#HappySaturday #Gladiators
Yes here is this long overdue chapter for this tale. I apologize for taking way too update it. I am truly sorry. I did not mean to but my other fics took over. I will do my best to update this again soon. (Not sure when though.)
Happy reading and have a good weekend…
Me's
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Chapter 14: Cruising, Grooving and Shaking It Off
"When you dance to your own rhythm, life taps it toes to your beat." – Terri Guilleme
Shake It Off…
After Olivia's explanation to Fitz of what was expected of him on the dance floor, he felt as if he really could do become a "presentable" dancer. First thing before they even began dancing, he had to remind himself that it is her that is in charge, not him. She viewed as the dance floor is her Oval Office. She commands as he does the Oval. She is "Madame President" once the music starts and the lessons begin.
As he watched her look through music for their first lesson, he remembered to stretch his muscles. His arms and legs needed to be relaxed not tense before they began dancing. Olivia eyed him curiously as he began stretching preparing himself to begin. She gave him a few pointers, and stood back giving Fitz time on his own to loosen up. He was extremely nervous.
If his body was rigid, they would get nowhere. He was already yearning to kiss, hold, and probably place her on some table for a heavy make out session. Anything Fitz could do to relax would be helpful. Her eyes widen watching his arms stretch over his head. His biceps seem as if they are ready to burst through the cotton-like material, stretching it to its max.
Olivia has to remind herself to stay focused as Fitz bends up and down touching the floor. Olivia mouth drapes open as Fitz's pants tighten around his legs. She can clearly see his upper thighs, hips, calves, and especially his glutes or his perfect bottom through his pants. Olivia literally spins around, focusing on something else before the urge to touch Fitz overtook her rational mind.
She's never seen a man fill out a pair of pants so nicely. She's scolding herself for suggesting he do this while she attempts to find music for them to dance to. Fitzgerald Grant is a fine man. As she quickly composes herself, Fitz is well aware that she is having trouble focusing. He smirks realizing she is checking him out in his pair of jeans.
"Eyes on the music Miss Pope. I can handle these exercises on my own, unless you want to help," he suggests in a deep sensual voice.
She blushes horribly refocusing on her "job" for the moment. Fitz opts to tease her more but he is well aware she'll get him back later. He would love to massage her glorious toned legs from the tip of her painted toe nails to the very top of her incredibly sexy thighs including her hips. He's seen her marvelous legs through her costumes on the dance floor. He would love nothing more have them wrapped around his body.
Olivia glances as his eyes check out her legs. "Yo," she chastises stomping her feet, snapping Fitz out of it. "Focus POTUS on your legs not mine." Fitz's head whips up clearly embarrassed. His eyes darken already. "Remember I promised ice cream after your lessons."
He stops his exercises. "I want more than ice cream Olivia." She gulps. "If I work hard can I have you too? I promise, I can do things with my tongue that will make more than your toes curl."
His off the wall comments causes her to drop her phone onto the floor. She literally stands there completely mystified. A devilish smirk appears on Fitz's face as he saunters over to her exaggerating his steps in order for Olivia to pay even more attention to swag in his walk. But the time he's close enough to touch her, she snaps out of it.
"Back it up Lover Boy," she protests increasing the space between them.
"Why Sweet Baby you're the one," he sings seductively. She gulps. "Now c'mere."
"No Lover Boy," she huskily replies. She did not mean for it sound so intrusive but he brings this side out of her.
"You won't regret it," he continues to come closer decreasing the space between them. "One kiss and I promise I'll go back to allowing you to check me out. Unless you want to help me stretch. I'm a little tense up here," he places his hands close to his hardening member. "You could help me out."
"Mr. President," she sighs in a deep breathy voice.
"Oh I like it. Say it again," he continues slinking his way over to her. She hurries behind a table, hoping to block his path of getting to her. He cannot help but laugh. He reaches for her quickly. This time she jumps on it, shocking Fitz. He stands there stumped as she stands up. His eyes cannot help but admire her beautiful toned legs going all the way up her dress. He cannot see up her dress but it's enough to cause his pants to stir.
"Fitz," she scolds. He grins at her tone.
She kicks off her shoes, then places a foot on his chest, just over his heart. Fitz shivers as her perfectly painted purple toes connect with his chest. His heart, its rhythm increases quickly as she places pressure on his chest. His hands go into his pockets offering him some restraint from touching her.
She shoves him quickly earning her his eyes finally. She is towering above him with her hands on her hips. "Focus on your lesson then you can possibly keep me around for longer." A smirk appears on his face. "After all I think you said you have ALL day to spend with me."
He is silent before answering. "I do. But the question is how long can I keep you here Miss Pope? I love the thought of having YOU in my home."
Her breath quickens as his words wash over her. "Depends…," she answers in a breathlessly.
"On?"
"How much hope there is for you not to step on these perfect pedicured toes of mine and not break anything? If you can handle it, there's hope," she suggests removing her foot then sitting in front of him. She crosses her legs then leans back on the table eyeing him, daring him to come and touch her. She flicks her hair behind her, adding extra sensuality to how she's sitting.
"Consider it handled," he smirks walking over to her. To her pleasant surprise he sits next to her but does not touch her. She did not expect him to comply that easily. She squints. "I have you all day Livy. However we have a dinner date with your Aunts if I recall."
She did not forget. "I didn't." Olivia leans over to bump his arm. "Now go over there so I can make sure I have everything I need to get you moving."
"As you wish," he comments.
Just as he gets up he leans over stealing a quick kiss. She rolls her eyes as he saunters away from her. He begins doing what she asked of him. All he wants is to be with her any way he can. He'll accept being her student as long as she is in his life. But in the back of his mind, he'll be keeping count on how many dates he is away from making them official.
In his mind however, SHE IS HIS.
Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III has a girlfriend. Her name is Olivia Pope.
Olivia peeks over phone, catching Fitz's eyes. "Focus Fitz. Focus," she warns.
He cannot help but laugh at her scolding. She sighs placing her hands on her hips, watching him get back to work. As he walks around the room, she hears him repeating, "When you dance, you must OWN IT. CONTROL IT. FEEL IT." He repeats these words over and over again, earning himself a soft smile from her.
Ever since his Inaugural Ball, Fitz refused to dance in public. It has not happened since that night. He will not be captured on film, in the fear of "creating" another incident. He did not mean to step on anyone's toes but that is what happened. He heard later on he almost broke the lady in question's toes.
Abby pushed him into these lessons, which is how he finds himself here at this perfect place with Olivia. Fitz would never imagined when he agreed to these lessons, it would change is entire outlook on how he views himself. He not only has to be a LEADER off the dance floor but on. His confidence he exudes in the Oval Office, must be shifted onto the dance floor from himself to his partner.
Once the lights come on, and the music begins, it is up to him to be his partner's rock, leader, gliding her gracefully around the room to the music. His "date" has to believe that he is in control of their every move while they are moving to the beat. His confidence will show through his steps, kicks, body positions and movements around the room.
Then travel down to his partner allowing her to be the center of attention. Olivia already is the center of attention in a room whether she is dancing or "just" being there with him. Even some of his agents have wandering eyes when it comes to Olivia's striking beauty.
As Olivia explained, "it is the man's job to show off his dancing partner on the floor. You are making her feel beautiful, confident, at ease, happy, and secure because in every movement you make YOU HAVE HER. YOU MOVE AS ONE. As the LEAD you will not drop her on her ass or allow her to make a fool of herself. You are in charge of the dance. You RULE the room, music, and which direction you will move across the floor."
There is always this huge amount of pressure for him to be the best. He is the President of the United States of America. This job leaves little or no room for error. Any mistake could risk not only the People of the Nation he swore to protect but countless other lives through the World.
The World is always watching. It makes no difference what time of day or when, someone has a camera on him documenting his every move. He lives in a fish bowl, where he, Nina and Bells are the center of attention. They are the spectacle, attraction the world longs to see glimpses of on a daily basis. He is more than used to this life. Even the girls are.
However in Olivia's word once the music begins, she becomes the focus of every person's gaze in the room. Her "fish bowl" is when the music begins. She becomes any character she wishes to be. She is tied to Max or whomever she is dancing with for the duration of the song. Olivia can be any person she chooses. That is the joy of being a dancer.
It when the music stops, the protective glass bowl she is in breaks, the water falls out, and the realities of her "real life" creep in haunting her. Once the "water" is gone, her walls return and she keeps herself hidden from everyone as protection. Fitz cannot begin to understand WHO hurt her, accept one man, her father. Abby will not speak of him. From what Fitz can gather, he terrifies her.
As Fitz gazes upon the woman who's captured his heart, along with his daughters, he wanders what kind of man could push her into a life she did not want. He vows to protect her at all costs from her father. Abby swears he's not in the picture, but he lurks around on occasion when Olivia is doing well, reminding her of where she came from.
On the dance floor she is NOT this person's daughter. That first note is played, she is whomever she chooses to be. The tempo, notes, the chords from the music capture Olivia's body; the muscles, bones, every fiber within her, becoming part of her soul. She is not simply dancing. Olivia's entire body becomes the very music she is acting out on the floor.
Everyone's eyes are on her every move, because that is her choice. Not her Father's. Hers. Olivia is the strongest woman Fitz has ever encountered because of this fact alone.
As Fitz finishes his stretching, he remembers everything Olivia spoke to him about moment ago. Everything is going through his mind as she strolls over to where he is waiting patiently for her. "You ready?"
"I am," he grimaces. He watches her walk over to the speaker Abby left for her to connect her phone. She winks at him playfully just before she hits the music.
"Okay here we go."
As the song begins to play Fitz's eyes widen. "You got to be kidding me," he grouses as the tempo begins to increase. "Seriously?"
She giggles and shakes her hips as he moves in his direction. "Yes. Now give me your hands," she commands.
"Oh HELL no," now it's his turn to back away from her. "There is no way you are getting me to dance to Tay Tay…," he scoffs. She squints but she is fully aware he knows who this is. But she is not deterred. She keeps step with the music sauntering in his direction. He sees this fire in her eyes, scaring the living shit out of him. "I am not bee-bopping to Taylor Swift's Shake It Off."
"Yes Mr. President you are," she commands as the first verse is sung. "You need to loosen up. Who is in charge right now?" He gulps hearing the conviction in her tone. "Well who is the boss right now? Me or you."
"You," he deadpans listening to Taylor Swift sing.
I stay out too late, got nothing in my brain
That's what people say, that's what people say
I go on too many dates, but I can't make them stay
At least that's what people say, that's what people say
She jumps, twists and turns to the first section of the song, moving in perfect time with the words and notes. Even her head is bopping from side to side. Fitz stops stares as she moves her hips with her hands up in the air. She turns on her tip toes moving towards him. He's mesmerized by the dress's side to side shimmies.
"Come on Fitz. You need to let go and shake if off," she suggests finally standing in front of him. He cannot help but smirk.
But Fitz is being stubborn. "No."
"Urgh," she grumbles. "What happened to that man in my apartment who insisted that I shut up and dance with him?"
"He took you back to the White House," he dismisses her comment hoping she'll give up and not make him dance to this silly song. Cristina and Isabelle LOVE this song. He complains every time he hears it.
However she is deterred by his unwillingness to comply. She hops, and jumps around him as the next verse begins. Her hands flare out in front of him then move away to the beat of the music.
But I keep cruising
Can't stop, won't stop moving
It's like I got this music in my mind
Saying it's gonna be alright
"Olivia," he grimaces as her hands go to his hips. She begins to move his stiff body to the beat.
"Come on Mr. President, give me that sick beat," she teases. The sultry sound of her voice is enough for Fitz to grasp on to her hips. He squeezes them hard. "Now move with me Lover Boy and have fun. That is ALL we are doing right now is having fun. It is your turn to SHUT UP and DANCE WITH ME." He cannot help but smile as she uses his words from earlier against him.
"Liv…," he protests as her hands then arms wrap around his torso.
"Dance with me Fitz please," she pleads bashfully. She flutters her beautiful brown eyes bashfully hoping he'll cave.
"Fine," he acquiesces as the chorus is sung.
Cause the players gonna play, play, play, play, play
And the haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate
Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off
Heartbreakers gonna break, break, break, break, break
And the fakers gonna fake, fake, fake, fake, fake
Baby, I'm just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake
I shake it off, I shake it off
By the time they the music is finished Fitz has never felt more shaken and stirred in his life. Olivia's agile body showed him how to bend his arms, and legs to the beat of the music. At times she would leap, bounce up and down causing Fitz to do it with her. Then in other moments of the song she'd instructed Fitz to stomp his feet, clap, with her in his arms, jiggle his body to the music.
Veinesse Waltz
He's never felt more relaxed and ready to work in his life. As Taylor's Swift's voice stops, Fitz glances Olivia's shimmering eyes. Their hands are connected as he closes the distance between them. He steps completely into her personal space as her breathing begins to slow down, along with his. He lifts his arms to cradle her face in his hands.
His eyes begin to sparkle as he gazes lovingly into her eyes. She shifts the weight on her feet from the heat and adoration she sees. No man has ever looked at her in the manner in which he does. It's unsettling. Olivia feels as if he truly sees her and it terrifies her at times.
She bites her bottom lip nervously. "What?"
"Thank you," Fitz mutters pressing his forehead to hers. He exhales deeply. His body is no longer tense.
Now she is confused. "For?"
"Helping me relax and," he stops trying to think of the right words. A fairly huge smile graces his lips before he tells her, "get jiggy with it." His off the wall comment, makes her laugh loudly. He latches onto her even more so to prevent her from falling onto the ground laughing. She has to hold her stomach. He cannot help but laugh along with her. Their eyes meet as she calms.
She grips his shoulders then steps fully into his space. His large hands move from her hips to the base of her spine drawing her closer. They are now chest to chest. As her breathing slows, Fitz begins to do the same. "Your welcome," she blushes. "I'm relieved I helped you find your groove."
He tightens his hold on her. "You helped me find more than that Livy," he admits. "See I told you I cannot do this without you."
"Fitz…," she objects.
"I know," he sighs. He wonders why she cannot see, or how much he needs her. She is the only person in this world, who truly understands him for who he is, not for what he can do for her. It's so different and refreshing. Just having her close, changes his entire outlook on the life he lived before she came along. He leans down to her lips to kiss her but she places her fingers over his lips stopping him. A low deep grumble emits from his belly wanting to show her how much she's needed.
"Later all right," she insists with a shine in her eyes. He squints. "Yes Fitz I promise." He smiles. "If you kiss me now I'll lose focus and forget what we are supposed to do next."
He chuckles. "We could just forget the lessons and just do that instead. I heard it takes A LOT of practice to ensure a kiss is perfect."
"Ah no," she warns shying away from his arms. She stifles a laugh as the scowl on his face appears. "You'll live Mr. President. Or did you forget who is in charge on THIS floor." Her tone is commanding, firm, and strong. He shakes his head NO. "Good now," she begins to explain the type of dancing they would be doing, the Viennese Waltz. His eyes raises at her words remembering this as the very first dance in which he saw her. "Fitz?"
"You danced Amazed by You," he stammers remembering the very first moment he saw her. She looked like an angel on the dance floor that night. He can recall every single tiny detail from that night. From her hair, makeup, the costume she wore, and of course the moment their eyes met from across the room. His heart flutters in chest as the memory appears front and center in his mind.
She steps towards him closing the distance between them again. Olivia reaches for his hands, surprising Fitz. "You remember that night," she mutters in awe.
"Oh come on Liv. You'd think I forget," he boasts. He inches closer. "That is the night my lonely life changed forever. It is because of you. That song you danced to was everything. You were everything. Perfect in every way. You still are."
Her eyes shift away from his at his admission. She longed for approval from her father, but it was never given to her. She had it before her mother died, but not anymore. No one has conveyed or revealed this sentiment in such a long time except Max. He always insists she's perfect. Never a hair or foot out of place. But Max is her dancing partner, he sees her on the dance floor.
Fitz has come by her life in an entirely different path. Yes her dancing brought them together. However even though it's scary, he sees THIS side of her. The part she tends to shield from others in fear of rejection. So many instances she has felt the pain of not being wanted for WHO she is but for WHAT she could do for a person, especially when it came to her own Father's dreams and aspirations for her future.
He did not want her for any other reason than to help achieve is own dreams, never her own. That was not the case until her mother's death. Fitz is painfully aware of this all too well. Many people in his life ONLY want him because he is the President. He is a man of great power. He is their ticket for greatness. He allows no one to use him in such a way, and he'll see to it for Olivia as well.
Fitz senses the sadness in her eyes. "Liv?"
"I am SO far from being flawless," she deadpans. Her disheartening words break Fitz's heart. In Fitz's eyes she is the most incredible, caring, genuine, charismatic, gorgeous, impeccably breathtaking woman Fitz has even seen. There is not a piece of her; from the hairs on her head, to the purple manicured toes on her feet he would change. Not a single thing.
He begins to disagree but she lulls him into keeping quiet with her fingers on his lips. "I have plenty of faults and Lord knows I've made countless mistakes."
"Olivia," he sighs out loud. "You walking into my life is NOT a mistake. Not even close."
"I danced into your life," she corrects him. He cracks a small smile. "I am not perfect. You have not known me long enough to say something like that."
"We'll I've never seen you step out of place since I've known you," he quips. She releases an exaggerated sigh.
"Good. I intend to keep it that way," she states with a determination in her voice. Fitz chuckles. "Now you ready to learn your first step and dance position."
"Yes Ma'am," he winks. Her eyes go backwards in their sockets at his playfulness towards her. But he stops seeing the scowl appearing on her face. "Yes Miss Pope I am ready to learn."
"Good," she answers. "Now since you are going to learn the Viennese Waltz," she explains. "This is what you need to be aware of. This dance revolves around turning your partner gracefully and elegantly around the dance floor. You have to be light and quick on your feet. You do this in natural turns – turning to the right, or in reverse," Fitz squints. "You turn to the left."
"Okay," he is confused.
"You'll get it you'll see," she holds his hands to reassure him. He relaxes.
"Is this a fast dance?"
"Yes it can be depending on the music you chose for your first dance at the State Dinner. Max and I did this waltz the 1st night you saw me dance. It was not slow. Also, if you already know the song, I need to know so we can practice early on." Fitz offers her his choice which of course Isabelle and Cristina helped him chose, along with Abby. She eyes him curiously knowing the song well. "Are you sure?"
"I am," he replies with no hesitation in his voice. "My twins insisted. I cannot deny their requests."
"And you couldn't tell them no right," she counters. "This is not what I expected."
"You have MET my two adorable twin girls," he exhales then chuckles. "Could you?" He does have a valid point. "Plus you know Nina wants to dance with Max."
"I remember," she snickers. "And yes I am well aware of your daughters' persuasive ways. I am certain they got it from you." Fitz does not respond because of course she is right. He's is learning slowly about her she's very observant, figuring him out quickly. In her heart one way or another, Fitz will always be there to catch her. He's becoming her safety net. He hopes he can persuade her to be his date for the event in due time.
"I cannot tell a lie," he teases.
She giggles. "Now you are sure that it's this song you want. Because once I begin these lessons, I rather not have to change the dance you'll be doing."
"Yes Miss Pope," Fitz addresses her formally, staying professional. She releases a labored breath. She picks up the certainty in his voice. There is no changing his mind. This song is definitely not traditional but with the "proper" help it will make the statement at the State Dinner he is looking to create.
Her shoulders slump but it is his choice to make. However she is fully aware of the other reason why he made this choice. She cannot help but inwardly smile. The song is beautifully written. With the correct choreography from her and maybe Max, it will work. Fitz will not appear to be an idiot. He'll come across as a graceful LEADER on and off the dance floor.
"All right here we go," she walks up to him. "I need to see how you hold a woman when you dance."
Fitz leisurely strolls into her dancing space. He places his right arm around her back, placing his hand in the middle, and his left up and outwards, varying out from them. Her arm is not stretched out fully, and his elbow is not parallel with the floor. He is just "holding" her there, showcasing no confidence whatsoever.
"Nope," she places his hands down by his sides.
"Why? What do you mean no," he challenges. He has always danced this way. "No one has complained before."
"Oh yah," she counters. "Then why are you refusing to dance in public huh," she chastises. He exhales then stands there waiting patiently for her to show him exactly what to do. "First you cannot have limp arms."
"Excuse me?"
She lifts his arms up and he holds in in the pose again. "Now step forward," she instructs. Fitz moves forward and right away his arms fold her into him. An "I get it now" expression forms on his face. Olivia adjusts his arms the correct way. "I want you to tighten your arms as if you are frozen. And when you move us forward do not allow them to bend. You must have rigid arms."
"Why?"
"Well for once you won't step on me and break my toes," she answers. "Then if your arms are frozen so to speak, that will help you gain confidence. Your partner will trust you not allowing her to trip and fall. Your arms will help the rest of your body comply. You will look more at home on the dance floor. Understand?" He nods. She then shows him exactly what is expected. "Now step forward."
He steps forward not hurting her toes. "I did it," he exclaims.
"You did," she snickers. "You need to keep two feet or so separately us. Do it again." They practice taking a few steps this way. He always moves forward never backwards or side to side. After a minute or so, she stops him. Fitz squints feeling he did something wrong. "You are fine. But now I have to show you the correct position for the waltz. This is how you will dance with your partner around the room."
"Are you sure it can't be you," he questions in a voice full of hope. "It's very easy to say yes Livy."
"You are shameless," she chastises him. "You won't stop pestering me until I give in and say yes will you."
"Maybe…,"
She ignores him. "Mr. President," she commands. "Do you want this to work or not?"
"The lessons or you and I," he challenges. "Because it's a yes on both."
Now he's frustrating her. She releases a few calming breathes. Olivia walks up to him. "Arms up Mister!" Immediately his arms go up. "Your frame or pose in this dance is extremely important. You and your partner will be facing each other and shifting to your own left. Your feet will remain parallel. Also part of your right foot will point between your partner's feet. Got it."
"Yes."
"Good." She brings him to her. "Keep your knees straight but flexible. You must be able to move languidly around the room. Okay?" He nods. "First our lower right sides of our body's must touch." Their right sides are now connect. "Second, your right hand is just under my left shoulder blade. Push on it only a little." Fitz complies. She places her left hand on his back just under his shoulder blade. Fitz smiles as she touches him more.
"Fitz focus," she sternly reprimands him for not paying attention.
He gulps. "Sorry."
"Third, on the lower side of your upper arm, my hand will drape across it like this..," she shows him. His eyes never leave hers. "Then your left hand will out to the side, holding mine right hand loosely. All right?"
"Yes," he sighs.
"Now as you will learn later, when we begin dancing we will look over the others shoulder. You will find a fixed point in the room as you whirl me around. I don't want you dizzy." He chuckles. "I can explain more to you later all right?"
"I don't want to be either. I would hate to vomit on your dress," he admits. She ignores his comment, and shows him exactly what to do. "Will I get dizzy?"
"In the beginning. But I'll be there and with practice you will be fine. I believe in you Fitz," she admits earnestly. She cradles his face in her hands gazing intently into his apprehensive blue eyes. "You can do this. I promise."
"Yah," he sighs pressing his forehead to hers.
"Yes," she answers softly.
"Livy I cannot look into your eyes at all when we dance," he mutters not agreeing with this rule one bit.
She caresses his cheek with her hand that was draped on his upper arm. "You can Fitz. This is not professional ballroom dancing but for some parts of the dance, your eyes should be on other points in the room. It will give you a more commanding presence."
"Well I guess we must have that," he jests.
They practice the posture for the rest of the lesson, and him taking a few steps with her in the correct position. Before they know it, Fitz's first lesson is over. At the very end, she turns on some music. She of course makes him relax all over again.
"Is this how we will always end our lessons? Dancing to something silly," he inquires.
/
"Waltz With Me…"
"Yes. Just think of the fun you'll have with the girls," she states just as Cristina and Isabelle rush into the room. They make a bee line for Olivia, ignoring Fitz for a few moments.
"LIVY," they scream jumping into her arms, knocking her into Fitz. Luckily he was ready and stood behind her. He wraps her in his embrace with his chest pressed up against her back. He cannot help but nuzzle his chin into her shoulder. She shivers as his warm breath tickles her skin. Fitz smirks observing how her body is responding to his touch.
She is NO longer his dance teacher. HIS LIVY has returned.
"Ladies. Ladies," Abby announces coming into the room behind them. She can feel the smile appearing seeing Olivia and Fitz in the corner with the girls hugging "them" to death. "You need to chill out. We were not gone that long."
"It was long enough Aunt Abby," Nina whines.
Olivia eyes catch Fitz's. Their faces are extremely close together. "No," she mouths sensing he wants to kiss her. "Not right now,"
He silently laughs. They bump noses instead.
"Girls," Olivia lifts their faces up to gaze into their blue eyes. She has heard from Abby the girls look a lot like their mother, but they have Fitz's bright blue eyes. She swears she's glancing at him instead of this two daughters. "You just saw me a little over an hour ago."
"We know," Bellie states nudging her sister. "But we missed you. And Nina kept watching the clock. She timed how long it would take us to get back here so we'd make it right on time – to the minute."
"I did not," Nina scolds her sister.
"You did too," Bellie retorts.
The twins go back and forth calling the other out while holding onto Olivia and Fitz. "Cristina and Isabelle Grant that is enough!" Fitz's loud voice carries in the room. They both jump back. "I swear you two are going to drive me to drink."
Olivia bites her lip to refrain from laughing. Abby is not helping. "He already does," Abby mouths to Olivia as Fitz steps away from her, taking the girls with him.
"But Daddy we know you like your brown water," Nina answers without a care in the world. Fitz heads whips to her. "What I know it ain't sweet tea you drinking." Her snarky remark makes Olivia snicker behind Fitz. His eyes meet hers. She abruptly turns away shielding her face from his.
Then he's glaring at Abby. "I didn't tell them anything," she snickers. "I swear." Her hands shoot up in surrender.
He turns to Isabelle. "We can read the labels Dad. Plus Ant Abby is Scottish and always gets you the best stuff from Scotland." Fitz raises his eyes. He sometimes forgets that his twins are no longer babies. He observes as they walk to Olivia and snuggle into her sides. The image tugs at his heart. He misses his wife, but spending this time with Olivia has changed them all.
She truly brought a light and joy into their lives he thought was extinguished a long time ago. Olivia is completely at ease, helpful, and beyond patient with his twins. They are handfuls, but for Olivia it's a walk in the park. He's positive she's taught a lot worse than the girls and himself, but he vows to best one of her best students. Even though he aims to be so much more.
He walks up to Olivia kissing her cheek. His lips linger on her soft smooth skin as the tip of his nose presses to the side of hers. Her perfume enters his lungs, increasing his need to hold her more. He whispers. "I told you so." She squints at his comments but of course she is aware of what he's referring too. Olivia not perfect but to his daughters and most importantly himself - she is.
"Stop," she warns in a hushed tone.
"As you wish," he sighs kissing her other cheek.
"Livy," Bellie calls out to her. Olivia shifts her gaze to Bellie's. "Can we have Bunny Track Ice Cream now? Abby went out and bought some."
Olivia looks to Abby. "What," Abby smiles uncomfortably.
"You DO remember we are going to my Aunties for dinner right," she warns. Fitz snorts beside her. "I know there is NO WAY you forgot especially since Andrew," she sing-songs, "is coming?" Abby now blushes. "We would not want to spoil the feast my Aunt Lois and Rose are creating," she reminds her in a warning tone.
"Shit," Abby curses out loud.
"Daddy Aunt Abby just said a bad word," Nina giggles snuggling into Olivia's side.
"Fuck," Abby groans just loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Abigail Camilla Whelan," Fitz growls. "Language!"
"Yah Aunt Abby. Before Daddy puts you in a corner," Nina blurts out in a tone Fitz will not tolerate.
"CRISTINA," Fitz growls. She cowers behind Olivia. "Come here now." She steps forward. He bends down to her level. "Young Lady, are you an adult?"
"No."
"Excuse me," Fitz snaps.
Isabelle clings to Olivia shielding her face from her father and sister.
"No Sir," Nina begrudgingly answers Fitz.
"So do you speak to Abby or any other adult that way," Fitz warns.
"No Daddy," Nina shutters under Fitz's intense gaze.
"Good," Fitz insists that Cristina apologies to Abby and Olivia, which she does. Abby ushers them out of the room up to the Residence. He then turns to Olivia. "I am so sorry for Nina's behavior."
"You don't see me running scared from you as of yet," she suggests.
"No." He draws her into his arms. "But if you did, I'd instruct the Secret Service to keep you here until I was ready to let you go," he sighs cupping her face. "Which mind you, would be never." Olivia heart flutters. She cannot formulate a response because this man, as usual render her speechless. "Now there is a few things I need to fetch from the Residence. Do you want to come or…," her eyes go wide. "All right. I'll be back with the girls in a few. I want to grab a gift to bring over to your Aunts. I cannot show up empty handed."
Olivia smiles softly lacing her fingers in his curls. "You won't be empty handed. You have me, Nina, Bells, Abby and the Vice President remember."
"I am well aware," he kisses her forehead. "However as guest and a gentleman, I must ensure I arrive in style and with utmost care that your aunts will LOVE me."
"Fitz I hate to break to you but they already do," Olivia points out just on the off chance he forgot.
"And what about you," Fitz inquires cupping both her cheeks in the palm of his hands. He blurts the question before he can stop himself. If Olivia EVER told him she loved him, he'd be over the moon. Question is, is he already in love with her.
"I mildly like you," she admits begrudgingly.
"Well I Miss Pope mildly like you as well," he kisses her lips. Her legs begin to tremble. "And, in case you are just a tad bit curious, I'm gradually falling from just MILDLY liking you into something truly extraordinary."
Olivia begins to feel overheated. She has no response for admission of his growing feelings towards her. She kisses him tenderly on the lips before instructing, "Go Mister before you start something you cannot finish right now."
"Yes Miss Pope," he quips. He kisses her lips gently then hurries of the room. For the next few minutes Olivia is alone with her thoughts. It has been a very long time since a man has given her this much attention, and affection. Fitz however, brings it up a notch to an entire new level. The manner in which she catches him watching her every move, how he talk to her, their playful banter, how he must hold her – all the time, and of course his kisses.
While she's thinking of Fitz, she begins to walk around the room taking in all its splendor. She was so speechless when he first brought her inside, she didn't really have the opportunity to look around. Her shoes click against the floor as she walks by the various paintings, curtains, vases, and other priceless artifacts from various administrations around the room.
She waltzes by her phone still in the speaker dock and decides to play some music while she waits for Fitz, the twins and Abby to return. "Would you like some company," a voice startles her as she places the phone in the speaker.
Olivia whips around. "James," Olivia rushes to him. "How did you get here into the White House?"
"Abby got me into see you. My security clearance came in the other day. I didn't even have to wait in line to get through the gate. She figured you'd need some help with your new student," he gives her a huge hug eyeing her curiously. She has not told anything about her and Fitz's "budding" romance. He glances around the Blue Room seeing that she is alone. "Where is The President?"
"He's up in the Residence. We finished our lesson already James," she answers shaking her head at his question.
"Seriously." She cannot help but smirk at the shocked looked on his face. "I tried to get here sooner to help you. The traffic was horrible."
"It's all right James. The President was pretty good student for the most part," she explains. She gave him the rundown on their first lesson. From the "very" moment their lesson began not leaving a thing out. Well except the portion where he asked her to be his date for the State Dinner.
James glances down at her feet in shock. "Well Fuck Me your toes aren't broken!" Now she cannot help but laugh loudly. The look he's giving her right is not helping either. "I'm serious I fully expected to walk in here and see ice on your feet because The President flattened your toes."
She strolls over to him to hold both his hands. "No James President Grant didn't. He was actually a very good student. He's got some moves you'd be even surprised at." She momentarily catches her innuendo. "I mean on the dance floor."
But James is no dumb-dumb. "I thought so," he kisses her cheek. He whispers into her ear. "I knew he liked you. Turns out you LIKE him." Olivia mouth drapes open. "I was there that first night he saw you dance. You left him spellbound and speechless Darling. I'd say our Lover Muffin has some competition."
"I don't what you talking about," she scolds in a dismissive tone. James cannot help but chuckle as she saunters away from him. "Now you came here James to dance. So let's dance while we are waiting for Fitz, the girls and Abby to return."
"Fitz huh," he jests.
"Oh SHUT IT before I go over there and step on your toes. I don't have to allow you to help me choreograph his State Dinner Dance and," she whispers the next portion into his ear.
"OH MY GOD REALLY," James bellows. "DO YOU THINK WE CAN DO THAT!"
"I'm going to try," she winks. "Now dance with me MISTER. It has been way too long since you have." James of course will gladly take twirl with her around the floor. He never has the opportunity any longer because she's either busy with Max, rehearsals, and now these dance lessons.
Olivia begins to play music out of her phone as her and James dance together. The first song is heard without any trouble. However as the beginning notes of the second song play, Olivia freezes. James of course understands why. He stops her phone, squeezing her tightly. "It's okay honey. I got you. Waltz with me like you used to. Remember how we used to waltz to this in her honor, and then…"
"I know James…," she whimpers. "It – no THIS," she spins around the room, "because OUR thing. Do you think…," she whimpers on the verge of tears.
"Oh honey you know she is," James utters, holding the dancing position for her to step back into his arms for them to begin dancing. "Dance this like SHE is the only watching. FEEL it honey. Think later. Do not do this for me, do this for yourself. All right?"
James steps to her placing a kiss on her forehead, then resumes the waltz position required. "We've got this handled," he winks.
Olivia sniffles. She shifts the speaker close enough for her to hit the play button. The opening chords of the music begin as James cajoles Olivia into his arms as they slowly begin to dance the Viennese Waltz. James spins her one foot as the opening chords play, with one leg raised straight out from her waist. He bends her to touch the floor then lifts her as the final notes are heard before the first chorus.
James waltzes Olivia around the room, as the music plays in the background. They pay no attention to anything around them as they waltz in the room. As the song stops, Olivia and James bow to one another. It is then she freezes seeing the tears on some expected faces…
"Nina…."
"Bells…"
"Fitz…."
/
TBC
Yes that is it for now. I promise not to take as long to update this one again. I had no idea I took so long between updates.
I hope that this long chapter was worth the wait, and please leave your #JudgesScoreCard on the way out. I look forward to reading what you think.
As always thank you for reading….
Me's