The force in which she tossed her purse, honestly shocked Olivia. It landed on the borrowed mattress, followed by throwing herself onto it. Using her hand to cover her eyes, Olivia felt embarrassed, frustrated, and never been more attracted to Fitz.

A whole month in her new city, and instead of concentrating on her plan to become the new First Lady of Washington media, she was already distracted, pining for the beautiful man who was sat eighteen inches away from her, more or less, every weekday morning. For the foreseeable future.

The temptation grew while watching his every action, hearing what he said. Looking at his handsome face, keeping track of his body language. Figuring out what he'd do next.

Everything about him was sexy.

But damn, she made the first move.

Technically, he did, but she kissed him first.

Olivia Pope was a modern day Southern woman; she knew her worth. There was no fear residing in her. She always made a demand for what and who she wanted. If that meant, making her intentions clear with a man, so be it.

Fuck gentility.

Although she had every right to do so, this was the last thing she wanted to do - fall for anyone who worked with her. Literally telling Fitz hours prior that she didn't date co-workers, in order to protect herself, from the quintessential performance / show crush.

Technically, a kiss didn't equate to a relationship. But two kisses though within a minute of each other? Did that mean she was thirsty? Her buzz had dissipated by the time she and Fitz made it up to her room, so the excuse of alcohol wouldn't count. But there was a haze that covered her eyes and mind, that caught her off guard.

The abrupt switch in her life made her crazy for attention and affection.

Fitz Grant had eyes for her.

She knew that.

She wanted him. Desperately.

But work had to come first.

For now.

When Olivia arrived on Monday, a bouquet of roses were on the side table in the office. Her cheeks rose, a tad nervous to admit how the visual pleased her, working double time to hide her glee. No one was around since she got into the building Picking up the card, she read:

Congratulations, L, on your new show!

You continue to amaze me.

Much success.

Love,

E

Her smile disappeared immediately, turning into a scowl. The nerve of Edison to do this. They hadn't talked since the day she left Charleston. He was a coward for not even trying to amend things or understand where she was coming from or what she wanted to do before she traveled North. Not even a text or phone call. It made sense for her to not reach out. She was heartbroken, but still on a mission to be the best she could be, proving her worth to everyone who doubted her.

If the flowers came from her father or another friend, it would have been a thoughtful gesture. But knowing they came from Edison, made her feel gross, with a sinking feeling in her gut. A quick way to fall back into her good graces. He was known to be that kind of guy, using all his tricks.

As a fast tear fell down her cheek, she heard someone fawn over the roses.

"Those look beautiful! Who are these from?"

Olivia wiped her cheek, turning herself around to find Laurel Castillo, one of the premiere anchors on the East Coast, standing against the doorframe. Instead of starting her first morning interaction with a smartass comment, she grinned.

"Good morning."

The dark brunette crossed to Olivia, cupping one of the roses in her hand to take a sniff of its fragrance. "Mystery admirer?"

"Someone I would like to forget." Olivia plainly spoke, throwing the crumpled note into the trashcan.

"Damn," Laurel emphasized, "Whoever sent you these must have really fucked up."

"Trust me, you don't want to know. So what's up?"

Laurel flipped her hair back, smiling, "Just got in and passed by your office. Wanted to say hi since we haven't really talked since we all got here. How are you liking everything?"

"It's pretty good. A little different from my former station."

"Charleston, right?"

"Yes. How about you?"

Laurel kept perusing the flowers, "I needed a change in environment. Want folks to see more than a Latinx news anchor. I'm good at what I do, without feeling like a token."

Olivia nodded, "That's true."

"Do you miss it? Being home?"

Leaning on on her desk, crossing her ankles, Olivia replied. "Absolutely."

She couldn't let the reminder of home get into her head, as she prepared for the show. A new week of episodes, a full lineup.

"Well, I need to get ready for work."

Laurel took the hint, casually walking to the door, "Of course. Have a great show."

Twenty minutes later, Olivia was in a light blue dress and her nude pumps, hair in a softly gathered bun. All she needed was a light layer of makeup and she'd be ready for the camera. Power walking to the makeup room, she spotted Fitz, talking to a few co-workers. Obviously, she looked away, thinking he wouldn't notice her. But, he did. Standing tall, with a warm smile, Fitz was on his way to her. Her skin pebbled all over, seeing him for the first time in three days. She didn't expect to feel like this.

"Good morning."

"Good morning," she replied.

Fitz, dressed in a grey suit, white dress shirt, with his lighter brown wingtips, smoothly asked, "How's it going?"

Olivia played it cool, drumming her fingers on her folder. "Not too shabby. Other than my ex having roses delivered to my office."

"Oh?"

"Yeah," she sighed, rolling her eyes. "A waste of time. I thought they were from someone else, but my hopes got crushed immediately!"

Fitz's apology was genuine. "I'm sorry, Olivia. I wish you received roses under better circumstances.."

"You get the notes from Annalise?"

It was easy to deflect, and move to something more productive, then possibly vent about her abysmal relationship, to her co-host.

"I did. What did you think?"

"It can work."

Fitz gave a nod as they walked into the makeup room.

"Busy weekend?"

Olivia looked into the mirror, staying still, so the artist could do her work. "Not really. Still apartment hunting. You?"

"I signed my lease. Less than ten minutes from the studio, so it will be a decent commute."

Annalise peeked inside.

"Good morning, my favorites. Ratings are looking good, you two. Keep it up."

What they had was working. They were veterans in the business, able to turn on the cheesy, the professional, the fun, and the spark. They might as well be actors. When they went live, their eyes shone, connecting whenever they had the chance. She laughed whenever he made a joke. He agreed. Finishing each other's sentences. Sometimes her hand would playfully touch his muscular arm. Or he'd find any chance to wink or compliment her. Just so they could connect.

During a commercial break, Cyrus shouted, "You're in sync! Don't fucking lose it. The tweets are coming in strong."

The hour was spent talking about a school bus drama, fun hashtags, decor and drinks for fall. As soon as the "on-air" light dimmed, Olivia left the set, without high fiving Fitz.

It was killing her to see him without expressing how she really felt. The topic hadn't been discussed, but she couldn't say anything, not there yet.

"What do you think about Fitz Grant?"

Olivia joined some of the ladies at an early lunch on a Wednesday. Laurel thought it was a great idea to connect, outside of the studio.

"He's nice."

Michaela and Amanda were still Fitz-struck, gasped, looking at each other, and giggled.

"He's incredibly smart, funny, and wow, he oozes sex appeal," Michaela admitted.

Amanda cupped her face with her hands, "Gosh, if I could have a night with him."

Olivia took a long sip, while Laurel said, "Wow, I don't think you should have said that."

"Why? It's not like it's going to happen. He doesn't look at me, the way he stares at other people at this table."

Michaela turned to Olivia. "By the way. You two are the best co-hosts ever."

"Stop."

"I mean it," she affirmed, "You have such great chemistry. It's amazing to watch. Doesn't hurt that you two are gorgeous."

"You know, his tongue tastes like love, desire, and whiskey."

Olivia latched to her straw, draining her glass, before realizing Laurel, Michaela, and Amanda were looking at her, bewildered, skeptical, and flat out confused.

"What," she said, looking just as surprised. "He drinks scotch."

"Wait," Laurel started, leaning forward, "How do you know that?"

"Do you see how close they sit next to each other," Amanda countered, "Every day for four weeks now. She must know what he does."

"He drinks scotch in the morning? Is that why he looks extra good?"

Olivia had to catch herself, while thinking about how tasty his kiss was, before fucking up with her secret. "Remember we all went out for happy hour? That's what he was drinking. Then we went out for pizza, he helped me get into the cab, he smelled like scotch."

Her story didn't sound convincing. While Laurel kept her eye on Olivia, Michaela and Amanda were watching her with intrigue. Feeling embarrassed, Olivia shook her head, and chuckled. "Forget everything I said. But thank you for your kind words."

Their chemistry was a little off. Olivia was keeping her distance. During 8am meetings, she sat on the opposite side of the table, keeping everything cordial. She was hoping no one would truly notice. But of course, he did, and he didn't like it.

After their Friday show, with all the cordial high fives and laughs, they walked to their offices together, side by side. When the coast was clear, Fitz whispered, "Hey. Can we talk about what happened last week?"

"I'd rather not."

"Olivia."

She stopped walking, and on purpose, faced him, knowing that if she truly looked him in the eye, it'd be over. Not in a bad way, but her resolve to resist would be broken.

Fitz asked, "What's going on? I need to know because it's driving me crazy not being able to be myself with you. Did I do something wrong?"

"No."

"It's about last week, isn't it?"

Olivia silenced her phone, that was ringing. Naturally, she would excuse herself, but she decided to forgo that. "Yes," she softly replied.

"Please let me know if I'm going too far. I need to know."

"You haven't," she replied, leaning against the wall.

Fitz took one step, facing her. "Look," he sighed. "I am attracted to you. I want to get to know you better."

She admitted, "Same."

The smile on his face brightened her world. It was crooked, sincere, and precious.

"Well," he glanced to the floor. "Good to know."

"Can we talk about this somewhere else?"

Olivia didn't mind talking, but she didn't want anyone to listen to their private conversation.

Fitz invited her to his office. Once they were settled, he began, "I don't want you to feel like we can't be friends, or can't talk to each other. This fucking weirdness, it's going to affect how we work. Annalise would have our heads if we slipped up."

"I know."

Olivia briefly closed her eyes, thinking about the week. It had been awkward, dodging him, it felt miserable.

"I will admit, last week was a lot of fun."

"Yes, it was."

"I haven't stopped thinking about you," she sat down in the chair, opposite him.

He laughed, "Same here."

They smiled at each other, feeling so light, since they were finally being honest.

"I can't promise..."

Olivia shrugged, "Let's not define this...not yet."

"Do you have to go?"

"I have nothing on my schedule."

With his hands in his pockets, Fitz waited on her. Being thoughtful, understanding. That's what she was looking for. But again, work. The fine lines of work and personal dynamics. It was doable, but they still had to be careful.

"Olivia..."

"Yeah?"

"I'm going to lose it if I don't kiss you."

Her lips parted with desire. "Please."

Fitz leaned down to find her lips. In a matter of seconds, what was so neat and proper, turned into something hasty. Their kisses grew deeper. Her hands going through his hair, while he pulled her to standing, grabbing her ass, wanting to be as close to her as possible.

"I can't stop."

"God, you feel amazing."

"I want…"

Olivia nearly choked, "What? Here?"

Fitz replied, stroking his thumbs on her jaw. "I don't care. The blinds are closed. Just let me. Let's switch places."

Trusting him, Olivia sat on the desk, inching up her dress, pulling down her thong, exposing her long legs.

"Wow, are you sure?"

She agreed.

He massaged her leg, while she finally let him see her. All of her.

"Oh my god, so beautiful," he kissed her inner thigh.

As soon as his tongue touched her clit, Olivia could feel herself relax and tense at the same time. Everything that had bottled up, simply melted away. She needed this.

"Fitz..."

She kept her hand in his hair, just basking in his worship of her. He was fantastic, lapping her essence, touching her, getting her there.

It didn't take long for her to come. Olivia tilted her head back, trying to swallow her own hearty moans as she shuddered against his mouth. When he finished, she wanted more.

"How was that?"

Olivia exhaled, "Wonderful. Now, sit in the chair."

Fitz did as he was told. She turned on her music app, hitting the start of a playlist.

"I need you to stay quiet."

He had a stunned look on his face, while he unbuckled his belt. "Okay..."

Kneeling in between his legs, she began to touch, slowly lick, and suck on him. But as she was starting, her phone rang.

"It's Annalise."

"Shit. Hello?"

"Hi Olivia, did you leave?"

"Not yet. Why?"

"Because we—"

"My mother is calling. I have to get this. I'll call you right back," she rushed, before returning to Fitz's swollen dick. It was warm, hot pink, and just everything she wanted. She wasn't about to curtail her hands-on investigation of what she had been thinking about for weeks.

Fitz chuckled, "Wow..."

"Sue me," she said, eyeing him. "I couldn't leave you hanging."

His grunts were getting louder as she gave more attention, finding out what made him swell. His precum dripping onto her hand.

Before she took him into her mouth again, Olivia tapped his knee. "Don't yell."

Fitz's eyes closed. His hands gripped the arms of his chair, as he finally released himself into her mouth.

When she was done, she ended with a soft "pop".

"Fuck."

Olivia squeezed his knee, very gratified by what happened. "I gotta go. Call AK and profusely apologize for the delay. Make sure you leave ten minutes after me. Bye."

Giving him a quick kiss, she left. What a difference from the week prior. The start of something worth exploring...

"I think if we can have a meeting with the realtor, everything will work out."

The next day, Olivia was running errands, working with her manager, who was still in Charleston. They had been organizing a strategy for how things could be finalized while she was still in Washington. It was still be a while until she'd be able to get home.

She was at the new apartment, getting her key.

"Jay, I gotta go. Finally about to step into my place. No more fucking hotels. Okay, bye! Alrighty, seventh floor."

Olivia took the elevator, rolling suitcase in tow, still wearing her oversized sunglasses. It was a lazy day, in her sweats, no one would notice her, even though her face was now being plastered on billboards and magazines. As she found her door — 752 - and began to turn the key, she heard the door open.

"Good afternoon."

She pivoted so quickly; that voice...

It was Fitz.

"You have got to be kidding me," she said. Of all the places in the area, they would be in the same complex.

"Well, hello to you too."

Olivia removed her glasses; "When the fuck did this happened?"

"Last week. I guess the place caught your eye, huh?"

She stated, "It has some character I like. I felt in my gut."

"Hmm, that's interesting," Fitz countered, with a twinkle in his eye.

"Why didn't I ask you…"

He immediately answered, "You were in a rush to leave set every day and apparently too busy to talk to me, so I couldn't share the good news." The smirk on his face was glorious, and it made Olivia feel a bit silly.

"Oh, okay."

"Well, welcome to the neighborhood."

"I can't believe this. Co-workers and neighbors."

Fitz lifted his arm to cup his neck, sheepishly. His bicep was delicious to look at. "Surprise?"

"Very funny."

Olivia tried to open the door, but was not having much luck.

"Why..."

Fitz interjected, "I am four days ahead of you, and I can tell you, the keys seem sticky. I was about to go out, but I don't want to leave you stranded. So if you'd like, I can invite you in for a little bit."

"For what?"

"I don't know. To be a good host. Make you dinner. Make you come."

Olivia's jaw dropped, after hearing the casual wordplay from Fitz. The confidence. It was a major turn on, but she couldn't let him get away with it.

"We need to be strictly professional."

"Of course," he said, lifting his hands.

Before he could say anything else, she raised her index finger, pointing at him like he was a disobedient child, and sharply demanded, "I mean it."

"Absolutely."

"Don't give me that smile."

In a soft tone, crossing his arms, Fitz replied, "What else is on the 'do not' list, Miss Olivia Pope? Ignore you every time the camera is not on us? Please inform me so I won't embarrass you."

"You're too much. But I like that."

"I'm just enough."

Olivia couldn't resist sucking her teeth as she marched into Fitz's apartment, but quickly changing her tune as she gave him a "hello" kiss. His laugh filled the space, closing the door.

Hope you liked. xo