Chapter 3: Don't want to miss a thing

The two women had texted one another back and forth for a few days before everything was finalized. Nearly a week later, Olivia was fighting to keep her nerves from taking over as she waited for Alex to arrive. She didn't know why she was so nervous. It was only Alex. They'd had dinner together more times than she could count but it was something about this dinner that felt different to her.

Neither woman had actually spoken to the other. They had communicated strictly by text message. Once they had settled on a day and time, Alex had simply sent her a message that said,

'I haven't seen you in heels in a while. What do you say?'

Maybe that is what had Olivia so nervous. Every message from Alex had a hint of flirtation to it. She really didn't know what Alex was playing at.

The buzzing sound brought her out of her musings. Glancing at her watch, she knew exactly who it was. Alex had insisted on picking her up. She buzzed her visitor in and waited. A few minutes later, she heard the sound of soft knocking. She took a deep breath and smoothed out her dress before opening the door.

"Hello."

"Hi Alex."

Alex had to take a deep breath to keep from passing out. Olivia was still as breathtaking as usual. She was wearing a lovely black sleeveless knee-length dress with matching heels. Her hair looked a bit longer falling perfectly over her shoulders.

She cleared her throat and stared directly into endless brown eyes. "You look lovely, Olivia."

Olivia felt her body have a visceral reaction to Alex's smooth mezzo voice just as she always did. Her jaw dropped just a little at the intense gaze Alex was throwing her way. There was no mistaking that look. She pressed her lips together in a nervous smile. She wanted to speak but her voice wasn't cooperating at the moment.

She took a minute to allow her eyes to flow over the tall blonde before her. The royal blue silk dress was one shouldered, fitted along the body showing off her thin waistline and hint of hips. Legs seemed to go on forever until she reached the gold stilettos that probably cost more than what she made in two weeks. Her eyes flicked back up to find that familiar little smirk on red lips.

'How does she always manage to look like she stepped out of a damn magazine?' Olivia thought to herself.

Alex gave herself a mental high-five on her choice of attire. Spending all afternoon on her one day off searching for the perfect dress and shoes had paid off. She raised a brow. "Do you like, Detective?"

Olivia smiled shaking her head. "You already know you look good, Counselor. No need to fish for a compliment."

Alex chuckled. "Ouch. Typically people going on a date complement one another on their appearance, you know? It's not just my ego at play here."

Olivia laughed feeling some of the tension in the room fall away. This was the witty rapport that she and Alex always had. This was familiar. This was their dance.

"And my date would typically bring me flowers or some sort of token of adoration. I don't see any flowers, Cabot."

"Well, maybe you weren't looking closely enough." Olivia's eyes widened as the beautiful blonde woman pulled a single red camellia from behind her back. "And here I thought you were a detective."

Just like that, the tension was back, heavier than ever. There was no mistaking it. Alex was making an outright romantic overture.

Olivia gently took the flower, thankful she was able to keep her hand from trembling.

"You don't miss a thing do you, Counselor?"

Alex smiled a genuine smile glad that Olivia seemed to be taking this new forwardness from her in stride. She again looked Olivia in the eyes. "I'm trying my best not to, Detective."

Olivia nodded as she brought the flower to her nose. It smelled wonderful and had a perfect bloom. It was just like Alex to only give the best.

"So, if I've passed this part of the date, maybe we could move on to dinner?"

Olivia was feeling a bit overwhelmed. "Alex, all of this is…"

"Olivia." Alex held up a hand. "I know… and I promise we can talk about anything and … everything." She paused and stared at Olivia meaningfully. "Let's just go and enjoy dinner first?"

Olivia knew when to concede. She knew there was no way in hell she would ever be able to turn down Alex Cabot, not when she was standing here looking like a freaking wet dream. She nodded and mumbled playfully, "Like I'd have a fighting chance trying to argue with a lawyer… especially one that's so stubborn."

Alex rolled her eyes glad that the tension had been broken again. She couldn't help but smile at the cocky smirk that was back on her favorite detective's face. "Whatever you say. Come on Detective. I owe you dinner."