Now keep in mind I'm an artist and I'm sensitive about my shit. –Erykah Badu
Thank you all so much for the PMs, kind reviews and continued support. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to update. I haven't forgotten about this story. I'd been working to GOTV to get our governor re-elected. Now that that's over, I can concentrate on IOYK again. Thanks for your patience.
Here we go…
Olivia hadn't realized how much she'd missed Fitz until she saw him walk out of the elevator car toward her, as she stood in the door of her apartment.
"Come here, baby," he said in that low and sexy voice she loved to hear. Olivia walked into his embrace, burying her face against his chest. She put her arms around his neck, pulling his head down and closed her eyes. Giving herself freely to him and his kiss. Her heart raced so hard and fast that she felt giddy and light-hearted.
He looked into her upturned face. "I've been waiting to do that all day," he said, before walking her back into the apartment and closing the door.
"Worth the wait?"
"Absolutely."
He cupped the back of her head, threading his fingers through her hair and pulling her closer. His tongue dipped into her mouth and she gave in, gave all. Her arms moved from his neck to his arms.
"I could make love to you right here, right now," he groaned against her mouth. Pulling back, he stared at her wide-eyed expression. She looked so innocent yet so lustful at the same time. But she wasn't innocent. She was a woman who'd been in a long-term relationship that had ended in a broken engagement. "We have a seven-thirty reservation so we should probably be going."
"I think you're right."
"Ready?"
"Very."
Her day had gone well. The meeting with Grey Star representatives and their lawyers had been productive and when she was finally was able to check her messages, she had a text from Fitz confirming their date and asking if she would like to spend the night. Without giving it a second thought, she responded with one word. YES. She'd left work early to shower, change clothes and to pack a bag.
She looked at him before turning and pointing to a Saks suit bag and a leather weekender on the floor. He walked over. "Is this all you have?"
She nodded. "Yes."
He lifted both bags and walked toward the door. She grabbed her purse and followed him, closing the door behind them.
X
Fitz sat across from Olivia at a table in Saffron's, which specialized in authentic Persian cuisine. The atmosphere was cozy and his dinner partner made the evening close to perfect. They'd ordered dinner along with Chateau Musar Gaston Hocher, selected by Olivia.
He stared at her face in the flickering glow of candlelight. "Excellent choice," he said. He wasn't a big wine drinker, but the vintage she'd chosen was big and rich. She knew her wines. "The food is delicious, the service exceptional and my dinner partner just perfect.
"Thank you." Seconds ticked by before she met his eyes. "I love Middle Eastern food."
"I can see why. Maybe we should find a recipe and prepare it together."
"I'd love to. I'm getting to be a decent sous chef."
He laughed. "You're coming along."
She pouted with her hand over her heart. Fitz wanted to lean over the table and kiss her pouting lips. But he would save that for later. Instead he took her hand in his before speaking, changing the subject.
"Did you bring your passport to LA?"
She frowned. "Yes. Why?"
"I thought we could get away for a few days for your birthday. Just us."
Her brows rose. "Oh?"
"Yes, oh. I told you we would have to do something. And I also said we would have fun."
She smiled while nodding. "You did say that." She was quiet for a few seconds before deciding that she wasn't going to worry, get worked up, or even overthink his invitation. In fact, she wasn't going to allow herself to think at all. "So when do we leave?"
Fitz did a good job of containing himself. He'd impulsively asked her to spend the night with him, and she hadn't hesitated before accepting. He wasn't sure what he'd expected when he asked her to go away with him and he'd been holding his breath until she'd actually agreed to go.
"Next Thursday. Let me know what time you can get away. I have to arrange our flight. We can return Sunday or Monday. You decide."
Three or four days alone with Fitz on a beach, yeah she could get with that. Then she remembered he hadn't revealed where he was taking her. "Where are we going?"
He smiled that lopsided grin before speaking. "Antigua. We can stay at the home my grandfather built over forty years ago, stroll the beaches, hang out…make love."
She tilted her head, a seductive smile on her face. "We don't have to go to Antigua to have sex, baby."
He leaned in closer. "We do if we want to do it under the stars, on a private beach."
Olivia's eyes widened and she knew she was blushing. "You have it all planned, don't you?"
"Yes Livvie, I do."
"Do you think we can squeeze in a night of dancing in between the bed and the beach?"
Fitz reached for her hand again before he whispered, "So you want a little music to go along with your sex? I'll be more than willing to accommodate you, darling."
"I bet you will."
She suddenly remembered something. "I didn't bring clothes for the beach. I have to go shopping."
"You may not need much."
She looked at him, curiously. "Why?"
"Because we're going to spend half of our time on the beach and the other half in bed." He smiled when she looked away to hide the blush she knew was coming.
Returning her gaze to Fitz, she squeezed his hand. "I don't intend to spend my time away in bed, Fitz."
"We'll see about that," he teased.
"I guess we will," she responded.
The remainder of their dinner was spent eyeing each other across the table, caressing each other and flirting shamelessly. They made sly innuendoes, which only fueled the sexual tension between them. They both declined dessert, knowing what they wanted wasn't on the menu. Fitz requested the check. He quickly signed the receipt before pushing himself up from the table and extended his hand toward Olivia. Their gazes locked as she entwined her fingers between his. He'd wanted her since he stepped off the elevator earlier that evening. Placing a hand at the small of her back, he guided her through the restaurant toward the exit and the valet, both focused on the passion to come.
X
Within seconds of closing and locking the front door, Fitz swept Olivia off her feet and carried her upstairs to his bedroom. The sound of clothing being tossed aside, and the moans and groans from undressing each other were the only sounds in the room.
Fitz lifted Olivia and she tightened her legs around him as he walked to the bed with her in his arms. He leaned down to place her on it and she pulled him down with her. He hovered over her breathing hard and staring at her with hooded eyes. Lowering his head he offered her his tongue and she sucked the tip. They enjoyed each other's mouths until he pulled back and started crawling down her body. He explored her with his mouth, leaving a trail of wet kisses.
When he reached his destination, he looked at her clean shaven core with a wolfish grin. "So pretty," he whispered before looking up at her for just a second.
Olivia gave him a smile of thanks.
Fitz dipped his head and sucked the top of her core into his mouth. He growled.
Laughing softly, she reached down to stroke his hair. When he grabbed her ankles and pushed her legs back, she gasped as he opened her core wider.
Puckering his lips, he blew against her quivering clit.
"Oh, my God," she cried out at the new sensation. Spreading her arms wide, she gripped the pillows on each side of her as she began to circle her hips. The feel of his tongue licking her from the space just below her opening to her lips and then her swollen clit made her lift her hips from the bed.
"Fitz," she moaned, closing her eyes and biting her bottom lip as he sucked her deeply. She repeated his name over and over, like a litany, between licks.
He was a master at this. Slow and meticulous. Deep sucks. Kisses. Words of praise. All of it. The best. Just the best.
"Yes," she sighed, as she pressed her feet deep into the mattress and gripped the back of his head with one hand while slowly rocking her hips back and forth against his mouth.
"I'm gonna come. Oh, God, Fitz, I'm going to come," she gasped as she felt her climax building. She quivered in anticipation.
He moaned before sucking her clit so deep until his mouth and face were buried deep in her core.
He released one thigh so he could ease his middle finger inside her to tickle her G-spot.
That sent her over the edge.
Olivia took a deep breath as she climaxed.
"Yes!" she screamed.
Fitz locked his free hand around her thigh to hold her in place as he continued to suck her to a long, explosive climax as he removed his finger from her core.
She quivered as she gave in to the pleasure. It was good but one thing could make it better.
"Now, Fitz. Please." She pleaded.
Somewhere between madness and sanity, Fitz remembered protection. He snatched open the drawer to the bedside table and grabbed a handful of condoms.
Olivia was still shaking and quivering, and moisture flowed from her as she watched Fitz rolled the condom over his long and large dick.
Fitz lowered himself until their faces were inches apart. "My Livvie," he said, as he looked down at her with pure adoration.
She slowly opened her legs and brought them up until her knees were on either side of her head.
Using nothing but his hips, Fitz slid his dick inside her, inch by magnificent inch, stretching her slowly. Olivia cried out as he filled her deeply. The condom was so thin she felt every ridge of his hardness. He looked down at her and held still, allowing her body to adjust to his size.
"Are you okay, baby?"
"Yes," she sighed with a small laugh. "You're just…big."
He leaned down and placed feathery kisses all over face until he felt her body relax. When it did, he began to move.
"That feels amazing, Fitz," she said when he increased the pace. "Don't stop what you're doing."
There was no way he was going to stop. He bent down to suck a hard nipple into his mouth as he pumped away between her thighs, his pace fast and furious.
Deep.
Heart pounding.
"Oh, Fitz. You feel so good."
"I do?"
"Yessss," she moaned.
She locked her legs around his waist and let her hands grip his head and his back. The sweat beading all over his muscled body made it harder for her to hold on. Her hands were driving him wild and she felt his dick swell even more inside her.
Olivia used her walls to grip and release him expertly. She kissed him deeply as she worked her hips in a slow circle that pulled down on his sex. She swallowed his gasp of pleasure as she moaned from the feel of his large member hitting her wet and slick clit.
The sound of her rough cries, "faster, Fitz," echoed off the walls as she rose to meet his frantic thrusts. She grabbed the sweat soaked sheets and pulled them from the bed. Breathing heavily, he withdrew almost completely and then plunged back into her body again, and grunted out her name as they rode each other to an explosive climax together. But he kept moving. In and out, over and over she felt him.
His hand eased between them and he pinched her clit as he sucked the side of her neck leaving a mark. Olivia shuddered, accepting the inevitable. The waves of her climax were strong and overwhelming. Her body jerked and she let out a scream when she exploded. He followed her and she felt his dick explode deep inside her, both free falling into the abyss.
X
Fifteen minutes later they were laying together in the stillness of the room, surrounded by the quiet. Legs entwined, Olivia lay atop Fitz, his hand lightly stroking the small of her back. They were still intimately connected, heart to heart, skin to skin, man to woman. He looked up into her face. Her eyes were closed and she was breathing evenly, but he knew she wasn't asleep.
"You okay?" he asked, breaking the silence surrounding them.
She felt totally drained and parts of her body were still quivering.
"Yes, I'm fine," she whispered back.
"You're amazing, Livvie," he said softly, truthfully.
He watched a smile starting to form on her face as she slowly opened her eyes to look at him. "Thank you. That's a wonderful thing to say."
He saw the look in her eyes. It was as if she was surprised by his words. Why? Had her ex told her differently? He pushed the thought aside, thinking if that was the case, he wasn't surprised. Her ex obviously hadn't recognized true passion when he saw or felt it. He didn't want to think of anyone else having something this special with her. Especially her ex. That was all in the past. Whether she knew it or accepted it, she belonged to him now and that was all that mattered.
"It's true," he said, looking up into her face, before kissing her nose. He reached under her arms and lifted her, disconnecting their bodies, to move her off of him. He really needed to get up and discard the condom but his limbs refused to cooperate with his brain. So for the first time since sleeping with a woman, Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III removed the condom and dropped it on the floor beside the bed. Turning back to Olivia, he pulled her hips to his groin, closed his eyes and within minutes joined her in a sated slumber.
X
Olivia woke to cramping in her lower belly, a distinct indicator that her menses were coming. She and Fitz had dodged a bullet. "No more unprotected sex," she whispered.
She glanced at the small clock on the night table. It was close to two in the morning. She peeked over her shoulder, Fitz was sound asleep. Gently she eased herself out of his hold and sat up on the side of the bed. Standing she tiptoed into the bathroom to relieve herself. She cleaned herself up and when she finished she walked back into the bedroom. Picking up Fitz's long discarded shirt from the floor, she put it on, covered her body, and quietly left the room.
When she reached the bottom of the stairs, she noticed her purse on a side table and walked over to retrieve her phone. Glancing at the screen, she saw a text message from her sister and an email from one of her assistants advising her of a canceled meeting. Turning, she walked to the kitchen to make a cup of tea.
She was in the middle of typing a response to the email when she heard Fitz call her name. She turned to see him standing in the entrance to the kitchen wearing nothing but a pair of black boxer briefs. Her gaze roamed over every perfect inch of his body before she found her voice.
"I'm sorry, did I wake you?" she asked.
Walking farther into the room, he stood in front her. "No. I turned over and you weren't there." Placing a hand over her forehead, Fitz found it cool to touch. "Are you okay?"
Olivia saw the concern in his eyes. "Yes. Just cramps. I'm waiting for my tea to steep." She pointed to the mug sitting in front of her on the island.
Lifting her, he sat on the tall stool and settled her on his lap. "How long do your cramps usually last?" he asked.
"A couple of days," she answered. Her period had been consistent after her IUD was removed. Always on time and usually accompanied by cramps.
He hugged her to him. "Let me take care of you. What usually makes you feel better?"
She looked up at him and smiled. "Tea and rest."
"Well why don't you go back upstairs and I'll bring you your tea."
She slid from his lap and kissed his cheek. "Thank you." Picking up her phone, she headed for the stairs.
Ten minutes later Fitz walked into the bedroom carrying a piping hot mug of tea. Walking over to the bed, he handed her the mug and set the coaster he'd brought with him on the night table.
"This should help you relax and get some sleep."
He sat on the edge of the bed and watched as she wrapped her hands around the mug. She blew on the liquid before taking a sip. He brushed her hair away from her face before speaking. "I guess you're all right?" he asked.
Did she detect a hint of sadness? It took her a few seconds before she understood what he meant.
"It appears that way but I still won't know for a few days."
She glanced at him over the rim of the mug before taking another sip. "What's in this?"
"Tea, honey, lemon and a splash of brandy."
Her eyes grew wide but she continued to sip until she drank all of the toddy. "It's good." She handed him the empty mug and he set it on the decorative coaster before standing and turning off the lamp. Walking to the other side of the bed, he got in next to Olivia and pulled her to his chest.
Leaning over, he turned out the lamp on his side of the bed before dropping a kiss on hair. "Feel better, Livvie."
Olivia snuggled closer to Fitz, feeding off his warmth. "Thank you for taking care of me, Fitz."
He kissed her again. "Always, sweet baby."
After a few minutes, he heard her soft snores. Olivia had fallen asleep.
Easing her down to the pillow, he pulled the sheet and duvet up and over her shoulders. He lay completely still, his mind filled with things he wanted to tell Olivia. He wanted to tell her that he loved her, wanted to marry her, have children with her and he wanted to die in her arms. But he knew he still needed to tread lightly, be patient. They may have taken their relationship to the next level, but he knew she still carried scars from her previous relationship and disastrous engagement, that weren't completely healed.
Fitz held Olivia for a few minutes until his eyelids grew heavy and he fell asleep.
X
Later that morning Fitz sat on the side of the bed, leaned over and kissed Olivia's forehead. "I left a set of keys for you on the bathroom countertop. Don't worry about the bed or the dishes. Maritza will be here today."
Olivia opened her eyes, staring blurrily at Fitz. He was dressed for work. "Do you want me to set the alarm?"
"Yes."
"Okay, just set the ON button and you'll have sixty seconds to close the door."
"Thank you, Fitz."
He smiled at her. She was barely able to keep her eyes open. "No need to thank me, baby." He stood. "Remember, you don't have to go in to the office until noon, so go back to sleep."
Olivia had awakened at five that morning and sent emails and text messages to her team notifying them that she would be coming in late, something she never did. She then called her car service to give them a later pick-up time and different address.
"Yes, I know. Nathan will be here at eleven thirty. You'd better get going if you want to get to your meeting on time."
"Are you trying to get rid of me?"
Olivia patted his shoulder through his blazer. "I want to get a few more hours of sleep."
"On that note, I'm leaving. I'll call you later. Bye, Livvie."
"Bye, Fitz."
Olivia watched Fitz as he walked out of the room. She rolled over and buried her face in the pillow he'd just slept on. She could still smell him. Closing her eyes, her thoughts drifted to earlier when he'd awaken and came downstairs looking for her after discovering she was no longer in bed with him. He'd taken care of her more in the past six months than her ex ever had. He was making it more and more difficult to hide what she was feeling for him. The only time she was able to let go was during sex. It was then she surrendered all of herself, holding nothing back. If only he took the time to see how different she was in and out of bed, he would see the truth. Sighing, she snuggled deeper under the duvet and drifted back to sleep.
X
Olivia made it in to her office at twelve fifteen. Most of her team was at lunch but those who weren't stared at curiously but no one said anything. There were no fires to put out and everything was running smoothly without her. She realized that she could take a few days off for her birthday and everything would be okay.
Closing the door, she sat behind her desk and picked up her phone to call her sister. Checking her watch, she saw that it was almost four in DC. Cecily was probably seeing patients in her office so she expected to get her voicemail. She never called the main number unless it was urgent. She was surprised when Cecily answered after three rings.
"Hello, little sister. I was about to send out a search party to look for you." The sisters laughed. "Seriously. You're lucky I've been too busy to catch my breath and haven't had time to call you. It's football season and we're always busy during this time of year." Cecily was a well known orthopedic surgeon, and a partner in a very busy practice.
"I'm sorry, Cis. I've been busy too. Busy with a lot of work and a whole lot of Fitz."
"Well in that case, you're forgiven." Olivia laughed at her sister's remark.
"I'm surprised you're taking time to call me, since Fitz is occupying a lot of your time these days." Cecily teased. "So what's going on with you and Mr. Sexy? Have you been spending all of your time together…talking?" she asked.
Olivia laughed, enjoying talking to her sister.
"We're getting to know each other."
"I see…So? Can you share or are the details too obscene?"
"Mmmm…" Olivia leaned back in her chair and smiled wickedly.
"Are you going to tell me or are you going to make me beg?" A slow smile crept across Cecily's face.
Olivia laughed. "They may be a little too explicit to share while I'm at work."
Cecily screamed. "It's about damn time."
"Cecily!"
"What?" It's true. You two were spontaneous combustion waiting to happen. Glad you finally took the edge off"
Olivia basked in her sister's approval. She did feel different. Alive. Her body was still carrying the affects of her and Fitz's activities last night. She'd finally awakened at ten that morning and ran a warm bath to soak her sore and tired muscles, and Miss Olivia.
"Cis he cooked dinner for me and a few hours later my clothes were flying all around the room. Miss Olivia was doing ALL of the thinking."
"Aw, girl, don't be so hard on yourself. You had a need and he was willing and able to fulfill that need."
"Oh, Cis, Fitz is a breath of fresh air. He's made me feel alive again."
"I'm happy for you, Lib. I can't think of anyone who deserves happiness more than you. You know I mean that."
"Thanks, Cis. I know you do."
"Well I'm not really interested in the details. Just be careful and make the most of the time you have with Mr. Sexy. Okay?"
"I hear you, Cis."
"My last patient is here so we're going to have to cut this call short."
"No problem. I'll call you later tonight."
"Wait! Lib! Can you do me a favor?"
"Should I be afraid?"
"Probably." Cecily laughed. "Call our mother and give her something. Anything! Just make sure it tides her over so she can stop asking me what's going on with you and Fitz. Tell her something. Please!"
The sisters laughed.
"I swear you guys are crazy." Olivia said as she gasped for breath, wiping the tears from the corners of her eyes.
"Yeah, we are." Cecily agreed. "But we love you."
"I know. I'll call her later. "
"Please do. Bye, Lib. Love you."
"Bye, Cis. Love you too."
X
Olivia met with her team for the next three hours to put together a presentation for the next client meeting. When she'd returned to her office she checked her phone and saw that she'd missed a call from Fitz. He'd sent her a text telling her that he would be working late. They'd made plans to prepare dinner together, but those plans were now canceled.
Fitz had been walking through the lobby of The Max with the construction foreman, comparing the structure to the blueprints when his cell phone rang. "Excuse me a moment." He walked a few steps away, checked the ID and smiled when he saw Olivia's name.
"Hi, sweetheart. How are you?"
"I'm feeling much better. Thank you again, Fitz."
"I didn't do much, Livvie, but I'm happy you're feeling better."
"What are you doing later?"
"Well I have a meeting in about thirty minutes which will probably last an hour and then I need come back to The Max to complete a report. I'll be here until at least seven."
"Wow. Late evening."
"Yes, but I still want to see you. Why don't you meet me here and we'll go out for a late dinner. You can spend the night with me or I can take you home."
She liked the sound of that. "I'll see you a six-thirty and you won't need to take me home."
"Okay. Can't wait to see you, baby," he whispered.
"Me too."
"I have to go," he needed to hang up before he embarrassed himself.
"Goodbye, Fitz."
"Goodbye, Livvie."
After leaving work, she'd gone back to her apartment to shower, change clothes, get something to wear to work and pick up dinner prepared by the restaurant at 12 Wilshire. When she emerged from the hotel, Nathan was waiting to take her to The Max, and Fitz.
Olivia called Fitz when she was five minutes out, and he was waiting for her when Nathan skillfully pulled up the curb. He opened her door before Nathan had a chance to step out of the vehicle.
"Hi, Livvie." He lowered his head and took her mouth into a kiss before she could respond. It was Nathan clearing his throat that made the lovers come up for air. They both laughed.
"Sorry about that, Nathan," Olivia apologized.
"No problem, Miss Pope. I just didn't want your dinner getting cold."
He stood holding their dinner and Olivia's suit bag.
Fitz reached for both bags. "Thank you Nathan. I'll take those."
Fitz waited while Olivia reminded Nathan that she would be ready at seven in the morning, and to pick her up at the house in the Hills. Nodding, he bid them a good evening, got into the driver's seat and drove off into the early evening traffic.
Olivia walked over to Fitz and looked up at him. "Hello, baby."
Moving both bags to one hand he took her hand in the other and they walked towards the office.
"You brought me dinner? You didn't have to do that," he said.
"Have you eaten anything today?"
"No. Not yet. I was waiting on you so we could go out."
"That's why I decided to bring dinner. Now we don't have to go out. I hope you like roasted lamb," she said. "I should have asked but it would have ruined the surprise."
"I love it," he said. "Although to be honest, I'm so hungry I'd happily eat kibble right about now. You're not only beautiful, you're thoughtful." He kissed her cheek.
They walked up the wooden ramp to the front door of the modular office. Olivia stepped inside and was introduced to Fitz's world. There were two drafting tables and next to each sat a computer and printer along with rolls of trace paper. In the middle of the space sat a conference with seating for eight and a sitting area in one corner complete with a leather sofa and chair and a coffee table. There was also a small kitchen and bathroom along with two private offices. One wall was covered in blueprints and there were hard hats hung on hooks beneath them.
Fitz watched her as she walked over to the drafting board he used often and picked up a small picture frame. It was a family photo taken a few months ago on the day Ford was officially named President and CEO of Grant Holdings.
"Are these your parents?"
"Yes."
He and his father shared the same blue eyes, while Ford and Christine Grant shared blue green. "You look a lot like your mother."
He looked up at her. "So do you."
She smiled. "Touche, Mr. Grant."
She set the picture back on the drafting table and walked over the blueprints. "Are these the blueprints for this building?"
He walked up behind her and wrapped his arms around her. "Yes. The Maxwell on Broadway."
"Why 'The Maxwell'?"
Fitz rested his chin on her head. "It's my late grandmother's maiden name. Ivey Victoria Maxwell. We were so much alike. I inherited my compassion, spirit and love for life from her. She always lived life to the fullest, had a warm soul and loved her family and friends with every piece of her heart."
"Sounds like you two were close."
"Yes, we were very close. She was the best. We had a bond that couldn't be broken."
She heard the tiny catch in his voice and turned around to face him.
"Fitz, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you sad. We can talk about something else."
He looked away before responding. "No, it's okay Livvie. I just miss her so much. I spent every summer as a kid with her and Senior. Those were best summer vacations ever."
She could see the sadness reflected in bright blue eyes.
"She loved the water. Like you. I think she would've liked you…a lot."
"What happened to her, Fitz?"
He took a breath. "Cancer. She died my junior year of college. One day she was diagnosed and the next she was gone."
She wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed tightly. "I'm so sorry, Fitz."
When their eyes met, hers were filled with tears and compassion. Fitz had never shared this part of himself with anyone other than his mother, but it just felt right with Olivia.
"Thank you," he kissed her forehead. "Let's eat."
They both walked to the small kitchen and washed their hands before Fitz pulled out plates, flatware and glasses. He walked over to the conference table and set two place settings, while she unpacked the insulated food carrier. She opened one of the bottles of 1982 Chateau Latour that he given her as a hostess gift and let it breathe. Fitz snapped his fingers and walked over to his drafting table and picked up a small remote. He pressed a button and the smooth sounds Miles Davis' 'Kind of Blue' floated throughout the building.
"Oh I love that album," she closed her eyes and nodded her head.
"So the pretty lady knows good wine and good music," Fitz said with a deep respect.
"You have Elijah Pope to thank for both," she opened her eyes and looked at him. "I told you, I'm a daddy's girl. We have the same temperament. Cicely is a lot like our mother. High maintenance." They both laughed as Fitz joined her at the table.
He sat and she fixed both of their plates. They dined on succulent roasted lamb and potatoes, asparagus and spinach salad.
"I received an invitation from Anais today. It's for a new exhibit that's opening Sunday at the LACA (Los Angeles County Museum of Art). She's the curator. Would you like to attend with me?"
Olivia took a sip of wine and thought about the beautiful woman with the short platinum hairstyle. She liked Anais; although she didn't appreciate her line of questioning regarding her relationship with Fitz.
"Sure. That sounds like fun."
"Okay, I'll let her know."
"Perfect."
"So did you find everything you needed this morning?" he asked.
"Yes. I actually had enough time to soak in the Jacuzzi. Alone"
He smiled, thinking about what happened the last time they took a bath together. She still hadn't let him know if she was all right and he wasn't going to bring it up.
"We can take baths together we just have to be careful."
"We'll see about that, Mister."
They both laughed. The easy conversation continued while they finished dinner. There was dessert but neither of them wanted any. Olivia was getting back to her swim schedule after missing two days while she was at Fitz's place. He'd told her to bring her bathing suit since the pool was heated. She had packed two and planned to do get up tomorrow morning and get in her laps.
When they finished dinner, together they cleaned the table and loaded the dishes into the dishwasher in the small, functional kitchen. They held hands and walked back to waiting area and took a seat on the sofa. Olivia topped off her glass of wine but Fitz declined and drank water instead.
"Are you more like your mother or your father?"
He took a minute before answering. "Definitely my mother. Although she comes from a wealthy family, she doesn't have a pretentious bone in her body. I mean, Ford and I didn't even have nannies. Because even though my mom grew up with one, she didn't want the same for her children. She said she saw her nanny more than her mother. She was always hands-on. I think that's why she and my grandmother got along so well. She was her favorite daughter-in-law. My father's family's fortune is twice that of the Ford's but the Ford money is old and the Grants are new money. My maternal grandfather, John Paul or J.P., never lets Senior forget it. Ford-Grant family gatherings are always fun," he said sardonically. "Imagine having so much money that the only thing you can argue over is whether it's old or new. It's embarrassing."
Olivia shook her head in understanding.
"My mother and grandmother stood out in a family rife with snobbery. They're the reason I'm so grounded."
"So I have your mother and your beloved grandmother to thank for the wonderful, caring and gracious man that you are."
"I'm not so sure about that," he said with self-deprecation.
"Well I am."
She placed her glass on the table before turning to kiss him on his cheek, but he turned his head and her lips touched his. He deepened the kiss, tasting the wine on her tongue, while pulling Olivia onto his lap. She pulled away and snuggled into his neck. It was all just perfect.
Olivia sighed softly. She loved the way his hands felt. "The Popes aren't that different from the Ford-Grants," she whispered. "Your family's fortune may be older and maybe larger but we have pretentious and snobby family members too," she murmured. "I certainly appreciate the opportunities my family's wealth has afforded me, but I can honestly do without some of them." She felt the rumble of laughter in his chest. "Don't get me wrong, it has made my life easier and I understand and appreciate that, but sometimes I just want punch some of them."
"Wow, Livvie. Tell me how you really feel."
She sat up and kissed him again. "Enough about our families. Is that door locked?"
"Yes. Why?"
She didn't answer. She just started to unbutton his shirt. Once she finished, she reached under his t-shirt and started rubbing his chest. Fitz reached out and removed her jacket and once it joined his shirt next to them on the sofa, he started to stroke her body, sliding his hands up her shoulder blades only to discover she wasn't wearing a bra. He immediately moved his hands to cover her breasts, cupping them and rubbing his thumbs on her hardened nipples over and over until she moaned with desire. But the fondling and caressing wasn't enough.
Fitz helped her remove her shirt before he lowered his head to her bare breasts. He started on the left one, tonguing it until it was even harder, and so swollen it looked like a ripe blackberry. His sucked it gently at first, then harder.
She was panting and her hands were tightly clutching his shoulders as he pleasured one breast and then the other. Her hips were grinding against his huge erection as she moaned his name. She held him in place at the first signs of a climax between her legs. The climax made her weak from sheer pleasure he brought her. He moved his mouth from her breasts to her lips and they joined in a long, wet kiss.
When the runaway beating of heart slowed down, Olivia was able to speak again. "Mmm, baby, was all she could manage, but there was a lot of meaning in those two little words. Fitz gave a low, sexy laugh as they held each other tightly. "I have some protection in my bag, if you're interested."
Olivia sat up and held his face between her hands. "I am very interested."
She shrieked in surprise when Fitz stood with her in his arms. She wrapped her legs around his waist as he walked them across the room to retrieve his bag. He released her so he could dig into the side pocket of his leather satchel for a condom.
Olivia reached for his belt just as he unbuttoned her jeans and pulled them down her legs and off. She was left in a pair of tiny red bikini panties. She removed them and stood before him naked.
"You're wearing too many clothes, Mr. Grant," she whispered.
Fitz toed off his shoes and they both worked to remove his jeans, briefs and t-shirt.
Olivia took the condom from his hand, tore it open with her teeth and then slowly, erotically rolled it down his large length, much to Fitz's delight. Once she finished, he lifted her and she reached between them and massaged the tip of his long, thick dick. She pressed it to her wet slit and opened her legs wide to accommodate him as he entered her slowly. She held onto his shoulders as he walked them to the nearest wall in the office.
He hit the magic spot when he entered her and his sheer size rubbed against her clit every time he moved. He cupped her backside and pumped faster. Her vaginal muscles tightened on him and she pumped him harder and harder with every stroke. Her head was spinning. She was so close. Her toes curled. Her head dropped backward, barely missing the wall, as she squeezed him again; she was trying to give everything she was getting.
Fitz drew a nipple between his teeth and sucked. He was holding on by a thread. His climax was approaching and he wanted to last longer for Olivia. He looked down to see his dick sliding in and out of her and it made him work harder to hold on. Her tight walls clamped down on him like a vise and she called his name at the same time and it was all his body needed to explode. Their arms locked around each other as they rode out their orgasm together before collapsing, sweaty and satisfied, into an exhausted heap on the floor.
X
Olivia walked out of the small bathroom in the trailer after freshening up. She heard Fitz talking to someone as she entered the room. He glanced up as she entered the room and walked over to the couch to retrieve her jacket. Fitz walked over to her and held it up as she slid her arms into the sleeves. She didn't know who he was talking to but if the frown on his face was any indication, he wasn't happy with what they were saying. She sat on the couch and reached into her purse for her lip gloss and a mirror, while Fitz moved about the room carrying on his conversation.
"Ford, there's no need to stop in LA next week on your way to New York. I'm going away for a long weekend so I won't be able to attend the Super Bowl."
Fitz's jaw tightened as he closed his eyes. Fatigue, frustration and annoyance came over him as he listened to his brother. Ford was trying to manipulate him into attending the big game. He knew that designing a new football stadium was on Fitz's bucket list, and meeting the owners of several professional sports teams at the Super Bowl could possibly make that dream come true. But Fitz wasn't about to give up the chance to go away with Olivia and enjoy a beach far enough away from LA and New York and anything which vaguely resembled Grant Holdings.
"Tell Paul thanks for the invite and I'll be cheering for Russell and the Seahawks. Yes I'm sure."
He winked at Olivia as he gathered their things. "What?!"
Olivia's head snapped up at the tone in his voice.
"No, Ford. Look, I won't be in New York for at least two months so let's table this conversation before I say something I'll regret."
He walked over to Olivia and extended a hand. She took it and stood.
"Okay, little brother, I'll talk to you later." He ended the call, not allowing Ford a chance to ask any more questions.
Olivia looked at him curiously. "Everything okay?" A slight frown creased her forehead.
"Yeah, just something that I need to handle when I see my brother. He's in Malaysia, so it'll have to wait." He kissed the worried look from her face. Fitz successfully concealed his anger.
"Ready to go, sweet baby?"
She laughed and shook her head as he offered her his arm and they walked toward the door. He set the alarm before they walked out and closed the door behind them. The security guard was on duty in the guard shack when they walked past.
"Goodnight, Morris."
"Goodnight, Mr. Grant, Mam."
Fitz stopped walking and turned to walk back to the booth, holding Olivia's hand. "Morris, this is Olivia Pope. Darling, this is Morris Day, one of our night security guards."
Morris laughed at the look on Olivia's face. He always got that reaction when people heard his name. "Not that Morris Day. Obviously."
The three of them laughed at his comment. "It's nice meeting you Morris."
"Same here, Miss Pope. Y'all have a nice evening."
"Thank you, you too," they said in unison as they walked toward the Porsche.
Fitz assisted her into the passenger seat before storing their things in the trunk. He walked around the car and climbed behind the wheel and started the engine. He leaned over and kissed her cheek before easing into traffic and heading to the Hills.
Neither saw the figure dressed in black holding a camera with a long camera lens.
X
Kuala Lumpar, Malaysia
"What have you found out?" Ford Grant asked the man on the other end.
"Well she's twenty-nine, will be thirty next Friday."
So that's why Fitz wasn't interested in attending the Super Bowl. He and Miss Pope are going away for her birthday, Ford thought.
"She's from DC. Lawyer. Specializes in mergers and acquisitions. Graduated with honors, top of her class at Princeton and Georgetown Law, Law Review staff member. Her mother's a top cardiothoracic surgeon and her father's a federal judge. Grandfather was a DC Councilman for years, owned several lucrative businesses. Looks like the Pope money comes from land ownership. They own a substantial amount of land in several states. Sold a lot to developers and to oil companies, netted the family a large fortune. Mother's family is filled with physicians and educators. Nothing out of the ordinary. One sister, who's an orthopedic surgeon. Nothing negative on her or her husband. Has a cousin who works for Grant Holding as in-house counsel.
"Harrison Wright."
"You know him?"
"Yes," was Ford's response to the question.
"Wright has one brother. Investment Banker. Their mothers are sisters. She's a PhD, tenured professor at American University. He's clean as well. Nothing alarming. Recently married. Lives in New York."
"She began her career seven years ago at Fleming and Associates in DC, after graduating law school and quickly got the attention of the partners. She was actually on the partner track until she took some time off last summer for personal reasons. This was around the same time her engagement to a…," Ford could hear the rustling of paper, "oh, Garrett Edison Davis, was broken." They'd been together off and on for years, until the engagement was broken and he moved out of their shared apartment. Works with Legal Aid and does some pro bono work."
Ford was hoping to find something to use against Olivia Pope, but there didn't appear to be anything.
"She came into her almost eight figure trust when she turned twenty-five but she hasn't really touched it. Well, she recently purchased a condo in Georgetown. Drives a three year old BMW, paid for. No debt. She's squeaky clean. No deep, dark secrets."
Ford heaved a deep sigh. This wasn't what he wanted to hear. "How much longer is she going to be in LA?"
"Not sure. Every person we talk to at Fleming and Associates and Massey-Carr is tight lipped about what's going on there, but we're still working on it."
"Well, we'll wait it out. Once she's gone Fitz's focus can go back to Grant Holdings. Just keep tabs on them, and let me know if you find anything I can use."
"Will do, ."
All he could do now was wait.
"Thank you, Vincent."
"You're welcome."
They disconnected the call.
Ford stared at the photos, taken with a long range lens, of the couple. He didn't know who the people were who worked for Vincent, but they were very good at surveillance. In every photo his brother was smiling, seemingly very happy. Miss Pope may have been good for Fitz, and she obviously made him very happy, but he couldn't lose his brother now. Fitz was the only person he trusted. Was he falling for this woman? Olivia Pope could drive a wedge between him and his brother. That can't happen. "And I'll do whatever I have to do to keep it from happening. Anything."
He closed out of the photos and shut down his laptop before leaving for his next meeting.
X
The car was quiet save for the soft music coming from the Bose speakers. Olivia glanced at Fitz's profile as he drove them to his home. She placed a gentle hand on his cheek and caressed it. Without taking his eyes off the road, he placed a kiss in her palm. For a moment they were both lost in each other. She didn't want to break the spell but she couldn't keep quiet any longer.
"Babe, I'm not trying to pry into whatever is going on between you and your brother, because it's none of my business. I just don't want to be dragged into it or be the cause of it. If you want to go the Super Bowl, please go. Don't let me stop you."
Fitz glanced at her before he spoke. "Livvie, it has absolutely nothing to do with you. Really. Nothing for you to be concerned about. Lately I've been thinking about slowing down. My life has been nothing but work for the past ten years and frankly, I'm tired. In the past when my brother asked me take on more I didn't hesitate because he's family, but now he wants me to commit to a project that will take me out of the country for at least four years."
"Are you sure that's all it is?"
"Yes, I am, Livvie. Look, our last few hours together were perfect and I don't want to spoil it by talking about Ford. Okay?"
She looked at his profile. "Okay." Although she still wasn't convinced, she would drop it for now.
Olivia spent the next two days with Fitz at the house in the Hills. They talked and shared the highlights of their work day. Her cooking lessons continued and they cooked and ate together, listened to music and danced under the stars on the deck. When they made love, it was nothing short of perfection. Fitz gave her multiple orgasms every time, something that hadn't happened with the other two men she'd slept with. What she shared with Fitz was perfect.
Friday afternoon
Olivia stared at her reflection in the mirror in the private bathroom in her office. Her fervent prayer had been answered. She wasn't pregnant! Her eyes filled with tears of relief as she suppressed the scream that threatened to erupt from her throat. She breathed a heavy sigh of relief. As long as she was busy, conducting meetings with her client, taking care of their needs, she didn't have to dwell on whether she was carrying a baby. At night it was different when she lay in bed, trying to imagine what was going on in her womb. She wasn't pregnant!
Wiping the tears from her eyes with a Kleenex, she took one final look at herself in the mirror before walking out of the bathroom. Her step was light, close to skipping, when she picked up her cell phone and called Fitz. She'd promised him she would let him know one way or the other if she was all right. His phone rang four times before going to voice mail. Olivia paused before speaking. "Fitz, this is Olivia. I'm calling to let you know I'm not..." She paused again, clearing her thoughts and pondering over how to phrase the news that they would not become parents. "I'm not pregnant," she finally blurted out. "I'll see you this evening." She ended the call and gathered the materials she needed for her meeting with the finance team before leaving her office.
Fitz was in the middle of a lunch meeting with members of The Max's sales team when Olivia called. When the meeting ended, he reached for his phone and saw a missed call and a voice mail notification. He typed in his pass code and listened to the voice mail. Olivia's voice was flat, monotone when she said, "I'm not pregnant." He listened to the message three more times before he deleted it. He stood rooted in the same spot for about five minutes, unsure of how he felt. Sad. Disappointed. But knowing he wasn't going to be a father gave Fitz a second chance to prove to Olivia that he wanted her for herself, and to show her, if she gave him a chance, how much he'd come to love her. Sliding his phone in the pocket of his jacket, Fitz walked toward the valet to pick up his car.
Friday evening
When Olivia arrived at Fitz's home later that evening, he was standing on the driveway waiting. Minutes after they walked inside, he helped her undress, then gave her a cup of tea while she soaked in the Jacuzzi to help with the cramps and lower back pain, brought on by the onset of her menses. He pampered her, massaging her body with oil before she dressed in pajamas and went downstairs for a light dinner prepared by Fitz.
Later they were lying in bed watching an old black and white movie. Moving closer to his body, Olivia pressed her backside to his groin. He gasped.
"Don't do that!"
She smiled in the dimness of the bedroom.
"Do what?" she asked.
Groaning, Fitz felt the flesh between his legs stirring. "Don't play innocent, Livvie. You keep wiggling like that and I'm going to have you on your back before you can bring yourself to remind me so very delicately that it's my time of the month," he said the last part in a high pitched voice.
She moved away from him. "Have you no shame?"
He laughed loudly. "Nope."
"Be serious, Fitzgerald."
"I am." He kissed the nape of her neck, while making sure the lower portion of his body didn't touch hers.
She turned over so she could look in his face. She moved the lone curl away from his forehead before speaking. "You know you don't even have say anything, but there are times when I know what you're thinking."
Fitz chuckled. "What am I thinking now?"
"Something x-rated."
He laughed again. "Wrong, Livvie. It's triple-x-rated."
"Should I be scared?"
"Not today."
Olivia leaned back, looking into his eyes. "When?"
"That's up to you. You have to let me know when we can make love again."
She glanced up, mentally counting when she would be finished with her menses. "Tuesday."
Fitz counted on his fingers. "Saturday, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. I hope I can hold off…"
"Don't you dare say it," she interrupted, placing her fingers over his mouth. "If you need some release, I think I can help you out."
"No, no and no!" he said through her fingertips. "You're relentless."
She turned over, bringing her back to him, careful to stay away from his sex. "Well, I did offer."
"Yes you did, and it's appreciated, sweet baby."
"Antigua should be fun," she said around a yawn.
Fitz couldn't have agreed more. He squeezed Olivia and smiled. He knew that his feelings for her surpassed attraction. He had fallen for her, hard. Why her and not some of the other women in his past? He wasn't sure, but none came close to his sexy lawyer. He kissed her hair and closed his eyes.
X
Fitz and Olivia spent the balmy, seventy-degree Saturday out and about. They started at 12 Wilshire where she picked up something to wear to the exhibit opening. Fitz had hinted at her just moving in with him. But she had nixed the idea.
"Sleeping at your house every day is equivalent to living together and that's something I'm not ready to do again." Besides, he had his own place and she had hers. She was free to come and go without having to check in with him. What they had was temporary. It wasn't serious and they didn't owe one another anything.
Next they had brunch at a restaurant not too far from her hotel before going back to The Max so he could give her the official tour. She blushed when they walked into the office to pick up hard hats. The room had been witness to some serious action the previous evening. After taking a few pictures of her modeling the over sized hat and safety vest, they began the tour.
When the tour was finished they walked around the neighboring Arts District, taking in the sights for over an hour before heading to Santa Monica. There they decided to rent a tandem bike and took in the sights, up and down the boardwalk for a few hours. Later, they sat along Venice Beach and watched the sun as it made its descent behind the tranquil sea. It all seemed so perfect.
They made their way back to the Pier where Fitz insisted on winning Olivia a stuffed animal playing one of the games on the boardwalk. With her cheering him on, loudly, he played several games of Whac-A-Mole before he won a cute and soft bunny which she promptly named 'Bugsy,' Bugs for short. The couple capped their fun evening on the Pier with a ride on the Pacific Ferris Wheel. He hugged her close and she laid her head on his shoulder as they took in the panoramic view of the Southern California coastline.
Hand in hand, they walked to a jazz bar in downtown Santa Monica to listen to some live music and to have dinner. The band played the first notes of an Aretha Franklin classic and Fitz stood and extended his hand to Olivia. "May I have this dance?" She stood and joined him on the dance floor along with a few other couples.
He's the kind of guy that would say
Hey, baby let's get away
Let's go some place, huh
Where, I don't care
He's the kind of guy that you give your everything
You trust your heart, share all of your love
Till death do you part
I want-to be what he wants
When he wants it and whenever he needs it
And when he's lonesome and feelin' love starved
I'll be there to feed it
I'm lovin him a little bit more each day
Turns me right on when I hear him say
Hey, baby, let's get away
She'd always loved this song and it just seemed so right at this moment, because Fitz was that kind of guy.
It was after eleven when Fitz and Olivia finally left the bar and headed home. They'd had a long day and both were beyond exhausted. She'd fallen asleep hugging Bugsy and dreaming about the fun day they'd had.
"Wake up, Livvie, we're home." He placed a hand on her thigh and squeezed. She murmured in her sleep before finally opening her eyes.
"I think I drank too much wine." He kissed her nose before sliding out of the driver's seat and walking around to the passenger side to help her out of the car. Going to the trunk, he opened and retrieved Olivia's clothes. Together they made their way inside and upstairs, to separate showers.
Olivia entered the bedroom at the same time Fitz walked out of the bedroom in a pair of black cotton pajama pants. Her eyes widened as she stared at his smooth, broad chest. His upper body was magnificent: broad shoulders, long arms, muscled pectorals and defined abs and biceps. The drawstring waistband to his pants rode low on a pair of slim hips. Olivia wasn't sure how she would've reacted had she walked into the room and found him nude. Seeing him half dressed was enough to make her heart beat fast.
She'd chosen the pink and white cotton pajamas because they were modest and didn't show too much flesh. They were going to have to keep their hands to themselves.
Fitz stared at Olivia's fresh-scrubbed face, wondering as he always did, if she knew she didn't need makeup because her complexion was flawless. He walked over to his side of the bed and pulled back the duvet and sheet and got in. He held up the covers for her she joined him. Reaching up, he turned off the lamp on the night table and pulled her across her chest.
"Goodnight, sweet baby.
"Goodnight, Fitz.
X
Fitz and Olivia enjoyed a lazy Sunday. She finally got around to calling her mother and was as vague as she could be about her and Fitz. The Maya definitely didn't need to know that she was in his bed at that very moment. She also didn't need to know that they were planning to go away for her birthday. She would have to let Cecily know, for emergency purposes only.
They finally left the bed to prepare breakfast and later that afternoon, lunch. And they talked. Their friendship had grown rapidly and there was nothing they didn't feel comfortable talking about. Everything from politics to her menstrual cycle had been the topic of discussion at one time during the day. They were affectionate and playful throughout the day. He made her feel loved even if he didn't express what he was feeling out loud. But then again, neither did she. And what Olivia was feeling for Fitz was deeply intense.
She was slowly allowing herself to do something she'd been adamant about not doing: be vulnerable. She'd opened herself to him in a way that was foreign to her. He hadn't disappointed her and little by little she was letting him in. Her ex had damaged her trust with his lies, and duplicitous and untrustworthy behavior but Fitz was working hard to repair and earn it.
X
Fitz let out a low whistle when Olivia descended the stairs wearing a black paneled leather dress with three quarter length sleeves, a fitted waist and an a-line skirt. It showed off her perfectly fit body. On her feet she wore four inch leather Louboutin pumps. She'd shampooed and deep conditioned her hair and let it air dry before finishing it with a blow dryer and large barrel iron to set a head full of curls that she finger combed into a mass of curls. Her makeup was artfully applied and subtle, and enhanced her natural beauty.
She smiled as she walked towards him.
"You're not so bad yourself, mister."
He'd chosen to wear all black as well. The perfectly tailored jacket and matching pants along with the black open collar shirt, made his blue eyes stand out. His aura was visible, even from where she stood. The glow of his eyes and the intoxicating scent of his cologne were doing things to her.
"I'm ready when you are." She gave him a peck on the lips.
"What's that for?" He grinned with a little lust in his eyes. "Do we have time for a quickie?"
Olivia patted his cheek. "I don't think so, baby. Not until Tuesday. That was just for being such a great guy."
"You think so, huh?" Playfully, he began to nibble her neck.
As if it had a mind of its own, Olivia's body began to heat up. They needed to leave. Now. She kissed his lips once again and turned towards the door.
He stood still for a few seconds as if in a trance.
"Fitz, I'm ready."
"Oh…yeah, let's go." He guided her out of the front door and to the car.
X
Fitz and Olivia strolled around looking and commenting on pieces. The gallery was packed with the curious and the art enthusiast along with the media who all wanted a piece of the young artist who was starting to make a name for himself.
"There you two are."
Olivia and Fitz turned at the voice. Anais stood looking at the two of them, beaming.
"Hey, lady," Fitz said before stepping forward and kissing her cheek.
Olivia gave her an air kiss and a hug before she began gushing over the exhibit. "Anais this artist's work is amazing and you've done an incredible job."
"Thank you, Olivia. It's one of my favorites and near and dear to my heart."
They all started to walk and talk when Fitz saw Frank standing at one of the bars.
"Can I get you ladies something to drink?"
"Wine please," Olivia answered.
"Nothing for me, Fitz. Thank you."
They stood talking until Fitz returned with Olivia's drink, along with Frank.
"Hello, Olivia." He kissed her cheek.
"Nice to see you again, Frank."
"Same here. Babe we're going to walk around."
"Okay. Start in the back and work your way forward. I designed it that way."
The men walked away leaving the ladies alone again.
"I want to invite you and Fitz over for dinner."
"Okay, but he and I will have to look at our schedules and get back to you."
"No problem. Just let me know."
They continued to walk and talk when Anais hinted that Olivia might be just the woman to make Fitz want to finally settle down.
"I doubt that." She wasn't about to admit to Anais that she was falling in love with Fitz.
"Why, Olivia. Are you aware of how you look at each other?"
"How do we look at each other?"
"With adoration. That man is in love with you."
"I'm not so sure," she replied, although she knew Anais was telling the truth.
"Well, we don't know each other that well but let me say that after two marriages, I think I've learned a little something about men. I married my high school sweetheart believing I knew all there was to know about him. I stayed because I wanted it to work, but when it didn't, I divorced him. I even tried giving him a second chance. In the end, I knew he wasn't going to change."
Olivia nodded.
"Then along came Frank Higgins. He was everything my ex-husband wasn't and could never be. And what made it so pitiful was that it took me years to learn that lesson.
Olivia smiled sadly. "Sounds like my life. Almost. I've never been married. Came close though." She told Anais about her relationship with her ex and their broken engagement.
"Once you give an undeserving asshole so many years of your life, it's a little hard to trust the next man that comes along."
How did she know? Olivia wondered.
"Do you have to deal with women from Fitz's past?"
"No."
"Then it's not fair to Fitz that he has to pay for the sins of your ex."
Before she could respond, Fitz and Frank were walking towards them accompanied by Deacon and Joie LaSalle. Their conversation ended and the group, sans Anais, who had to mingle and answer questions from the media, took in the full exhibit together.
Two hours later, when Fitz and Olivia emerged from the showing, they both looked at each other and said, "wow." They were in awe.
"Anais is brilliant," Olivia said as they waited for the valet to bring the car around.
"That she is, Livvie."
She wasn't just talking about the exhibit. Anais' words still played over and over in Olivia's head. Once you give an undeserving asshole so many years of your life, it's a little hard to trust the next man that comes along.
"Livvie?"
She turned to Fitz who was looking at her strangely. "I'm sorry, what did you say?"
"I asked if you were hungry. I'm starved. I think I want a nice steak. What about you?"
She leaned over and kissed his cheek. "Whatever you want, baby."
TBC