Hey everybody, y'all all right? Sorry it's taken a few days to finish part two. Well, Fitz has returned and now we'll get to see what happens when the happy couple finally sees one another again. There's some football talk that may bore some of you, but I wanted Olivia to understand his world.

Many of you sided with Olivia and her reaction to finding out about her brother and her best friend. She's happy for them but at the same time feels betrayed for being lied to. She'll come around, I'm just not sure when.

Thank you all for taking the time to leave a review or send a PM. You are so appreciated.

Happy reading,

TBOT

P.S. Please wear a mask. The number of new COVID cases is going in the wrong direction, so let's be careful out there.

Part II

Wednesday evening…Olivia

Olivia had just taken a sip from the large glass of wine that she'd poured for herself when her intercom rang. She knew who it was and practically skipped over to answer.

"Yes?"

"Miss Pope, Mr. Grant is here, and he wants to come up."

"Let him up, please," she responded, thinking she would need to add Fitz's name to her guest list.

Olivia was excited to finally see him again after three days apart. The phone had become a lifeline of sorts for the two of them. They had talked daily sometimes two or three times, unless Olivia was in court. They would begin their day on the phone and end it the same way. The late night calls had her behaving like a teenager again as if she didn't have a job waiting for her the next morning. They'd talk until one, two o'clock. Sharing. Revealing. Giggling. Fitz had her giddy, and Olivia Pope didn't do giddy. She was free and open to show him who she really was, and tell him anything.

She liked him…a lot. She couldn't remember the last time any man had her so excited, and Fitzgerald Grant had butterflies quivering in the pit of her stomach. He made her laugh and reminded her of things that made her happy. She enjoyed the banter they shared, their back-and forth was easy and comfortable. Maybe too easy. It was sometimes hard for her to comprehend a relationship that could make her feel so relaxed and secure. But there was something special about Fitz, and she loved the intimate relationship growing between them.

X

Fitz…

By Tuesday evening, Fitz was ready to return to D.C., anxious to see Olivia again, to hear her laugh and to hold her close. Hearing her voice over the phone just wasn't enough because he couldn't see her beautiful smile or kiss her.

He and T.C. left Chesapeake Bay at ten Wednesday morning and were back in Great Falls by three. He'd called Olivia, but was told she was in a meeting. He hadn't yet decided where they were going for dinner and would wait to see if she had a preference. She'd returned his call an hour later and informed him that she would be in the office until six and that she was too tired to go out anywhere.

Fitz panicked. He had been looking forward to this dinner date since Saturday. He wanted to see her, to be with her in the same space again. She'd suggested they order in and just spend the evening together at her place. But he had a better idea. He would cook dinner instead. Whatever it took, he thought. They agreed to six-thirty before she ended the call.

Fitz was sitting in his home office with a huge smile on his face, after talking to Olivia. He was excited about seeing her in two hours. He had just enough time to place his grocery order, shower and get to D.C. He'd drop his sister off first, pick up his order, and then head to Olivia's.

He sat back in his chair, staring off into the distance.

The moment was interrupted when T.C. barged in and immediately noticed the cheesy grin on his face.

"What are you so happy about?"

Fitz frowned and shook his head. "Can't I just be happy?"

T.C. eyed him, and then her face broke into a knowing smile. "You were talking to Olivia, weren't you?"

"Yes. We have plans."

"What are you guys doing?"

"I'm going to cook dinner for her."

"Wow, Mom was right. You really like Olivia, don't you? When was the last time you cooked for a woman?" She tipped her head to the side. "Have you ever cooked for anyone other than me?"

"Did you need something, Theodora?" he asked, giving her a sardonic look.

T.C. frowned. She'd heard that name enough over the past three days to last a lifetime. "I was going to ask, what time are we heading to the city."

Fitz stood. "I'm going up to shower and get dressed, and then we can leave."

She nodded. "Okay," and then left the room.

Fitz stood and followed his sister.

An hour later, he had taken a hot shower, and splashed on his favorite Creed cologne in all the right places. He'd selected a pair of comfortable jeans, a stark white t-shirt and leather flip flops. With one last glance in the full-length in his closet to make sure everything was in place, he grabbed his keys, left his bedroom and he and T.C. were on their way.

X

Parking the Cayenne in the circular drive of Olivia's building, Fitz saw Jonathan, the young doorman, approach his vehicle.

"Jonathan, right?" he asked. The young man was excited that the Fitz Grant remembered his name, and nodded his head.

"Can you do me a favor?"

"Sure, Mr. Grant."

"It's Fitz. Would you see to it that my truck is moved to the parking garage?"

"Hey, I'm on it right now, Mr…Fitz."

Fitz exited the vehicle and walked around to the back. He tossed the keys to Jonathan, then reached for his wallet and removed a large bill. When he finished, he removed the grocery bags from the cargo.

"You can bring my keys up to Miss Pope's condo when you're finished.

With a big grin on his face, the young man backed away a few steps before he turned and rushed to driver's side of the truck.

Fitz never looked back as he walked through the glass doors and into the lobby. The only thing on his mind was Olivia and getting up to her as quickly as possible.

X

Olivia watched Fitz as he exited the elevator and opened the door when he walked down the hallway toward her. She was waiting just inside and opened the door wider to allow him to enter, and closed it behind him.

"Hi," she greeted him, her smile bright and inviting.

He gave her that lopsided grin as he took in her black pencil skirt, raspberry silk blouse, and bare feet.

"Hi." Damn, he wanted to kiss her, but didn't want to drop the canvas bags on the floor. Instead, he walked further into the foyer and toward the kitchen.

Olivia locked the door and then followed Fitz to the kitchen. His rear view was quite the sight, his jeans fitting him nicely through the hips and backside. He had a picture perfect ass. His walk was cool and confident, and she couldn't help but think just how lucky she was, like she'd won the lottery. He was truly something special and he had a way of making her feel like the most important person in his entire world.

X

Fitz set the bags on the island and then turned to Olivia. He reached out and removed the glass of wine from her hand and set it on the island too. Her eyes grew wide when he lifted her and set down next to the wineglass. Without a word, he took her face in his large hands, leaned in close and captured her lips in a slow, deep kiss.

Nothing had ever tasted this good. She was soft and sweet, and she tasted like the wine she'd been drinking. And, she felt like everything he knew he wanted. Tonight. The next day, and for always.

He tried to pull away, but Olivia's moan held him in place. Deepening the kiss, he parted her lips with his tongue to taste more of what he wanted. He knew he needed to stop or they wouldn't be eating dinner anytime soon, but Olivia was his drug and he was addicted. When she wrapped her arms around his neck, he pulled her closer to the edge of the island, and stepped further between her legs, until her chest was flush with his.

She moaned again from deep in her throat, and the sound went straight to his groin. Fitz ran one hand through her hair, holding her head to his. He ran the other hand up and down her back, to her waist and finally her backside.

His arousal strained against his fly. He pushed Olivia's skirt up to her waist and her legs opened wider for him. He was so desperate to touch her, to slide his fingers inside her core.

The ringing of the doorbell forced Fitz out of the sensual hold she had over him. He disengaged from the kiss and leaned his forehead against hers.

"Damn," she whispered as he stepped back. The hazy look in her eyes, and slightly opened lips told him that she was ready for more, but he needed to start dinner.

"I've been waiting to do that ever since I left you on Saturday night." Olivia smiled and nodded, agreeing with his admission.

"Help me down, Fitz."

He did as she requested.

"That's probably Jonathan with my keys," he called out as she walked to the door.

"Hello, Miss Pope, these are Mr…Fitz's keys."

"Thank you, Jonathan."

He tipped his hat and quickly walked away. Olivia closed and locked the door, dropped the keys in the bowl on the foyer table, and rejoined Fitz in the kitchen, where he was unpacking the bags.

He removed a bouquet of flowers, wrapped in brown craft paper,from one of the bags. "Pretty flowers for the pretty lady."

"Aww, Fitz," she said accepting the flowers. She put them to her nose and inhaled deeply. "They're gorgeous, and I love orchids. Thank you."

"You're welcome."

"I'll get a vase to put them in." She walked into her dining room and removed a glass vase from the sideboard. Returning to the kitchen, she stood next to him and busied herself arranging the bouquet.

"What's all this?" she asked, glancing at the items he'd removed from the bags.

"Stuff," he answered, leaning down and kissing her hair.

She smirked at him before taking a sip of wine. "Smart ass. It's not every day that I allow a man into my kitchen. You might be the last."

Fitz laughed. "Okay, I'm making chicken breasts stuffed with spinach over couscous, with a top secret ingredient."

"Top secret? But I was going to help you."

Fitz shook his head. "I have kitchen duty tonight, and if we're going to eat at a decent hour, I need to get started."

She stood on her toes and kissed him again. He tried to deepen it but thankfully, she pushed away, breaking their connection.

"Okay…Fitz," her breathing was heavier. "We have to stop."

He grinned down at her. "Do we?"

Olivia nodded. "Yes, if we're supposed to be eating dinner soon."

"Okay, Livvie," he said pulling her back into his arms for one more kiss. His hands skimmed her body, hitting all the right places, proving that he knew his way around a woman's body.

Olivia had every intention of pulling away, but his large hands traveling down her spine had her rethinking and arching her back. Feeling his lower body respond, she became further under his spell as his hands moved past her waist, then her hips, and gripped her backside, bringing her closer to his growing erection.

"Unh-unh," she said shaking her head and breaking the kiss. She removed his hands. "Nope."

"Not now?"

"No. I want my dinner sometime tonight, mister."

Fitz laughed. "Well I guess I better get started." He stepped away from her and walked to the sink to wash and dry his hands.

"Would you like an apron?"

Fitz looked at her. "Yes, please."

Olivia walked over to a narrow closet door and pushed it open. Removing a purple apron, she closed the door and walked back to where he stood.

"Lean down."

When he complied, she slipped the apron over his head and then moved behind him, and tied it securely around his waist.

"What's 'Gentleman's Cooking Classic?'" he asked, reading the gold lettering across the front.

"It's the annual fundraiser for my dad's and brother's fraternity. Their members prepare their best dishes and compete to see which is the best. Guests purchase an armband and eat as much they like until the food is gone."

"Really? Your brother cooks?"

Olivia laughed. "I know, right? My grandmother taught him how to make a sour cream pound cake and he's tweaked it over the years. It's actually very good."

"It sounds good," he replied as he unwrapped the chicken cutlets from the white butcher paper. "What about your dad?"

Olivia smiled. "Daddy makes a spicy shrimp stew. He always saves a little for me before he adds the shrimp. He won the competition three years in a row, so he no longer enters the contest. He just likes to make it and watch everybody enjoy it."

"Hmm, maybe I'll enter next year."

"Really? They'll all love that, and the ticket sales would be through the roof. Are you serious, Fitz?"

He nodded. "Yes, I'm serious. Just let me know when."

She kissed his chin. "I will."

X

Olivia moved to one of the chairs at the island and took a seat. "This is the first time I've had a man cook for me, Mr. Grant." She gave him a sexy grin when he looked up at her.

"Good. That means there's no one for you to compare me to." Fitz laughed. "Now, I need a saucepan and a skillet."

Olivia hopped down from her perch on the chair, and walked around the island. Fitz watched as she pulled opened a large drawer with neatly stacked pots. She reached in and removed the requested items and closed the drawer again.

"Are you sure I can't help you with anything?"

Fitz looked at her and shook his head. The urge to kiss her again was overwhelming. He sucked in a long, deep breath, begging for control. Instead of the request on his mind, he asked for something else.

"Can you please get me a bottle opener?" He removed a six-pack of craft beer from the second canvas grocery bag.

"Fine," she huffed. "If that's the way you want it."

If he could really have what he wanted, he'd toss the food aside, lift her into his arms and spend the rest of the evening exploring every part of her body.

Olivia opened a smaller drawer and handed him the opener.

"I'll put the others in the refrigerator," she said as Fitz popped the top off the beer bottle. He nodded, taking a long sip, his eyes following her as she opened the beverage drawer in the refrigerator and bent over.

Her rounded butt poked out, and it was all he could do to not walk up behind her and fill his hands with it. Fitz gripped the bottle, searching for control. He was going to lose his mind if he had to spend the rest of the night in his current state of arousal.

He set the bottle on the counter and washed his hands again. Grabbing the extra-virgin olive oil, he lightly coated the skillet that she'd set on the stovetop.

"So, a piece of the secret is revealed," Olivia grinned, walking over to him with the small container of white truffle oil in her hand.

Damn, she looked good with that playful smile on her lips.

She set the container on the counter and wrapped an arm around his waist. "I couldn't wait to see you this evening. Three days is a long time apart in a new relationship."

Fitz leaned down and kissed her hair. "Yeah, I'm glad we decided to stay in for dinner. This way, I have you all to myself, without any outside interference."

Olivia nodded. "I'm not sure how much I'd want your life. I mean, I only got a small sample at the fundraiser," she said. "I like my privacy." She took a sip of wine. "Besides, I'd rather have you in my kitchen, cooking dinner for me, and spending as much time with you as possible."

"We have that in common, Livvie. I didn't want to be anywhere else but here with you this evening. Just you."

Olivia stood on her toes and kissed his cheek. "Since I'm probably a distraction, and you don't want my help, I'm going to shower."

"Dinner won't take very long," Fitz promised.

When she turned to leave the kitchen, he took her arm and pulled her to him for what was supposed to be a quick kiss, but when he tried to pull away, Olivia went with him. She wrapped an arm around his neck and leaned into him, her breasts crushing into his chest.

Reluctantly, he backed away, breathing heavily. "Okay, we've got to stop that if we're going to eat dinner soon. Then again…" Fitz said, noting the look of desire in her eyes. He leaned in for another kiss, but Olivia stopped him.

"No," she laughed. "It can wait until after dinner."

He wasn't sure if he could. But one thing he knew for sure, he didn't want to stop at just a kiss. He wanted much more.

But did she?

"What's going to happen after dinner, Livvie?"

She gave him a look that he couldn't read.

"I'm sorry," he said. "Forget I asked that."

Olivia shook her head and reached up to touch his cheek. "It's something we'll have to discuss sooner or later, Fitz."

"Well we can discuss it later," Fitz said. "I don't want you to think I'm pressuring you into anything."

"Do you honestly think that I would allow you to pressure me into doing anything I don't want to do?" she asked. "When it happens, it will be our decision.

Not if, but when.

His gut clenched and the erection he'd tried so desperately to control swelled even more at the promise he saw in her beautiful eyes. God, he wanted her.

"Go take your shower," he said.

Olivia nodded. "For the last time, are you sure I can't help you with anything?"

Fitz nodded. "Positive." With the way his body was responding to her, it was probably best she didn't, not if they wanted to eat.

Olivia walked over to the island and topped off her glass of wine before sauntering off toward her bedroom.

Fitz watched her walk away, his eyes glued to her backside until she disappeared. Smiling and shaking his head, he went back to the task at hand: dinner.

X

"Something smells good."

Fitz looked up from plating their food and stared at Olivia as she walked toward him wearing bronze colored lounging pajamas. Her gorgeous, honey brown skin practically glowed and her hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, which flowed down her back. Desire surged through his body the instant he saw her. She was absolutely beautiful.

Finally coming out of his trance, Fitz spoke. "Thank you. I hope it tastes as good as it smells."

Olivia smiled. "I'm sure it will."

She glanced into the dining room. He'd set the two places at the eight seat Duncan Phyfe table. There were linen Hemstitch placemats and napkins, silverware, water goblets, lit tapers, and the flowers he'd brought for her.

"You set the table?"

"Yep."

"Where did you learn to set a proper table, Mr. Grant?" she asked, walking to stand next to him.

Fitz frowned. "You've met Constance Bennett Grant, haven't you?"

Olivia laughed. "Sounds a lot like Maya Pope. My brother and I know how to set a table."

He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Mmm, you smell delicious," he said, leaning in for another sniff.

Olivia chuckled. "Thank you. So do you, I noticed it earlier."

"Thank you, Livvie. Now, grab another bottle of wine and follow me," he said as he carried a plate in each hand to the dining room.

He set the plates on the mats and moved to pull out Olivia's chair. When she joined him and sat down, he pushed her chair back under the table before going back to the kitchen and returning with another bottle of beer and a pitcher of water, and sitting down himself.

Grabbing the bottle of wine, he read the label. "2005 Cabernet Sauvignon, sounds good," he said before removing the foil and making quick work of the cork, and filling their glasses. When he finished, he lifted his glass, and she followed.

"To us and what we're building together."

Olivia smiled and touched her glass to his. "I'll drink to that."

Fitz took in her smile over the rim of his glass. It was beautiful, just like the rest of her.

"Okay, Livvie, we need to start eating before the food gets cold."

Settling back in her chair, Olivia inhaled. "It really does smell delicious. You're a pretty good chef, Fitz."

He laughed. "I don't know about that, but I do know my way around the kitchen."

X

The couple laughed and talked throughout their meal, and there was nothing they didn't feel comfortable about. Olivia listened intently while Fitz talked about what it was like being a student-athlete.

"I'm amazed at the academic privileges athletes get in high school and college, especially when a large percentage of them don't make their living playing sports," she said.

Fitz nodded. "High school and college sports have become a nationwide obsession, not to mention a moneymaking machine. Colleges get these huge television deals, with hundreds of thousands of fans in stands, and make billions of dollars. But the student-athletes never see any of it. The bowl games and now the playoffs to see who will play for a national championship, it's all a machine unto itself."

"Yeah. A machine that obviously everyone, except the players, is benefitting from is right. It's a racket. You know as well as I do that a majority of football, basketball and baseball players will go undrafted, and those that do aren't guaranteed a spot on any team. And if they do make the team, one major injury could end it all. What do they have to fall back on? The television deals? Sponsorships? Fans? I don't think so."

Fitz crossed his arms over his broad chest and listened to Olivia's point of view. He was both surprised and glad to hear no judgment in her tone. That meant that she was getting past her preconceived notions and very strong opinions about things, and leaving room for debate.

"You have to remember, Livvie, the players have some responsibility in this as well. Just because a professor or in some cases, a dean, engages in questionable and unethical behavior doesn't mean that the student-athlete has to do that as well. Many of the kids and their parents, who come through my foundation don't know how to navigate the juggernaut that is high school and college sports. We help them with applications and any fees that may be required, understanding scholarship offers, and selecting colleges that will be a good fit. Some understand that playing sports is a means to get a degree, and others, with greater talent, are only looking to get through college so they can go pro. Qualifying for an athletic scholarship is the easy part, keeping it takes work."

"You graduated magna cum laude, so you did something right. Do you advise the kids about how hard it is to be a student-athlete?"

Fitz nodded. "Yes, I do. It definitely wasn't easy. Time management was very important. During pre-game, instead of playing video games, listening to music or just playing around with my teammates, I was typing a paper to turn in or reading assigned chapters for class. At Stanford there were standards and expectations, unlike that little school over in Berkeley."

Olivia laughed at his comment. "Not a fan of that little school across the bay, huh?"

Fitz grinned and shook his head. "Hell no!"

They both laughed, loudly.

"Seriously Livvie, I earned my degree with hard work and very long study hours. I could've declared for the draft my junior year but I was having too much fun."

He paused to gather his thoughts. "Over my ten year career I've been accused of being self-serving, but I really don't give a damn. I know what I'm about and who I am. People make assumptions and I've long stopped trying to defend myself. My focus is on the kids who come through my foundation, and the game that I play. Fans come to the games to see the 'Golden Arm,' and whenever I suit up I try and give them their money's worth. I didn't go into football to make money, but to entertain. Sporting events are just entertainment. We wear costumes and put on a show for the fans who came to see us perform. When it's over, I leave the arena, remove the costume and go back to living my life in the real world."

"Wow. Have you always been this cynical about football?" Olivia asked before taking a long sip of wine.

Fitz smiled. "So is the lawyer now a psychiatrist?"

She set her glass on the table. "I'm not trying to psychoanalyze you, Fitz. I just asked a question."

He sobered and stared at her. "I play football because I enjoy it. When I stop enjoying it, then I'll know it's time to get out."

"Well I'm glad to hear that, because from what I've read that should be soon.

Fitz was speechless. Then he threw back his head in loud laughter. "So you've got jokes now, Miss Pope."

"What are you forty, forty-one?"

Standing to his feet, he leaned over and started tickling her. "You're going to pay for that one, lady."

"Fitz, stop it," she said giggling and standing, trying to get away.

Grabbing her from behind, he held her tight against him. "You're not getting away from me that easily."

Slowly, he turned her around and their eyes met. All the laughter and playfulness between them a few seconds ago disappeared, now replaced by something more intimate. Neither said a word as he watched the steady rise and fall of her chest.

Fitz reached out and lifted her hand, and stared at the glint coming from her bracelet. He brought her fingers to his lips and lightly kissed them, before looking directly into her beautiful eyes.

"I have spent the last ten years of my life telling myself that I couldn't make room for a woman or a relationship because of football. All of my commitment and focus had to be on the game. Everything and everyone would have to wait. But the moment you walked into my life, searching for a bathroom, I realized I had been lying to myself," he gave her that lopsided grin and continued.

"There had never been room for someone because I'd never met anyone worth making the effort for…until now. In two months, I report to training camp. Between the practices, the media, pre-season, regular season, the wins, the losses and hopefully winning the Super Bowl, my life will be crazy. In the past, I've always experienced that craziness alone. I don't want to do that this year. I'm not saying it's going to be easy, but I want, and need, you to be in my life."

Olivia digested all that he'd said and immediately began to analyze it. What would life be like once the season began? The road games. The groupies. The media. How would her family react? Would she be able to…

"Stop it," Fitz said softly, smiling down at her.

The sound of his voice brought her back to the present, and she stared at him.

"What?"

"Thinking," he said. "You've been trying to stay one step ahead of us since we met. Forget the assumptions, the what-ifs and the how coulds. Be here with me. Right here. Right now. Decide that we'll grow this relationship in the present. Not in your assumptions or your fears."

"Fears?"

He nodded. "The fear that I'll be just like everybody else. Because I promise you, I'm not."

Listening to his words, Olivia finally realized that what she'd been doing all this time was engaging in avoidance behavior. She had avoided dealing with Julian and Joey for the past three days. She had avoided having boyfriends for the sake of her career. She'd avoided dealing with her mother's constant nagging about her career choice. And, she had been avoiding her feelings for the wonderful man standing in front of her, baring his soul, because she was afraid that she could love him and it wouldn't work out. If her brother and Joey could somehow get past their differences and make their relationship work, why couldn't she? Maybe it was time she put her fears and assumptions to rest…for good.

Olivia moved closer to Fitz and wrapped her arms around his waist. He was so close to her that she had to tip her head back to look at him. She was in a perfect position for what he did next. He bent his head to kiss her throat, which caused Olivia to tip her head back further and moan. Moving from her throat, he covered her mouth with his in a long and passionate kiss.

It was a minute later before they came up for air. Fitz's entire body was on fire, and the erection pressing into her stomach left nothing to the imagination. He would give anything to have her take him by the hand and lead him to her bedroom. His dick hardened more at just the thought.

As if reading his mind, Olivia stepped back. "Thank you for dinner, Fitz."

"You're quite welcome, Livvie," he managed to say. In reality, he couldn't recall a single thing about the meal they'd shared a few minutes ago. His entire existence was consumed by the need to join his body with hers.

Fitz leaned down and kissed the tip of her nose. "I'm going to clean up."

"No." Olivia shook her head. "You cooked. I've got cleanup duty."

He grinned at her. "How about we do it together, that way we'll finish quicker," he said.

"Okay," Olivia nodded and picked up their plates then headed to the kitchen, while Fitz leaned over and blew out the candles. He took the remainder of the dishes, placemats and napkins to the kitchen, and set them on the counter. Olivia rinsed them while he loaded them into dishwasher. Together they made quick work of the kitchen.

Fitz crossed his feet and leaned against the counter watching her wipe down the island.

"There's mango sorbet for dessert if you're interested," he said.

Olivia wrinkled her nose and shook her head. "I haven't worked out all week, no dessert for me."

Fitz knew that Joey was her trainer and that they weren't in a good place, so he didn't comment.

"I'm going to use those calories on more wine," she said smiling and reaching for a half full bottle of wine and another wineglass, while Fitz walked over to the refrigerator and grabbed another beer.

Olivia reached out her hand and he stared at it before looking up at her eyes, which were filled with what was yet to come.

X

Olivia and Fitz were stretched out on the sofa in her living room. Her back rested against his hard chest and her perfect behind nudged his thighs, while his arms were wrapped around her. They talked softly while listening to the sounds of Kamasi Washington.

It was getting late and she couldn't remember the last time she was awake or having this much fun on a weeknight. Her usual routine had her eating dinner by seven, and winding down and getting ready for bed by ten because she was usually awake by five to workout with Joey. She'd return home, shower, dress, and grab a light breakfast before heading into the office. But with Fitz's arms wrapped around her and his mouth working on ears and neck, the old and boring routine that had become second nature to her was long forgotten.

"You've met my family," he said, rubbing her arms. "Tell me about yours."

Oh, you mean the Pope clan," she said mockingly.

"You don't sound too excited about them."

She shook her head. "Don't get me wrong, I love my family very much but being around them for any length of time is an entirely different matter."

"Does it have anything to do with your choice of career?"

"My mother wants me to give up my life of public service and work for my father. She also wants me to find a properly bred, educated man who wears and sleeps in expensive suits, sits on all the important boards and loves the cutthroat world of corporate America."

Fitz chuckled and she felt the vibrations rumbling through his chest. "Would she settle for a well-bred, educated gentleman who sleeps in the nude, gives generously to charities and loves the cutthroat world of sports? You did," he said looking down at Olivia.

"Yes, I did," she responded, nodding her head. "Thank God you were up to the chase."

He leaned down and kissed her hair, squeezing her tighter. "When I see something I believe is right for me, I go after it."

"Is that how you've gotten all your women?"

The question came out flippant, but Fitz knew there was a much deeper meaning behind it. She wanted to know if this was his usual modus operandi.

"For the record, Counselor, I've never had to chase a woman. I hadn't found anyone worth the effort…until you."

"I see," she said, feeling a bit overwhelmed with that information.

"I've also never invited a woman to dinner in my home, given a woman a tour of my entire home, introduced a woman to my parents or cooked for a woman. You're the first, Livvie."

"Why me?" she asked, her voice was barely above a whisper.

"Because for the first time, I looked into my future and saw a woman in it…you."

Olivia gasped, shocked by what he'd said. The words were spoken with such sincerity, her eyes filled with tears. She turned around and stared at him for a moment, in silence. "Oh, Fitz," she whispered before leaning down and kissing him softly on the lips.

She climbed from his lap and stood from the sofa, then reached out her hand. "I think it's time we went to bed."

Fitz sucked in a deep breath in an attempt to slow down his racing heart. He wanted her. And he wanted her now. So he took her hand and stood.

X

They stood in front of the sofa looking at one another.

"Livvie…"

She halted his words, placing her finger against his lips.

"Don't," she murmured. Don't say anything but yes."

At that moment Fitz couldn't say a word through the lump clogging his throat. Instead, he let his actions speak for him. He reached around her head and released the loose ponytail secured at the nape of her neck. He then ran his hands through the silky strands so it cascaded over his wrists then moved the long tresses aside so he could kiss her jaw and then her neck.

"You are so beautiful, Livvie." Lowering his head, he took her lips in another hot, deep, spine-tingling kiss.

Olivia returned the kiss with enthusiasm that took his breath away. A lot of enthusiasm. She pushed her tongue into his mouth and held onto his shoulders. Her hands moved down his arms and to his hands, until her fingers entwined with his.

With their lips still locked in the fierce kiss, Olivia tugged on his hand and tried to lead him to the bedroom.

Fitz stopped her. He knew that once they crossed that threshold there would be no turning back. With all the strength he possessed, he pulled his mouth from hers and looked down into her face. Her complexion was flushed, and her beautiful eyes were filled with desire.

"Livvie, are you sure about this?"

Olivia took a step back and stared up at him with a look of shock, apparently just as surprised as he was by the force of their kiss. Finally, she nodded, and without saying another word took his hand and led him out of the living room and down a long hallway. She dropped his hand and opened the door to her bedroom, then stepped into the dimly lit room, and turned back to him and held out her hand again.

The welcoming gesture caused his stomach to do somersaults. The look of need on her face put an end to any doubt he might have had about what she wanted. It was very clear.

Him.

Fitz put his hand into hers and allowed her to pull him into her bedroom.

X

Olivia's heart pounded as she led Fitz toward her bed. He wanted her to be sure, but she couldn't imagine another place she'd rather be than with this man who'd managed to get past all the blocks she'd put up to keep them apart.

Fitz's gaze took in the features of her beautiful face in the dim light, moving from her brown, doe eyes, her high cheek bones, her pouty lips and back to her eyes again. "You are beautiful," he said, yet again, in a deep, husky voice.

"And tonight, I'm yours." She said those words so low Fitz almost didn't hear them. But he had heard them and he knew they would be etched in his memory forever.

"Then let me take what's mine."

At that moment a million sexual fantasies filled his mind and in each, Olivia was a willing and eager participant. His dreams were what had kept him going even when it seemed that Olivia's chilly attitude toward him would keep them apart. Now he was ready to turn those dreams into reality.

He decided to take things slow and leaned down and kissed her lips. "I like tasting you," he said.

"You do?"

"Absolutely?" He then kissed her again. "You taste good. You smell good. And…you do this to me," he said slowly moving his hands from her waist to her backside and pulling her close against him so she could feel exactly what he was talking about.

Olivia arched into his erection, and his breath caught, surprised by her bold move.

"Are you sure I did this?" she asked him, standing on her toes and whispering near his ear.

Fitz chuckled. "I'm positive, Livvie. You definitely did it. I haven't thought of anything but making love to you since I arrived," he said trailing kisses down her throat.

"Is that a fact?"

"Oh yes." While one hand remained on her backside, the other gently caressed her back while he continued to kiss her slowly.

"Fitz." Her voice was barely above a whisper.

"Yes, Livvie?"

"Please stop torturing me." She arched her body into him more.

"You're the one in control, Livvie. Just say the word."

She looked up into his handsome face. "I want you. Now."

Not saying another word, he lifted her into his arms, carried her to the bed, and laid her down. She pulled him down with her and kissed him. He groaned deep in his chest when she slipped her hand between them, and massaged his dick.

"I'm hanging on by a thread, Livvie. I'd never last if you do that." He leaned down and kissed her again. Olivia pulled his t-shirt from the waist of his jeans and slipped her hands underneath, clutching his solid back, holding him in place as he deepened their kiss.

"Now, Fitz, please."

Fitz sat up and pulled her up with him. He reached out and removed her silk tank, and tossed it aside. He then stared at leopard print demi-bra she was wearing.

Finally, he reached around and unclasped her bra and eased the straps down her arms, baring her breasts to him. They were perfectly sized. She wasn't big by any stretch of the imagination, but her breasts were the perfect size for her frame. Fitz stared at her until she said his name.

"Please, Fitz."

He reached out and touched them, caressing them, his thumb circling her nipple until it was rigid, until she groaned. Fitz then latched on to one dark nipple and sucked gently before switching to the other.

"Oh, Fitz," she moaned.

Fitz released her nipple and rose to kneel beside her on the bed. He hooked his thumbs at the waistband of her bronze silk pajama pants and slid them down her legs, tossing them aside. He smiled at the matching leopard cheeky panties she wore. He was actually surprised by her wild and daring choice of underwear. But he also found that he liked the element of surprise. Fitz reached up and lowered the lace panties down her thighs. She lifted her hips as he slid them down her legs and she kicked them aside.

Olivia instantly blushed at the realization that she lay completely naked before him.

"Don't you dare," Fitz said when she attempted to cover herself.

He reached out and touched her core. She was so wet. He began stroking it.

"Fitz…" she moaned his name again. "Please, don't play with me."

He grinned at her with hooded eyes. "If you're absolutely sure that's what you want."

"I've never been more sure of anything in my life," she responded.

Fitz leaned back and gazed over her naked body. Over her breasts, to her waxed core then down the length of her gorgeous legs, before inching back to her core, the part of her that drew him. That's where he would get the ultimate release he craved and needed.

Unable to resist any longer, he removed the stark white t-shirt he was wearing while she watched. Feeling her eyes all over him as he bared his chest, he haphazardly tossed the shirt behind him.

Olivia's breath caught, and her heartbeats increased as she took in his bare chest and defined abs. The six-pack looked as if it had been created by a master sculptor. She couldn't help but admire her man and his body. He was all strength and power. There was no question in her mind that his athletic build would be amazing, but she had no idea how beautiful he would be. His body was solid, and strong, without an ounce of visible fat, only muscle. Her palms itched with the urge to run her hands across his glorious chest.

When his hands went to his waist, Olivia stopped him. "I'll do that," she said. Always one to let the man lead, she wouldn't allow that to happen this time. She sat up, and unbuttoned his jeans.

With some effort, she tugged the zipper down his rigid fly. Together they pushed down his jeans and navy boxer briefs. His erection sprang forward thicker and bigger than she expected. She experienced a twinge of apprehension. It had been a while since she'd done this, and she wasn't sure her body could accept all of him without being torn in two.

Sensing her nervousness, Fitz tenderly caressed her cheek and her anxiety flowed away. She trusted him and she wanted him so bad. She wrapped her hand around his large erection but he quickly removed it.

"Not yet, Livvie."

He reached into the back pocket of his jeans and removed his wallet. Removing a condom, he shoved the jeans and the wallet off to the side before ripping open the package. He rolled it over his stiff, enormous dick and then moved back to the beautiful woman waiting for him.

"Now," Fitz murmured, resuming his position above her. "Where were we?"

Lowering his head, he pressed a kiss to her ear, and then trailed kisses along the column of her neck.

Her moans of pleasure urged him on.

Fitz moved back to her face and gazed down into her eyes. "I told you earlier that I liked your taste. Remember?"

She nodded. "Yes."

"Now I intend to show you just how much."

Olivia gasped when he took her lips in a deep kiss again. She moaned as his tongue slid inside. Slowly, he moved his hand lower, past her stomach to that sweet spot between her legs. He stroked her there, fondling her clit. Her body arched, and she threw back her head, begging him to enter her, but he refused.

"You're pl…playing with…me again," she murmured, trying to catch her breath.

Fitz leaned down and whispered near her ear. "Then let me try something else," he said as he began kissing a trail down her stomach. Down, down he went, wanting to taste all of her. She smelled so good, and was so soft. When he reached the spot between her inner thighs, he began placing small kisses there.

Olivia lifted her hips, barely able to tolerate the pleasure overtaking her. Her uptight need for modesty disappeared, and she instinctively opened her legs when his mouth moved to her core. She screamed his name at the first stroke of his tongue on her center of need and her body trembled when he began feasting on her hungrily, as if he'd been waiting a long time to do what he was doing.

Olivia ran her hands through his silky hair as a strangled moan got caught in her throat and her hips rose from the bed when he slid a large finger inside her. He continued licking and sucking, and plunging his large finger in and out repeatedly. Spreading her legs wider, he tormented her clit with the tip of his tongue, while adding another finger. Driving her to the edge of rapture and then pulling her back.

"Fitz!"

Olivia screamed his name again as she ground herself against his mouth, and her body exploded into a mind-blowing, earth shattering orgasm. There was no shyness and no restraint, as Fitz continued to lick her through her orgasm, while she jerked and shuddered.

Fitz eased back from Olivia, still savoring her taste, and stared down at the vision that lay before him. The moment her trembling subsided, she looked up and smiled at him.

"That was…" she was speechless.

"That was only the beginning, Livvie. What's coming next will be even better."

"If you know what you're doing, it certainly will be," she teased.

"Is that a challenge?"

"Are you up to it?"

Fitz smiled. "You're lucky that smart mouth of yours is what attracted me to you in the first place."

"Are you going to be able to shut me up?"

He moved between her legs and kissed her lips. "Without a doubt."

Olivia tensed as she felt the large head of his erection poking at her core.

"Relax, Livvie," he whispered, as his large body hovered above her.

"I've wanted you since the first time I saw you," he said, as one hand positioned his dick at the entrance to her body, and his gaze met hers. Her body was open, waiting for him.

"I want you, too."

Still recovering from the effects of one hell of an orgasm, Olivia somehow found the strength to lift her hips as Fitz slid inside her, sinking deep, and she felt a lifetime of searching disappear. He filled her up completely with his body, his heart, his everything.

She gasped and wrapped her arms around him while her body adjusted to his size. Her nails dug into his broad shoulders as he stretched her, giving her a mixture of pain and pleasure.

"You okay?" Fitz asked.

Olivia moaned and nodded, and tilted her pelvis to take him in deeper. She closed her eyes and tried to breathe as he filled her to capacity, and then wrapped her legs around him and held on for dear life as Fitz began moving back and forth inside her.

"You feel so good," he said. "I've never felt this whole…this complete."

His endearing words brought tears to her eyes. She couldn't respond with words, so she allowed her body to speak for her.

Faster, harder, she met him, thrust for thrust, her soft words urging him on. She had never known pleasure this intense, this extreme and this forceful. It was as if his body knew just what position, what angle it took to hit her "spot."

Each mind blowing stroke was made to send her over the edge, and she felt her thighs quivering and her muscles spasm. When his powerful thrusts began to speed up, she felt her body stiffen then explode at the same time as his did.

"Livvie!"

He screamed her name, pumping into her body one last time. She seemed to have come apart into a million little pieces, not believing something like this could be so powerful and earth shattering. He leaned down and kissed her as he held her tighter than he'd ever held anyone or anything.

X

Sated, the lovers lay in each other's arms, limbs entwined while waiting for their breathing to return to normal. For several minutes, they lay face-to-face without a word from either of them. Fitz saw everything he needed to know staring back at him in her beautiful brown eyes.

"Looks like I was able to shut you up," he finally said as he stroked her hair.

Olivia chuckled tiredly. "I don't hear too many words coming from your mouth either, Mr. Grant."

He leaned down and kissed her cheek. "You're right," he said. "There's so much I could say. Like, 'where have you been all my life? Or 'I wish I'd met you ten years ago so we wouldn't have wasted that time,' Or 'I have been waiting for you my entire life.' But the truth is I wasn't ready for you ten years ago, or one year ago. You have come at the perfect time, Livvie."

How right he was. "I have spent my entire adult life dealing with people who lie, steal, cheat and hurt others." She sighed. "This town. It's heart. It's jaded so much of my outlook that I'd forgotten how to live. How to enjoy life and see the good in others. I love my work, but I'd made it my life. With you, my life has taken on a whole new meaning. It's filled with hope, joy and happiness."

Olivia leaned up and kissed him. One, because the power of his kiss gave her comfort, and also because she wanted to hide her eyes. A part of her wanted to say that he had filled her with love. But logic told her that was impossible. People didn't fall in love so quickly. Love takes time to nurture, grow and mature. What about what your heart's telling you? Olivia ignored her inner voice. For right now, she would do exactly what Fitz suggested. She would live in the moment, this moment.

"Are you okay?" Fitz asked when she grew quiet.

"Yeah," Olivia responded, trying to shake thoughts of love out of her mind. Snuggling closer to him, she let the memories of this night lull her to sleep.