The Ante

Chapter Seventeen

By: Lizzie B

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Author's Note: Well, folks, we've come a long way. Only one more chapter and The Ante will be officially finished. I hope you enjoy this chapter and thanks for sticking with me. Please read and review.

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Arm around Olivia's shoulders Elliot said goodnight to the people gathered at the cop bar. The applauded them out the doors, making Olivia laugh. He smiled at her, just loving the way she looked, relaxed and happy.

"Those guys are crazy," She said, smiling up at him, "I still can't believe they've been betting on us for years."

"Yeah," He studied her intently as they walked to his car, "Does it bother you?"

"A little," She admitted, "I mean, they saw enough, didn't they? Makes you wonder who else noticed."

Because he knew her so well, Elliot knew exactly where her mind went. He stopped and pulled her around to face him, "My divorce had nothing to do with us, Liv. How many times have I told you that?"

Olivia looked away from him and sighed, "You keep saying that El, but honestly, think about it. People from three precincts noticed, Kathy had to see that there was something."

"We fought about the job, the hours I spent at the office instead of home with my kids," Elliot ran his hands up and down her arms.

"But you did fight about me."

"Once or twice, Liv, but…"

"We met for coffee once," She blurted out, startling Elliot into silence, "Back when you had just separated, I called Kathy and asked to meet with her. I wanted to see if there was anything I could do to keep you from getting suspended." Elliot wasn't quite sure what to make of Olivia's confession, but before he could comment she kept going, "El, she called me, shortly after we got…involved."

"She what?" Elliot broke in.

Olivia stepped back from him and hugged herself, "She thinks we were having an affair, she thinks the reason you worked late so often was to be with me."

"Well, she's wrong." Elliot reached for her and only had to tug gently to pull her into his arms. Against her hair he whispered, "Olivia, what I've found with you is more than my marriage ever was. I can talk about work to you and you'll understand. You don't let me hide, you don't let me get away with anything, and you're not afraid to kick my ass when I'm wrong."

"Someone has too," She smiled against his chest.

"Yeah, and it's you Liv. You keep me sane, and whatever anyone thinks about us or our relationship doesn't matter. I love you, okay?"

"You better."

He laughed and kissed the top of her head, "That's my Olivia."

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Author's Note: Awww, the sap! I love sap. And you know what, I don't really care that Elliot doesn't sound like Elliot, so there, lol.