, pressing feathery light kisses on his cheeks, down his neck, and onto his chest. "Are you okay?" she asked, lifting her body and allowing him to slip from her.
Fitz chuckled, the question was her way of checking in with him without actually addressing the giant elephant in the room, her marriage. "You're the one that passes out during sex, not me," he teased. Not wanting to leave her, he removed the condom and tied it in a knot, dropping it to the floor before cleaning himself with the sheet. "What do you want to do today?"
"How long do we have the room?" she asked with a wicked smile.
"As long as you want, but we're not staying in here all day."
Olivia pouted adorably. "We're not?"
Fitz kissed her protruding lips. "We're not. I want a do-over for yesterday."
"You don't need a do-over," Olivia reassured him. "The day started off rocky, but it ended well." She winked at him. "You wanted to be normal. That's normal. Not every moment of our lives will be perfect. We won't always be on the same page."
"My world's not right when there's distance between us."
Olivia felt herself swoon a little. She hated when they were at odds. Being in a new relationship was supposed to be light and fun, but her decision to start a new relationship before ending her current relationship had robbed them of that. Almost all of the strain between them stemmed from their insecurities about the other's level of commitment.
"That's all the more reason for us to stay inside today," she said, pressing her naked body against his. "So we can work on eliminating the distance between us," she purred.
Fitz couldn't help himself as he lowered his lips to her, kissing her until he felt the fight leave her body. After a few breathless minutes, he raised his head, breaking their kiss, and gently stroked her cheek. "How are you supposed to believe you're different if I treat you the same? We're going out, but, if you cooperate, I'll show you just how special you are when we get back. Now, what do you want to do?" he asked pecking her lips.
Olivia felt her will bending as he looked at her in a way that made her all soft and warm on the inside. She wasn't used to someone else's pleasure being derived from hers. He needed to give and she was just going to have to learn how to accept that from him. "Are we still tourists?" she asked, her eyes twinkling with mischief.
"If you want to be."
"How about we spend the day on the water on one of those booze cruises?"
He lifted an eyebrow, challenging her suggestion. "You want to spend the day with a group of drunk millennials."
Olivia punched him playfully in the arm. "Watch it mister; I'm a millennial. And, yes, that's how I want to spend the day; you and me relaxing in the sun on the water, maybe do a little snorkeling or diving if they have the equipment. You have to admit it sounds like fun."
"It does," he said, laughing at her sudden enthusiasm. "However, with your permission, I'd like to modify the plan a little. Would you be open a private charter instead of a crowded booze cruise?"
"Fitz," she whined. "I don't need a huge yacht."
"Good, because I wasn't planning to charter one. I was thinking more like a sailboat."
"Do you sail?"
"My name is Fitzgerald Thomas Grant, III. I went to Yale and to Harvard. I've spent the past fifteen years as a Miami socialite. Of course I sail, but I wasn't planning to do so today. How do you feel about a small sailboat with a two- or three-person crew?"
"I've never been sailing," she said with a bright smile.
"You're going to love it," he said. He was sitting up and swinging his legs to the floor when he felt a throbbing in his head. He dropped his head into his hands, groaning in pain.
"Fitz," Olivia called, scrambling across the bed to his side. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," he said, feeling bad when he saw the look of concern on her face. "It's only a headache. It's probably just caffeine withdrawal."
"Why don't you jump in the shower while I run to the coffee shop on the corner? By the time you get out, I'll be back and your coffee will be cool enough to drink."
"Liv," he said, shaking his head in disappointment. "You don't have to get my coffee."
Olivia frowned at him. "I always get your coffee."
"Yes, at work, but we're not at work. I don't expect you to wait on me."
"You've made that abundantly clear," she said in a huff, her arms folded across her bare chest.
Fitz pulled Olivia onto his lap and kissed her temple. "Are you mad because I don't want you to get my coffee? It's not necessary. I'm going to order room service. Would it make you feel better if you were the one to order room service?"
"Don't patronize me," Olivia snapped. "This isn't about the damn coffee."
"What then?"
"It's about the pedestal you have me on. It's too damn high and it's going to hurt when I fall off."
"What are you talking about?"
"You're so focused on making me feel special that you've created this artificial experience. I don't need you to protect me from you. I need you to stop hiding, stop holding back, and let me see you. I'm not going to break if you smack my ass or pull my hair and I'm not going to be offended if you ask me to get you a cup of coffee. If you would do it to or for me, I'm willing and eager to reciprocate."
Fitz sighed and rested his head against her shoulder. "You're right. I'm sorry."
Olivia ran her fingers through his curls. "I'm not going anywhere. You don't have to pretend with me. I don't need perfect, I just need you, the real you."
He looked at her, his eyes hopeful. "You're not going anywhere?"
Olivia looked at him, smiling sadly. Eventually she would have to leave him. She had to go home and end things with Jake the right way. He deserved that and she didn't want to set a precedent for Fitz that it was possible she would end their relationship by not coming home. Focusing fully on Fitz, she said, "If I had my way we wouldn't leave this bed."
The sadness in her eyes wasn't lost on Fitz and he knew she was thinking about Jake. Despite his gentle probing, she was yet to reveal if and how the night they'd shared changed things for her. Eventually their day together would end and he had no idea what to expect. Was she in fact his or did she still belong another man? Brushing aside his thoughts, "You are as stubborn as you are beautiful," he said, pecking her on the lips. "You should shower while I order breakfast. I assume you want syrup with a side of pancakes and orange juice," he teased.
Olivia begrudgingly rose from Fitz's lap and trudged in the direction of the bathroom. "You used to be fun," she huffed.
"I'm still fun. If you cooperate, I'll show how much fun I can be on a boat," he shouted after her.
XXXXX
Fitz walked out of the bathroom looking delicious, dressed in a sky blue and white striped button down shirt with navy chino shorts. The sun had kissed his skin a shade darker since yesterday, which, combined with his shirt, made his cornflower blue eyes shine even brighter. His glorious curls were mostly tamed, only one damp Superman curl stubbornly falling over his brow.
Olivia beckoned him to her with her index finger. When he was close, she ran her hand through his hair, trying to put the curl where it belonged. "Don't bother," he said, "without my product it's hopeless."
"I bet that just drove the girls wild when you were in high school and college."
"Judging by the look in your eyes, it still does." She fisted her hands in his hair, tugging on the curly strands, making him moan lustily. Fitz lifted his head out of her reach, laughing. "Nice try, beautiful, but you are keeping that bikini on and we are going to the marina."
Olivia groaned. "I still think we would have more fun here."
"We would, no doubt, but we're not rabbits. We have to find other things we enjoy doing together. Now, grab your helmet and let's go."
"No leather jacket?"
"No jacket. It's a short ride and I'll obey the speed limit. There's not much risk. We should be fine." Fitz slid on his aviator sunglasses and turned to Olivia, extending his hand to her and flashing her a lopsided grin.
Have mercy, Olivia thought as she looked at Fitz. He was standing there, helmet in hand, waiting for her, looking scruffy, sexy, and dangerous. She shuddered as she remembered what it felt like to be the recipient of his full and undivided attention. He was a living, breathing wet dream. Instead of grasping his hand, she reached out and pinched his forearm. "Ouch," he cried out. "What did I do to deserve that?"
"Just making sure I'm not dreaming," she replied, laughing.
Joining her in laughter, he said, "I'm pretty sure you're supposed to pinch yourself, not me." Fitz pulled her close and kissed her languidly at first, the intensity building slowly. Just when Olivia was convinced he was going to drag her back to bed, Fitz pinched her ass, causing her to yelp in surprise. "Definitely not dreaming," he said with a chuckle. "I'm real and this is your life. Let's go; our captain is waiting."
They walked through the hotel holding hands, sharing small smiles, soft laughter, and secret grins. Once they were outside, Fitz quickly climbed on the motorcycle, steadying it for Olivia as she slid on behind him. After they both put on their helmets, she wrapped her arms tightly around his waist, pressing her warm body tightly against his. He tried to ignore the feeling of her breasts pressed flat against his wide back, her strong thighs clinging to his hips, but his body had other ideas. When she was settled, Olivia felt the motorcycle roar to life beneath her, the machine's powerful vibrations traveling up through her core, making her painfully aware of how sensitive her body was following her night with Fitz. She snuggled closer to him and he steered the motorcycle out of the parking lot and into the Sunday morning traffic.
All too soon, their ride was over as Fitz guided the motorcycle into the marina's parking lot. Olivia hopped off the bike and removed her helmet. Although she was small in stature, she commanded the space and his attention, standing there wearing a white tank top that did little to conceal the electric blue bikini underneath and a pair of very short shorts, her helmet dangling loose in her hand.
Fitz took his helmet off, staring at her in awe.
"What?" Olivia asked.
"You're amazing," he said, dismounting the bike. "It doesn't matter if you're wearing haute couture or cutoffs, you're like a chameleon, sexy in every skin."
"So, what you're saying is you're only interested in my body," she said, her arms folded across her chest, pushing her breasts up in flirty protest.
Fitz pulled Olivia close and kissed her long and hard. "If I was only interested in your body, we never would have left the hotel room. Come on," he said, pulling her in the direction of the pier. "We're looking for My Mistress."
"Excuse me?" Olivia asked, annoyance creeping into her voice.
"The boat, she's called My Mistress. She's in a slip toward the end of the second pier," he explained, laughing.
Olivia stopped walking and Fitz jerked to a stop a half a step later. When he turned to face her, she asked, "Why did you choose that boat?"
"It seemed appropriate, all things considered," he said with a shrug.
"Don't do that," she said sternly. "It minimizes you and cheapens us."
"Hey...come here," he asked, opening his arms for her. Olivia rushed into his embrace. "I'm sorry," he said, kissing the top of her head. "I thought it would be funny. I didn't intend to offend you. I know you're not the kind of woman to get embroiled in some tawdry affair."
"Tawdry affair?" she asked with a giggle. "You spend too much time with your mother. You sound like an old woman," she teased.
"Shut up and kiss me," he said. Olivia stretched up on her tip toes, kissing him softly and quickly before moving away from him in search of My Mistress.
They walked down the pier, laughing together as Fitz held her tightly with one arm, tickling and teasing her with his free hand, while she squirmed in his arms trying to defend herself against his attack. They were met at the end of the pier by an older man with sun-bleached hair and tanned skin, leathery from years in the sun. "Mr. Grant?" he asked, extending his hand. "I'm Bill Harris and I'll be your captain today."
Fitz and Olivia quickly gathered their composure, introducing themselves before being shepherded onto the deck of the boat. Fitz looked around admiring the quality and craftsmanship of the varnished wood. She was a modest, but clearly cared for sailing yacht, perfect for his day with Olivia. He braced himself as a wave slapped into the side of the boat, causing Olivia to lurch forward. "Easy there tiger," he teased, catching her easily and holding her steady to allow her body to adjust to the rocking motion. "You good?" he asked. Olivia nodded in response, gingerly stepping away from him.
"Are you by yourself?" Fitz asked the captain.
"No, my grandson is below deck putting away the items you requested." As he was speaking, a teenage boy, no older than fourteen, emerged.
"Isn't he a bit young?" Olivia asked as the boy approached.
"He's been sailing with me since he was six. He can handle himself as well as someone twice his age." Turning to his grandson, he called out, "Chaz, come over and meet our guests."
The young man hurried in their direction. "Damn," he exclaimed as his eyes fell on Olivia.
"Chaz," his grandfather barked.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean any disrespect," the teenager explained. "It's just," he paused, looking at Fitz sheepishly, "well...you know."
Fitz chuckled. "I do, but we don't get to objectify women because we're attracted to them," he gently scolded.
"I'm not attracted to her," Chaz stammered, his face turning bright red.
"You're not? I wasn't bothered earlier, but now my feelings really are hurt" Olivia teased as she stepped forward with her hand extended. "Hi, I'm Olivia and this is Fitz. Your grandfather was just explaining you'll be his first mate today."
"Yes, ma'am. He said you wanted a small crew so it's just the two of us today. Can I bring you anything while you get settled in?"
"Will you bring up the champagne?" Fitz asked. The teenager frowned and remained rooted in place.
"What's wrong?" Olivia asked.
"You're not supposed to drink before you dive," Chaz explained.
"You have diving equipment?" she asked excitedly.
"Yes, ma'am. We got everything on your..." his voice trailed off as he looked at Fitz, uncertain about their relationship. "We got everything on Mr. Grant's list. I can give you the official tour and review everything before we head out if you wish."
"I would like that very much. This is my first time sailing," Olivia said, following behind Chaz as he excitedly began explaining the art of sailing.
Olivia appeared above deck just in time to witness Fitz cast the mooring lines aside and hop back on the boat as it pulled away from the pier. The captain used the motor to navigate the sailboat out of the marina at a slow pace. Olivia looked up to the mainsail mast with a confused frown. "I thought we were going sailing. Doesn't the captain need to use the sails?"
Fitz couldn't suppress his smile. He loved moments like these. Moments when could show this incredibly intelligent and accomplished woman something new. He would never tire of her childlike wonderment at each new adventure. "It's easier to use the motor around the marina. Once we reach the open water, he will cut the motor, unfurl the sails, and point us into the wind. Then we'll be sailing."
Fitz led her over to the cockpit. He stretched out on the sun deck and invited Olivia to join him. Olivia lifted her shirt over her head and stepped out of her shorts, standing before him in only her bikini. Fitz's hand automatically moved to his crotch as he adjusted himself. "You can't be serious right now," she hissed quietly, hoping the captain wouldn't hear.
"What?" he asked innocently.
"We've been having sex on and off for the past twelve hours. You can't possibly be excited now."
"My incredibly sexy girlfriend just took off most of her clothes. You want me to what - look on with bored disinterest. I'm always going to react to you."
"I guess I should be flattered," she said, snuggling into the lean contours of his body, feeling blissfully relaxed as the sun warmed her exposed skin. Without saying a word, Chaz approached the couple, trying hard not to stare at Olivia, and placed a tray containing two champagne flutes and a plate of assorted fruits beside them. "You convinced him to give us alcohol?" Fitz asked as he lifted one of the flutes to his mouth.
"No, it's only orange juice," she explained as Fitz took a large gulp, frowning in disappointment. "He's a sweet kid and worried about our safety in the water later." Olivia suddenly turned to face Fitz. "Did you tell him I was the size of a twelve year old girl?"
Fitz choked with laughter. "Was the gear the right size?"
"Yes," she huffed.
"Well then, I guess my instructions were correct," he said with a chuckle, fingering one of her soft coils. "Why don't you wear your hair like this to work?"
"Jake doesn't like it curly," she said nonchalantly. "He thinks it makes me look too young and him like a predator."
"What do you mean he doesn't like it curly?" Fitz asked, anger rising in his voice. "That's what your hair looks like. It's naturally curly. You shouldn't have to straighten it to please him."
"I don't mind," she said with a shrug, popping a grape in her mouth.
"For the record, I prefer it curly, but you should wear your hair however you like. I would never ask you to change yourself for me."
"I know."
"You do?"
Olivia nodded. "I've been several different versions of myself when we're together. You reacted the same way to me yesterday morning as you did the night of ball and I can't look more different than I did on those two days. There are parts of me you like," she said with a wicked grin, "but that's who I am, not what how I'm styled. You don't seem to care much about that."
"Is that a bad thing?" he asked, rolling on his side so they were facing each other, gently pushing her hair out of her face.
"No, it's rather freeing. With you, I feel like a wake up the most desirable woman in the world."
"Good," he said with a smile, "because you do. But, for the record, I do have a favorite version of you."
"Do tell," she said moving closer to him, feeding him a strawberry.
"I'm partial to you in one of my shirts. That Instagram post while I was in Miami," he paused, moaning softly at the memory.
"That wasn't -
"I know, but I have one just like it. You'll have to model it for me one day."
Olivia giggled softly before kissing him tenderly. "I can do that." She looked up and noticed they were in open water. Is it time to use the sails?"
"It should be," he said, sitting up to look at the captain. "Are you ready?"
"I am," Bill responded. "Are you part of the performance or part of the audience with her?"
Fitz disentangled himself from Olivia and unbuttoned his shirt, tossing it on the sunbather beside her. "I'm definitely part of the show," he said with a wink.
XXXXX
Olivia was standing on the bow of the sailboat enjoying the feel of the sun on her skin and the wind in her hair completely unaware that Fitz was watching her from behind the helm. He was completely captivated by her beauty. While he'd fallen for the polished, professional version of Olivia, he was grateful to have shared these moments with this more natural version of her. He'd never seen her so relaxed and at ease with herself. For the first time in months she appeared to be comfortable in her own skin.
He wished he could read her thoughts. How could she find such peace when he was experiencing such turmoil? Had she made her decision? Was her marriage over? Was she leaving her husband tonight, next week, next month, never? Needing answers, Fitz walked up behind her, wrapping his arms around her, kissing his way from her shoulder to her neck, his stubble tickling her sensitive skin. "Do you feel like the queen of the world?"
"With you? Always," Olivia replied, smiling broadly. She turned her head and kissed him tenderly, allowing him to completely support her weight. When her body relaxed against his, she was surprised to feel tension pulsing beneath his skin. This wasn't the tension of desire, it was something else. "What's wrong?"
"It's getting late."
Olivia looked up at the sky. "Can we stay until sunset?"
Fitz looked at her curiously. He could stay with her forever, but she had someone else waiting for her at home. She hadn't been forthcoming with the details, but he had calculated that Jake's plane should arrive sometime between ten and midnight. There wasn't enough time for them to enjoy the sunset and get back to Miami before his plane landed, unless... "We can if we fly home."
"What about your motorcycle? You can just leave it here."
"I can make arrangements for someone to drive it to Miami for me."
"That sounds like too much of a hassle. Forget I asked. When do we need to leave?"
Fitz hugged her tightly. "It's not a hassle. Just a couple of text messages and everything will be arranged."
Olivia snuggled into his embrace, dismayed to find he hadn't relaxed any, holding onto him as if she would never let go. "You have a question left from the other night. You should use it now."
"Do you have an answer?"
"I do."
"A real answer?"
"I do."
"One that I'm going to like?"
Olivia giggled softly. "I certainly hope so."
"You know...you could just tell me instead of making me ask."
"Is that what you want?"
He rested his forehead against hers. "It's what I need."
"How will I know that I'm answering the right question?"
"It's been hanging in the air between us all day."
Olivia looked up at Fitz, holding his face between his hands forcing him to gaze into her eyes. "Two weeks."
Olivia's response had given Fitz hope, but he still had more questions than answers. What was her plan at the end of the two weeks? Was she moving out, filing for divorce, or something else? Why did she need two weeks? What would change over the next two weeks to allow her to make a decision she was unwilling or unable to make today? "Two weeks?"
"Fourteen days."
"And then?"
"Whatever we want," she said.
It wasn't the detailed response he'd hoped for, but there was something about the look in her eyes that reassured him. She was offering him the future he wanted, all he had to do was make it through the next two weeks. He'd waited this long for her, what difference would a couple more weeks make. "I like the sound of that," he responded, crashing his lips onto hers. Fitz swallowed her cries as he poured his love into her, his lips branding hers, his tongue filling her mouth again and again. Her complete surrender was his undoing and he easily lifted her into his arms, carrying her below deck, in search of one of the staterooms.
XXXXX
The hired car slowly coasted to a stop in front of Olivia's house. Fitz tightened his grip on her waist, pulling her close to him. She wrapped her arms around his neck, pressing kisses to his cheek, his closed eyes, his nose, and lastly his lips. Her lips were warm and soft against his as he kissed her back. He let everything slip away as he focused all of his attention on her. Their weekend bubble was about to burst and he wanted to enjoy these last few moments together.
Olivia pulled her lips from his lips, slowly rubbing her nose against Fitz's nose, her body still tingling from his touch. "Do we need to talk about this?"
Fitz shook his head. "Fourteen days."
She smiled at him softly. "Less. I'll tell him Friday after next. Twelve days."
"Twelve whole days."
She sighed and rested her head against his chest. "I thought you didn't need to talk," she replied, hoping he would let it go. She didn't want the day to end with an argument about her marriage. She'd given him a date; why couldn't that be enough for now?
He placed his index finger under her chin, lifting her face so that she was looking at him. "I don't," he said, leaning forward and pecking her lips. "What day are we having dinner?"
"Huh?" she asked confused.
"Before I left, you agreed to let me cook you dinner one day this week." Olivia hesitated. "I agreed to wait, but I didn't agree to wait alone. I need to see you." She went to speak, but he silenced her. "Outside of work. I respect that you need more time, but I have needs too."
Olivia slowly smoothed her hands over his stubbled cheeks, across his chiseled jaw, and down his chin. He relaxed under her touch, his beautiful eyes fluttering closed. "Tuesday." His eyes flashed open, not sure what to make of her response. "Ask your chef to prepare dinner for us on Tuesday."
"Tuesday," he repeated softly.
"You have needs," she added with a soft giggle.
"I'm not the only one," he said looking at her house. "Will you be okay?"
Olivia sobered. "I'll be fine. Jake will be frustrated, but he won't force it."
"If he hurts you -
"He won't. He's not wired that way. I just need some time to make arrangements before I tell him. I can't just walk out, I need somewhere to go," she said with a soft chuckle.
"You can -
"I'm not moving in with you," Olivia interrupted him quickly.
"I know," he said with a huff. Letting go of his annoyance, he continued, "I was going to ask you to let my team help you."
"Your team?"
"Yes, my real estate agent, real estate attorney, and interior designer. Once you find a place, they will work it out so you can close in three to five days. If you start working with Ethan, my designer, tomorrow, he should be able to get the basics in place by the time you move out." Fitz paused, reviewing the timeline in his head. "Twelve days is tight, but I think we can pull it off. It won't be perfect, but it should be comfortable enough for you to move in," he said excitedly.
"Whoa...slow down a little. I don't need your team. I'm planning to rent a small, one bedroom apartment until the divorce is finalized. Until then, Jake is entitled to half of my assets, plus I will still be responsible for our joint debt."
Fitz frowned. "You're worried about money? Why? We have more than we could spend in three lifetimes."
"No," Olivia corrected, "you have more than you can spend in three lifetimes. My father designed my trust fund so that Jake can't access it, even as part of the divorce settlement. It's not the size of your trust, but I have enough to get me through until I decide what's next."
Fitz's body went stiff beside hers. "Until you decide what's next?"
Olivia quickly crawled in his lap, straddling him, pressing her body against his. She cradled his face between her hands and kissed him deeply until she felt him relax. "I'm not talking about you or us. I know you're my future, but I still don't know what the rest of my life looks like. I don't want to make any permanent decisions until I have it all figured out."
Fitz allowed his body to slump against the seat, his hands falling from Olivia's shoulders to her waist. "Buying a condo isn't a permanent decision. You find one you like, we buy it. If you decide you don't like it anymore, we'll sell it. Maybe we'll make a profit, maybe we'll take a loss. It doesn't matter as long as you're happy. The only thing permanent in our lives is our family. Everything else is material and can be changed at any time."
"You make it all sound so easy."
"That's because it is if you allow it to be. All I want is to make you happy. I'm not naive, I know the next few months are going to be challenging for you, challenging for us. I know Jake's going to contest the divorce and do everything he can to fight for his marriage. There are going to be times when you feel caught in the middle of a fight that's more about Jake and I than it is about you. You're going to doubt my feelings for you and wonder if you're making the right decision. We are going to fight about things that aren't important and that have nothing to do with our love or the life we're trying to build together. There will be days when we can't be together because you'll be sad or frustrated or angry and you won't have space for me. I know," he paused, the words getting caught in his throat as he choked on the emotion of his next sentence. "I know there's a chance that, no matter how much I love you, no matter how wonderful our life together is, in the end you'll choose him. I know all of this and I'm choosing you anyway. All I want is to make things as easy as possible for you. Please let me and my team take care of you, at least until we come out on the other side of this together."
Olivia looked at him, her eyes brimming with tears. She wished there was something she could do or say to reassure him. She wanted to verbalize her feelings for him, but she didn't want to utter the words now when she was about to walk into the house she shared with another man. No, those words would have to wait until she was free to declare them, free to spend the rest of her life convincing him every syllable was true. For now, she'd had to settle for reminding him of how far they'd come and how close they were to their future together.
"I'm not leading you on or playing games. I've made my decision. It took me some time, but I'm here now, with you. We're in this together. I wouldn't, couldn't, have spent the weekend with you if I wasn't sure. I couldn't do that to you, to us. This," she said gesturing to the house, "is temporary. Twelve more days and then we'll start the rest of our lives together. I know I've asked a lot of you already, but I need this one last thing."
"What's going to change in twelve days?"
"Fitz," she sighed.
"Why won't you talk to me?" he asked in a pleading voice.
"I'll use your team," she countered. Fitz dropped his head in disappointment. Olivia combed her fingers through his curls. When he didn't respond, he kissed him on his forehead. "Please, Fitz," she whispered in his ear. "I'll do this your way. This doesn't have to be a fight."
"I'm not fighting," he said softly. "I'm just trying to understand. I l-
Olivia placed two fingers across his lips silencing him. "I know." She closed her eyes and rested her forehead against his. "Trust me, I know, but not now, not like this. Not when I have to..." she fell silent.
Fitz lifted his chin and kissed her, slowly at first, but then his kiss deepened and a surge of emotion traveled through Olivia. His hands slipped them under the hem of her shirt, his fingertips leaving a blazing trail as he traced the ridges her spine. His touch set her body on fire, never before had such simple contact affected her so. She leaned into his kiss with a sigh of surrender, signaling her willing to follow where he led. He unclasped her bra and cupped her breasts, twisting and pulling on her nipples until they were so tight they ached. Pushing her shirt and bra up, he lowered his mouth to breasts. She groaned when his closed his mouth around her nipple, arching her back and pressing herself into his face. Through too many layers of clothes, he felt her heat for him. Her mind was clouded with raw unapologetic need as she ground against his hardening length.
Suddenly and unexpectedly, Fitz eased back, his eyes glazed with emotion. "You should go," he whispered. "While I can still let you go," he said kissing her nose and gently stroking her back before clasping her bra. Olivia whined in protest. "This was your idea," he said with a smirk. "I'd gladly take you home with me."
Breathing heavily, Olivia glared in his direction. "I hate you right now," she said, climbing out of his lap.
"You'll love me again in the morning," he teased. "Speaking of mornings, Brian and I will pick you up at eight o'clock tomorrow. It will give us some time together before work."
Olivia leaned forward and kissed him softly. "I'll see you in the morning?"
"I'll see you in the morning," he repeated before signaling to the driver she was ready to exit the car.