Olivia took in a deep breath, held it for a few seconds before slowly releasing it.
"Just get through another few hours, you can do this." She whispers to herself.
With one more deep calming breath, she returns to the party, leaving the solitude and albeit cold comfort of the outdoor balcony overlooking the grounds of the Santa Barbara estate.
Taking her time to scan the room Olivia observes the crowd. It's the same as always wealthy men with trophy wives living without a care in the world. Over the last two years she has tried her best to acclimate, if not for herself than for Edison.
They have been together for almost three years now, but it wasn't until two years ago when he decided to run for public office did their lives enter this arena. This wasn't part of the original plan. When Olivia met Edison, he was a professor at a local college, and she admired that about him. She was an elementary teacher, and she loved that fact they both were in education, although completely different ends of the spectrum.
She had grown to love Edison, so when he decided he wanted to leave higher ed to run for office she supported him. What kind of girlfriend would hold the one they love back from something they seemingly desired. Olivia became the perfect political partner, she attended events, she smiled for the camera, she even said yes to his proposal against a nagging feeling in her gut.
That was almost six months ago. Now they were here, at another fund-raising event she hated. Olivia felt like she was losing more and more of herself supporting Edison. Tonight was different though. Tonight, Edison told her once they were married, he wanted her to quit teaching and stay home. Apparently, he wanted kids immediately. Something they had agreed would wait. Liv was only 27 and she wanted to wait a little longer before becoming a mother. She also had no plans of leaving the career she loved. The conversation was tense and never resolved before it was time for the event.
After the obligatory photographs upon arrival, Olivia decided it was best to keep her distance. After months of this political life she was tired. This isn't what she wants, this isn't who she is. Tonight's conversation confirmed what she has been fighting. Her gut is always right, and her gut has been telling her to leave Edison. Not out of spite but self-preservation. This is not how her story is supposed to go.
Olivia catches sight of Edison in conversation with a group of men. "Hard pass," she thinks.
Looking for a little assistance in surviving the night, Olivia makes her way to the bar. Her red arrives swiftly, and she takes a long drink. Her eyes close, shoulders instantly relax, a small smile hints at her lips and because the win hits just the right spot, she even lets out a low quiet, almost inaudible moan.
"Watching you enjoy a nice merlot could kill a man" a deep voice breaks through her peace.
What the hell did he just say? Oh God, did she really put off a vibe like that at this event? Yes, she has decided this was the end of being Edison's partner, but she had no desire to cause him any disruption. But then she realizes she was simply enjoying a nice glass of wine, who is this ass hole?
Olivia's eyes shoot open, turning to see the man who felt bold enough to make such a comment. Right as she begins to read him, her breath catches. He is beautiful. Yes, beautiful is the only word that comes to mind. She is instantly captivated by his blue eyes, and lord that crooked smile. She can't stop herself; her eyes roam his body taking in every detail. From his perfectly managed curls to his broad shoulder and those thighs. This man is in a suit but every inch of him looks toned and Olivia feels her mouth open.
Olivia likes to think she isn't a shallow person, but this man has her thinking every type of naughty thing she would like this man to do to her. "What the hell, I am here with Edison, what am I doing?" she scolds herself.
When an awkward amount of time passes with no response the man speaks, "I am so sorry if I have offended you. I just don't think I have even seen such a beautiful woman make a glass of wine so sexy." He seems embarrassed. "Please let me pay for your drink as my apology."
Olivia doesn't trust herself to speak, just simply nods. After another awkward silence the man stands.
"Again, I'm sorry." He repeats as he turns to leave.
"Wait, please stay. I'm sorry you just caught me off guard" Olivia says quietly, not ready to leave his presence.
"I'm Fitz" he holds his hand out to her.
"Olivia." She responds by taking his hand.
They both gasp when their hands touch. It was the strangest thing, a tiny shock hit them as soon as they came into contact.
"What has a gorgeous woman like yourself sitting alone at a bar with a room full of people?" he asks, shaking off the sensation, retaking his seat.
"This may be a room full of people, but they aren't really my people."
"That's interesting, what brings you here then?" Fitz's curiosity peaked.
She gives a little laugh before replying "it's nothing."
"Oh no, there is a story there. I can tell. Come on, hit me with it." He encourages.
Olivia doesn't quite know what it is about Fitz that has captivated her, but she finds herself wanting to tell him everything. And with a little bit of liquid courage, she does. She lays it all out there, even the part about this probably being the last event with Edison before she calls things off.
Fitz whistles, "when you said nothing you really meant everything."
A little embarrassed she looks down at her newly refilled glass. "I don't know why I just put all that on you, I'm sorry."
"You have nothing to apologize for, I asked, remember?"
His smile makes her warm inside; she can't help but smile in return. God, she is attracted to this man.
"Now that you know my whole sob story, what brings you here tonight?" Olivia's interest peaked.
"Well, my father is hosting this event for Edison."
Olivia's body freezes, she just poured her heart out to the son of tonight's host.
Fitz sees the panic rise and immediately speaks up, "I am only here because I just moved back to the area and Dad wanted me to meet some of his old buddies. Trust me, I have no dog in this fight and would much rather be back at the house watching Battle Bots with my boy."
"Oh, thank god" Olivia sighs in relief.
"You have nothing to worry about Livvie, your story is safe with me."
"Livvie?" she smiles.
"Yea, it just came out, but it feels right."
Their eyes locked smiling like kids, it has become evident they both feel this thing.
Before either can speak their moment is interrupted by none other than Edison himself.
"Ah, Liv I see you've met Big Jerry's son. Hey Fitz, good to meet you man. Your father speaks highly of you" Edison reaches to shake Fitz's hand.
"Nice to meet you." Fitz responds not truly meaning it.
"Well, Liv, it's about time to get out of here, are you ready to head home?" Edison motions for her to leave.
"Um, yeah. It was nice to meet you Fitz." Olivia says, clearly sad to be leaving but Edison has already moved on with his farewells to notice. She looks into his eyes with a loving smile across her face "Thanks for the drink, and the conversation. It was the best part of my night."
Without thinking Fitz stands and hugs her, "best part of mine too." He says into her ear.
A shiver runs down her spine. His deep voice in her ear instantly causes her panties to dampen and her nipples harden. His hand on her back aches to lower and hold her close. Before their embrace can draw attention, they reluctantly pull apart, going their separate ways. Fitz watches her the entire way and just when he thinks she wasn't as affected as him, she turns and holds his gaze while Edison leads her out the door and into the night.