Thanks for sticking with me. I know it's been a month since the last update. I hope you enjoy. Excited to hear from you. xo

Was it a dream?

Olivia could sense warmth run through her body. The kind that makes a woman smile all day long. The giddiness similar to a schoolgirl crush, or hearing the best news ever.

That feeling woke her up. Slowly opening her eyes, Olivia was greeted with sunbeams coming through, and realized there was something she hadn't experienced in a while.

Comfort.

The bed was more plush that her own. Usually, she would have jolted out of her sleep, anxious with the unfamiliar surrounding. But then again, she never slept well. But not this morning. It was different.

When the pair of strong arms that were enclosing her body among the sheets of white squeezed her, that's when Olivia knew it wasn't a dream.

The night was amazing. Meeting his peers and co-workers, being surprised with an evening getaway. Making love and falling asleep together. It was the first time she was in bed with another person in two years. Quite odd because Olivia was finally getting used to having the bed all to herself. Not having to worry about hogging covers, or sleeping patterns.

She would never tell Fitz about the dry spell, and the reasons behind it. It would probably drive him away and she didn't want him to go.

Peering over to the clock. A quarter to nine. She couldn't even remember the last time she slept in.

Although her mind was racing, listing all the reasons why she couldn't enjoy this, Olivia decided to relax and enjoy. The thoughts were running so fast and loudly repeated, Olivia wondered if they were manifesting physically and interrupting Fitz's slumber.

His soft snores were an indicator that everything was fine. Olivia allowed her eyelids to droop. She couldn't fully go back to sleep, but she let her breathing sync with his. Then, she felt his lips on her cheek.

"Good morning."

The smile appeared on her face. Olivia wiggled a little, getting reacquainted with Fitz's body. "Good morning to you."

"Did you sleep well," he whispered against her neck. Olivia confirmed with a smile.

"I did."

Fitz was great at making morning talk extra sexy. "That's great."

"Mmhmm." Adjusting her frame, so she could face Fitz, she snuggled into his chest. He was incredibly warm and protective. There was something about him that made her lose herself in his eyes. She had to kiss him. But her smile changed into an alarming frown. With wide eyes, Olivia scrambled out of bed.

"Liv?!"

"I'm going to be right back."

Olivia knew his eyes were on her. In only a sleep shirt, she felt way under dressed. The only positive was that her legs were on display for Fitz. Hoping for a repeat of the night before, Olivia found what she was looking for and locked herself in the bathroom.

It was a shame. She couldn't kiss that man before brushing her teeth. That was a thing that was drilled in her psyché. It was their first night together. She couldn't damper his idea of her because of an inexcusable faux pas. Her mother always told her to greet a man in the morning with fresh breath. Trying to salvage her appearance, she pulled her hair into a ponytail. When she returned, Fitz was sprawled in bed, hair messy, looking extra handsome. A sly smirk on his face was icing on the cake, inviting her to come back to him. Olivia lifted the covers, catching a glimpse at his lower half, and joined him.

"You brushed your teeth," he asked incredulously.

"Yeah."

"Is that your thing?"

Olivia replied sheepishly, knowing he would tease her. "Yeah. Just a habit."

"Okay…are you going to judge me that I haven't?"

"No."

Fitz snorted. "You know. Let me follow suit."

The glorious sight of Fitzgerald Grant in the nude was such a wonderful treat. Olivia slowly cleared her throat as he stretched his limbs, wandering around, showing off his God-given physique. Good genes worked in his favor, she admired.

Turning to wink at Olivia, Fitz smiled. "I see what you're doing. Don't get too comfy, Livvie. I'm coming back for you."

Olivia didn't realize she had tensed. Clearing her throat, she added, "You called me that last night."

"I did." His eyebrows were knit together; concern shown on his face. "Is that okay?"

"Yes," she affirmed.

While Fitz was in the bathroom, Olivia checked her phone for the first time since she arrived to the hotel. This rendezvous was screwing with all of her morning routines. But it was a nice departure.

"Alright," Fitz reappeared, interrupting her thoughts. "Now, I'm ready to kiss you."

Cupping her chin, he brought her lips to his. Olivia draped her arms around his neck.

"Hi." Fitz's eyes shone as Olivia slowly breathed.

"Hi."

"Are you hungry?"

"A little."

Fitz reached over to the phone and dialed. "Tell me what you want. They'll make whatever you want."

"You."

"Hold up now," he interjected, placing the speaker on his chest. "Let's get some food in you first."

Olivia bit her lip as Fitz talked with the front desk manager. She couldn't keep her eyes off of him. Everything about him looked effortless. How he smoothly talked to the call's recipient. When he checked her out as he finished the call, and leaned back into the pillows.

Fitz pressed a soft kiss on Olivia's lips. One kiss turned into several. "Hmm," he moaned. "You are so beautiful."

Olivia sunk down into the sheets, bringing Fitz with her. Mouths opening, bringing themselves closer. Olivia sighed as Fitz's hand lowered to her center. He paused.

"You aren't wearing…"

With a sneaky grin, she revealed, "I never said I was going to put my underwear back on. I just needed a shirt."

Fitz's eyes darkened. "If I had known," he spoke, in that husky baritone that made Olivia weak. "I would have kept you up all night."

Olivia wasn't ready for a quick tug. She squealed with excitement.

"Fuck, woman."

Someone was knocking on the door.

"The timing," Fitz exclaimed, slamming his hand against the mattress. Olivia giggled, wiping her forehead.

"I need to find some pants," he mumbled, while he got out of bed again.

Olivia pulled her shirt down. "No need, you stay. I'll get it."

Fitz's head turned so fast, it startled her. "Oh no, you don't! I'm not going to miss my first opportunity to bring you breakfast in bed."

Rolling her eyes, she watched Fitz retrieve a pair of sweatpants. The sentiment was partially endearing. But that wasn't her style. To be a princess in waiting. But maybe she had to be a little more flexible this time.

"Room service."

"Yes," Olivia answered, sitting up, fluffing the pillow behind her back, gesturing for her "visitor" to approach. Fitz carted a large tray towards her. "As you ordered, Miss Pope. Fluffy whole wheat pancakes with a blueberry compote, and some whipped cream. With fresh fruit and eggs."

Olivia puckered and let Fitz peck her lips. "Thank you."

Fitz had scrambled eggs, toast, and thick pieces of bacon. A French press was also included.

The sun was already high as they sat in bed, drinking coffee. Fitz had retrieved the newspaper and was casually reading. While Olivia observed him, in between email scrolling.

"Is everything to your satisfaction?"

Olivia placed a dollop of cream on her pancakes. "I don't usually pig out, but this morning is important."

"Oh yeah," Fitz lowered the paper, meeting her gaze. "Why is that?"

"I get to spend the day with a very handsome man - alone."

Fitz tapped her nose with his finger. "I like that."

Olivia had an idea. She scooped some of her pancakes and offered them to Fitz. He gladly accepted. Some of the blueberry was on his lips. So, by default, she had to kiss the remnants of the dark fruit away. Ever mischievous, his mouth opened. She was able to taste berries on his tongue, nipping at his bottom lip.

Dragging her hand down his chest, towards the waistband. Lighting squeezing him through the sweatpants, Olivia asked. "You're getting hard for me?"

"Hmm."

"That's good," she lowly stated, nuzzling against his jaw.

She was quite amused by Fitz - he was squirming.

"You're going to get me in trouble, Livvie."

The air was getting thick with lust, once again.

"Wait," Fitz tried to stop Olivia from going to town. "Let me get a condom."

Olivia shook her head, smiling. "Handled."

"I see you, Miss Pope."

Olivia sheathed him, and promptly straddling herself. Fitz immediately reached for her chest, sucking on her nipple, covered by the fabric. One thing lead to another, the trays were moved to the side, and their hands found their new favorite environment - the shapes and contours of the other's bodies.

"Ooh, yes," she exhaled. Fitz had adjusted himself inside of her, and their eyes remained on each other as they rocked. Still getting familiar with their bodies, they transitioned from a slow and careful pace, to a tempo that had their heads spinning.

Fitz wanted her shirt off - he was pulling and tugging - impatiently groaning. Finally, she stilled to take it off. With a throaty growl, he began to kiss and suck on her breasts.

Olivia's jaw dropped, trying to use words, but whatever could come out would have to do.

"I'm going to make you come over and over," he growled in her ear. Then he gasped her hips to assist her speed. She bounced more, all of her body moving with purpose. Fitz grunted while steadying himself, allowing her to slam up and down. It didn't take long for her to reach her high, Olivia fell onto Fitz, using him as a balance.

Kissing her temple, Fitz breathed deeply.

"Good Lord, you wear me out," he finally said, placing his head on Olivia's shoulder.

"You have a four year old. You should have plenty of energy, Mister."

Fitz laughed as Olivia brought him close. They cuddled in silence letting their arms and legs tangle. Blissfully content in the afterglow.

"Tell me a secret."

It took a moment for Fitz to reveal. "I can play the guitar."

"Oh, really now?"

"Mmhmm."

Olivia requested, "I want to hear you play." Fitz nodded, running his fingers up and down her spine.

"Okay, darling. Now, you tell me one."

It shouldn't have been a surprise to get asked. Olivia didn't know what could be an easy tidbit to share. In a bored tone, she told, "I went to school in Switzerland."

Fitz's eyebrows lifted. "Yeah? That's awesome!"

"It was okay."

The afternoon lazily dragged - Olivia and Fitz used their time wisely. Two more rounds of intense, toe-curling, jaw-dropping sex, with a joint shower before heading home. Olivia and Fitz made it back to her apartment around 4. Fitz had to pick up Teddy and relieve his friend of her selfless duty.

"I'm so glad we were able to get away."

"Let's do it again."

"Already going to work on a date," Fitz proudly stated. "You make me so happy, Liv."

Olivia's eyes shifted. Hearing that wasn't expected; it had been a while since she had a positive impact on anyone. With a polite grin, she rubbed his back. She hoped Fitz would move away from this subject.

"Dinner this week?"

Olivia quickly agreed. "Sure. I'm free on Thursday. Want to come here? Maybe Teddy would like to see my place."

"Yeah! That'd be great." Olivia was surprised to be pulled into another embrace. Fitz leaned down to kiss her again. "Thank you for including him."

"Of course. I love Teddy."

"I'm glad. Ok. Let me go get him. I'll be seeing you."

Olivia wrapped her arms around Fitz's waist. "Yes." She didn't want him to go. But he had to. She couldn't be that selfish.

"Call me anytime, okay? I mean it."

Olivia nodded. "I will."

When she closed the door, she smiled, then gradually closed her eyes.

This was different than everything she knew. Not just physically, but on all levels. How could a blind date that she was not excited to attend, blossom into a relationship with so much potential. Olivia hated to compare, but after the many disappointments in boyfriends, Fitz was becoming her person. Even though she was still hesitant to share so much, Fitz was carefully tearing down the walls she didn't think anyone could demolish.

What he didn't know was that she has given up on love. On herself. She wasn't lovable. People got too close and she would run. Or they saw something that wasn't desirable and they left her stranded.

But Fitz. He was seeing her in ways that amazed her. He didn't push but he was willing to hear about the good and bad.

Was this love? Or a cheesy good feeling that included romance and mind-blowing sex?

When would the floor give way? Did she have to be cautious again?

Olivia kicked off her sandals, finding her way to the kitchen. Standing on toes to find the largest wine glass, Pouring a healthy serving of her favorite red. Olivia changed into her usual summer gear - a tee and leggings.

Trying to get back to her normal, pushing doubt out of her mind, Olivia took some files out of her briefcase. Reading proposals, drafting notes for her Monday meeting with the team.

And then she realized.

She missed him.

"No," she reprimanded herself. "It's only been 30 minutes. This can not be happening."

Another long sip of wine, Olivia pressed forward with her work. When she recollected the ways he lavished affection on her, she could rise from her seat, and find a distraction. But the desire was there. She had to hear his voice.

Scrolling down her contact list, she pressed pressed his name, and then the phone symbol. She waited for him to pick up. Even if she had to listen to his voicemail message, it would do.

Barely one ring had transpired when she got her wish.

"Hey stranger."

"Hi." Olivia shut her eyes, immediately embarrassed by the change in her voice. Her succinct, clear tone moved into a frantic, shrill, and surprised response.

"Hi. You didn't think I'd answer."

"No and yes."

Fitz chuckled. "What's going on?"

"I…"

"Liv?"

Olivia focused on the rim of her wine glass - a nervous tick of hers. "I didn't want to bother you, but - is it weird to say that I miss you already?

"No. I miss you too. A lot. If I could, I'd turn around and see you again. Even if it was for a minute."

"You would?"

Fitz replied in such a hopeful tone, "Absolutely. Even though I can't leave right now, we can act as if Connecticut Avenue didn't separate us. We can go back to the Presidential suite, lying next to each other. Just be us."

"Wow."

"Can we do that? Just stay on the phone. For a minute," Fitz suggested. "We don't even have to talk."

"Daddy, who are you talking to?"

Olivia smiled, but was selfishly disappointed. In a way, she wished there was an easier way to connect with Fitz, without any worry that she would leave a bad impression for Teddy. They were barely official. She still hadn't discussed the ins and outs of this unique relationship.

"Olivia."

"Tell her I say hi!"

Teddy's enthusiasm made her heart leap, but still. This was their reality.

"Did you hear that?"

Olivia tried to stay chipper. "I did! Please send him my love and hugs. I should let you go."

"Liv…"

"No, no. You and Teddy need to catch up. I'll talk to you later."

She disconnected the call. Taking another smooth gulp of wine, she resumed her paperwork.

It was too fast. She was falling too deep. Infatuated with a man who couldn't be 100% hers. At least, not yet.

Her screen lit up. Glancing over, she stopped.

I'm going to call you after T's bedtime. Don't hang up on me. :)

Five minutes, as expected, the phone rang.

"What?"

"I couldn't let our minute be wasted. And I didn't want you going to bed angry. At me or at yourself."

"How do you know that?"

"I notice things, Olivia Pope. Sorry about Teddy."

"No need to apologize."

"Okay, minute starts now."

Olivia took a breath. Per his suggestions, her mind went back to the hotel. The laughs and quiet moments. Being in his arms.

"What are you thinking about," he quietly asked.

"How I'd like to go to bed and you be there. You?"

"Same. But also, I'm excited that my girlfriend misses me and wants me to be around."

"You're a trip, Mister."

"I wouldn't have any other way, Livvie."

She felt her heart skip. Every time he said her nickname. It made her heart swell and break simultaneously.

"Are you sure?"

Blinking, she snapped, "About what?"

"About me calling you Livvie. You… you stop breathing when I say it. Like it hurts to hear it. I don't want to make you uncomfortable."

Olivia brought her knees to her chest. He was right. It was not always easy because the memories connected to the name were painful. "I'm not used to it. But I absolutely love it when you say my name. It's comforting. I trust you."

"Okay. Just checking."

"Thank you for checking in with me. I should let you go for real this time."

Fitz reminded, "You don't have to."

"We both have work in the morning and I don't want to keep you up." Olivia didn't want her emotions to lead her down a road that she wasn't ready to take just yet.

Relenting, Fitz complied. "Okay. I'll talk to you tomorrow. Good night, Livvie."

"Good night, Fitz. Thank you for everything."

"Of course," he sweetly spoke. "I...I'll see you soon."

Olivia smiled, pulling her cell away to press the red button on her screen. Finishing her wine, she tidied her space and retired to bed. Hoping the feeling of loneliness would fade away she went to sleep. Dreaming of his arms, his smile, everything about him.