Chapter 7: Don't Want to Know Another Kiss

Summary: Olivia and Rafael return home to spend more time together at his place.

Notes: Just an epilogue left now. Thank you so much for reading!

Their day of travel was arduous and tiring, but at least they suffered together. Olivia fell asleep shortly after takeoff, her head resting on Rafael's shoulder. She was exhausted after hobbling through the airport with crutches. Her ankle was getting better yet still ached when she put her full weight on it. She hoped to be done with the crutches soon though. Rafael joined Olivia for a nap halfway through the flight, his head resting against hers and the scent of her lavender shampoo soothing him with each inhalation.

Despite the very early start to their travels, they didn't arrive at Rafael's apartment until late in the evening between the long flight and time zone differences.

"Raf, this is gorgeous," Olivia said with wonder as her eyes took in the updates to his apartment. The walls were beige and paired well with the dark wood flooring. One wall of the living room now had an electric fireplace surrounded by brick. There was a cozy bench seat along the window by the fireplace practically begging for her to settle down with a book. The apartment was much warmer and more inviting than it was before. Last time she was there, years ago, it felt too clean, sterile and unlived in.

"The people who bought it from me made some improvements. Cost me an arm and leg to get it back, but it was worth it," he said, setting their luggage aside.

He was explaining some of his favorite new features when her eyes landed on the baby grand piano in the dining room. "This is beautiful. You play?" Olivia's eyes were wide with wonder.

Rafael nodded. "I'll play for you tomorrow. It's late and we need showers and food." He led the way to his bedroom, pulling the luggage behind him.

Olivia followed, taking in every detail of the main bedroom. She peaked her head into the walk-in closet, grinning at the line of designer suits hanging on one side, before heading to the ensuite bath. At the sight of the large soaking tub in the bathroom, Olivia turned to Rafael. "Why don't you order food and I'll get a bath started. You can join me in washing the day away."

Rafael smiled, eyeing her with a hungry gaze before pulling his phone out to order dinner. Task complete, he shed his clothes and climbed into the steaming water with his girlfriend.

"I love this condo," Olivia said, leaning back against his chest as they let the hot water soothe their weary bodies.

"I knew you would. So, when do you want to move in?" He was teasing, but also not really.

Olivia realized this and snuggled further into him. "Ask me again in a month."

Waking up the following morning, Olivia breathed in the scent of Rafael that surrounded her. His king size bed was luxurious, by far the most comfortable mattress she ever slept on, and the sheets smelled of him. She could certainly get used to waking up like that every day.

Shifting onto her side, Olivia noticed Rafael's side of the bed was empty, the sheets cool to the touch. He must have gotten up a while ago. She slipped on one of Rafael's dress shirts and padded towards the bedroom door. The delightful sound of the piano reached her ears the moment she opened the door and a soft smile spread across her lips.

At the end of the hall, Olivia leaned against the wall and watched Rafael play. His long fingers moved over the keys with finesse as he sat on the bench, eyes closed and body swaying ever so slightly to the melody. The morning light filtered through the apartment, casting a soft glow that made him look ethereal. It was the most beautiful sight she ever beheld.

As if he felt her presence, his fingers came to a stop, and he turned toward her. His green eyes glistened in the soft glow, and he smiled disarmingly. Rafael reached out a hand beckoning her to him, and she felt the magnetic pull. Olivia slid onto the bench once he moved over and kissed him.

"You are really good, Rafa," she breathed against his mouth. "Play some more for me?"

Unable to deny her anything, Rafael turned his attention back to the keys and played the next song in the book of music perched before him. Olivia took in everything as he played, from the way he sat just slightly hunched forward to the way he blinked slowly, and his lips curled upwards contentedly. He was a vision from which she could not tear her eyes away.

They stayed that way for a long time, Rafael playing while Olivia watched, until hunger intruded. He had nothing in the fridge and needed to go food shopping, so they went out for brunch at a café around the corner.

"How would you feel about picking Noah up to stay with us for the weekend?" Rafael asked once their food arrived. "I know you miss him more than you're letting on, and I would really like to see him as well."

Olivia's brown eyes bored into his trying to assess how serious he was about the suggestion. She didn't say anything, and Rafael fidgeted.

"We don't have to, of course. I'm not trying to get out of spending more time alone with you, Liv. I just…"

Her hand slipped across the table, grasping the fingers he tapped nervously on the tabletop. "Rafael, I love you," Olivia said with deep affection. "I think that is a great idea. Noah would love it and we'll still have alone time after he goes to bed."

They were delirious with happiness while they ate. When they were finished, they went to Olivia's place to grab some clothes and toys for Noah that they could bring back to Rafael's. On their way back, they stopped at a grocery store to stock up on some food and snacks.

"Let me get this straight," Amanda said a few hours later when she arrived to drop Noah off. "Our intervention worked out so well that you two are now together and you both came back early to spend the weekend as a family at Barba's place. Does that cover it?"

Olivia laughed, inviting the blonde woman in. "Yes, that about sums it up. Where is my son?" she asked, expecting Noah to have trailed behind Amanda.

"He's coming up with Carisi now. I had to do some recon first," Amanda teased. "So, you look happier than I've ever seen you, Liv."

Again, Olivia laughed, blushing this time. "I'm happier than I ever realized I could be. Who knew we would be so good together?"

Amanda quirked a brow and shook her head in exasperation. "Everyone, Liv. Everyone knew you two were meant to be. You're the only one who didn't see it."

"I was too afraid to see it, but now I have all of you to thank for pushing me in the right direction. I'm terrified this is all a dream that will come crashing down around me."

A knock at the door let them know that Carisi and Noah had arrived, and Olivia welcomed them in before Amanda could respond.

"Hi, my sweet boy, I missed you!" Olivia swept her son into a crushing hug, burying her nose in his curls. Noah's smaller arms clung to her in return.

"I missed you too, Momma. I had a lot of fun while you were away though." When he finally pulled back from the hug, Noah glanced around and frowned. "Where are we? And why are we here and not at home?"

"I have a surprise for you, and this is where the surprise lives." At that, Rafael appeared around the corner and Noah's eyes lit up.

"UNCLE RAFA!" The boy's excitement was palpable, and he was unable to control the shout bursting from his lungs. Noah lunged at Rafael, forcing the man to brace himself.

"Noah, mi amiguito. You've grown so much!" Rafael spun them in a circle, grinning delightedly while Olivia, Amanda, and Carisi watched on.

"I can see that we're not needed anymore," Carisi joked as Noah swept Rafael into a conversation about all the things the man missed.

"There's no competing with Uncle Rafa in Noah's eyes," Olivia replied, her eyes glued on the scene before them, affection written clear in her expression.

Amanda nudged Carisi knowingly and the couple headed for the door. "We'll see you three later," she said over her shoulder.

"Thank you!" Olivia called out as the door closed behind them before she was drawn in orbit around Noah and Rafael. Her heart swelled so big at how wonderful it was for the three of them to be together that she feared it might burst.

Still clutched in Rafael's arms, both unwilling to let go, Noah turned his bright blue eyes to his mom. "You and Uncle Rafa are friends again?" he questioned hopefully.

She and Rafael shared a look and smiled at the boy. "We're much more than that now, my sweet boy."

TBC