It's been a while but I hope these TWO chapters were worth the wait. Thank you again for visiting my little corner of the world.
***It appears that some of you are unable to review some of the latest chapters. This is happening because I combined the three parts of Chapter 4 into one, so the numbers are off. I do apologize and if someone has a solution, please let me know. Thank you***
TBOT
Olivia smiled benignly at her driver when he opened her door. "Thank you, Nathan. I'll see you tomorrow morning."
"You're welcome, Miss Pope. Enjoy your evening." She nodded as she walked towards the hotel entrance. Seeming to sense her mood, he had left her to her thoughts during the drive to the hotel. Usually he'd ask how her day was or they'd discuss his family. Today when he'd picked her up, she was distracted and didn't seem to want to engage in a conversation.
She'd been in meetings all day with Brett Massey and representatives from Grey Star Media, the company that Massey-Carr was set to acquire. Her team had uncovered issues surrounding the seller's stated working capital, which could result in negotiating a change in the terms of the deal. They wanted to avoid delays at all costs.
A delay was never good but Olivia refused to allow their client to move forward until the issue was resolved. She'd remained in the office along with her team going over facts and figures to determine how they'd run into the problem this late in the process.
It had been a long day and she hadn't gotten much sleep the previous night. She'd skipped lunch, so not only was she exhausted, she was also starving. She also couldn't get a certain sexy, blue-eyed man with the lop-sided grin out of her mind. Throughout the day, when she was alone, she found herself daydreaming and fantasizing about Fitz. She wondered what he was doing. Was he thinking of her? What was he wearing? Did he splash on that cologne that gave her impure thoughts when she was with him? She'd had to shake her head to clear her thoughts. You've got it bad girl, she thought to herself.
She and Fitz had walked along Wilshire Boulevard for over an hour, holding hands and taking in the sights before heading to the Thai restaurant for dinner. They'd sampled several delicious dishes and laughed and talked about everything but themselves.
By the time they'd walked back to Twelve Wilshire, it was almost nine o' clock. Fitz walked her upstairs to her apartment where they spent several minutes saying goodbye. His hands roamed over the length of her body before he'd grabbed her backside and pulled her against the bulge in his pants. Olivia had wanted him like she had never wanted any man before. He pulled away and dropped his forehead to hers. He gave her one last kiss that left her wanting so much more, before turning to walk into the waiting elevator. He waited until she'd closed and locked her door before pushing the button for the lobby.
Olivia walked into the kitchen to fill a glass with ice and water, thinking about everything they'd talked about during the time they'd spent together. Walking back into the living room, she turned off the table lamp and headed upstairs to her bedroom. Dropping her purse and jacket on one of the chairs and slipping out of her shoes, she continued to the bathroom where she cleansed her face and brushed her teeth before stepping into the shower. When she finished, she slipped into a pair of silk pajamas and climbed into bed.
After a few minutes she remembered that she hadn't checked her phone all day. She threw back the covers and walked over to her purse to retrieve it. She had several missed calls and texts from Cecily, which didn't surprise her. She was sure her sister had likely spoken with their mother and wanted to know the details about her brunch date. She would call Cecily tomorrow to tell her about her big mouth and maybe share the details of her weekend with Fitz. Setting the phone on the night table, Olivia turned off the lamp and tried to fall asleep.
Two hours later she was still wide awake. Her mind wouldn't let her rest. Sighing, Olivia stood up from the bed and went to get her laptop. If she couldn't get any sleep, she may as well read through the latest document one of her legal assistants had sent to her.
By the time she turned off the lamp for a second time, and closed her eyes, it was five thirty and her alarm was going off. She reached out and shut if off, seriously considering skipping her morning swim. Crawling out of bed, she walked toward the bathroom to get ready to start her day.
X
Olivia was deep in thought and did not hear her name being called. She jumped and turned around when she felt someone touch her shoulder. "Sorry, Miss Pope," a smiling young man said as he stood before her holding an enormous bouquet of snow white flowers. "These came for you," the young man announced.
Olivia looked at her full hands and back at the beautiful bouquet indicating there was no way she could carry the flowers. The young man understood and assured her that a concierge would bring the flowers up to her apartment. Thanking him, she entered the elevator and inserted the card to close the doors. Walking into her apartment, she kicked off her shoes as she walked toward the living room. Flopping down on a club chair, she rested her feet on the matching ottoman and closed her eyes at the same time the doorbell chimed.
Pushing off the chair, Olivia went to answer the door. She opened it and was greeted by a smiling Michael Porter, her personal concierge. "Good evening, Miss Pope."
"Hello, Michael. I'll take those." She attempted to reach for the vase.
"Oh no, it's very heavy. I'll bring it in for you." She stepped aside as he walked in and placed the arrangement on a side table. "Is this okay?" he asked.
"Yes Michael, that's perfect. Thank you."
He turned, gave her a slight bow and then left, closing the door behind him. She'd wanted to tip him but knew she couldn't.
When she'd checked into the five-star hotel, she learned that Brett Massey had arranged for her to stay in one of the penthouse apartments. She was also informed that the penthouse staff was unable to accept tips from her. "They are compensated far beyond what the other employees earn," the concierge manager had told her. She still felt that she was taking advantage of their services.
Olivia stared at the arrangement for a full minute. She knew who the flowers were was from. Smiling, she walked over to retrieve the card and that's when she noticed a small, square wrapped package sitting next to vase. She pulled the envelope from the arrangement and slipping a finger under the flap she withdrew the card and read the handwritten message: Thank you for a wonderful weekend. I'm giving you my heart for safekeeping. Fitz.
Curious, she picked up the box and unwrapped it. When she opened it she gasped. Sitting in cotton was a small, heart shaped porcelain hand-painted trinket box. Opening the antique clasp, she was shocked to find a pair of heart shaped diamond earrings.
She backed away from the arrangement until she felt the ottoman on her calves and sat down. She stared at the flowers and then back at the earrings. Looking at the card, she read Fitz's message again: I'm giving you my heart for safekeeping.
She'd told Fitz she wanted friendship with no strings, but it was apparent he wanted more, much more. She wasn't able to offer him more. Not now. Not at this time in her life. Was she?
Olivia glanced at her watch. Fitz was probably still in his office. She stood and walked over to her purse and removed her phone.
X
Fitz strolled into the reception area at Grant Holdings L.A. and smiled at the receptionist.
"Good morning, Allison."
"Goo…good morning, Fitz," she stuttered, glancing at the large bronze clock on the wall to her right. He arched an eyebrow at her before looking at the clock. It was almost ten o'clock.
Allison lowered her head. She stared at Fitz's back, rising slightly to watch him as he made his way down the corridor to his office. He was dressed in very nice jeans, white shirt and a blazer which meant he was going to work part of the day at the work site.
She was still staring when Kerry, one of the clerks from the accounting department, walked into the reception area.
"What are you looking for?" she asked Allison.
"It's not what I'm looking for, but who I was looking at," Allison responded.
Kerry noticed the dreamy look on Allison's face. "Fitzgerald Grant," they whispered in unison, shaking their heads in awe.
"Yass!" Kerry said and raised her hand.
"Hel-lo," Allison slapped her upraised hand.
Fitz's temporary assistant wasn't at her desk when he made his way into his office. He'd just hung his jacket in the artfully concealed closet when his brother's voice echoed from the doorway.
"I see you came in late this morning."
Fitz turned toward the door and watched his brother as he entered the office and took a seat in one of the chairs in front of his desk. He really wasn't in the mood this morning. Taking a seat on the other side of the desk, he responded.
"Guilty as charged, Ford."
"Is this a one-time offense or do you intend to join the others who habitually show up late? Ford joked. He had always been anal about punctuality.
"I don't know, Ford. It all depends on how I feel tomorrow morning," Fitz said.
"So what kept you from getting in at your usual seven this morning? Does it have anything to do with your plans yesterday? Olivia Pope?"
Fitz stared at his brother. "Is there a reason you're in my office this morning, Ford? I thought we were going to schedule lunch sometime this week."
Ford noticed that Fitz didn't answer his questions. He hadn't answered any of his inquiries regarding Olivia. What was going on between the two of them? How serious were they?
"I'm here because something has come up with the negotiations for that project in the Caribbean that I have to take care of and I'm leaving tomorrow morning. I'm not sure how long I'll be there, so I need you handle the meeting with the Ledo Group in New York on Thursday.
Fitz knew it was a huge problem if Ford was flying down, but he had plans with Olivia this weekend and nothing was going to interrupt them. They only had two and half months before she would leave L.A. and he wasn't going to waste any of their time together.
"Get someone else to handle the meeting for you, Ford. I have a project here that needs my attention."
"You have to go, Fitz," Ford said incredulously.
"I don't have to go, Ford. There are several people, currently in New York, who are more than qualified to handle that meeting." There were a few Grant cousins who worked for the company in different capacities, some of whom wanted Ford's position, who were well equipped to present to the Ledo Group.
Ford was surprised by his brother's firm refusal to his request. It wasn't often that he and Fitz opposed each other, but Fitz's response was definitive. Ford knew that any further discussion would yield the same result.
"What's going on, Fitz?"
There was no way he was telling Ford that the reason he didn't want to leave L.A. was Olivia.
"We had this conversation yesterday. By the way, I'm still leaning towards not joining the GrantAsiaPac team. That's a five year commitment that I don't want to make. I'm ready to cut back on the traveling and let some of the other members of the design team take on more responsibility. I'll oversee my current project until completion, but I don't know what I want to do next."
Ford wasn't ready to accept that his brother wanted to cut back and slow down. Every since he joined the company it had always been he and Fitz. He was used to having him around.
"What's changed in the last six or seven months, Fitz? Why are you suddenly looking to slow down, take on fewer projects, travel less? Where is this coming from? I asked earlier if it was Olivia. You didn't answer." He didn't wait for Fitz to respond.
"You've always been able to work, travel and see women, Fitz. Nothing is stopping you from still doing that."
"That's just it. I've gone out with many women, but there's never been a special woman." Until now, he thought. "That one woman I'd like to see more than twice before I'm flying off to some new project, somewhere in the world."
The brothers sat staring at one another. "Are you saying you want out of Grant Holdings, Fitz?"
Fitz knew that Ford wouldn't understand. He had been feeling this way for some time. Meeting Olivia put things into perspective and showed him what he'd been missing. Ford was at an entirely different point in his life. Settling down and staying in one place was foreign to him. They were as different as night and day. Ford rarely saw the inside of his spacious office that took up most of the twentieth floor in the Grant Building in New York.
Unlike Ford, Fitz had refused an office on the executive floor. He wasn't an executive, but he was a Grant and it was expected. The vice presidents, corporate attorneys (including Harrison) and other corporate officers all occupied offices with big solid wood doors and brass name plates that identified them as the corporate elite, something Fitz never needed or wanted.
His refusal to move his office had upset his father but the support staff loved it. He was always available and approachable. That was another way he and Ford differed. Although he'd worked himself up through the ranks, it had all been a means to get where he wanted, President and CEO.
Well he had accomplished that, and he could have it. The twelve hour workdays, conference calls in different time zones, sometimes when most people were asleep, thousands of miles in the air, visiting different countries, sleeping in strange beds and ordering room service. Ford loved the jet set lifestyle but Fitz was sick of it.
"No, Ford. That's not what I'm saying at all. I'm just looking to slow down the real estate developer roller coaster that I've been on for the last ten years. That's it."
He didn't know why but lately it hadn't been easy working with Ford. Fitz found himself challenging his brother more. Their personal and working relationship had always been one of mutual respect but he could sense something was about to change. Ford had accused him of not being a risk taker like so many other Grant's working for the company and Fitz had to remind him that his mind-set was design, not business. He would leave that to his brother.
Ford registered the resignation in Fitz's voice and his stance softened. He knew that arguing with his brother was futile because they shared the same stubborn trait. As the older brother Fitz usually acquiesced, but lately he couldn't be talked into changing his mind once he'd made a decision. Something was going on with his brother and he was determined to find out what. He made a mental note to make some calls to see if he could gather any information about what was going on between his brother and Olivia Pope. He couldn't lose his right hand.
Glancing at his watch, Ford stood. "Well brother, we're going to have to table this conversation and take a rain check on lunch. I'll be back in L.A. next week. We'll schedule something then."
Fitz stood and walked around the desk to give his brother a hug. "Take care and stay safe little brother." He smiled when Ford grimaced at him calling him "little brother."
"I will and you take care as well."
He walked toward the door and turned around. "And Fitz, I'm going to check with H.R. to see who on the design team would like to do a little traveling every now and then."
Fitz relaxed. "Thank you, brother."
He watched as Ford exited his office before he walked back to his desk and took a seat. He was glad that he and Ford were able to talk about his plans for at least the next four to six months because it was time he took complete control of his life and his future.
X
Olivia's phone rang before she could call Fitz. She looked at the screen. Cecily.
"Hello, sister."
"Hey, Lib. I've been trying to reach you all day."
"Sorry, Cis. It's been a long day. We had a setback with the merger."
"Oh? Is it serious?"
"Nothing we can't handle. It just came as a surprise."
Olivia took a seat on the large couch, facing the floral arrangement, and pulled her feet beneath her.
"So, did you have a good time with Fitz this weekend?"
"Yep."
"Are you finally ready to admit that you like him?"
"Yep."
"How's the blue-eyed passion pole anyway?"
"The what?!"
She knew that would get Olivia's attention and stop the one word responses.
"You heard me, Lib. How's he?"
"How's he what?"
The line was silent for a few moments before Olivia said, "Okay, okay. We actually spent Saturday and Sunday together. I unpacked a lot of my emotional baggage on him and he still called me the next yesterday, so that was a good sign. I didn't scare him away." She laughed wryly. "It actually felt good getting all of that out in the open. It was freeing."
"Well he likes you, so that's no surprise. He listened so he could better understand you. Smart man."
"We had such a good time the past two days that I'm spending this coming weekend with him at his place."
"Well go 'head, Libby!"
Olivia laughed at her sister's antics before telling her about meeting Deacon and the party he'd invited her and Fitz to.
"So what do you plan to do?"
"About what?"
"Don't play with me Lib. You're spending the night in the man's home. I'm not saying you have to sleep with him, but I think you want to. Am I right?"
Olivia's face flushed with heat. She picked up the room service menu from the coffee table and rapidly fanned herself. "Oh, Cis. My brain is telling me no, but Miss Olivia is saying, "hell yes!"
They both laughed heartily; it was an old joke between the sisters. They referred to their lady parts as Miss Cecily and Miss Olivia.
"Girl you've got it bad. But remember, I've seen and talked to your sexy passion pole so I understand."
"It's only been two days, Cis! We're still just getting to know each other. I've never been loose, you know that. But there's just something about that man that makes Miss Olivia wet and ready. I didn't want him to leave when we returned from dinner last night."
"So why didn't you just invite the man inside? You know you wanted to."
"I didn't want him to think I was fast. Or easy."
"But you are." Cecily said with amusement. She knew her sister had only been with two men in her life and had very limited sexual experience. She just enjoyed teasing her so she would lighten up.
"I am not. I'm controlling, meticulous, maybe a little neurotic, but any man I'm going to be with is going to work for it. I'm not just giving Miss Olivia away all willy nilly. I'm trying to keep her a very good girl."
"So has Mr. Sexy worked hard enough for it?"
"He's worked overtime," Olivia said with a deep chuckle.
Cecily laughed along with Olivia. "Listen Lib, when it's right, you know. You just know. I slept with August the day we met. I didn't even have a twenty-four hour waiting period, so I understand how you're feeling. He's the love of my life, and I am his," she said dreamily.
Cecily had met August Lankford their second year of medical school at Cornell. They'd been together for ten years and happily married five.
"You know, Cis, you and The Maya tend to over share about your sex lives."
"Did she tell you about her and daddy and their baby making sex?"
"Yes! That was way more information than I needed to know."
Olivia stood and walked to the kitchen to get a bottle of water before returning to the living room and retaking her position on the couch.
Cecily couldn't stop laughing. "Did she also tell you that the sex was so good that they had every intention of filling every bedroom in that house with kids? Those two were going at it…a lot!"
Olivia did a spit take spraying water all over her and the couch. "I am not having this conversation with you, Cecily Marie," she said as she grabbed a handful of Kleenex from a box hidden under the end table.
"Oh please, Lib. Stop being such a prude. Seriously."
"Please change the subject." Olivia had no interest in discussing her parent's sex life.
"Okay, little sister. I'm sorry."
"It's okay."
"So you're feeling this guy, huh?"
"I am, Cis. I've never met anyone like him. He's respectful and kind and generous and he cares about me. He cares about me and he's not afraid to show it."
Cecily was shaking her head as if Olivia could see her through the receiver. "Be careful, Liv. This is only supposed to be fling. You know what happens when feelings get involved."
"I know. I also know what it feels like when we're together. I mean, yes this is supposed to be a fling, no feelings involved, but the more I'm with him the harder it is to guard my heart." Olivia was allowing Fitz to scale the wall she'd put up to keep men at a distance.
"I don't want anything serious with Fitz, but whenever I see him I can't control or stop my feelings from getting involved. What's wrong with me?" Olivia knew that falling for Fitz would make it more difficult to keep her emotions in check when she was with him.
"There's nothing wrong with you, Lib. You really like that man, you're scared and you want to have sex with him. But for you, sleeping with a man involves emotions. You're not the type of girl to have a strictly sexual fling without some kind of emotional involvement. You just weren't made that way."
"Yeah, getting emotionally attached scares the hell out of me. When feelings get involved it changes everything. And I have feelings for Fitz."
"And that's a problem?"
"I thought I loved the ex and look how that turned out."
"You didn't love him."
"Really! It certainly felt like love."
"The ex was a learning experience. Mistakes are only mistakes when you don't learn from them. I think you learned a lot."
"But, Cis…"
Cecily didn't want to hear any doubts from her sister. She cut her off. "Girl, stop over thinking everything. I understand why you do it, I probably would as well in your situation but I swear, Libby, your mind must be constantly running like a hamster on a wheel. Let it go. You haven't spent the night with the man yet. And no one's saying you have to sleep with him. Relax, release or whatever else it is you do in yoga. Namaste, okay?"
"Okay." Olivia was quiet for a few seconds. Then something occurred to her. "By the way, thanks for telling The Maya about me and Fitz. That just made my day. Heifer."
Cecily laughed at the Olivia's comment. "I'm sorry, but she was getting in my business and asking about grandbabies. I had to deflect her attention. I owe you one. I really do."
"Yes you do. She did the same thing to me yesterday and I threw you under the bus."
"What?"
"Well if you don't discuss my uterus with our mother, I won't discuss yours."
The sisters had a good laugh.
"Seriously Lib, you're still dealing with all that you went through with the ex. It's okay to be a little afraid. But don't let that stop you from getting what you want, need and deserve. Again, be careful and stop thinking about it too much."
"You make it sound so easy, Cis."
"It is, and once you relieve some of that bottled up sexual tension you'll agree. Trust me Miss Olivia would be much happier if you let her have herself a good time."
"You know what Cis, I have to call Fitz and thank him for the flowers he sent me. I'm hanging up now."
"He sent you flowers and you're just now telling me?"
"Goodbye, Cis."
"You're lucky I have an early surgery tomorrow and need to get to bed. Goodnight, Lib."
Smiling and shaking her head at her sister, Olivia's gaze turned to the beautiful floral arrangement, and the small box containing the earrings, sitting on the side table. She stared at both for a few minutes before sitting up on the couch and grabbing the room service menu. She called and placed an order for the grilled chicken wrap and the baby spinach salad. She would eat first and then call Fitz. Standing from the couch, she went upstairs to change clothes before her dinner arrived.
X
Fitz sat behind one of the drafting tables in the onsite office of his latest project, The Maxwell on Broadway, sketching absently. The office was equipped with swing lamps, two desks with double monitors, rolls of trace paper, storage tubes, 3D printers and paper trimmers. Everything an architect and designer would need. One wall was covered with the blueprints for The Max, as it was called.
It was after eight and he was tired. He'd gotten up early and worked out. By the time he'd showered and eaten a light breakfast, it was eight-thirty. He'd left his home thirty minute later and due to L.A. rush hour traffic, he didn't make it into the office until ten. Ford had been waiting for him, and after an intense conversation with his brother, he left. Driving around aimlessly for almost an hour, he'd finally stopped at a popular sushi spot and ate a late lunch. While sitting there he decided he wasn't returning to the office. He placed a call to his temporary assistant and advised her that he would be onsite at The Max for the rest of the day.
When he'd finished his lunch and walked out of the restaurant, he decided to take a walk. He needed to get his thoughts together. As he leisurely walked down the sidewalk, one of shops on the street caught his attention. Looking at a necklace in the window, he decided to go in and take a closer look.
An hour later he left the store with a pair of diamond earrings and a tiny hand painted porcelain, heart shaped trinket box. The earrings were exquisite and had a total weight of two carats. He knew they would look amazing on Olivia. He called his personal shopper to have her order flowers and have them delivered along with the earrings as soon as possible. He gave her Olivia's name and the name of her temporary home before ending the call.
He'd been in the office at The Max less than fifteen minutes when a bonded deliveryman showed up to pick up the jewelry. He gave Fitz a few minutes to write a personal message on the card he'd provided. Fitz wrote the message and then reached into his pocket for a tip for the young man. Thanking Fitz profusely for the large bill, he ran from the building to make the delivery.
Fitz had been notified when his gifts were delivered. He sent a quick thank you to his shopper and sat down to begin his workday.
After working nonstop for hours, he rose from the table and stretched his lithe, muscular frame. He'd been working on calculations for the room dimensions of a new project that Grant Holdings was planning and he could use a hot shower and a good meal.
He hadn't heard from Olivia all day, and wondered what she was doing. He had just walked over to the refrigerator to get a bottle of water when his cell phone rang. Looking at the screen he smiled. Olivia.
X
After finishing her dinner, Olivia picked up her phone and called Fitz. A smile softened her mouth when she heard his soothing baritone. His deep voice had a way of calming her.
"I want to thank you."
"Thank me for what, Olivia?"
"For sending me flowers."
"I hope you like them."
"I love them. They're beautiful."
"So are you."
"Fitz I really love the flowers, but I cannot accept the earrings."
"Why not?"
Walking over to the large window in the living room, she stared at the lights of the early evening L.A. traffic.
"We're just friends."
"You've never accepted a gift from a friend?"
"Yes…but"
"But what?" he asked, interrupting her.
"Not diamond earrings."
"Lighten up, Olivia."
She didn't know why, but his words reminded her of something her ex would say and it rubbed her wrong way. "Don't tell me what to do, Fitz."
Fitz took a few seconds before he responded. "What's wrong, Livvie? What happened to you today?" His tone was soft, concerned.
How did he know? Was he that perceptive that he could sense her mood over the phone? Suddenly she felt terrible. He didn't deserve to be the object of her frustration and exhaustion.
"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to snap at you." She drew in a deep breath. "Let's start over. How are you, Fitz?"
"Missing you and that beautiful smile of yours."
Fitz couldn't see the huge grin on Olivia's face.
"I already like you Fitz, you don't have to use that line on me."
They both laughed. The earlier tension surrounding the earrings forgotten, for now.
"Well it's not a line. I am missing you and you are beautiful."
Olivia changed the subject. "Thank you again for spending the day with me yesterday. I enjoyed your company along with everything else." And she had enjoyed everything. Had Fitz not stopped them, she knew they would have ended up having sex right there on the couch in her living room.
"So did I, Olivia. I can't wait until Friday. Are you sure you don't want to get together for lunch or dinner sometime this week?"
"Well before today I might have taken you up on that offer, but the merger has hit a snag and I'm not sure when it will be fixed. I worked through lunch today."
"Oh. I'm sorry. Let me know if there's anything I can do. And that includes bringing you lunch or dinner. I want to make sure you're eating."
"Thank you, Fitz, but there's no need for you to do that."
"Yes, there is," he countered. "I know how working non-stop can affect a person's sleep and eating habits. So please make sure you're doing both."
She wanted to tell him that she didn't get much sleep last night and it had nothing to do with the merger. "Thank you, Fitz."
"You're welcome, Livvie."
Olivia tried to cover a yawn.
"Sleepy, pretty lady?"
"A little. I didn't get much sleep last night and it's been a long day." The glass of wine she'd had with dinner had actually made her sleepier. That rarely happened.
"Well I won't keep you. Get some sleep and don't hesitate to call if I can do anything for you."
"I will. Good night, Fitz."
"Sleep well, Livvie." He ended the call. Friday couldn't come soon enough. But he would wait. He'd told Olivia that he was a patient man, and she was definitely worth waiting for.
X
A little after three on Friday, Fitz was speeding down the 10 Freeway toward downtown L.A. He was on his way to pick up Olivia. They hadn't really had a chance to talk due to her crisis at work but yesterday evening she'd called to inform him that the problem had been found and fixed. She'd had a long and exhausting week and would only be going into the office for a few hours on Friday. If he wanted to get their weekend started early, she would be ready. Of course he did.
He'd called her when he was about twenty minutes out and she told him that she would be in the lobby waiting. He insisted on picking her up from her apartment and asked her to stay put.
"Livvie please stay where you are. I'll come up to get you."
"Don't, Fitz. It's not necessary."
"Yes it is necessary. Now tell me you'll wait, please."
She closed her eyes. "You're telling me what to do again, Fitz."
"I'm not telling you what to do, baby."
He really didn't want to fight with her about something so inane.
"Yes you are."
"I'm sorry. Just wait for me. I'm almost there. Okay?"
"Okay."
Fifteen minutes later the doorbell rang. She looked around to make sure she had everything she needed. Her pulse sped up and she took a deep breath. After a hectic week, she looked forward to seeing Fitz again. When he'd asked her yesterday if she was ready for a little rest and relaxation, she was more than ready to admit that she was.
The accounting teams from Massey-Carr and Grey Star were brought together and worked to fix the problem. By Thursday the problem was solved. The merger was back on track and she'd finally gotten a good night's sleep.
Peering through the peephole, she opened the door and there stood Fitz and her personal concierge, Michael Porter.
Seeing him again made her aware of how much she'd missed him. She'd missed touching and smelling him, much more than she wanted to admit.
He was wearing well worn jeans, a navy and white cotton pinpoint button-down shirt along with a tailored navy blazer. There was no mistaking the sexual magnetism that made him so attractive, so self-confident.
When the door opened, there stood the woman who'd occupied his every waking thought. He went still. Olivia Pope was a chameleon. Every time he saw her she looked different. She was more beautiful and sexy than he'd remembered. His smile widened in approval as he noticed the brilliant heart-shaped diamond earrings sparkling in her earlobes. He wanted to kiss her but then he remembered the man standing next to him.
"Hello, Livvie."
"Hello, Miss Pope."
"Hello, Michael. Fitz"
At Olivia's confused expression, Fitz explained Michael's presence.
"Michael's here to take your luggage. Is that all you have?" She turned to follow his line of vision.
"Ye…yes, that's it."
Quietly, Michael walked around them to retrieve her Away carry-on and the Carly Cushnie dress bag that had been lying on top of it. As he walked toward the door, Olivia thanked him. He nodded as he walked out of the door, and closed it behind him.
He turned back to Olivia, smiling at her with that lopsided grin of his. Olivia saw something akin to lust in his aquamarine eyes and wondered if he could see the same in hers. Fitz walked towards her and pulled her into a hug.
"Hi."
"Hi, yourself." Her voice was low, soft and seductive. He honestly didn't think she realized how sexy she sounded.
"You are absolutely beautiful."
He'd spent the week thinking about her. The shape of her eyes, mouth, the smoothness of her skin, the curves of her body and her smile. She was wearing faded skinny jeans, a white silk blouse with pink polka dots and a large pussy bow, a tailored hunter green blazer with back pleating and four inch nude pumps.
She'd pulled her hair back into a loose ponytail that hung past her shoulders. Had she pulled her hair back so that he would see his gift? Fitz didn't care. He was glad that she seemed to have called a truce regarding the earrings.
Olivia's smile was radiant as she watched him lower his head before capturing her lips in a hungry kiss. She moaned as he kissed every inch of her face and then moved back to her mouth. He teased her lips with his tongue until she allowed him in, while her own tongue slid easily into his mouth. His tongue mingled with hers as he tightened the hold he had on her taut body.
Both moaned when they finally pulled away, breaking the connection. Fitz leaned his forehead against hers. "I think we should leave while we still can."
She nodded and went to pick up her purse. He walked ahead of her and opened the door. They waited for the door to close and walked hand in hand to elevator. They stepped in and as soon as the doors closed, Fitz pulled Olivia into his arms. She clutched the back of his head as he moved her back toward the elevator wall.
He kissed her cheek as they breathed in sync.
Fitz began to plant tiny kisses over her face and chin before he lightly pressed his lips to hers. Olivia's hands went to Fitz's waist as she tilted her head back and gave in to the passion. His hands held her face and Olivia brought hers up to do the same to his. They shared a deep, comfortable kiss. Her hands roamed his body touching parts of him. Hard buttocks. Strong back. Broad shoulders. The softness of his hair. His hands lowered to grasp her backside as he deepened the kiss.
After a few minutes, he broke the kiss. "The elevator isn't moving," he whispered in her ear.
Olivia laughed a little. "I guess we were a little busy." She kissed him again.
Fitz leaned back to look into her eyes, his breathing ragged and his heart pounding. He reached out and pressed the 'L' on the elevator control panel. "Let's get out of here."
By the time they made it down to the busy lobby both had donned dark sunglasses and were holding hands, laughing and talking as they walked across the marble floor. Leaning into Fitz's side Olivia liked how it felt. He was the perfect height. She felt comfortable against him and her body eased into his as if it were the most natural thing for her to do. The gorgeous couple was so caught up in each other they didn't notice the admiring glances from the hotel staff and guests.
The Porsche sat out front with both doors and the trunk open when they walked outside. Fitz assisted Olivia into the passenger seat. Seconds later, he slipped out of his blazer and laid it on top of Olivia's luggage in the trunk before closing it.
Sliding into the driver's seat, Fitz leaned over and kissed her cheek before started the car. The powerful engine roared to life. "I'm going to leave the top down, let me know if it gets too cool." He pulled out of the hotel's driveway into afternoon traffic. As he maneuvered the vehicle through the streets, the cool air flowed over her face. She was glad for that because being this close to Fitz had set her on fire.
The ride back to the Hills was made without conversation. Olivia was content to relax and listen to the music flowing from the Porsche's sound system. She felt him move when his right foot shifted from the gas to the brake. She knew he was staring at her. When she opened her eyes and looked at him, she was right, he was looking at her. She was having a hard time reading his expression. Was he feeling what she was feeling?
Olivia was the first to look away and stared straight ahead.
Fitz rested his hand on her knee. He had to touch her again just to make sure this was real. Olivia Pope was spending the weekend in his home. He'd meant it when he'd told her nothing was going to happen that she didn't want to happen. He didn't care if it did. He just wanted to be with her.
Olivia knew she couldn't continue to ignore the truth. She wanted Fitz. She smiled to herself. She and Fitz had reached a point in their friendship where the thick sexual tension between them had to be resolved. She covered his hand on her knee. He moved her hand to the gearshift as he shifted into lower gear. Sighing, she leaned over and rested her head on his shoulder.
X
Olivia knew the moment she walked through the door of Fitz's home that afternoon that her life would change forever. She shifted from one foot to the other in an attempt to calm her nerves, unable to believe she was reacting like a frightened virgin about to have her first sexual experience on her wedding night. Pull it together, girl, she told herself. She was an almost thirty year old, sexually experienced woman. So why was she shaking like a frightened puppy?
Sensing her nervousness, Fitz set her bags on the floor before he reached for her and palmed her face in his hands. She was sure he could feel and hear her pounding heart. "If you don't want to do this, then I'll take you back to your place."
Olivia looked directly into his eyes. "If I wasn't certain, I never would've agreed to spend the weekend with you."
Fitz pulled her into a hug and whispered in her ear. "You're certain, yet you're afraid."
"I'm not afraid," she countered.
"If you're not afraid, then why are you shaking?"
"Perhaps it comes from the possibility of sleeping in a bed with you."
She knew she could sleep with him without having sex. Fitz had made that very clear. But as she'd told her sister, her head was saying no but her body was screaming for sexual release.
"Would you feel less apprehensive if we don't have sex tonight?"
"Didn't you say nothing's going to happen that I don't want to happen?" He nodded. "Then let's let the evening's events unfold naturally."
Smiling, Olivia pressed a hand to his chest. "Now please show me where I can change into something more comfortable."
He pressed a kiss to her temple. "Come upstairs with me."
X
Olivia's slipper sock covered feet were silent as she descended the staircase. Walking through the great room she glanced out at the view before following the heavenly scents to the kitchen.
She found Fitz in the gourmet kitchen, a chef's dream with the state-of-the art appliances: double ovens, cooktop range and grill, built-in refrigerator/freezer and wine storage. He had changed his shirt and was now wearing a short sleeve black t-shirt, while leather slippers had replaced his imported footwear. Her gaze lingered on his muscular arms. His bulging biceps were a result of his regular workouts.
"Something smells really good."
Fitz spun around, smiling when he saw Olivia standing in the entrance to the kitchen. His gaze traveled slowly down her body. She'd changed into a two piece Lou & Grey set of a sweatshirt and matching wide leg pants in brushed drapey knit. "Please come in and sit down." He started to pull out a tall stool at the island, but she shook her head and went to stand next to him at the range. Her arm went around his waist as if it were something she'd done before.
"What are you wearing? You smell delicious."
Olivia smiled. "Annick Goutal D'Hadrien. I've been wearing it since I graduated from high school."
"It suits you."
"Thank you."
"Would you like to have a glass of wine while I start dinner?"
"No I'll wait to have a glass with whatever that is you're preparing."
When Olivia had entered the kitchen the sight that greeted her rendered her speechless. He'd prepared an antipasto with prosciutto, Genoa salami, roasted peppers, mixed olives, fresh mozzarella, sliced tomatoes and a Caesar salad topped with parmesan shavings. She stared at a baking sheet with risen dough sprinkled with garlic, olive oil and coarse salt.
"There's a lot of food here," she remarked.
"It just looks like a lot because I enjoy different courses. There's enough here for two servings from each course.
Fitz was full of surprises. His culinary skills were definitely impressive. "You must have spent all morning putting this together."
"I got up early to put out the dough so it would rise by the time I was ready to bake it. It took me less than half an hour to make the antipasto and salad, which I did before leaving to pick you up. I cooked the main dish of rigatoni in a tomato- basil sauce and meatballs last night. It's in the oven. That's what you smell. We're having Tiramisu for dessert. I picked it up from Terroni this morning. I hope you brought your appetite."
"I did." Olivia answered truthfully. She'd eaten yogurt topped with granola, a banana, an apple and a bottle of water. She was starving.
"How about I set the table?" She needed something to do other than stare at Fitz.
"Sure," he said looking over at her. "Everything you need is in the sideboard in the dining room."
Silently she turned and walked into the formal dining room with its view of the city below. She busied herself with setting the table. When she finished she went to stand at the floor to ceiling windows to watch as the sun began sun slowly set across the city. She returned to the kitchen just as Fitz was removing the bread and rigatoni from the oven.
"Table's set."
He looked up from transferring the food to serving dishes. "Thank you. Would you like to select a bottle of wine?"
She walked over to the wine storage and studied the selections. There were a few that she owned so she chose a 1982 Chateau Margaux Bordeaux, a red she'd never had.
Ten minutes later Fitz was seating Olivia at the dining room table. The overhead chandelier was dimmed to its lowest setting and the soft light from vanilla-scented pillar candles cast shadows over the table which she'd set with bone china, crystal stemware and silver place settings. Music flowed from the speakers concealed throughout the first floor.
Fitz rounded the table and took a seat opposite Olivia. "This table is beautiful," he said, filling her glass with red wine.
"Thank you. Years of charm school and, well, you've met my mother." They both laughed at her comment.
"Fitz this all looks delicious. Do you cook like this all the time?"
"Unfortunately, no. Only because I don't have the time. Cooking relaxes me and eating out or ordering in isn't exactly healthy unless in moderation."
"I know." She raised her wineglass. "Cheers to the cook."
Fitz raised his glass, touching hers. "Cheers."
She took a sip of wine, holding it in her mouth for several seconds before letting it slide down the back of her throat. The wine was excellent.
The dinner conversation flowed easily. It ran the gamut of topics. The merger, Fitz's project. They'd laughed and once or twice she had teared up with emotion. Even the moments of silence had been easy and relaxed, allowing them both to discover comfort in just being quiet with each other.
Fitz drained his glass then refilled it and Olivia's. He stared at his dining partner over the rim of his glass. Everything was perfect: the meal. The candlelight, the softly playing music as a backdrop. Even the white bouquet, that had been on a side table in the great room, was perfect. When he asked Olivia what the flowers were she'd told him violets, lily-of-the-valley and sweet peas. The housekeeper brought fresh flowers on the days she came to clean. He'd sent Olivia flowers and jewelry. He'd never given a woman jewelry. He knew he was falling for her. Hard.
"Fitz, are you all right?"
He blinked as if coming out of a trance.
"Yes. Why?"
"I asked if you were ready to clear the table."
"Oh. Maritza, the housekeeper, will be here in about," he looked at his watch, "thirty minutes to take care of everything."
Olivia tried to hide her smile behind a linen napkin.
"What's so funny?"
She turned her head to keep him from seeing her smirk. Fitz had denied having someone pick up after him.
"Nothing. No!" she shrieked. He'd picked her up, holding above his head as if she weighed no more than a child. "Put me down, Fitz."
"Apologize."
"For what?"
"For what you were thinking."
"What was I thinking?"
"You know what you were thinking?"
"Okay. I'm sorry."
"That's better." He slid her down the length of his body until they were face to face. Her arms went around his neck and her legs around his waist.
"Are you ready for dessert?"
I should be asking you that, she thought. Instead, she looked at Fitz as if he had taken a sudden leave of his senses. "I'm so full I'm going to pass on dessert."
He kissed her parted lips before placing her on the floor. Leaning over the table he blew out the candles. "I'm going to take the leftover food to the kitchen and I'll meet you back in the great room in fifteen minutes."
"I don't think so, mister. I'll help. Together we'll finish quicker."
X
Maritza had returned and was cleaning the kitchen. Olivia had left Fitz downstairs talking to her while she went upstairs to use the bathroom and brush her teeth. When she returned twenty minutes later, Maritza was gone and Fitz was nowhere to be found. The smell of freshly brewed coffee filled downstairs. A few minutes later he came downstairs in an MIT sweatshirt and holding a blanket.
"I thought we could sit out on the deck and enjoy the view." Her smile was proof he had the right idea. "I've brewed coffee for me and your tea is steeping."
She looked at him in surprise. "Thank you," was all she could say without tearing up. He always thought about her. A few minutes later each walked out of the kitchen with a mug of smoking liquid in their hand. Fitz opened the door to the deck and she stepped out first. The night was chilly but it wasn't cold. They had a panoramic view of the city below. It was ablaze in lights against a clear, black sky. From their vantage point, the world appeared at peace.
He walked over to one of the chaise lounges and sat. Handing her his mug he unfolded the blanket and invited her to sit. She gave him both mugs and sat. After getting situated, Olivia lay nestled between Fitz's hard thighs, her back supported by his chest. They sat in silence, sipping their hot beverages, comforted by the beat of each other's hearts.
"I was thinking, maybe we could watch a movie later." He broke the silence.
"Perhaps," was her only response.
"What do you have planned for your birthday, Livvie?"
She looked at him over her shoulder before turning back around. "I haven't made any plans."
"What?! Livvie you're turning thirty. That's a milestone. You have to celebrate."
She laughed at the egregious tone of his voice. "Fitz it's just another day. Honestly, I hadn't given it any thought until you brought it up."
"Well you have two weeks to think of something. What would you do if you were in D.C.?"
She thought about it for a few minutes. "Since it's my thirtieth, my parents would probably plan a dinner party and invite family and a few friends. Something small. Although Maya Lewis Pope doesn't really know the meaning of small. I'm kind of glad that I'm here instead of home."
He leaned down and whispered in her ear. "We're going to plan something for you and me. There's no way I'm going to allow your thirtieth birthday to pass without doing something."
She placed her mug of lukewarm tea on the small table next to the chaise lounge and turned to look at him.
"Oh yeah?"
"Leaning down he kissed her lightly on the lips. "Oh yeah."
They stared at one another for a few seconds before their lips met again in a kiss that left little to the imagination. Olivia knew that since Fitz had allowed her to establish the terms of their short-lived relationship, if they were going to have sex then she would have to make the first move. She was ready. She turned over and snaked her arms around his neck. She deepened the kiss, tasting the coffee on his lips and tongue. He wrapped his arms around her waist as she began to grind her center over his slowly growing bulge.
After a few minutes he pulled back and looked directly in her eyes. "Are you sure, Livvie?"
She nodded. She wanted to sleep with Fitz and it really didn't matter how long she'd known him. She'd known her ex all her life, yet she'd obviously not really known him at all.
"Then I guess we're not going to watch that movie."
She tightened her hold on him before she answered. "Probably not."
He pulled her closer and asked, "What do you want to do?"
Enjoying the feel of him she took her time answering. "Everything."
She stood from the lounge and reached for his hand. He took it and stood. Lifting her in his arms he walked towards the door leading into the house. She reached down and opened the door and then locked it once they were inside.
He leaned down to kiss her as he walked them towards the stairs. Fitz deepened the kiss, his tongue slowly finding its way into her mouth. He knew they were treading dangerous waters, but not only was it too late, he no longer cared. He wanted Olivia Pope in his life and in his bed.
As he carried her up the stairs, Olivia mused, I'm a grown woman about to do a grown woman thing, remembering what her mother had said.