They pulled into the parking garage of his building and Fitz parked his car by reversing into one of his parking spots. He undid his seat belt and looked over at Olivia and her hand a small squeeze. She had looked a bit stunned as they had pulled up to his building.
He gave her a smile. "C'mon, let's get these groceries inside so I can get you fed." He cupped her face and fused their mouths together for a leisurely kiss. When he heard her groan he pulled back and licked his bottom lip savoring her taste. He got out of his car and popped open the trunk to retrieve the groceries from the car. Once he had them in hand he went over to Liv and pulled her to his side with his free arm as they walked into the building. She remained tucked into his side as they took the elevator to the penthouse floor.
Instead of letting her go he briefly dropped the bags containing the groceries on the floor while he reached for his key to unlock the door. He turned his key and picked up the bags ushering her inside with a gentle push. "Welcome to my home,Liv, I'll give you the tour after I put these groceries away."
Fitz walked through the hallway into his spacious kitchen with Liv trailing behind him. He set the bags on the island counter and began unpacking them and smiled when Liv moved next to him to assist. Since she did not know the layout of his kitchen yet she was just setting things out on the counter and she looked to him for direction. When he saw the snacks laid out on the counter he paused from unpacking his bag to show her the hidden pantry. "You can keep the snacks here, Liv."
She nodded and jumped as he gave her ass a small smack as he moved past her. She hasn't realized just how many snacks she had bought until they filled an entire shelf. She wasn't quite ready to identify what exactly had compelled her to buy snacks for future consumption at this early stage of...whatever this was. But she was still hopeful since Fitz had not been bothered when she placed the items in the cart or as she unpacked them now. He seemed to welcome her snack foods and her in his space. He took the reusable bags he had bought at the grocery store and put them in a drawer.
"Well, I can give you the tour or just start cooking and give you the tour once things are cooking." He pulled out his phone and did something that caused jazz music to start playing throughout the kitchen. He tucked his phone back into his back pocket and looked her as he leaned back against the counter.
She thought it over and decided that she did not just want to sit by idly while he cooked. She walked in front of him and placed her hands on his chest. "Why don't I help you out to move things along then you can give me the your while we wait for the food to finish." She gave the suggestion in a light tone and hoped he wouldn't mind.
Fitz picked her up and placed her on the countertop settling between her thighs. He flattened his hands on the counter near her thighs. "Hmm, are you a good sous chef? When I'm in the kitchen I like to move efficiently." He leaned in to nuzzle her neck. "Can you handle a demanding chef? Will you be able to do what's asked of you, Livvie?"
She leaned her head back when Fitz started nibbling on her neck. "Whatever you dish out is what I can handle, chef Fitz."
She reached out wrapping her arms around his waist and moaned when he pulled her closer to him. He trailed his lips over her neck then reached up to cup her face. Their mouths met and when his tongue sought out hers she met him halfway. She tangled her fingers in his hair and moaned as heat built inside of her. She began rocking against him and he groaned at the friction.
His phone started vibrating in his back pocket. Fitz pulled one hand away to reach into his pants and pull out his phone. He ended the kiss and ran the pad of his thumb across her now slightly swollen lips.
Glancing at the text he sent off a quick reply and returned his attention to Liv. She looked well kissed and her gorgeous cheekbones were slightly flushed. Her gaze seemed unfocused and Fitz smiled at his handiwork. That's exactly how I want my woman to look-well satisfied. Liv looked great with pleasure showing on her features and she fit in his kitchen. She fit in his home and he couldn't help but wonder how she would look spread on his bed.
Fitz gave his head a slight shake and hugged Liv to him before he picked her up and lowered back down to the floor. "C'mon, Liv, if you want to eat we have got to start cooking. The chicken and potatoes shouldn't take long to prepare. We'll have plenty of time to kill while the food cooks." He winked at her and gave her a playful nudge.
He began pulling out the bowls, knives, cutting boards and a roasting pan and set them on one end of the countertop. Fitz went over to the oven to pre-heat it. "Liv, you get the potatoes ready and I'll work on the chicken."
Olivia snapped to attention and rendered a salute in response to Fitz's suggestion. "Yes, chef!" She was happy to do be in charge of something simple since popcorn was usually her meal of choice.
Fitz pulled out the rosemary and thyme and have them a rough chop. He then minced a clove of garlic. He cut and placed half a stick of butter in the microwave to soften the butter. While he waited for it he looked over to see what kind of progress Liv was making. She seemed to be eyeing the potatoes and figuring out exactly what to do with them. He picked up one of the knives, olive oil, salt, pepper and walked over to her.
He moved to stand behind her and leaning forward he used his chin to move her hair out of the way to press a small kiss against her neck. "The chef is here to assist. Now what we want to do is cube these potatoes and season them. Easy as pie." He took her hand and placed the knife in it as he held the potato with his left hand.
"Now steady hands are a must in the kitchen, Liv. So get a firm grip on the knife and start cutting." When she seemed unsure Fitz cut the first potato in knife with his hand on top of hers.
Liv was surprised at how comfortable and adept Fitz seemed in the kitchen. She had glanced at him chopping the herbs expertly and been in awe. She had looked at the potatoes unsure of how to proceed. Cooking was not a skill she excelled at. Popcorn was easy. This seemed to require several steps. She had been debating pulling out her phone to google instructions for prepping the potatoes when Fitz had sauntered over to her. She had expected teasing but was relieved when he had brought over supplies to help. When she felt him settle in behind her she had shivered at the proximity and the body heat. When he held her hand under his as he demonstrated how to prep the potato she was distracted looking at his long fingers and the way he wielded the knife with his hand. Wait. His hand. That's not his left hand. He's using his right hand?
"You're ambidextrous?" She blurted out the question and heard him chuckle behind her. He had finished cutting the first potato and began working on a second.
"Yes, I am. As you've noticed I'm left handed and like most lefties I've gotten used to using my right hand for things like cutting. When it comes to sports I'm a switch hitter." His voice lowered. "Either way, you're in safe hands, Livvie."
His words were supposed to reassure her but it just made her more aware of him physically. His confidence in the kitchen and the way he moved his body. Watching how controlled his hands just made her wonder how good those hands would feel on her. She could not explain why she found his being ambidextrous sexy but she did. Involuntarily she pushed back against him slightly and though he pressed back against her his hand did not waiver.
"Okay, now you cut this potato. I'll be right here." He removed his hand from on top of hers and rested it on the countertop. She began cutting the potato and when she began seeing the progress she started to grow more confident.
"Great, now we wash our hands since cleanliness is paramount when cooking." He led her over to his deep sinks and she washed her hands first while he rolled up his sleeves and washed after she was done. "Back over to the potato station," he joked.
"Potato station?" She raised a brow but laughed at his silliness.
"Don't mock the chef in his kitchen, Liv. It's not good for the ego." He laughed. "So place the potatoes in the mixing bowl, season them and drizzle with the olive oil to coat them." He leaned against the back against the counter and watched her work. When she was through he said,"You're done! Now it's time for me to stop slacking. You can come to my side and watch the master work on this chicken."
Wanting to observe she sat on one of the barstools at one end of the island. He went to the microwave and removed the softened butter. He mixed the rosemary, thyme and garlic into it then seasoned it with salt and pepper. Fitz patted the chicken dry with paper towels then started rubbing the herbed butter all over the chicken. He made sure to slide some butter under the chicken breast and between the wings. He washed his hands again then cut a piece of kitchen string and tied the chicken legs together. He grabbed the white wine and poured some into the roasting pan. He then placed the chicken inside breast side to roast for 15 minutes. He set the timer and began gathering the dishes to clean them.
Liv hopped off of the barstool to assist with the dishes. She stood next to him and bumped into him gently nudging him away. "I can do dishes. I'll wash and you dry." She took over and began washing and by the time they were done with the dishes the oven timer had gone off.
Fitz removed the roasting pan from the oven. He then removed the chicken to a plate turning it breast side up. He brushed the rest of the herbed butter on top of the chicken. He added the potatoes to the bottom of the roasting pan and placed the chicken on top. He lowered the oven temperature and set another timer for an hour. He walked the last dishes over to Liv who was still standing at the sink waiting for them.
He gave her a small kiss. They were a great team. He could get used to this. Cooking together, washing and drying dishes together...just being together. When they finished the dishes he pulled her in for a hug and just held her lightly squeezing. He wanted her to know that he appreciated this. He appreciated being able to cook for her and having her in his life. He wasn't sure what to say but something slipped out. "Thank you, Livvie."
She wasn't sure what he was thanking her for and her reply was automatic. "You're welcome, Fitz. But you don't have to thank me." Her head was resting on his chest and his steady heartbeat comforted her. She wrapped her arms around his waist and have a small squeeze as she snuggled in closer.
"You're amazing, Livvie. I just wanted you to know that." He pressed a kiss to her forehead then stepped back to grab her hand. "Now it's time for the tour. Let's get started." He gave a small tug and relaxed when she interlaced their fingers.
"Well, we're leaving the kitchen and if we head back towards the door there's a half bath to your right." He opened the door and turned on the light so she could get a look. "Heading back towards the kitchen is a sitting room." It had two white couches, a nice rug, dark wood floors and bookshelves stocked with books and a small dining set. The room was well lit with glass windows and balcony doors. There were stunning views of the city and a park.
"This is the living room." Dark wood floors set the tone but there was a large cream colored rug in the middle to provide some balance. The couch and recliner were brown and looked soft. There was a small bar in the corner but the main focus aside from the window views was the large HDTV inlaid into the wall along with an upscale home theater system.
Tugging her along he showed her the spare bedroom with more bookshelves and a private bathroom. He had converted his second bedroom into a hobby room with a pool table, a small weight set and a pair of what looked to be parallel bars. Across the hall from that room was the master bedroom. He pushed open the door and she took in the mahogany wood floor, large bed, bookshelf, a couple dressers and nightstands on either side of the bed. The room connected to a private balcony with a couch and small table outside. He showed her his massive walk-in closet. Just when she thought she was in awe he surprised her again.
"Wait until you see my bathroom, Liv." His grin was wide and full of self assurance. To increase the suspense he covered her eyes with his hands and walked her into his private bathroom. Once inside he uncovered her eyes. Her gaze was immediately drawn to the jacuzzi tub in front of her. Where they stood there was white tile but mahogany surrounded the jacuzzi. To the right of it was a very large glass shower with a waterfall shower head. It looked like it could fit quite a few people in it. There were two sinks and mirrors as well. It was gloriously spacious and she almost didn't want to leave. "It's gorgeous, Fitz! You have great taste."
"You're gorgeous. Let's go into the living room while we wait for the food to finish." Grabbing her hand he led the way back and they settled onto the couch. He handed her the remote while he wrapped an arm around her. Liv settled on an old comedy movie that was almost halfway over. She turned her body toward him and leaned on his shoulder. They relaxed and enjoyed the movie joking about the antics on screen. By the time the credits started rolling the oven timer started going off.
Fitz went to check on the chicken while Liv sat on a bar stool watching. He inserted the thermometer into the chicken to make sure it was done and when he was satisfied he removed the chicken to a carving board. While letting the chicken rest he removed the potatoes and placed them into a serving bowl and pulled out their plates. When that was done he began to prepare their Caesar salads. He walked the salads over to the dining table and placed some napkins and silverware beside them.
Once the chicken had cooled he carved out slices of chicken. Fitz returned the roasting pan to the stove over high heat. He deglazed the pan with lemon juice and scraped up the bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. He placed slices of chicken on each plate with potatoes and drizzled the pan sauce over both. Liv went over and grabbed their plates from him and placed them on the dining table.
Fitz called out. "What would you like to drink, Liv?"
"Red wine if you have it." Her reply was quick. Fitz returned to the table with the wine and a glass for her. He had a small pitcher of water on the table and poured himself a glass.
"If this isn't enough, just let me know. Don't forget to save some room for dessert though." He gave her a lopsided grin and a quick wink as they began to eat.
Liv couldn't believe he had cooked for her-and not just any meal-this was her favorite meal. "It looks and smells great, Fitz. Thank you."
"It's my pleasure, Livvie, really." He looked up at her and his cerulean gaze darkened before he focused on his plate.
She wasn't being kind-it looked and smelled very good. Almost too good. If she hadn't been in the kitchen she might have thought he had bought this. Enough wondering-she had to know if the meal delivered. When she closed her mouth around that first bite of chicken she couldn't keep her eyes from rolling back into her head as a moan escaped her.
Fitz looked up startled at the sound coming from the other end of the small table. It sounded almost like purring. Liv's eyes were squeezed shut and she was clutching her knife and fork tightly while she continued emitting the moaning sound. Fitz felt himself harden at the pleasure sounds she was making. He made a slight adjustment and was pleased that she was enjoying the food. He made a mental note to cook for her often especially if this would be her reaction. He didn't mention the moaning and continued to enjoy it and the conversation flowed between them as they ate their meal.
When both her salad plate and main plate were done Fitz got up with his plates as well and walked with her to the kitchen. He began putting the remaining chicken and potatoes away on containers while Liv washed the dishes. When she was done Fitz went into the fridge and pulled out the tiramisu. Once it was on the counter Liv was there with a fork to sample it straight from the container. Fitz laughed at her enthusiasm when she handed him a fork so that he could do the same. After eating their fill they wandered back into the living room. This time Fitz stretched out on the couch and Liv laid on top of him.
She was full. Full of great food and good company. She didn't want to move since he was warm and rubbing her back. She felt her eyelids becoming heavy once she stopped focusing on the TV. Fitz's heartbeat became her lullaby and she was lulled into sleep.
Fitz noticed Liv's breathing become more relaxed and after calling her name softly she didn't respond. He knew that she didn't have an early start tomorrow since she had mentioned it during dinner. He sat up slowly and she didn't seem disturbed. She just mumbled into his chest and continued sleeping. He turned the tv off then picked her up and walked to his bedroom.
She couldn't sleep in that dress. He walked into his closet and grabbed one of his old Navy T-shirts. He woke her up enough so that she could change out of her dress and into his shirt. He lifted her up and tucked her under the blanket and covers. Fitz walked into his bathroom and brushed his teeth then showered. He walked over to his dresser, grabbed some black boxer briefs and put them on. Before getting into bed he set an alarm and admired Liv laying in his bed. It was a view he could get used to seeing on a regular basis. He lifted the blanket and covers and pulled her in close. He smiled against her hair when he felt her push against him responding to him even while she slept. This was what life was about he thought as he drifted off into sleep.