Hey lovies! Sorry it took me so long to post an update but work had me travelling out of town and I just couldn't seem to get into my creative zone. But I'm back in town and back at it! I so hope ya'll enjoy this chapter

Olivia stood in front of her full length mirror staring indecisively at her reflection. She wasn't exactly sure of her look for the party. Since the week had gotten away from her she hadn't had time to purchase a new dress so she had to make due with a dress she had purchased a few months ago but never got around to wearing.

The dress was white, long, and clingy. The bodice was strapless and tapered down to a full length skirt that hugged at the curve of her hips and flowed close but loosely around her legs. The back of the dress dipped into a deep vee down the center of her back. Olivia worried that maybe it was too much for the party but it was really the only option she had. And she had to admit that she liked the slinky material that the dress was made of. It made her feel sexy.

Olivia had decided to pin her hair up into an intricate bun and she wore a pair of two-carat diamond earrings and a matching necklace that had belonged to her mother. Her make-up was minimal with just some bronzer, a dash of blush to highlight her cheekbones, mascara, and some nude colored lip gloss.

Olivia's phone buzzed and she reached over and grabbed it. It was her car service letting her know the car had arrived and was waiting outside.

Olivia glanced back at herself in the mirror one last time still unsure of her look. Doubt tickled her stomach and sent shivers of nervousness up her spine. Maybe she should change or better yet maybe she should stay home. She didn't really like parties anyway.

Olivia was a beat from slipping out of her shoes when her phone buzzed. It was Harrison.

"What," she said as she answered.

"Where are you woman? Me and Abby just got to the ballroom and we don't see you."

Olivia grinned. She could hear excitement in Harrison's voice. He had a playful nature that could be infectious.

"I'm on my way," Olivia said with a smile then hung up the phone. She took a deep breath, grabbed her clutch off the bed and headed out the door.

Fitz entered the ballroom and immediately headed for the bar. "Scotch," he told the perky, blonde bartender.

Fitz scanned the room his eyes searching for a certain someone. He didn't see her but he did see his father holding court in the front of the ballroom. He was surrounded by a large group of people who seemed to be hanging on his every word. Fitz rolled his eyes and turned back to face the bartender just as she was handing him his drink. "Thanks," he said then downed it in one gulp and nodded for another.

"Maybe you should slow down a little there, champ."

Fitz cringed a bit at the sound of Jake's voice behind him. "Oh, I'm sure I can handle it," he said.

Jake just nodded and stepped up to the bar. "I'll have a beer please."

The cute blonde handed Fitz his scotch which Fitz took and promptly turned and left the bar. He could barely stand to be in Jake's presence these days.

"Fitzgerald," a voice called from behind him. A voice laced with judgment and derision. Fitz cringed at the sound and hunched into himself as he turned to face his father.

"Big Jerry," Fitz said his greeting dry.

"I was wondering when you'd show your face."

"I've been around," Fitz said then brought his drink to his lips.

"Bet I can guess where you've been," Big Jerry said eyeing the glass of scotch in Fitz's hand.

Fitz stared at his father defiantly as he lifted the glass to his mouth and drank until there was barely any liquid left clinging to the ice cubes.

Big Jerry stared at his son a look of reproach on his face. He looked as if he was about to say something but the words died on his lips as Cyrus and Jake walked up.

"Cyrus Bean! How the heck are ya?" Big Jerry said.

"I'm good, Jerry. Glad you could come out and celebrate with us." Cyrus said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes.

"Oh you know me. I'm not one to miss a good party."

"Don't we know it," Fitz said with a dry chuckle.

Big Jerry eyed him a dark warning showing in the depths of his eyes. But just as quickly it disappeared as he turned to Jake.

"Jake Ballard," Big Jerry said slapping the man on his back. "You look good, son."

Jake beamed. "I am good, sir."

Fitz watched with bored indifference as his father reined praise upon praise on Jake. This was nothing new. Big Jerry loved Jake. He was the son that Fitz would never be. It used to bother him that his father fawned so much over Jake. Big Jerry gave Jake the kind of attention that was reserved for a son and there was a time that Fitz would sit quietly and lament over how he could win his father over but those days were long gone. The days of caring what Big Jerry thought had waned over time as Fitz's heart hardened towards his father.

Olivia stood just at the entrance to the ballroom. She was nervous and she knew why. Fitz would be at this party and as much as she tried to deny her feelings for him she knew they existed. Sure it was easy for her to ignore them when they were at work but in an informal setting with liquor flowing and music playing she had no idea if she'd be able to resist him.

Olivia smoothed her hands down the front of her skirt, took a deep breath, opened the large oak doors and walked inside.

The party was in full swing. A band played at the far end of the room, there were several bars set up around the large ballroom, a large buffet was set up along one of the walls and people were scattered throughout the large space.

Olivia scanned the room for Harrison and Abby. She spotted them posted up at a table at the far end of the ballroom. Olivia headed in their direction. She had just about made it to where they were when Cyrus Bean stepped into her path.

"Olivia," he said. "Don't you look lovely tonight."

"Thank you, Cyrus."

"You're welcome," he said with a smile. "Come with me. I want to introduce you to some folks." Gently he grabbed her elbow and led her over to a small group.

"Pardon me," Cyrus said as they approached the group. "Let me introduce you to Olivia Pope, she came over as CEO of CP&A in the merger."

"Hello," Olivia said as her eyes swept around the circle of people.

"Well hello there, Ms. Pope."

Olivia tuned to her left to see a tall, older man with gray hair and startling blue eyes. Eyes that seemed familiar only she couldn't place where she had them before.

"Hello, Mr…"

"Fitzgerald Grant II but everybody calls me Big Jerry," the man said.

Olivia knew right then and there why his eyes were so familiar. They were the same electric blue eyes that belonged to Fitz only as she took a closer look she could see that Big Jerry's eyes seemed a bit hard around the edges and lacked the softness and depth that she always saw in Fitz's eyes.

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Olivia said extending her hand.

Big Jerry grabbed her hand and leaned towards her. "The pleasure is all mine honey. Seems that you're the guest of honor at this here party."

Olivia shook her head. "Not at all. This party is to celebrate two great companies coming together to create something bigger and greater then each one individually ever could."

A huge grin spread across Big Jerry's face. "I like her," he said to Cyrus.

Fitz stood in the far corner of the room watching Olivia as she talked to his father. He had sensed her the moment she entered the ballroom. His back had been to the door but the tiny ripple of awareness that traveled up his spine told him that she had entered the room. He had turned to see her standing just at the entrance.

Fitz nearly choked on his scotch at the sight of her. She wore the most alluring dress he had ever seen. It was white and clung to her curves. The soft material of the dress seemed to slip and slide against her body as she walked. And the stark whiteness of the dress against her silky brown skin set his pulse on fire. Never had a woman affected him so profoundly. She was Aphrodite and he would surely parish from the flames of her beauty. Without thought, Fitz felt himself move in her direction. He was nearly to her when Cyrus swooped in and ushered her away. Fitz thought to follow them and he would have had Cyrus not took her to his father.

Olivia stood uncomfortable under Big Jerry's gaze. He was telling a story to the small crowd of people around him but Olivia couldn't focus on what he was saying because she was too distracted by the way his gaze keep falling to her breast.

"Well hello there gorgeous," a voice said from behind her.

Olivia spun around to find Jake standing there looking quite handsome in a tuxedo. "Hello," Olivia said.

Jake leaned in close and said, "You look like you could use a drink."

Olivia nodded fervently and Jake led her to the nearest bar.

"Red wine for the lady," he said to the bartender.

"Thank you for rescuing me."

Jake let out a small laugh. "Big Jerry can be a bit overwhelming."

Olivia nodded in agreement.

"He's a brilliant business man though. He built this company from the ground up."

Olivia nodded. There was no doubt that the man was an astute business man but there was something about him that just didn't sit well with her.

"Your wine," the bartender said handing Olivia a glass of red wine.

"Thank you," Olivia said then turned to Jake. "So, are you enjoying the party?"

"I am now," he said a mischievous glint in his eye.

Olivia stayed at the bar with Jake for a while and she was enjoying the conversation but her eyes kept scanning the room. She didn't want to admit it but she was looking for Fitz. She hadn't seen him since she arrived.

"There you are," Harrison said as he made his way over to Olivia. "Abby and I had a bet that you would ditch."

"I lost," Abby said.

"You guys know I wouldn't bail on you," Olivia said

Abby and Harrison shared a knowing look.

"Hey aren't there usually three of you guys?" Jake asked with a smirk.

"Huck doesn't do parties," Abby said.

"So have you guys met everyone?" Olivia asked.

"We met Big Daddy Grant and he's quite the character," Abby said.

"The man's a riot," Harrison added.

"Well this is a party to celebrate you guys so I'd like to give a toast. Here's to the merger and welcome to the team," Jake said raising his glass.

Abby, Harrison and Olivia all raised their glasses.

Jake turned to Olivia. "Olivia, will you please do me the honor of a dance?"

"You know…I'm not…"

"Oh come on…it's a party. People dance at parties," he said and held out his hand to her.

Hesitantly Olivia took Jake's hand and allowed him to lead her to the dance floor.

"Abby," Harrison said as he held his hand out to her.

Abby smiled and grabbed his hand and followed as Harrison led her to the dance floor.

Fitz stood stiffly off to the side as he watched the man he at one time considered a close friend lead Olivia to the dance floor. A lot had changed between them over the years and even more so recently. Jake had always been competitive when it came to women but how he was behaving now, with Olivia, was just so far beyond how he had competed with Fitz in the past. In the past the competition had always been real but there had been a lightness to it. An understanding that women and love could be fleeting but friendship was forever. That wasn't the case with Olivia. She seemed to spark some infinite desire in the both of them. She was Helen Of Troy and it seemed he and Jake would both crash and burn to have her.

Fitz stayed off to the side watching Olivia as she talked with various people and danced with a number of men. Like Fitz, it seemed that everyone in the room was enchanted with her. Everything she did pulled Fitz deeper in to the thick cloud of need she created in him. The slightest tilt of her head revealing more of her elegant neck caused his pulse to race. The gentle sway of her hips as she danced sent his heart a flutter. Fitz was trying to restrain himself – to keep his distance but his will was waning. The more she danced and talked with others the more inflamed with need he became.

Fitz watched as Jake pulled Olivia onto the dance floor for a second time. He pulled her in close and his hand hovered dangerously close to her bottom. Fitz felt his control slipping away as he watched her. A possessiveness he wasn't aware he had bloomed and overtook him. A fire raged in the pit of his stomach at the sight of them together and before he knew it he was heading towards them on the dance floor.

"May I?" Fitz said as he reached them. His face was a hard mask. One wouldn't know of the rage and passion that burned inside him as he stood there.

Both Olivia and Jake looked at him their expressions one of shock. It was as if he appeared out of nowhere.

"We're in the middle of the song, Fitz," Jake said.

"I know," Fitz said matter-of-factly as he stared directly at Olivia. His gaze was intense and penetrated right to her soul.

Olivia's heart pounded in her chest as she locked eyes with Fitz. His blue eyes seemed to darken and become steely with desire as he held her gaze.

"It's fine, Jake," Olivia whispered her eyes still locked with Fitz's.

A shadow of annoyance crossed Jake's face as he released Olivia from his embrace. He said nothing as he turned and walked off.

Fitz studied Olivia for several seconds his gaze dropping from her eyes to her shoulders to her breast and back up again before he slowly invaded her space, wrapping his left arm around her waist then gathering her right hand into his.

Olivia hadn't realized it but she had not taken a breath since Jake had left. She doubted that she would have realized it had her lungs not started to burn. Slowly she released a breath.

"Hello, Olivia," Fitz whispered his breath tickling her face.

"Hi," Olivia said on a breathless whisper. "I haven't seen you all night."

"You were looking for me?"

"No...uh…I…," Olivia stammered. "It's just that I'I've seen everyone tonight except you."

"I saw you the moment you walked in the door…in that dress," Fitz said as he pulled her tighter to him and began to move them around the dance floor.

Fitz loved the feel of the soft lines of Olivia's body against his. And the scent she was giving off was pure bliss. It was a mixture of vanilla and honeysuckle. The scent was potent and sweet and Fitz was sure he could taste it on his tongue.

Fitz dipped his head so his mouth was a breath from her ear. "You look absolutely ravishing tonight," he whispered.

"Thank you."

"I love the back of this dress," Fitz said as he trailed his fingers along the delicate skin of her back.

A shiver of awareness shot through Olivia's body and sent chills up her spine.

"Do you know how hard it's been for me to watch you from across the room in this dress…dancing with other men?"

Olivia didn't know what to say. Her heart sped up with every word he spoke and her breathing was becoming labored with every second she stayed pressed up against him.

"It's been torture, Olivia." Fitz removed his hand from her waist and tucked a finger under her chin. He tilted her head up so she was looking directly into his eyes. "All night all I've thought about is ravishing you."

Olivia inhaled sharply. She was a bundle of mixed emotions. Everything in her body wanted him to ravish her and even her mind which had always remained pretty clear when it came to him was betraying her as visions of them passionately intertwined flashed through her head. Olivia squeezed her eyes shut trying to block out the delicious scenes in her mind.

"Olivia," Fitz whispered, her name coming out on a tortured moan.

"Fitz…" Olivia started. She felt as if she was on the edge of a cliff and she had only to take half a step and she would fall. She wanted to take that plunge but she wasn't ready for the hard bottom that would surely shatter her. So she took the cowards way out again. "I have to go," she said and pulled back from Fitz's embrace. Quickly she turned and fled from the ballroom – fled from Fitz.

Olivia raced down the hallway until she came to a large set of glass doors that led out to a courtyard. She rushed through the doors and ran until she came to a large oak tree. She was out of breath, her heart was racing, and her skin was on fire from Fitz's touch. Olivia leaned against the tree and tried to collect herself. The cold night air swirled around her cooling her burning flesh.

She had been so close to giving in to Fitz. She wanted to. No man had ever looked at her the way he did. No man had ever elicited the emotions and raw passion she felt whenever he invaded her space.

"Olivia."

Olivia spun around to see Fitz standing there and her heart took off again.

He stalked over to her and Olivia inched back until her back was pressed against the tree.

Fitz loomed over her and stared down at her intently. "Why do you keep running from me? From us?" Fitz asked but didn't wait for her answer. "Olivia, I know you feel what I feel. I see it in your eyes, in the way you tense up when I'm near you. You want me as much as I want you."

Olivia did want him but she just couldn't let herself go there. To get tangled up in an affair with someone she worked with could only end badly. She had been there before and she was sure that her heart couldn't take the pain a second time. "Fitz, I already told you. You and me...we just can't."

Fitz leaned in and braced his hands against the tree trapping Olivia between them. His voice was low and passionately pained when he said, "Tell me you don't feel what I'm feeling. Tell me your heart doesn't beat fast and somehow slow when we share the same space. Look me in the eyes and tell me that you don't want me the way I want you and I'll leave here and never bring this up again."

Olivia stared into the blue depths of Fitz's eyes knowing that every word he spoke was the truth. She did want him – beyond reason she wanted him. And with him standing there so close that she could taste his breath on her tongue, hear the sound of his heart thundering in his chest, she could no longer resist the pull that existed between them - even if she wanted to.

"I do want you," Olivia said and crushed her lips to his.

Immediately Fitz leaned into her fitting himself flush against her body. He ran his tongue along the seam of her mouth then pried her lips open and thrust his tongue inside. Her sweet flavor hit him instantly and he moaned. Fitz ran his hands along her sides, down her thighs and back up again dragging her dress up in the process revealing a smooth brown thigh. Fitz stroked and kneaded the supple skin of her thigh before lifting her leg and wrapping it around his waist. He leaned into her meshing his pelvis against hers.

Olivia ran her fingers through his soft curls and rubbed her body against his as he wreaked havoc on her mouth. His taste was potent and left not one clear thought in Olivia's head - the only thing she could do was feel.

Fitz's was lost – lost in the kiss, lost in the warmth their bodies created against one another, lost in the feel of her skin against his touch. Fitz felt himself harden to the point of explosion as he cradled himself between Olivia's thighs. He wanted nothing more than to be buried into the moist warmth he knew was waiting for him.

Fitz crawled his fingers underneath the skirt of Olivia's dress that was now bunched around her waist and found the lacy trim of her panties. He was a second from pulling them down but stopped. Fitz wanted her. He wanted her bad but not like this - outside, fast and hard up against a tree. Their first time should be a slow and gentle fire growing with intensity at every touch and taste until they were consumed whole by a blazing inferno.

Slowly Fitz pulled back and Olivia stared up at him confused by the break in contact.

"Come home with me," Fitz said.

"Okay," was all Olivia could say. She was too far gone and her need for him was to powerful.

Fitz placed a gentle kiss on her lips then grabbed her hand and led them towards the valet.

I really hoped ya'll enjoyed this chapter. Olivia finally stopped running (for real this time lol)and things are really heating up between her and Fitz. I for one cannot wait to see what happens when they get to Fitz's place. )

Thank ya'll so much for reading and as always leave reviews. I so love reading them.

XO