Hello my #Dancers. Here is your next chapter. I know I promised this yesterday but I got carried away, and kept typing. So I hope you enjoy and leave me a high #JudgesScore.
Me's
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Chapter 5: "A Moment Like This…"
As soon as the word "dance" left her mouth, Olivia turned around and walked to the door. She inhaled quickly and before she realized it, he was standing behind her. She didn't have to see him to know he was there, she could "feel" him.
Fitz reached around her, and tried to grab the doorknob to open it for her. But she beat him to it. She quickly, looked to her side, and saw his face on the side of her own. She met his eyes. "I've got it thanks."
"Yes Ma'am," Fitz sarcastically answered, winking before she turned away.
Olivia flew open the door and saw two of HIS agents not allowing her to pass. "I'm sorry Ma'am but you have to wait till we make the area is secure before we allow the President to leave this room," Agent Tom Stanton.
Fitz was directly behind her and she could feel him there, getting closer. Olivia looked right at Tom. "What's your name?"
"Tom, Ma'am," he answered.
"Tom is it," she walked right up into his personal space, causing Fitz to arch his eyebrows upwards behind her. "Am I the President of the United States?"
"No Ma'am," Tom tried to explain but she stopped him quickly, flinging her hand in his face.
"Am I under protection from the Secret Service," Olivia questioned Tom, making Fitz grin even more behind her. Tom looked up at Fitz, who could see his boss enjoying this.
"Not that I know of Ma'am. But when you are with the President, we need to make sure the area is safe." Tom flatly explained.
Olivia looked around not impressed. She quickly shot a glare at Fitz, and could tell that he was enjoying the verbal beating she was giving his agent. "Tom I DO NOT need protecting. But if you do not let me pass, I will use my fancy dance shoes and crush your toes. Now MOVE IT!"
Fitz grunted a laugh behind her. She whipped around and told Fitz. "You hush up," making Fitz arch his eyes up, loving every ounce of this woman's passion that was coming out of her voice.
She turned back to Tom. "Keep him here until the AREA is secure but I going to the ballroom to make sure everything is in place for THIS dance your boss is so eager to get out of me this evening. Now MOVE before I two-step and tap-dance on your head," she placed her hands on her hips and stared Tom down, making him shift uncomfortably in his shoes.
Tom looked at Fitz and he nodded so she could pass. She turned, looked at Fitz and then took off down the hallway as fast as her feet could carry her. Fitz stepped out into the hallway, and made it just to see her turn the corner.
"Sir, what the hell did you do to her," Tom asked his boss.
"I have no idea. One minute she's yelling at me, the next I feel like she's ready to going to dance circles around me. Then in a moment, I feel like she's going to throw one of her dancing shoes at my head. I've never met anyone like her before," Fitz said all in one breath.
"Is that good that she is not afraid of you Sir," Tom asked him.
"I don't know. But I know one thing right now," Fitz said beginning to walk in her direction. "I've never met anyone like her. The world leaders I've encountered and foreign dignitaries never scared the shit out of me like she just did," he admitted. "I'm sure not if I like her or not."
"Mr. President, can I offer you a piece of advice," Tom asked Fitz as they finally made it outside the ballroom. Fitz nodded. "Let her teach you to dance. She's not intimidated by you at all, which is rare. When you step onto the dance floor with her, just remember that she is in charge."
"She's in charge, right," Fitz answered unsure. "You do realize that I am the President of the United States right."
Tom smirked. "Yes Sir. But once you step onto that dance floor with her, you are just HER student. Remember that. And try not to step on her feet."
"Try not to step on her feet. Got it," Fitz said, making it to the Grand Ballroom doors finally.
Fitz looked at Tom and then the window to the grand ballroom. He saw Olivia standing next to Max. He watched him place is hand around her waist. Cyrus told him nothing was happening between her and Max, but why did he have a feeling of dislike towards Max touching her. He just met her but he didn't make any sense. How could he be jealous of someone with Olivia, whom he just met?
Fitz and this agents began to walk into the room and saw Olivia and Max begin to dance for the girls, Abby, Cyrus and James. Just as he made it to her, Max dipped her right in front of him. Her arms and hands went backwards, causing her body to make the most perfect dip/curve he'd ever seen.
Her chest was rising and falling with her breaths, mesmerizing him. He didn't want to be checking her out, but he could not help himself. The dress she wore was a V-neck. If he just looked just right, he could see cleavage. Olivia finally saw Fitz checking her out, and felt the heat rise in her cheeks. She tapped on Max's back and he lifted her up.
Fitz watched her every move, and hated it even more when Max picked her up and his hands graced her bottom. He placed his hands in his pockets to hide his jealousy. Olivia leaned on his shoulders as he quickly twirled her around. She giggled, making Fitz smile, and wishing he could trade places with Max.
Fitz watched as Max kissed her forehead before placing her fully onto the floor. After Fitz gathered his thoughts, "Was that something you were working on for next week?"
Max answered, "We're not sure yet."
"Ah," Fitz said, looking at Olivia who shifted in her shoes. She looked at him and then the girls. They started to ask her questions about their lessons for the upcoming week. Olivia told them their day and time, and then she was ready to go.
"Miss Pope where are you going," Fitz asked. She stopped, hoping he would forget, but no such luck.
"Max and I have an ice cream date," she sweetly replied. "Right Lover Muffin."
"Yes Ma'am," he said reaching for her hand. He picked it up and kissed it. "It's about time too. I've waiting for this forever it seems."
Fitz felt himself getting aggravated. He did not like the idea of them going on a "ice cream date." He chastised himself quickly and asking, "Are you forgetting something?" Fitz said, staring right into her eyes. "Unless you really are chicken."
Nina and Bells looked at Olivia who now had her hands on her hips and was staring wide-eyed at their dad. Before Bells could ask, Nina shouted, "HOLY SHIT, are you going to dance with Daddy now Livy?"
"Um," was all Olivia could answer before Fitz came down on Nina.
Fitz stared at Nina. "CRISTINA. You will watch your mouth. Do you hear my young lady," he scolded his daughter. "That is not appropriate language for a young lady. Do I make myself clear?"
Cristina shrank down in her shoes. She whispered. "Yes Sir."
Bells looked at Olivia. "Are you really going to dance with Daddy now? Oh My Gosh, I have the perfect song too," she bragged. She looked at her sister. "I told you Nina, you can't say that word. I knew Dad would get pissed," Bells blurted out.
"Isabelle Victoria Grant, you too. What the heck is up with my daughters tonight," he grumbled, causing Olivia to silently laugh at him. He pulled them to the side and Olivia took this opportunity to yank Abby across the room.
"What's wrong Liv," she asked when they were across the room so no one could hear them.
"I am not dancing with him Abby. You said all I had to do was talk to him, not dance with him…TONIGHT!"
"Liv, how in the hell are you going to know how bad he is if you don't dance with him. He's willing to do this now. His schedule is insane. Who knows when I can free the time for him take the time and do this so you need to go for it," Abby insisted.
"Go for it," Olivia growled. "Are you crazy? I do not want to do this now."
"You are a dance instructor aren't you," Abby sarcastically. "He's not going to hurt you Liv. Well he may step on your toes, but that's it."
"Abby I am not dancing with Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III. No. I promised that I would talk to the man. I did not promise any dancing. I did not agree to be HIS teacher. You did that for me. NO," she harshly whispered.
"Chicken," Abby countered.
"Am not," Olivia shot back, and began to walk away.
"ARE TO," Abby shouted back, making everyone in the room stare at her and Olivia. She stopped and was met with Fitz taking off his suit coat. He gave it to Tom to hold, along with his tie. She then watched him role his sleeves up on both arms. She raised her eyes, when she saw his toned forearms. His skin looked tan and smooth.
She watched his fingers work in rolling up both sleeves and began to imagine what it would really feel like to be in his arms dancing instead of Max's. Would they have an instant connection, or something so much more? Could she feel safe with him, and let herself be free?
She scrunched her eyes, and then widened them as Fitz unhooked his top two buttons on his white dress shirt. She saw the undershirt, and some hairs sticking out. Fitz finally looked and realized that she was indeed checking him out. He smiled, giving her a crooked grin, knowing he caught her.
Fitz then turned around, blushing, and began talking to the girls, Cyrus and James. Abby by now had walked past her, and was by Fitz's side. It was then that she decided to have a little fun with her new student.
/
"Let's Be Inappropriate…"
Fitz was hashing out his dancing lesson schedule with Abby when he heard, "Come here Lover Boy," from across the room. The voice was seductive and sexy, making his entire body come alive. The entire room fell silent, and Tom was so stunned that he dropped Fitz's jacket onto the floor.
Fitz turned around and saw Olivia in the middle of the room, smiling wickedly, Abby and everyone else. He told himself that she was not talking to him, and Max excused himself to go and see her.
Max just started to make his way over and got right on the side of Fitz, when everyone heard, "Oh no not you Lover Muffin." She began to walk to Fitz in a way that turned him on, in all ways. "I want Lover Boy." She lifted up her hand, pointed to Fitz, and motioned with her index finger for Fitz to come to her.
"Did she just," Fitz muffled out, then stared at Abby. The Secret Service was stunned into silence. Fitz swallowed hard. His body jumped, feeling a huge surge of adrenaline, course through his body. He looked to Abby then to Olivia then back to Abby again. Abby felt her world shrinking around her.
Abby then wheezed, "She justed…"
"Called you Lover Boy," Cyrus said first, because he knew Olivia was getting revenge on Abby right now and Fitz for making her do this. "Yes Sir. I believe she is."
"I am so screwed," Abby said, forgetting about Nina and Bells. She covered her mouth and told the girls not to repeat it. They giggled and watched their Dad stare at Olivia.
Olivia then began to walk to Fitz, in such a seductive way that he about lost his mind. He placed his hands in his pockets to "adjust" his issue, and leaned back on one of his feet for better balance. With each step Olivia told Fitz again, "Come. Here. Lover. Boy. And Let's Dance."
"I," Fitz barely got out.
'Or. Are. You. Chicken," she raised her voice challenging him in the worse way. The smiled on her face was the most wicked he's ever seen on a woman. He was not sure if he was afraid of her, or if he wanted to take her in his arms and give her a first dance she'd never forget.
"Miss Pope it is not appropriate for you to call me Lover Boy," Fitz got out in one breath as Olivia moved closer to him. The closer she became, the harder Fitz began to breath. He was in a huge ballroom, and it felt as if he was in a space vacuum, oxygen deprived. His heart raced, and he felt things happening to his body, he didn't think where possible. She was about 5 feet away from him when she stopped.
Olivia licked her lips, winked at Abby, and said to Fitz, staring right into his eyes, "Well, let's be inappropriate. I'm UP for it if you are Mr. President," she dropped her voice so low at the end that it made Fitz gulp. He got her double meaning, and blushed profusely. She looked him up and down, like she was about to eat him alive. Never in his life, did he feel so open and exposed, and he was on camera all the time.
Fitz let out a breath, but could not move. This woman, a dance teacher, was challenging him in a way that was turning his world upside down. He let out an audible breath and turned to Abby.
"Go," Abby instructed him, but he didn't move. Fitz was literally frozen. His mind was sending the impulses for him to walk to Olivia, but his heart, would not allow him to move. Fitz turned and looked back at Abby. She touched his arm, "Mr. President she's doing this to show you who is boss. Take charge and flip the tables on her. Show her your superpowers."
"My superpowers," Fitz raised his eyes. "Abigail I don't have…"
"Yes you do Daddy," Nina cooed. "Use those blue eyes of yours to make her melt in your arms."
Abby held in a giggle. "Yah Dad, if the eye thing doesn't work, tell her you like her shoes. Girls like that," Bells instructed her father. "She won't hurt you Dad. Go for it."
Fitz raised his eyebrows to his twins, then to Abby and then Cyrus. Cyrus took one look at both of them and grumbled, "Shit don't look at me. There's a reason why I left politics. Thank god I did when I did, I surely would have had a heart attack by now."
Nina then skipped up to Max and gave him the song he wanted her Dad and Olivia to dance too. Max thought it was a good choice. Olivia watched him walk over to the sound system. She heard Max begin to shuffle through the CD's and turned around to ask him questions.
By now Fitz had turned back around and saw her, facing Max. All of sudden and idea hit him. "Get on it Sir." Seeing that he had the upper hand finally, he made his move. He briskly walked over to Olivia. She felt both his hands make contact with the top of her hipbone and felt the immediate spark.
"I," she said as Fitz turned her around, with the purpose of showing her who was boss. She kept her eyes locked on his chest. If she looked at him, she'd been done. The heat radiating off his body, onto her own, was causing all her rational thought to leave the space between them.
"Lover Boy is ready," Fitz flirtatiously answered. "I hope you are Sweet Baby."
Olivia's mouth dropped open. "Sweet baby," she answered unable to look at him as of yet.
"Well if you're calling me Lover boy, then I must be Patrick Swayze from Dirty Dancing. And if I remember that scene, he called her Sweet Baby. I am answering Miss Pope because like the song says in the movie, "Sweet baby you're the one."
"Shit," she chastised herself. The room was so quite that you could hear a pin drop.
Fitz smiled wickedly. He leaned down to her. "Look at me."
She finally began to raise her head to meet his gaze. She bit and licked her lips, as she raised her head to look at him. Olivia started to tell herself, "He's just a guy. Just a guy, not the President." She pierced her lips together, and swallowed quickly in an attempt to calm herself. Her breaths were now quicker. She could feel his exhales on her own face, signaling how close he was holding her.
Fitz fearing she would back away, began to wrap his arms around her torso. There was no way she was getting away from him now. Both of their breaths hitched as he placed his non-dominant hand just above her tailbone. He stretched his fingers out, and began to caress her gently. He took her other hand and draped it over his broad shoulder. Her fingers felt the base of his hair line. She was fighting herself because she wanted to run her fingers in his curls, but dug her finger tips into his shirt.
He then ran his large hand down the length of her smooth arm up to her shoulder. He felt himself becoming more alive by the second, as he ran his fingers lightly of her bare skin. Her skin was the softest he'd ever felt, like velvet. Olivia felt as if her arm was on fire, and her breathing became quicker. When he finally reached her shoulder, he stopped.
Fitz swallowed hard, and reached up and touched her face with just the tips of his fingers. This caused her to take sharp intake of breath, audible to just him. He wanted to stop but couldn't. His mind was telling him to move away, but his heart would not allow him too. He stretched his hand out the rest of the way and rested it against her cheek. He began to rub his thumb lightly across her skin, in an attempt to calm her down.
"Perfect," he murmured, getting a small smile from Olivia.
Fitz smiled but with her being so close, her perfume, began to enter his nose. She smelt so good, and the way she felt in his arms was pure heaven. It was like she was supposed to be here. That his body, was created for her, and no one else. He pushed this thought out of his mind, but deep down in the depths of his soul, it was proving difficult.
He hardly knew her. Hell they just met, but how did this feel so right, so perfect, so what he's been waiting for. It didn't make any sense.
/
"A Moment Like This…"
Seeing that she still hadn't opened her eyes, he gently asked, "Look at me."
"No," she whispered back before the song started. "If I do, then everyone will no."
"Look. At. Me," he voiced softly. "I won't hurt you."
"You can't promise that. You don't know me. I have to dance with you, but looking at you is optional," she snickered.
"Oh really," he pulled her closer. He leaned his head down and touched his forehead to hers. "I am putting my trust in you to teach me. Now can you do the same? Just look at me for one minute."
"One minute," she whimpered and finally opened her eyes.
Fitz pulled away only slightly. The moment their eyes zeroed in on the others, everything and everyone ceased to exist around them. Both were breathing in sync but labored. He stared into her eyes, and found himself unable to pull away. She began to catch her breath. Fitz sensed her nervousness, smiled, and lightly caressed her face.
"I can't do…," she began to pull away when she heard the opening lyrics to this song. Fitz began to move them slowly on the dance floor. Both raised their eyes, when they heard these opening lines;
"What if I told you
It was all meant to be
Would you believe me,
Would you agree
(Both swallowed quickly, but continued to look at each other. Fitz did his best not to step on her toes. When they heard they next lines, both their hearts about stop beating.)
It's almost that feeling'
That we've met before
So tell me that you don't think I'm crazy
When I tell you love has come and now...
(Fitz's heart rate quickened, as he listened to the song and looked into her eyes. This can't be happening, he told himself. He continued to push the thoughts of out his mind, as he moved her on the dance floor. Olivia's breathing became slow and shallow as she heard the chorus of the song. )
A moment like this
Some people wait a lifetime,
For a moment like this
Some people search forever,
For that one special kiss
Oh, I can't believe it's happening to me
Some people wait a lifetime,
For a moment like this
(Both Olivia and Fitz were so focused on each other during the chorus, that she did not hear Cyrus and Abby talking. They could not believe what they were seeing either. She tried to listen them bickering, and attempted to pull away. Fitz felt her attempting to slip away, but nodded NO. She could not deny him.
Fitz felt his heart, the moment he then heard the next lyrics of the song. He was doing his best not to step on Olivia's toes, but stumbled when he began to listen to next verse. It was as if Bellamy was speaking to him from above. She told him this would happen, and he did not believe it until now.)
Everything changes
But beauty remains
Something so tender
I can't explain
Well I maybe dreaming'
But 'till I awake
Can we make this dream last forever
And I'll cherish all the love we share
(Fitz realized at the end of this verse that he wanted THIS DREAM of dancing with her to last forever. He thought to Bellamy's prediction that one day someone would come along and turn his world upside down. But never did he believe it; until now. It couldn't be true, he was telling himself, but looking down into Olivia's brown eyes, his misconceptions began to wash away.
As the song continued, he kept his hand on her face, and felt Olivia begin to run her fingers in his hair. His breathing changed, and couldn't stop the smile that began to creep on his face.
For a moment like this
Some people wait a lifetime,
For a moment like this
Some people search forever,
For that one special kiss
Oh, I can't believe it's happening to me
Some people wait a lifetime,
For a moment like this
(Olivia's mouth then dropped open, when she heard the next line. Fitz gently smiled at her, to calm her. Her heart was beating so fast, that it only made it worse. She told herself, that she could not be let herself fall for anyone in politics because of her father. That is why she distanced herself all this time.
But the connection she felt towards Fitz, was like anything she had ever experienced. She could not explain it, and if she fell for real, would he catch her and keep her safe. She shook her head, and tried to look away from Fitz but he would not allow her the chance. He mouthed to her, "It's okay," and she began to calm down. )
Could this be the greatest love of all
I wanna know that you will catch me when I fall
So let me tell you this...
Some people wait a lifetime
(By the final chorus Fitz really tried to move her better around the room. But he was so caught up in the song that all he could do was move them around slightly. With each move of their body's, Olivia felt him hovering closer. The sense of security, warmth, and comfort she felt in his arms, was unlike anything she'd ever experience with any man before. She tried to get Fitz to keep his distance, but Fitz was stronger, and did not allow it to happen.
Fitz took her other hand that was draped across his shoulder and placed it around his neck with her other one. He intertwined her fingers, at the base of his neck. Then with his hand that was around her face, he slowly moved to be with his other one that was securely placed just over her tailbone. He moved them to the music, never once taking his eyes off her. They stayed this way till the song ended.)
For a moment like this
Some people wait a lifetime,
For a moment like this
Some people search forever,
For that one special kiss
Oh, I can't believe it's happening to me
Some people wait a lifetime,
For a moment like this
When the music finally stopped, Olivia was taking sharp breaths. Her emotions were all over the place, right along with Fitz's. Both of them felt the unwavering connection between them grow stronger as the song played in the background, until it's ending. His girls did not realize what their song choice would do to them- for them. It brought feelings to the surface neither one had any idea what to do about yet.
Abby and Cyrus began calling both their names, but Fitz and Olivia by this point had tuned the world around them out. Max had left the room when the song started to play because he had left something in his dressing room.
"Liv," Abby called her name. But she kept staring up at Fitz.
"Mr. President," Cyrus called to Fitz, but he didn't answer him back. He was mesmerized by the beautiful woman in his arms. The woman that granted him the first dance of a lifetime; the first dance that changed his life forever.
He gave her the softest smile, and without realizing it began to lower his head to want to kiss her. She saw him getting closer and wanted nothing more to allow him to.
But Olivia, along with Fitz started to feel their emotions and fears returning. All of a sudden Olivia's breathing increased rapidly, and her eyes began to water. Fitz's heart began to race in his chest, seeing his own fears mirrored before him. Fitz sensing her fear coming back, reached up and cupped her face in an attempt to sooth her. Just as he made contact, she jumped away from him.
She gasped placing her hands over her cheeks. Then as if both their minds were connected, they both spoke, "I'm sorry I can't do this." Both realized they spoke the same words, and before Fitz could say anything, Olivia turned and high tailed it out of the room. Fitz stood there stunned, not sure what the hell just happened.
/
"What Did You Do?"
"Liv," Abby cried out, as she saw her best friend run out of the room in tears. "Shit, Shit. SHIT." She looked at Fitz, ad he motioned for her to make sure Olivia was okay.
Nina and Bells came up to Fitz asking him to go with Abby but he didn't allow them too. "Girls let Ant Abby go make sure she's okay. I'm sure she just got something in her eye." Fitz tried to explain to his daughters. He didn't want them to think that he did something to upset Olivia in anyway. If he did something, he had no idea what it could be.
Cyrus then walked up to him, "What the FUCK was that? What did you do? "
Fitz turned to face Cyrus. "I didn't do anything Cyrus. All we did, was dance."
"That was more than dance and you both know it. I don't know what was happening on the dance floor, but whatever it was you both best figure it out," Cyrus bellowed at Fitz.
"You are not my Chief of Staff Cyrus. Abigail is," Fitz threw in his face. "You don't tell me what to do. You lost that right when you sent Abby to me."
Cyrus got right into Fitz' face, not intimidated at all. "Oh no. I am not speaking to you as your former campaign manager Mr. President. I am speaking to you man, who sees Olivia Carolyn Pope as a daughter. I don't know what the HELL I saw happen on the dance floor between you two, but whatever the hell is was YOU NEED TO SHUT IT DOWN."
Fitz looked at Cyrus with fire in his eyes. "Excuse me?" He looked to the agents and they escorted the girls to the other side of the room so they could talk without upsetting them.
"You heard me Sir. You need to shut this down now. Whatever you THINK you feel for her," Cyrus stopped trying to think of the right words, "it's not right. You are not the right man for her."
"Cyrus it was JUST one dance. I don't know what you think you saw," Fitz tried to explain but Cyrus wasn't having it. He placed his hands up in the air, to stop Fitz from talking.
"What I saw was two of my closest friends falling for each other. I saw how you both reacted to the lyrics of that song. You can deny it all you want. But I know what it looks like when a man is beginning to fall hard for a woman. I get it. Olivia is beautiful, smart, mesmerizing, and any man would be lucky to have her by his side. But TRUST ME she is someone you cannot have."
Fitz grabbed Cyrus by the dress shirt, shocking the hell out of him. "Cyrus you do not tell me WHO or WHAT I can't have." And he let him go. "I am not some teenager. I am the Leader of the Free World, and more than capable of deciding for myself what is best for me and my daughters."
"And you think Olivia is that after one dance and seeing her perform tonight? Are you freaking kidding me," Cyrus asked in shock. "You and Olivia can't happen romantically. I know you miss Bellamy but," he tried to finish his train of thought but Fitz stopped him.
"I do miss Bellamy. I miss her every day. When I wake up and when I go to bed. Every time I look at my two girls I see her in them more and more every day. I will always love her Cyrus. I loved her with all my heart and soul. But I still don't know what you THINK you saw happen between Miss Pope and I. What you think it was, it was nothing." Fitz tried to explain.
"Nothing huh. Well explain to me, while the strongest woman I know ran out of here and away from you like her hair was on fire. Any guesses?" Cyrus asked him, not buying anything Fitz was saying.
Fitz looked to the doors Olivia ran through. "I don't know what you're talking about."
"Well you best get back there and fix it then," Cyrus instructed Fitz, who stood there for a few minutes trying to decide what to do. "You need her to learn to dance and whether you like it or not, no one is as good as her. Telling her NO is a mistake."
"Cy…," Fitz was dumbfounded for a moment.
"Fix this Sir. But whatever you decide, I'm still by your side." Fitz nodded and looked to the doors that Olivia raced through.
The longer Fitz stood out in the grand ballroom, waiting for Abby to come back, the more worried he became. He had no idea what happened between him and Olivia on the dance floor but whatever it was it apparently scared the living daylights of out both of them. When they both uttered they couldn't do it at the same time, it not only shocked them both, but woke up both their hearts.
Fitz looked to Tom and asked him to go and check on Olivia in the back. He agreed. He walked down the hallway and saw Abby outside her door, yelling at her to go away. Tom walked to the door and told her who he was but she would not allow him to come inside the room she was in. Olivia was a mess and hadn't stopped freaking out since running away from Fitz. She needed Max, but he didn't see what happened and she knew if he did, he would be upset.
"Liv, please let me in," Abby pleaded through the door. "You need me."
"How do I know HE'S not out there," Olivia asked back. If Fitz was out there she couldn't answer the door.
"He's not Liv. The President is in the ballroom with Cyrus still. Is just Tom Stanton, out here with me. He won't let the President near you if that is what you want." Abby softly told her, in an attempt to reassure her. Abby heard the lock click and went inside. The moment the door opened, Abby walked in on her friend scrunched up in a ball, in a corner. "Liv? Oh my gosh I am so sorry."
"No you're not," Olivia told her.
Abby bent down and touched her hands. "Did he hurt you?"
"No of course not. You saw us dancing Abby. My toes and feet are fine," Olivia sarcastically answered.
"You two looked great you know. I never saw anything like it. You two have chemistry. If you teach him, he can become a great dancer. He needs you," Abby squeezed her hand.
"Abby I can't. You need to look for someone else. I'm not the right person for this job. I can't teach him," Olivia explained, as more tears came out of her eyes. "And what you saw was nothing. Nothing happened between me and President Grant."
"I am calling Bull Shit Liv and you know it," Abby then told her, in a tone that made Olivia stand up.
"I don't know what you think you saw Abby but nothing happened," Olivia told her becoming more upset.
"Your right nothing did happen. All WHOLE LOT happened. Fitzgerald Thomas Grant broke through your Chinese wall in one dance –hell with one look when you first saw him. That's taken men forever to do, including Max. You felt something for him and now you're running from him. The scary part is, you know he felt it too. I saw the way you guys were looking at each other Liv. In all the times I've seen you dance with Max, you never connected, the way you did with Fitz in those three minutes."
"Abby come on. That's a load of crap," Olivia said, now pacing in circles.
Abby then walked up to her and bellowed, "What the hell are you afraid of? He's not going to hurt you, or break your heart. You just don't want to admit that he just waltzed through the wall you placed around your heart. Without even trying, you let him in and now you're scared to see where this could go."
"What do you mean, could go? I am supposed to be his teacher Abby. Nothing more. I can't do that if he looks at me like that. I can't think. I don't want to be his public…"
"Don't you DARE finish that sentence," Abby screamed, making Tom jump outside the door. "I told you he is NOT like the other men you used to date. I am not asking you to go out with him Liv, date him, or sleep with him. All I am asking is for you to teach him to dance and if something happens, then let it."
"I can't just LET IT. I am sorry Abby but I can't do this." Olivia turned from her and ran out the door. Abby yelled at her and Olivia turned around and began walking backwards not looking where she was going. Without warning, she plowed into Fitz, knocking them both over onto the floor.
When she realized what happened, "Oh my God I am so sorry," she looked up and saw Fitz staring at her. "Mr. President," she blushed.
"Miss Pope," Fitz answered, staring at her wide-eyed. Both of them were on the floor. She hit him so hard that she knocked him clean off his feet and she landed right on top of him.
"Did I hurt you," Olivia asked, hoping she didn't hurt him.
He reached up and touched her face, without a second thought. "No. I'm fine. I guess this is what I get for being a bad dancer," he gave her a cheesy grin.
She gave him a strange look. Olivia began to move off of him, when Tom and Abby came up behind them, to try to help. No one said, anything and eventually Tom and Abby got the hint to leave Fitz and Olivia talk alone.
"Look," Fitz said first.
"It's okay. I'm sorry I ran you over," she said embarrassed.
"Oh I'm fine. Look I am going to ask Abby to find me another teacher. I think it's best," Fitz explained not wanting to make things worse.
"I think that's a good idea," not wanting to agree with him, but was doing it anyway. "But Nina and Bells?"
"Oh if I take you away from them, they will never forgive me. So they can still be your students. Is that okay," Fitz asked.
"Yes," she said back. Not sure what else there was to say, she told Fitz. "Thanks for not breaking my toes and for catching me when I knocked you over."
"I will ALWAYS catch you," he murmured and smiled, wanting to tell her he wanted her not just as a teacher, but in every way possible. "You're welcome."
"I'll send Abby a list of teachers that are appropriate. There are few in the area that I trust."
"Okay," Fitz sadly.
Olivia nodded. "Look you should go before the White House Press Core starts wondering where you are," she half smiled at him.
"I should go," Fitz sadly answered. They began walking out front and into the Grand Ballroom. The girls were now there and Max had been talking to Cyrus and James for a while. Nina and Bells were happy to see Olivia they would see her Tuesday night for their first lesson. Fitz agreed and had the agents escort everyone to their cars.
Abby knew neither caved in for the lesson by how they were acting and shot Cyrus a look. He rolled his eyes, but agreed to work on things on his end. He didn't like the idea of Olivia teaching Fitz to dance. But the truth of the matter was, she is the best, and that is what Fitz needed to get through this State Dinner.
Fitz got the girls to the motorcade and came back to tell everyone goodnight. Olivia, with a head nudge from Cyrus, walked him to his motorcade. Neither could say anything, because their silence was enough to convey every thought both were not willing to admit out loud.
"Thanks for the dance Miss Pope. Abby was right you truly are the best." Fitz said to her, reaching out and shaking her hand. She looked down at their hands connected then up to meet Fitz's eyes. He placed his other hand on top of hers, totally encasing it between his two large hands.
His touch calmed but started that same fire in her stomach again. She let out a breath, and told him, "You're very welcome. I never dance with a World Leader before so you were my first," she joked. "Thanks for not breaking my toes. I'll see the girls Tuesday."
"Tuesday," Fitz answered walking closer to her.
"You should go," she said, letting him get closer to her.
"I should go," Fitz said back. She began to pull away but he asked, "One Minute."
"One Minute," she whimpered. Fitz let go her hand, and took her other in his hands. She took it and walked into his space. The pull towards him was unlike anything she had ever felt before. She knew it was wrong, but if that was the case, why did it feel so right. Fitz felt it to and lifted her face so he could look more into her eyes.
He was lost in their warmth, and beauty. Never had he looked into eyes so perfect. Everything about her was flawless and that scared him most of all. Not sure what else to say, he told her, "Goodnight Olivia."
Olivia raised her eyes and smiled because he said her name. Her heart melted just a tad bit more and could feel herself, wishing she could teach him. But she knew if she did, and her father found out, she'd be dead in the water. She did not want this man and his kids mixed up in her drama. She needed to protect him, even if she wanted otherwise.
"Thank you for the dance," she muttered. She then got on her toes and kissed his cheek, letting her lips linger for a moment. Fitz gasped, and shivered not expecting this gesture. Olivia pulled away and told him, "Goodnight Fitz," and walked away from his grasp.
Fitz mouthed dropped open, not believing she said his name. It sounded like a prayer, that saved his dying soul. He had been alone since losing Bellamy, an in one word, his name of all things, she saved him. He almost went to her, but as he started to move, he watched her run inside the building.
He saw Max look at Olivia run by not sure what happened. "Gorgeous," he yelled and went after her. Apparently his back was turned, so did not see what transpired between them.
He got into the car with Abby and the girls. Abby leaned forward to look at him, but Fitz kept staring out the window. She knew they both were stubborn, and still didn't give in. Fitz knew what she was thinking, but kept his eyes on the building. He could just see Olivia inside, leaning against the wall, coming to grips with the situation.
Fitz told the driver to he was ready, and they road back to the White House, with his hand on his cheek the entire ride home. He made a quick phone call and stared out the window. Abby made small talk with the girls. They arrived back Fitz got them ready for bed. Once Nina and Bells were safely tucked into bed, he went into the living room and waited for his guest.
Thirty minutes later, his guest was announced;
"Mr. President," the man said entering the room. "You normally don't call me over this late at night unless something is wrong with my god-children."
"Mr. Vice President," Fitz said back, with half a smile. They shook hands, and Fitz lead him to the couch.
"Fitz cut the VP crap. We've been friends for fifteen years." Andrew Nichols teased him. They ran California together and when he took the White House, he wanted him by his side. Andrew and Fitz had been best friends forever.
"Andrew," Fitz ran his hands through his curls, in frustration.
"What is going on? Last time you called me this late was when you realized you loved Bellamy and when she passed away. And then you told me about her dying wish for you and the kids." Fitz looked at him unable to say anything. "Fitz what happened?"
"A lot," Fitz answered leaning back on the couch. He gave Andrew a look, and then Andrew understood.
"OH hell her prediction came true tonight didn't it? So who is she?" Fitz raised his eyes, unable to say anything. "Pour me a scotch. I have a hunch we are going to be at this a while." Fitz gave Andrew his drink. "Okay Fitz. Tell me everything. I'm all ears."
/
TBC…
Sorry my #Pumpkins but I am going to leave you here. A LOT happened in this update. You got your first #Olitz dance and I hope you approve of the song I chose. I racked by brain forever, and when I heard Kelly Clarkson's "A Moment Like This," I knew it was perfect. (No copyright infringement intended.)
They danced, but so much more happened in that dance. Everything fell into sync, then freaked them out, causing both of them (okay mainly her) to run away. She doesn't want to teach him, and SURPRISINGLY he is saying the same thing. DOH! I hope you didn't expect both to reject the other. ;-)
And you know who Fitz's running mate was; Andrew Nichols. Don't worry, NO MELLIE (yet) involved and you'll find out more on his background in the next chapter.
So leave me your #JudgesScore and what you hope to see happen next.
Peace, Luv and Pumpkins…
Me's