Part II
X
Monday morning…
"You should stay home today," Fitz said groggily. He was lying on his side with Olivia's body spooned against him.
Olivia chuckled. "I have a job to get to, mister. The wheels of justice may turn slowly, but I won't be the cause of them coming to a complete halt today. Besides, my colleagues depend on me."
He cupped her breast. "They'd understand," he said, kissing her neck and pulling closer against his growing erection.
"Fitz?" she whined.
"Hmm?" he said as his hand slid down between her thighs.
Olivia moaned. "I…can…I can't. I'm going to be late."
Fitz continued stroking her wet core. "Probably," he whispered.
Finally, Olivia turned over onto her back and slid her arms around his neck.
Fitz braced himself above her on his forearms, and looked down into her eyes. Olivia lifted her hips and tightened her knees against his sides as he slid inside her. She moved beneath him, struggling to get closer. Her legs lifted and wrapped around his waist. He could make love to her every day, every night and all times in between and still want more.
Over the past three days, that's exactly what he did.
Friday night he'd ordered pizza and salads for dinner because that's what Olivia wanted. And whatever his Livvie wanted, she got. They'd spent the evening in bed watching television until Fitz's hands became restless and began to work their magic again.
They'd awakened early Saturday morning and Fitz had driven her back to her office to pick up her car, and then they headed to Olivia's condo where she showered again. She'd also prepared breakfast for them both before he'd suggested she pack a bag, and she'd happily done so and they'd headed to Great Falls.
The rest of the day was spent in each other's arms talking. There was nothing they didn't feel comfortable talking about. Everything from politics to her menstrual cycle to the realities of interracial dating, had been the topics of discussion at one time. Fitz also continued to be overly affectionate and playful, and seemed intent on making sure that Olivia and her feelings were at the center of everything he did. She felt extremely loved despite the fact that neither of them was being honest saying what they were really feeling out loud.
The couple finally emerged from their Olitz bubble Saturday evening when they went to the city to have dinner with T.C. and her roommates. Fitz had taken T.C.'s ribbing about how relaxed he was, and the way he looked at Olivia, in stride. He'd also laughed along with all three of the young women's teasing, at his expense. He was happy, and that made Olivia happy.
Olivia sat with her chin in her palm laughing as the conversation between the tables other four occupants faded into the background noise. She let her thoughts wander with how satisfied she was with her life right now. She had a career that she loved and a man she'd quickly fallen in love with and whom she was certain had fallen in love with her. What he didn't say was made up in his actions. He made her feel cherished and loved. He was also compassionate and generous, something she'd never had in a relationship, until now.
Fitz leaned over and kissed her cheek, bringing her out of her musings, and she joined the lively conversation again. They spent another hour eating and talking and when Fitz took care of the bill, they parted ways on the sidewalk outside. T.C. and her friends took an Uber to a bar while Fitz and Olivia walked for a little while before returning to pick up his truck.
On their way out of the city, they'd stopped by her condo again so she could pick up an outfit for work on Monday. Fitz had made it clear that she wouldn't be returning to D.C. until Monday morning. Surprisingly, Olivia didn't bite his head off for telling her what she was going to do. Instead she'd smiled at him before nodding and saying, "Okay."
Olivia and Fitz decided to play movie catch-up on Sunday. Over the past few years, Fitz had missed most of the blockbuster movies and new television shows, so they'd huddled together on the sofa in his home theater with popcorn and candy, and streamed a few movies and binged a television show about dragons and thrones. They also made breakfast lunch and dinner in between viewings. Of course there were parts that neither could recall as they were otherwise occupied during those scenes. When they'd finished dinner they both agreed that they'd had enough television for the day, so Fitz suggested going down to the game room to play a few games. It was the most erotic game night she'd ever had.
Sunday evening…
Fitz stood quietly watching his girlfriend.
"What's wrong, babe?" Olivia asked. "Why's your jaw clenched so tight?"
She knew what had him irritable without even asking the question. When he'd suggested playing a few games, he hadn't expected Olivia to beat him at every one. His game room was a sports bar and lounge. Wall-mounted televisions could be viewed from every angle, foosball and pool tables were set up in opposite corners, and an old-fashioned jukebox, pinball machines and arcade games offered something for everyone. There were leather club chairs, love seats and sofas positioned around the room for ultimate viewing.
"This place is better than Six Flags," she said. "It's been ages since I've played Pac-Man, Ms. Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. I was once one of the highest Pac-Mac scorers in the neighborhood. But what I excel at is pool."
Fitz pulled her into his arms, smiling down at her. "Do I hear a challenge?"
She nodded. "Yes, you did."
"So should we play pool first?"
"No, we'll play pool later. Let's start with Pac-Man."
"Sure, but you're going down, Pope."
"We'll see, Grant" Olivia answered.
After she'd beat him in Pac-Man and Donkey Kong, he'd challenged her to a game of pool. Big mistake. He'd grabbed a cue from the wall and racked the balls while Olivia watched. He removed the white triangle and placed it on the rack holder. Across the table, Olivia stood waiting.
"So," Fitz began as he chalked his cue. "How about some stakes to make things interesting?"
Her eyebrow rose. "Oh?" she said as she blew away the excess chalk from her cue. "And what do you propose, Mr. Grant?"
Fitz looked at her across the table and grinned. "You've heard of strip poker?"
Olivia nodded. "Of course."
"Well, I propose a game of strip pool. For every shot you miss, or that I make, I get to remove an article of your clothing. The same rule applies to me."
"What about shoes?"
"Shoes count."
"Okay, Mr. Grant. But when I'm finished you're going to be butt naked," she said confidently.
Fitz chuckled. "For the record, Livvie, you don't need to win a game to see me naked." He didn't even know what she had up her sleeve, but he was already semi-hard thinking about the possibilities.
She smiled at him. "Well I like to be creative, you know, keep it interesting."
He nodded. "Fine," and gestured toward the table. "Ladies first."
Olivia moved to the head of the table, and stood next to Fitz. Resting the cue between the fingers of her left hand, she bent slightly from the knee and tried to remember everything her grandfather, Poppa Lewis, had taught her.
Fitz stood mesmerized by the sight of her butt swaying in her tiny cut-offs, as she bent over the table. The sound of balls colliding around the table brought him out of his daze. Three balls rolled into the pockets, one after another.
"That's solids," Olivia said, looking back at him, and proceeded to run the table, sinking all her balls effortless, one after another. Fitz just stood there, mouth open, as he lost the game without ever getting the chance to make a move.
"I think I've been hustled," he said as he watched the eight ball roll into the corner pocket. "What are you, a pool shark?"
Placing her cue stick on the table, she raised her arms in victory. "How about that?"she taunted. Winking at him, she beckoned him with her finger. "Come on, mister, let me see that solid chest."
Fitz shook his head. "You're a con, Olivia Pope."
Olivia laughed. "No, Fitz, you're wrong. What I am is a winner. Now it's time to pay up. The stakes were your idea, not mine."
Fitz glared at the beautiful woman who'd beat him in every game they'd played. It wasn't as if she hadn't warned him, but he really didn't think she was that good. What bothered the competitive quarterback was not her beating him, soundly, but how coolly she acted after she did it. The brilliant prosecutor had ice water in her veins.
However, he was about to salvage what was left of his ego. He'd been playing pool since middle school.
You're going down, baby…hard, he thought. Fitz forced a smile as he looked at Olivia. "Instead of two out of three, let's play a single game."
Her eyebrows lifted. "Are you sure?"
He nodded his head. "Yes I'm sure."
"Okay, two out of three. And to show you that I'm a good sport, I'll let you break."
They racked the balls again, and Fitz bent over the table quickly shot of the tip of his stick, sending the balls into all the pockets.
Olivia looked at him and nodded. "Impressive, but now we're tied at one game each."
"One more game?" he asked.
Olivia chuckled. "Are you sure you don't want to quit while you're ahead?" She tried to keep from smiling.
He shook his head and proceeded to rack the balls again. When he finished, he looked at his girlfriend. "Your break."
Olivia leaned in to break, sinking two balls. "Solids again. And by my count, I sunk two balls, Mr. Grant," she said with a smile. "Allow me." She reached for the hem of his t-shirt and slowly pulled it up his torso, her hands grazing his stomach just above the waistline of his jeans. She loved the way his eyes darkened with lust at just her touch. Tossing the shirt aside, she stared at his naked chest.
"Your turn," she said looking into his eyes.
Fitz bent down to take his next shot. "Five ball," he said, pointing at the pocket.
"I can't wait to go down on you again," she whispered just as he took his shot.
He turned and glared at her, and she shrugged. "I made the shot, now take something off."
Olivia rolled her eyes and leaned down to remove her sandals.
"Cute," he said.
"You said shoes count."
Fitz nodded. "I did say that."
She walked to the table and studied it before leaning over to take her shot.
"You know there's an easier shot."
She looked back at him and smiled seductively. "I like a challenge," she said before going for her shot. Fitz moved closer and she felt his large body hovering over hers. She pulled back her cue to shoot and felt his hand before he spoke, just as she released it.
"Nice ass."
But she still made the shot, and turned to look at him, waiting.
Fitz knew what she was waiting on and kicked aside his leather flip-flops. He then walked to the other side of the table. Wasting no time, he called his shot and made it.
"Your turn."
"My turn?" she asked pretending to be surprised.
"Yes, Livvie," he said walking back to stand before her. "I sank one ball. One clothing item is your penalty."
"Okay." She stepped away from Fitz and pulled her white tank top over her head and dropped it to the floor.
"Beautiful," Fitz said, looking at her standing before him in a purple lace bra. Watching her watch him, he reached out and ran a finger lightly down the center of her chest, over her bra, and down her stomach. She moaned and he stepped back, looking at her with hooded eyes.
Olivia picked up her cue and quickly made a shot. Turning back to him, she nodded at his jeans. Without a word, he slowly unbuttoned his jeans, pushed them down his long muscular legs, and kicked them aside. He was left in a pair of stark white boxer briefs.
"Okay, Livvie," he said, clearing his throat. "I'm suddenly in a hurry to sink some balls."
Olivia laughed, shaking her head. "Go ahead."
He picked off another ball easily, and then turned to face her. She reached for the button on her shorts, as he stood watching. She unzipped them and they fell to her feet.
Fitz swallowed, seeing her standing there in the purple lace bra and matching thong. He didn't speak, as he watched her turn and lean over the table, giving him a full view of her almost bare butt. She wiggled it, because she knew he was watching, and shot. He reached out and cupped her ass cheek, and she moaned softly. This time she missed.
"Rule clarification, Mr. Grant. Is touching allowed?"
Fitz nodded and grinned. "It's strongly encouraged, Miss Pope."
"I see." She reached out and ran her hand down his chest, and to his semi-erect dick. He inhaled deeply, and she chuckled.
She turned to walk away, but he pulled her back against his chest. His growing dick separated by the cotton on his boxer briefs and her lace thong. He rolled his hips against her, and heard her intake of breath.
"My turn, Livvie."
Olivia nodded and watched as he lined up his shot. It went in the called pocket and he turned back to her.
"Well? Top or bottom?" she asked.
Without a word, he reached behind her and unclasped her bra. She watched as he slid it down her arms, and dropped it to the floor. He loved her breasts in the pretty purple lace, but loved them more naked. When he leaned forward and took a nipple in his mouth, she gasped and pushed her chest forward. Her hands went to his broad shoulders as she held on. Fitz rolled his tongue over her nipple, flicking it while his fingers worked on the other.
Finally, he lifted her in his arms and sat her on the side of the pool table, and moved between her legs.
"Game over," she said, smiling up at him. "But there's no winner."
"Oh yes there is," he grinned. "Me." Wrapping his arms around her waist, he pulled her close and brushed her lips against her.
"I think that was the most fun I've ever had playing pool."
Olivia laughed. "Me too. I'll never look at a game of pool the same way again."
"Me either." Fitz lifted her slightly, removed her thong and tossed it over his shoulder. He spread her legs wider and the sight of her slick folds made his mouth water. Lowering his head, he licked her in one long stroke. Her body bucked up off the table. His tongue moved over her clit and then down to the smooth entrance of her core. He plunged, thrusting his tongue deep inside until she began pumping against his mouth. He gripped her thighs, pushing them back farther so that he could take more.
"Fitz," she moaned. "Fitz, please." She moaned again. Her hands moved to his head, holding it in place.
Reaching up, he fondled her nipples, while she twisted under him. Her hips lifted quickly toward him, and he licked and sucked until she was on the verge of an orgasm. One more taste pushed her over the edge. The sounds she made echoed in the large room.
Fitz lifted his body and looked down at the woman who, if he had anything to say about it, was going to be his for the rest of his life. He reached for his jeans and removed a gold foil packet from a pocket before dropping them back onto the floor. Ripping the packet open, he rolled the latex down his hard dick. Leaning down, he kissed her softly on the lips.
"Please, Fitz. Please," Olivia pleaded. Reaching for his dick, he positioned the tip at her wet entrance. She reached for him, cupping his solid butt pulling him closer and he entered her in one quick, deep thrust. Olivia bucked and gasped, and her head fell back. Her fingers dug deeper into his hard ass, urging him to give her more.
"Livvie, you feel so good." He dropped his forehead against hers, and kissed her temple while she kissed his throat. His hips moved against hers in deep, smooth strokes and she was right there with him, meeting him stroke for stroke. Fitz could feel the walls of her core tightening around him. They were so close. He held on, delaying his own satisfaction.
"Yes, yes, baby" Olivia cried out.
Reaching between them, Fitz found her clit and thrust deep, filling her as he stroked the bundle of nerves.
"Fitz, Fitz, Fitz…Oh…I'm…Now!"
Her body exploded and his name echoed off the walls around them. Fitz felt her inner muscles clamp down around him and a second later, she felt him throbbing inside her.
Burying his face in her throat, he finally allowed his own release, holding her tight. He arched his back, still pumping and swirling his hips, plunging inside her as far as he could go. His orgasm was so intense, body stiffened and he collapsed against her. His body spasmed, his eyes closed tight, and he lay still, completely satisfied.
Fitz didn't want to move, but he knew his body weight was too much for Olivia's petite frame so he gently pulled out of her. She moaned in protest as he stood and went to the bathroom to discard the condom. When he returned, she was still splayed out on the table, her eyes closed.
"Are you okay, Livvie?"
She opened her eyes and smiled. "I'm better than okay."
"Good." He lifted her into his arms and carried her up to the third floor, to his bedroom. She was nearly asleep when he walked into the bedroom and set her on the bed.
"Wait here," I'll be right back. He walked into the bathroom and turned on the shower, adjusting the temperature.
"Livvie, baby," he said, reentering the room. "Come with me." He lifted her in his arms and walked them to the shower. Olivia leaned against Fitz as he washed her with slow strokes then washed himself. When they were both fresh and clean, he shut off the water and wrapped a bath sheet around them both before lifting her again and taking her back to the bedroom and placing her, still wet, on the bed. Climbing in beside her, he pulled her into his arms and everything felt right.
"You are the most amazing woman I've ever met." And I love you.
"I know," she said tiredly, and laid her head back on his chest. Sleep coming swiftly.
X
Fitz watched Olivia as she got dressed for work. "I'm picking you up after work today," he said from his spot on the side of the bed as he tied the laces on his sneakers.
She stopped mid-stride, and stared at him as if he'd spoken a foreign language.
"We'll stay here for a few days. I'll drive you into work every morning and picked you up every evening."
Olivia put a hand on her hip. "Do I get to have a say?"
Fitz grinned at her. "No, Livvie. I want you here with me."
She smiled at him. "So it's like that, huh?"
He stood from the bed and sauntered toward her. "Yeah, it's like that. Problem?"
Olivia swallowed. She couldn't think of anything she wanted to do more than spend more time with Fitz. She couldn't say no.
"We'll have to stop by place so I can pick up a few items."
"As long as it doesn't take too long," he said and kissed her nose.
"Fine." She pushed him away, trying to keep from smiling. "I've got to go."
Fitz stood at the bedroom door. "After you."
X
As promised, Fitz was waiting to pick her up after work that evening. Olivia laughed out loud at the baseball cap pulled low over his head, and the dark aviators. She wasn't sure if anyone else recognized him, but she certainly did.
"Hi, Livvie," he said, taking her purse and attaché.
Olivia kissed him, realizing how happy she was to see him. She could get used to this.
"Hi, yourself." She smiled as he assisted her onto the passenger seat.
Seconds later Fitz slid behind the wheel and closed the door.
"Ready?"
"Yes."
He pulled away and eased into traffic. "How was work today?"
"Busy…and interesting. The office is still abuzz with talk about your visit. Everyone wanted to know how long we've been friends."
Fitz glanced at her. "And I'm sure you told them all that you do not discuss your personal life."
Olivia leaned over and kissed his cheek. "You know me well, babe. Although the U.S. Attorney gave me two jerseys for you to sign. I couldn't say no. You don't mind, do you?"
"Of course not."
Olivia relaxed in her seat as they made their way to her condo. It took her a few minutes to pack enough for the remainder of the week. When she finished, Fitz grabbed her suit and dress bags and threw them over one arm, and took the handle of her Bric bag.
"Got everything you need?" he asked.
Olivia nodded. "I think so."
"Good. Because for the next few days, you're all mine."
X
In the weeks leading up to training camp, Fitz and Olivia spent all of their free time together. He continued to take her to work, and pick her up. It didn't matter if they were in Great Falls or at her condo in D.C. The time between them was beyond anything they could've ever imagined. It was easy and fun, and they were growing more in tune with each other's moods and needs.
They'd both fallen, hard, and there was no way they could deny it, and no turning back.
X
One month later…
Fitz stood in his game room, drinking a beer. He'd already beaten Dre in two games of pool, but his friend refused to end on a losing streak. He racked the balls and stood at the foot of the table to break. Nick Wolfe, who'd recently signed with the Team from the Bears, and Atticus Paul, whom he hadn't seen since the pool party, sat at the bar, watching.
Fitz's mind had drifted back to what he and Olivia had done right there on the red felt tabletop. It was a memory he didn't think he'd ever forget.
"Fitz?"
He heard Dre's voice.
"Yeah?"
"That's stripes," he said, looking at his friend with a knowing smile.
The guys had called over an hour ago to say they were on their way. They wanted to come over and hang out with him and wouldn't take no for an answer. Lucky for them Joey had threatened to end her friendship with Olivia if they didn't at least have dinner. Since Olivia wasn't working out regularly anymore, they didn't get to see each other as often. Olivia was staying in D.C. after dinner. Of course Fitz had offered to pick her up when dinner was over but Olivia wouldn't hear of it. One night away from each other wouldn't kill them. He'd laughed and told her to speak for herself. That was the only reason he was currently entertaining these three.
"I'm surprised you had time for us today. Catching up with you the past couple of months has been next to impossible," Atticus said.
"You noticed that too?" Nick asked. "Aside from crossing paths at the practice facility, Fitz has been MIA."
"I think you guys are exaggerating," Fitz said, wondering why he was defending himself. "I've been around."
He knew they somewhat had a point. Ever since Sunday dinner at her parent's almost two months ago, he and Olivia had practically been inseparable.
Nick and Atticus glanced at each other, and Atticus decided to put him to the test.
"You weren't at J.J.s birthday party three weeks ago.
Atticus was right. The Foursome: Fitz, Olivia, Julian and Joey had spent the entire day in Virginia wine country. He would do it all over again just to see Olivia as happy as she was that day.
"Don't forget about Woody's new sports bar opening. I think the planner almost had a heart attack when she found out the starting quarterback for the Football Team wasn't going to attend."
The invitation came and Fitz had planned to go and show his support for his former teammate's new business venture. When he found out Olivia had never been to a Nationals game, he made a phone call and the next day they received tickets, jerseys and caps, compliments of the team. It was also Fitz and Olivia's coming out as a couple, sort of. This did not make her happy. She needed Fitz to understand that her life was private and her need to stay out of the spotlight.
When they arrived, he was immediately recognized and they were overwhelmed by reporters, photographers and fans, who surrounded Fitz. Olivia managed to remove herself from the crowd while he signed autographs, took selfies and answered questions.
Fitz's fame made his life a bit more complicated. As a public figure he had to put up with being stalked by paparazzi shoving cameras in his face. He always had to protect his personal space from the crazed or demented people with ulterior motives. That wasn't the life she wanted.
Security finally dispersed the crowd and Fitz frantically searched for Olivia. He finally saw her. She was standing several feet away…alone. Dressed in her Nationals jersey, baseball cap and jeans, she looked like a teenager. Their gazes met and he smiled as he walked toward her. Taking her hand, they walked with security to their seats, just behind home plate.
Olivia knew absolutely nothing baseball and Fitz was more than happy to explain the game to her. And, being the good student she always was, she listened intently as he gave her the background. By the seventh inning stretch, she'd eaten her weight in popcorn and peanuts, and drank a few cups of cheap wine.
She was surprised when Fitz leaned over and covered her mouth with his in a lingering kiss, and she didn't think anything about it until she heard the loud cheers from the fans. Looking around she saw their images on the kiss cam. Olivia sat transfixed when Fitz's name was announced and he removed his hat and waved at the crowd. Their images lingered on the big screen when he sat, draped an arm around her shoulders and kissed her again. It was at that moment that the entire world found out about her relationship with Fitzgerald Grant. The talk surrounding her and Fitz had died down in her office and things had returned to normal. It would only take one public appearance together to get tongues wagging again, and there was an image frozen in time for prosperity, to prove it.
Olivia was tipsy from the cheap wine but she wasn't tipsy enough to forget what happened earlier at the game.
That evening, Fitz sat in bed, watching Olivia pace back and forth. She was thinking. He'd learned that she paced in circles when something was wrong, and back and forth when she was thinking.
"Are you coming to bed, or do you intend to walk a hole in the floor?"
She stopped pacing, and glared at him. "I can't believe they ran that footage on the late news for the world to see."
"It was just a kiss, Livvie. Why are you acting as if it was something more risqué?" He grinned at her. "Besides, you're hardly recognizable."
"My colleagues are sports fans, Fitz. Some of them were definitely watching; hell, some were probably at the game. What will they be talking about on Monday?"
"Livvie, what are you talking about? Your co-workers have some idea that we're dating."
"That's just it, Fitz. They didn't know anything for sure, until now."
"They probably think we're just good friends."
"Please don't try and minimize it."
"I'm not doing that. I just think they already know something's going on with us."
Olivia shook her head. "I've worked too hard the last seven years to earn a reputation outside my father's shadow, in order to be taken seriously. You have no idea how tough it's been."
"Livvie, I think your reaction is way over the top here."
Olivia stopped pacing. "Don't you see? In one night my credibility has been possibly destroyed by making me the center of some kissing game. They'll see me as soft. It's hard to get respect in a profession dominated by men. They'll probably think I'm a joke."
"I don't give a damn what anyone thinks. You know what you are and I know who you are."
She looked at him and began pacing again, and Fitz realized that she truly believed what she was saying.
He patted the bed next to him. "Come here, baby. There's always a solution to every problem." He smiled when she climbed in bed beside him. He pulled her close until she lay over his chest. "I'm sorry, Livvie. I didn't think something that felt so right could cause you this much angst. I'll get my team on it, and they'll give us some options. They can spin anything."
Olivia nodded absently. The last thing she wanted was to become fodder for celebrity gossip. The lies, rumors and innuendos were a lot to take.
"But if there's any talk about us, and we're asked for a comment, we won't confirm or deny anything. If there are rumors about our relationship, we won't refute them because we don't talk about our personal relationship. Whatever the media or anyone else has to say didn't come from us, and obviously isn't true. So we won't engage with that at all."
Fitz hugged her closer and kissed her forehead. He understood her need for discretion, even if he didn't share it. Over the past eleven years, he'd become immune to the media's scrutiny of his love life. According to gossip sites and tabloids, the woman in line in front of him at the wine shop last week was his latest girlfriend. A photographer happened to be in the store at the same time and apparently that was all some people needed to make it the gospel truth. People made assumptions all the time. Olivia had been one of those people, so she should've understood.
Olivia pondered Fitz's explanation. "You're taking all of this in stride."
"Livvie, I'm a public figure and I've gotten used to having everything I do scrutinized and scrubbed for public consumption, over the years. But since you're not, I'm going to have to be more cognizant of my actions."
She kissed his chin. "Thank you, babe."
"Anything for you, Livvie."
Olivia had been worried for naught. There wasn't a lot of media attention regarding their relationship, thanks to Fitz's team. And their relationship was stronger for having weathered that first storm.
Last weekend Fitz had missed a charity game when he'd taken Olivia to a horse farm that belonged to one of the Football Team executives. He knew that she'd taken equestrian riding lessons as a little girl, until she was thrown from a horse and had refused to get back on. She'd bravely climbed up onto a horse for the first time in twenty-three years, and together they'd slowly ridden the trails most of the day. When they left the farm, Fitz suggested spending the night at a local bed and breakfast. The next morning, he'd teased her mercilessly because she could barely walk. Laughing along with him, she finally forgave him after he soaked with her in the hot tub and gave her the most erotic massage she'd ever had, complete with a happy ending.
"What about the…"
"Okay," Fitz said throwing up his hands. "You've made your point."
"Leave the man alone," Dre said, hitting his ball in a corner pocket. "You know how it is when you fall in love."
"What?" the men said in unison.
"Say it ain't so," Nick said dramatically.
"Not you," Atticus said. "You've been my hero. Don't fail me now."
"Fail you?" Fitz frowned.
"I'm only three years into my career," Atticus said. "You're going into your eleventh. During that time, you've managed to stay away the scandals, have a great career and win the big games. I think part of that is because your mind has always been focused on one thing: Your one love, football. What's going to happen this year when you have to divide your focus?"
"I have to agree with Cus," Nick said. "I tried for years to make my relationship with Charmaine work. We loved each other but we just couldn't hold it together."
"You've been spending all this time with your girlfriend, but what happens when training camp begins in a few weeks?" Atticus asked.
Dre looked at Fitz, interested in hearing his response. He was glad he finally had a wife, but he couldn't help but have the same concerns as the other guys in the room. He liked Olivia and didn't want to see her hurt because of Fitz's focus.
"Nothing happens," Fitz said. "We'll adjust."
Dre heard his friend but he wasn't too sure that Fitz understood how challenging that was going to be. This could possibly be his final season and his last shot at winning a Super Bowl. Was this the right time to think about love and commitment?"
"Maybe you should cool things down with her until after the season."
Fitz flinched. Unable to believe one of his closest friends wouldn't have his back. He stared at him for several seconds but Dre wouldn't look his way. He smelled a set-up. He'd heard about this from other players over the years. Coaches convincing players to put off getting married and having children, all for the love of the game. Was that what this little impromptu visit was all about?"
"Thanks for the advice guys, but I think I can handle this."
Fitz's tone caused the men to grow quiet.
"Fitz," Atticus began, "all we're saying is that we need you one hundred percent this season."
"And you will get one hundred percent."
The conversation was beginning to annoy Fitz and he wanted to tell them to mind their own damn business.
"My personal life is not up for discussion."
"We just want you to think about…"
"End. Of. Discussion," Fitz said to Nick through clenched teeth.
"Cool," Dre said. "Your shot."
Fitz's cell phone rang and removed it from his pocket. Looking at the screen he turned to the others. "Excuse me, I have to take this," and he left the room.
Ten minutes later, Fitz returned. "Any doubts that I had about this season, and the team winning it all, vanished with that call."
"What are you talking about?" Nick asked.
"That was Coach Fauci. He wanted to give me a heads-up. No one knows about this."
The men nodded in agreement.
"Looks like a trade is going to be made, and we're getting Malcolm La Blue."
After a round of loud cheers and high fives, Fitz sat at the bar. "He led the Lions in receptions the past two seasons and he has incredible speed. With my arm and his hands, I see no reason why we won't be in Miami in February, hoisting that Lombardi trophy."
For the first time since the guys arrived, they all agreed on something, and Fitz felt better about his and Olivia's relationship making it through the season.