Hey everybody, y'all all right? Things are good here. It's been almost three weeks since I've updated AWS, but since I posted two chapters, I figured I'd earned a break. Thank you all for being so patient and supportive. I love all the feedback I've been getting from this story. Your reviews and PMs are always welcome, and I love reading them. Nezy Q, your heartfelt and positive PMs let me know that I'm doing something right. So keep 'em coming y'all.
And then there's this. I typically ignore these types reviews but this one pissed me off. I started out updating this story weekly, sometimes with more than one chapter. It's only been two and a half weeks since the last update, and this is the review you leave? What an ungrateful wretch. I will continue to update at my own pace until the story is complete. And if you don't have anything nice to say, don't leave a review at all. Please. Nobody needs your negative energy. Especially now.
From: Guest
Update please, if not oh well, we use to it
So, Fitz and Olivia are growing closer, but will it last? Read and see.
Enjoy,
TBOT
Also, mask up!
Two weeks later…
Fitz and Olivia walked arm in arm through the tunnel underneath FedEx Field toward the green grass of the playing field. They'd spent the last two hours touring the facilities and he'd saved this part for last.
The idea for a tour came from Olivia. She'd reasoned that he'd come to see her in action, in her element and it was only fair that she return the favor. He was initially surprised, but then became excited and scheduled a tour for the two of them. They'd started with the team owner's offices and private suites overlooking the field, before working their way down to the media room and the cavernous locker room with about eighty identical cubbyholes made of a beautiful solid oak. She was able to see Fitz's custom locker. There wasn't a nameplate above it yet, but it had been his spot for ten years. They left the locker room and took the same walk to the field that the players take on game day.
Fitz stood at the edge of the well-maintained field, leaning against the wall of the same tunnel he'd run through dozens of times over his ten year career. He watched Olivia stand there and then turn in a slow circle, marveling at the sheer size from the place. On any given Sunday, over eighty thousand fans filled those seats.
He knew he was lucky. Millions of young boys dreamed of playing in the NFL and only a few ever got the chance to experience that reality. He'd never taken this gift for granted, but not once had he approached the football field with such admiration. The way Olivia was doing now.
She walked farther onto the neatly trimmed deep green grass, and took in the tens of thousands of empty burgundy and gold seats, and smiled at him.
"This is so cool," she said.
Fitz stood from the wall and joined her on the field. He looked around the stadium, trying to see it for the first time, through her eyes.
"It is awesome, isn't it?" he agreed.
"What's it like to play here?" she asked. "I can only imagine how loud the crowd is from down here. To have all those fans cheering and screaming." She sighed. "I know I'm going to have to get used to you running up and down the field and away from two and three hundred pound lineman, and it scares me to death. But I also know that you love it."
Fitz pulled her into his arms and gazed down into her beautiful face. "It's what I do." He kissed her forehead. "Once I'm on the field, I'm locked in with my eyes on the end zone. I trust my line to protect me and keep me safe."
"Well I'm not there yet, but if you trust them, so do I."
"I do, babe."
"So, what's your best memory of being on this field?"
Fitz smiled, looking around. "The best ever was my first playoff game, my second season in the league," he said, answering her question. "This place was electric. I'd been to bowl games in college, but I don't think anything will ever compare to running through the tunnel before that first playoff game. I just remember the loud noise and the fog from the smoke machines."
Olivia smiled at him. "It sounds amazing."
Fitz nodded. "It was."
He hugged her from behind again they stood silently staring at the huge open-air structure. "I wanted you to see how the field looks from this level. Of course on game day there are hundreds of people, hustle and bustle and a lot of noise," he said. "It's a completely different feeling down here."
Releasing her, he took her hand and they walked toward the logo at the center of the field. Fitz pulled out his phone and took a few photos of Olivia as she posed for him in her newly acquired Football Team fitted tee. They also took a selfie with him hugging her from behind. When they finished, they walked toward the home team's sideline. Fitz jogged ahead of her and picked up a lone football sitting on the ground. He softly tossed it to her and was genuinely surprised when she caught it.
"What? Did you think I wouldn't catch it?" she asked, laughing at the look on his face.
He shook his head. "I definitely wasn't expecting it."
"Babe, I have an older brother who played pick-up games with his friends and sometimes he allowed me to tag along when they played in the neighborhood. I also dated a football player at Morehouse when I was in college. Joey and I both did. She was actually a Morehouse cheerleader, but that's where I drew the line. I had no interest."
Fitz laughed. "Well, let me see what you've got."
Olivia questioned him with an arched a brow. "You want to play football?"
Fitz shrugged and smiled. "It's what I do." He clapped his hands together and held them out to her. "Come on, Livvie. Unless you're afraid of breaking a nail or something," he teased.
Olivia chuckled. She could never say no to a challenge. Against her better judgment, she tossed the ball back to Fitz. He pointed in the direction he wanted her run. She jogged a few yards away, and then stopped.
"Ready?" he asked.
She nodded.
He lightly tossed the ball and she caught it.
"You throw like a girl," Olivia taunted, unable to stop laughing.
"Because I'm throwing to a girl."
"Whatever, Grant," she said rolling her eyes, and then took off toward Fitz who waited for her, crouched like a defender, with a big smile on his gorgeous face.
Olivia tried to run around him, but he caught her from behind, wrapping his arms around her waist.
"Hey!" she said. "I thought we were playing touch football?"
"Exactly," he whispered near her ear. He turned her around and removed the ball, tossing it aside. Lowering his head, he softly kissed her lips, keeping it chaste, certain that they were being watched.
"You love this, don't you?" she asked.
Fitz nodded. "Yes. For a long time, it was the only thing that made me feel alive. And then you came into my life, Livvie." He looked into her beautiful eyes. "You're so real…and honest, and you've been that way since the first day we met. You speak your mind, not just what I want or need to hear."
She reached up and caressed his jaw. "You do the same for me."
Fitz turned his head and kissed her palm. "Now that you're in my life, you've shown me yet again what being alive really means. You make me so complete."
Olivia swallowed, but didn't take her eyes away from his.
"I love you, Olivia Carolyn Pope." He felt her stiffen and watched her mouth move without words as if she couldn't find them. "You don't have to say anything, Livvie, but yes, I do. I'm in love with you."
She gasped softly and her body started to quiver in his arms.
He smiled. "You're not supposed to cry when a man tells you he loves you."
She wrapped herself around him as she pressed her face to his chest, hugging him tightly.
Tilting her chin, he didn't care who was watching, he kissed her. Slowly. Deeply. Hoping she felt the power and the truth of his words.
Olivia was too shocked to respond, and grateful that he'd given her an out. She loved him, but she needed more time before she could say it. She also needed time to think about what his admission meant for them. She knew he was good to and for her, and he'd told her he wanted her to have his children.
Fitz smiled down at Olivia, and she returned it. Even if she couldn't yet say the words, he knew she loved him. It was okay. He would say them for her, every day, until she could. He pressed his forehead to hers, holding her tight.
"You ready to go?"
She could only nod.
Fitz quickly kissed her forehead, turned and squatted in front of her. She climbed up on his back and wrapped her legs around his waist and wrapped her arms around his neck, laying her head on his broad shoulder. He jogged toward the tunnel with Olivia on his back, loving the sound of her carefree laughter.
X
Wednesday…
Olivia tapped her access code into the keypad at Fitz's gate, and waited for the large black iron gates to open. Once they did, she drove down the long driveway toward the house. It was Wednesday and she'd happily left her office early to come to Great Falls. They were preparing dinner and spending the rest of the evening together.
With training camp beginning in a little over a week, their world would be turned upside down. Not only would they be apart more, he'd already tried to prepare her for the amount of focus it was going to take to get the job done. They'd talked at length, and every possible scenario hand been thought of and a solution solving it had been planned. But they both knew all of the talking was probably a waste of time. There was no way she could know what it was going to be like for the next eight months until she experienced it.
Pulling into the circular drive, she noticed a few extra cars. Exiting her vehicle, she walked toward the steps, wondering what was going on. The door swung open just as she reached it, and the smile on her face quickly disappeared when she realized the man standing before her wasn't Fitz. She recognized him immediately.
His gaze took in her body, up and down. "What? You're not happy to see me?"
The humor was lost on Olivia and she walked past him, into the foyer toward the great room, without saying a word.
"It's rude to walk into a man's home and not speak."
"Where's Fitz?"
He looked closer at the beautiful woman. She looked familiar. The hair was different and she was dressed casually.
"Have we met before?"
"Unfortunately."
"Hey, baby," Fitz said, walking into the room, toward her. Ignoring the other man, he wrapped his arms around her and kissed her deeply on the lips. "I missed you," he said, when he finally broke the kiss.
She chuckled, reaching out and wiping the lipstick from his lips with her fingers, and he kissed them as she wiped the lipstick away. "We just spent the entire weekend together."
The other gentleman cleared his throat, taking Fitz's attention away from Olivia. "Livvie, I'd like you to meet…"
"Malcolm La Blue," she said, finishing the introduction.
At Malcolm's confused look, she clarified. "You propositioned me at the pool party a few months ago. You didn't make a great first impression, and your second isn't much better."
"Oh, yeah," Malcolm said, not at all offended by her words. "You were the pretty lady with the attitude."
"Excuse me," Olivia said, stepping closer to Malcolm. "I don't have…"
"Livvie, baby," Fitz interrupted, knowing where this conversation was headed. "Malcolm's going to be playing for the Football Team this season."
"That's right," he said, holding up his hands. "With these hands and your man's arm, we're going to Miami, and we're winning it all!"
Olivia relaxed a little. Anything that would help Fitz reach his goal was okay with her. She just hated that it came in the package of Malcolm La Blue.
"That's great news." She kissed Fitz's cheek, genuinely happy for him.
"I was just trying to convince Fitz to join us for a little celebration at Woody's."
Fitz looked at Olivia. "Malcolm signed today and some of the other team members are taking him out to welcome him to the team, and the city."
"It's a tradition for the new guy to get to know his new teammates. But Fitz says he has other plans. I guess that must be you."
Olivia didn't appreciate his tone, or the fact that he obviously thought she wasn't as important as a night out with the guys.
"Malcolm, could you excuse us please?"
Malcolm looked at them both before leaving the room and walking to the stairs leading to the game room, where the other guys were hanging out.
Olivia took Fitz's hand and looked up at him. "I don't like him."
"I know."
"But, I also don't want to be the person responsible for breaking team tradition."
Fitz chuckled, squeezing her hand. "Don't let Malcolm fool you. It's not that serious. Those guys are going to Woody's whether I'm with them or not."
"Well, I want you to know that it's okay with me if you want to go. We both have lives outside of each other." She spoke those words with honesty and truth. "Hang out with the hands that will be taking you to Miami, and I'll see you later this week."
Fitz laughed at her repeating Malcolm's words, sliding his arms around his waist. "I've got a better idea. We're going to Woody's for a few hours and then I'm coming home. Instead of driving back to D.C., why don't you stay here?"
"You want me to wait for you?"
Fitz nodded. "In my bed."
"Fitz, I don't think…" she wasn't sure if she was comfortable being alone in his home.
"I really want to be with you tonight, Livvie, as we planned. But if I have to choose, you will always win. This is how I can have it both ways."
"That's selfish. You're trying to have your cake and eat it, too."
"No, because I'll stay with you."
Olivia shook her head. "Go. Hang out with your teammates."
Fitz leaned down and kissed her lips.
"All right, Fitz, what's it going to be man?" Malcolm asked as he, Nick, Atticus and Dre walked into the room. "We're ready to go."
"I'll be here when you get home," she said as they walked behind the guys, to the front door.
Fitz nodded, smiling at his girlfriend. He kissed her one last time. "Love you, Livvie.
Joining the guys at the door, he said, "Let's hit it."
Olivia stood at the door as they headed out. Dre stopped in front of her. "Don't worry, he's too in love with you to do anything stupid."
She smiled. "Thanks Dre."
X
A few hours later, Olivia sat in the sitting room off Fitz's bedroom. She'd gone into the kitchen and made herself a chicken and arugula salad for dinner. Fortunately, Bert kept a well stocked kitchen. When she finished, she went out to her car and grabbed her briefcase, with plans to read over a few case files while she waited for Fitz to come home.
Later, she switched the television to the local news, occasionally paying attention to what they were reporting. Her attention remained on the broadcast when they moved on to the sports segment.
The city is fired up since the Football Team signed Malcolm La Blue earlier today. The third year receiver led the Lions in receptions the past two seasons, and is just what the Team needs to finally get them past the NFC Championship and to the Super Bowl. WTOP's Ebony Lewis caught up with the Team's newly acquired receiver along with quarterback, Fitz Grant, at a little welcome celebration at Woody's: Inside The Red Zone in Ashburn, earlier this evening.
Olivia concentrated on Fitz as he stood next to the reporter.
"Fitz, what does the acquisition of Malcolm La Blue mean for team's playoff and Super Bowl chances?"
"Well, we've been looking for the missing puzzle piece and I think Malcolm joining our receiving corps will be that piece. He's the complete-package wide receiver, who adds another dangerous element to our already loaded offense. There will be an adjustment period for him to get acquainted with the offensive game plan and his new teammates, but there's also an opportunity for him to be the game-changing x-factor that puts us over the top. The real and hard work begins twelve days from now in training camp.
She sat smiling as she listened to Fitz. He wanted to win it all so badly, and if tolerating Malcolm La Blue would help him, she would do that too.
"Let's see if we can get a comment from the man of the hour."
The camera cut to the large banquette where Malcolm appeared to be holding court. Surrounded by Fitz, Dre, Nick Atticus and, a few women who'd apparently made themselves quite comfortable at the table as well.
"Malcolm, you signed with the Football Team today. How does it feel to be on a team that was one game away from the Super Bowl last season, and possibly be the piece they need to go all the way?"
Olivia tuned Malcolm out, focusing on the background, and Fitz. The woman sitting next to him was practically on his lap, and leaning in so close, Olivia thought she was going to kiss him. She watched as the woman ran her fingers up his arm. She sat studying the screen with an intensity that shocked her; so intent to see Fitz's response to her blatant flirting. Then it hit her. She knew that woman. It was Miss "Fitz gave me a private tour," from the pool party.
How could he? Having seen enough, Olivia grabbed the remote and powered off the television. Well, so much for a night out with the guys. Standing, she gathered her files, packing them into her briefcase before gathering the rest of her things and heading home.
X
Fitz had just completed an interview with a local news station, and had returned to his seat at the banquette in the reserved area of the VIP section of Woody's bar.
"You're a natural," Dana purred, running her fingers up his arm. "The media has always loved you."
He didn't respond, and lifted his wrist, checking the time. It was after eleven. They'd eaten several appetizers, had a few drinks and talked shop most of the night. He wasn't surprised when Dana and a few groupies showed up. They always managed found out where a group of professional athletes were hanging out. He was annoyed when she squeezed into the booth next to him. She'd kept the conversation all business but the way she was currently hugged up next to him, with the cameras rolling, pissed him off. It was late and he was ready to get home to his love. Draining his beer, he turned to Dana.
"I'm going to leave now. It was good seeing you again, Dana."
Dana pouted. "Do you have to go?"
Fitz nodded. "Yes. This was supposed to be a small gathering but it's turned into a party, and I'm not interested."
"Oh, that's too bad." Her hand moved from his knee and dragged up his thigh.
Fitz grabbed her wrist, and looked at the woman. "Dana, what is it you're after?"
"You."
He exhaled deeply. What did this lady not understand?
"Dana, I've always tried to keep our relationship professional, trying to make our working situation comfortable for both of us. I've also told you repeatedly, that I'm not interested in dating you."
Their conversation caught the attention of Dre and Nick, who were sitting across from Fitz. They gave each other a look, and then focused on their friend, who was obviously irritated with the woman sitting next to him.
"Because you're dating Olivia Pope?" she asked. Dana remembered the woman from his pool party, and from Fitz kissing her at a Nationals game. She was pretty enough, but she wasn't her.
Fitz could see the envy in her eyes as she looked at him. He ignored her question.
Dana leaned in closer. "But what I know, that you don't, is it will never work. Now me, I'd be a step up, if you'd just give me a chance."
Fitz frowned and his eyes filled with anger. "Don't you ever disrespect Olivia again. As a matter of fact, keep her name out of your mouth. Period. Do you understand?" He said through clenched teeth. "Now, I'm ready leave. Would you please move so I can stand?"
Stunned, Dana slowly stood so Fitz could slide from the booth. Reaching into his pocket, he dropped a few large bills on the table. Saying goodbye to his friends, he turned to leave. He wasn't surprised when Dana tried again.
"Or what, Fitz?"
Fitz spun around and walked back to her. Leaning down, he looked into her eyes. Not caring who heard him, he spoke. "You don't want to fuck with me." Straightening, he walked away, without looking back.
"Goodnight, Dana."
X
Olivia left Great Falls with her mind racing and her temper dialed up to H-O-T. She was mad as hell and her feelings were hurt by that little scene she'd witnessed on television. She would have to get her mind right before she saw or spoke to Fitzgerald Grant again.
She called Joey on her drive back to D.C. "I don't think it's going to work out with me and Fitz," she said as soon as her friend answered.
"What?" Joey responded sleepily.
"I knew dating him wasn't a good idea."
"Hold on, Liv." She could hear her mumbling, probably to Julian, and then she returned to the phone.
"Okay, Liv. What happened?"
Olivia explained everything that happened from the moment she'd arrived at Fitz's home to the moment she left in a huff.
"And you saw this on television?"
"Yes. On the eleven o' clock news. And so did everybody else in the DMV."
"Did he return her flirting?" Joey asked.
"Not that I could see, but that doesn't mean he wasn't enjoying it."
"So you assumed he was enjoying this woman's attention, and you left without at least hearing an explanation."
"Whose side are you on?"
"Liv, I'm not taking sides. Just trying to listen to everything you're telling me."
"I know what I saw, Jo."
"Or what you thought you saw, Liv. I find it hard to believe that Fitz would flirt with a woman on television, for everyone, including you, to see. You have tried, convicted and sentenced that man without even hearing his explanation. You need to ask him what was going on, you owe him that. Knowing the way Fitz feels about you, I don't think he wanted that woman's attention. Just hear what he has to say."
"And then I can chew his head off," Olivia said.
"Right," Joey laughed. "Now you're sounding like yourself."
They both laughed at Joey's comment.
"I want to trust him, Jo. I mean, I do trust him. But we can't have a relationship with doubts; and I already miss and want to see him so badly right now. It hurts."
"Oh, Liv, you're in love."
At Joey's astute observation, Olivia's breath caught. Was it that obvious? First her mother, and now Joey.
Olivia chuckled wryly. "There's a reason I've always avoided getting too close to a man and falling in love" she said. "I'm beginning to think being a workaholic was much more fulfilling and definitely less painful."
Joey lightly chuckled. "In the short run, maybe, but in the long run, love wins out every time."
"So a few small frustrations are worth a good man?"
"Yes, because in time, your man will have to deal with frustrations from you, too. And we both know Fitz has already had to deal with a lot."
"Ha, ha, not funny at all. I guess it would be a little vindictive to say I intend to make sure Fitz suffers for what I'm going through right now."
"You don't mean that. If he were to show up at your place later, all would be forgiven, and you two would be in a hurry to make-up. That's what lover's do."
Olivia didn't respond because she knew what Joey said was true. But first she needed some answers.
When Olivia remained silent, Joey continued. "Get out of your head, Liv. He's not that guy. You're worrying about something you aren't sure even happened. Fitz loves you. And trust, any woman can be loved by a man, but to be loved by the right man is a different story entirely. And the right man has fallen for you. So let go of your fears, girl. Let them go."
"You have all of the answers tonight, don't you?" Olivia said to Joey.
To keep the mood light and playful, Joey joked, "Yes, as a matter of fact, I do!"
They laughed again.
"Tell you what, Liv. Rather than worry about what you think you saw, or go to bed angry, take a nice hot shower and get some sleep. By tomorrow, you will have calmed down. Talk to Fitz and get some answers, and all will be right in Olitz world."
Olivia laughed at the silly name Joey had given her and Fitz.
"We can't have half of the Fearless Foursome on the outs. Besides, you and Fitz make a beautiful couple. You should see the way he looks at you. It makes my heart skip a beat, and I have a man!"
Olivia had pulled into her assigned parking space and sat listening to her best friend. After promising Joey that she wouldn't overthink what she saw, they exchanged goodbyes, she exited her vehicle, and headed upstairs to her condo, doing exactly what she promised Joey she wouldn't do: thinking about Fitz, and that woman.
X
Olivia took Joey's advice and wasted no time in getting out of her clothes and into a hot shower. She scrubbed every inch of her body with a loofah, while also trying to get her thoughts together. When she finally exited the shower, her skin was tingling. Feeling like the world's biggest fool, she slathered on Annick Goutal Eau d'Hadrien body cream and lotion all over her body before slipping on a white, silk nightshirt with black piping.
If Fitz was interested in that bleached blonde, he should've stayed in that lane and left her alone. It was at that moment that Olivia realized that the woman's ethnicity was at the root of her anger. Sighing she left her bedroom and walked to the kitchen. She knew it was too late but she poured herself a large glass of wine and took a huge gulp, and then two more. It was just what she needed. If she was going to be miserable all night, there was no reason that she needed to be sober. Topping off the glass once more, she walked back to her bedroom and climbed into bed. Taking another huge gulp, she closed her eyes and waited for sleep to come.
X
Olivia heard the doorbell and sleepily sat up in bed, wondering if it was her imagination. Her brain was a little foggy from the wine she'd drunk earlier. When she heard the doorbell again, she knew she wasn't dreaming, and didn't have to guess who it was. He must have gotten home, found her note, and found his bed empty. Several unanswered calls and text messages later, he was at her door. Did she sleep through the guard's intercom call? Then she remembered, he was on her guest list, so they didn't need to call. What time was it anyway? She picked up her phone. It was almost two in the morning. She then pulled up her security camera and saw Fitz standing at the front door.
When it became apparent that he wasn't going away, she crawled across the bed, not bothering to put on a robe, and headed for the front door. Out of habit, she peeked through the fisheye before swinging the door open.
"Are you crazy?" she asked in a hushed tone. "It's almost two in the morning. You're going to wake the neighbors."
"I don't give a damn about the neighbors, Olivia. Why did you leave?"
Stepping aside, she allowed him to enter before closing and locking the door.
Olivia was surprised to see that he looked as bad as she felt. He'd obviously taken a shower because he'd changed clothes and his hair was damp. She could also see the signs of dark stubble beginning to grow in along his jawline, and he had an expression on his face that she'd never seen before; he looked tired and furious."
"Didn't you get my note?" she asked tersely.
"You mean those three words, 'I'm going home.' What the hell does that mean?"
Olivia heard the confusion and frustration in his voice but that didn't erase the image in her mind of that woman all over him. She crossed her arms over her chest. "It means just what it said."
Fitz took a deep breath. "This conversation is going in circles. I thought you said you would wait for me."
"And I thought you said you were just going out with your teammates to welcome the new player."
"I did."
"Then why was that woman all over you?"
"Woman?" he asked confused.
"Come on, Fitz." Was this his modus operandi for relationships? Is that why he couldn't figure out why she was so upset? "I saw the news tonight and there you were, all hugged up with Miss 'Fitz gave me a private tour,' from your pool party."
Fitz remained quiet, but his eyes widened in recognition.
"Do you remember her now?"
He exhaled. "Is that what this is about? Why you left? Why we're standing in your foyer arguing?"
"Oh, I'm sorry," she said stepping closer to him. "I thought I meant something to you, and that you loved me."
"Olivia, please calm down."
"Don't you dare tell me what to do. If this is what life will be like now that the season is about to start, let's end this right now. I don't want this life. You seem to do one thing in public and then come home to me when the cameras are off." She shook her head. "Forget it. I have too much pride and self-respect to let you…"
Olivia's eyes grew wide when Fitz's lips covered hers. Her first instinct was to pull away, but her body wasn't listening to her brain. Instead, she moved closer to him, allowing him to awaken her, sexually.
Finally, he ended the kiss. "That's still the only way I can get a word in."
Olivia stared at him before she turned away. With her back to Fitz, she gave herself a pep talk. She would be strong, and it would definitely hurt, but she wouldn't allow him to disrespect her. If he still wanted the celebrity lifestyle, then she would have to let him go. But just the thought of doing so made her sick to her stomach.
"I came here tonight because I wanted to make sure that you were okay, since you wouldn't answer my calls or texts. I hope you weren't embarrassed or hurt by what you saw. You weren't, were you?"
Olivia turned to face him. "Yes, I was," she said bluntly. Fitz's look of disappointment was hard for her to take, but Olivia was determined to get all her feelings out in the open.
"How would you have felt if you'd seen some man flirting and pushing up on me, for all the world to see? Would you have liked that?"
"Hell no," Fitz answered frankly. "You probably realized by now that I can be pretty possessive. What's mine is mine, and I have no intentions of sharing you with anyone else. Ever."
Olivia wanted to throw her arms around him like they were in some rom-com, but this was the real world and she couldn't allow herself to get swept up in the moment. She forced herself not to fall into his arms, instead crossing her arms to keep her hands to herself.
"That sounded really sweet and sincere, Fitz, but you should have a pretty good idea of how hurtful it was seeing some blonde hanging all over you on television."
"You're right. You saw Dana all over me while the camera crew was taping. I've always known she had a thing for me, and she's usually kept things professional. I've also made myself perfectly clear that nothing was going to happen between the two of us."
Hearing those words didn't make Olivia feel any better. She shook her head. "It's best to do this now, before the season starts."
"Do what?"
Olivia exhaled deeply. "Call this off."
Fitz was silent was a full minute before reaching out and raising her chin with his fingers. "I made it very clear to Dana that I was not interested. The only woman I want is you, Livvie."
Olivia scoffed. "I can see that what you said to her went over well," she said. "She practically tongued you on television, Fitz."
"Livvie, that's Media Training 101."
"What?"
"That's what you saw."
She gave him a look of confusion, so he explained.
"When the cameras are rolling, my job is to present myself and the Football Team in the best possible light. Dana knows that. When Malcolm was being interviewed, she knew we could be seen on camera and that I wouldn't cause a scene while they were filming. The minute the camera stopped rolling, she got an earful and I left not long after that."
Olivia remained silent. She so wanted to believe him.
"The bigger issue here, Livvie, is after all we've been through, how could you believe what you thought you saw?" He was clearly hurt, which annoyed her. "I thought I'd proved myself to you, shown you that I'm a man who is worthy of your trust. I've also shown you my heart and tried to prove that what we have is real, all because I love you." He kissed her gently on her temple and then pulled out his phone and began scrolling through his contacts.
"Who are you calling?"
"Dre, and then Nick. They both heard me tell Dana to leave me alone, and that I wasn't interested in her. I will call them both so you can hear it from them."
All of the anger, frustration and hurt that had built up inside her the last few hours were slowly dissipating.
"I'm sorry."
Before she could say anything else, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her again, softly on her lips. Wrapping his arms tightly around her, he sighed and rested his chin on her head.
"Things are going to get crazy in the next few weeks, Livvie. I need you to talk to me, not run away. Between the media, social media, newspapers and magazines, you're going to see, hear and read a lot. But I need to know that you'll always come to me for answers, and not jump to conclusions."
It was the same request he'd been making from the day they met. "I will."
"Good. You have to trust me. Either you have faith in me or you don't. I love you. Don't ever doubt my feelings for you."
She hugged him tightly. "I'm sorry, Fitz. I won't do this again. But when I saw that woman all over you tonight, I realized how deep I was and how much power you had to hurt me. I spent the night convincing myself that letting you go would be better than feeling like this."
Fitz nodded and smiled, reading between the lines. She felt this way because she loved him.
"I'm not going anywhere, Livvie. With you is where I want to be."
"Me too. I just don't want to see another woman crawling all over you."
"A jealous girlfriend," Fitz said with a chuckle. "I think I like it. Next time a groupie takes too many liberties with me, invading my space, knowing I'm in a relationship, I'll let you take care of it."
Olivia laughed. "For future reference, I do not fight like a girl. I punch."
Fitz chuckled. "I think I remember you threatening to break someone's face for being disrespectful a few months ago. So, I don't doubt it."
They laughed together and he pulled her, none too gently, to him and lowered his head to hers. He pressed his lips to hers, trying to put all her doubts and fears to rest. It was a punishing, hungry and possessive kiss, and Olivia responded eagerly. Finally, he broke the kiss and they stood looking at each other, breathing heavily. Fitz stared at her with desire in his eyes.
"I want to make love to you, Livvie."
Joey was right.
"Right now?"
Fitz nodded, giving her that grin. "Yes, right now." He reached out and gripped the front of her nightshirt, and pulled the silk fabric, ripping it from the neckline to the knee, buttons flew everywhere, bouncing on the hardwood floor.
"Fitz! No!"
He grinned at her again, pushing the destroyed fabric from her body and dropping it to the floor, leaving her in a pair of lacy white panties.
"Oh, yes, Livvie," he said in a soft, low voice. He bent low and took her breast into his mouth, his tongue circling her nipple. It was a quick, gentle tug and he smiled when she moaned her displeasure as he let it go.
Lifting Olivia in his arms, he carried her toward her bedroom.
She looked into his lean, tanned face. "I'm glad you came to me tonight."
Fitz kissed her nose before easing her from his arms and onto the bed. He watched her watch him as he kicked off his sneakers, and between kisses they stripped him of his clothing, and he removed Olivia's panties. Finally, they were skin to skin as he pushed her back onto the bed, where he followed, lying between her open legs.
Olivia's hands slid into his hair and she brought his head down to hers, looking into his hooded eyes.
"I want you now, Fitz."
He kissed her sweetly, before leaning over and reaching into the night table drawer for the box of condoms he'd left there before. Once he rolled the latex down his long, hard length, he leaned close to her, one hand on her hip to hold her steady as the large head of his dick slid inside her wet core.
"I love you, Livvie."
"I know."
"And then her mouth was on him and he was buried deep inside. For a second he stopped, as she moaned, allowing her body to adjust to his size and length. He looked down into her face, and she opened her eyes, glancing up at him, giving him a smile that made his breath catch. Slowly he began to move, smiling when she tried to speed up the pace.
"Not so fast, Pope," he said, chuckling.
Olivia locked her legs around his waist, making a noise in the back of her throat. "Come on, Grant," she gasped as he thrust into her again. "I can't take this much longer."
Fitz smiled at her again, resting his weight on his arms as he rocked into her, watching the play of emotions across her face and her reaction as he carefully controlled the pace.
"Fitz," she cried out, as she started to come.
He captured her mouth as he increased his rhythm, his large body sliding in and out of hers, his tongue doing the same. When he knew she was there on the edge with him, when her body began to shudder and the walls of her core clenched so tight around him that he couldn't hold back, he groaned into her mouth and with one last hard, intense thrust, he came.
Fitz had no idea how long they stayed that way, with him buried deep inside her. All he knew was that he didn't want to lose this connection. He caressed her face and stared down into her beautiful eyes.
"Promise me, Livvie. Promise me you'll never leave me like that again, that you will always come to me. If we're going to have a future together, we're going to have to talk, openly."
Olivia caressed his cheek. "I promise, baby."
He kissed her and rolled to the side, bringing her with him. "I love you, Olivia Pope," were the last words spoken before they were lulled into a peaceful sleep, exhausted and sated, for the time being, in each other's arms.
X
Hours later…
Olivia moaned in contentment and slowly came awake to Fitz placing soft kisses along her neck. It was still early morning and they lay in bed, her back to his naked chest.
"I don't know what's going on with me, Fitz." She moaned again as his hand slid across her belly. "I'm actually considering not going into the office this morning," she said as she closed her eyes and enjoyed his hands on her body.
"Are you okay about last night?" he asked between placing kisses on her neck and shoulders. "I came on a little strong."
Olivia looked at him over her shoulder. "You owe me a nightgown, Fitzgerald Grant."
"Sorry about that, baby. I guess I got a little excited."
Olivia lifted a brow. "Only a little?"
"Okay, a lot, but you're sexy as hell, and I love you, and I had to have you."
Olivia chuckled, stroking his thigh, which was thrown possessively over hers.
He squeezed her. "But you didn't seem to mind."
Olivia shook her head. "Never, baby."
Fitz changed positions, sitting up against the mound of pillows and pulled Olivia onto his chest.
"I left Woody's and I couldn't wait to get home to you. I called and you didn't answer so I assumed you were asleep. When I got home and didn't see your car, I knew something was wrong. I called and sent text messages when I saw your note. When you still didn't answer, I knew I had to get to you. So I showered, tossed on some clothes and came to you. And then I get here only to find out that you'd thought the worst of me." He sighed, hugging her close. "I want it all with you, Livvie, but mostly I want your heart, your trust and your faith in me.
Olivia took his hand and kissed his fingers. "Fitz, baby, I'm sorry. You have all that. I'm sorry I made you worry, and for even entertaining the thought that you could possibly be interested in another woman while confessing and showing your love for me. I know that's not the man you are, and you didn't deserve that."
"Livvie, I forgive you. You don't have to keep apologizing."
She kissed his fingers again. "I know."
"So this will be the last time we even bring it up. Let's move on," he said, stroking a finger down her cheek. Olivia nodded and laid her head back on his chest.
They lay in silence, both in their thoughts.
"Livvie?"
"Yes, babe?"
"I was hoping you'd join me this weekend at my family's home in Chesapeake Bay."
Olivia lifted her head from his chest, and looked at him. "You want to get away for the weekend?"
He nodded. "It's not Amangiri, we can go there when the season's over. But we can swim, jet ski, kayak, canoe, take walks on the banks. Just the two of us." He smiled.
"Or we could spend our time away naked, and in bed," she said, returning his smile.
Fitz's grin spread across his handsome face. "I like the way you think, lady. We can definitely do that too."
"I thought so," she said, kissing his chest. "I have to move some meetings around but I should be able to get away by Friday afternoon. I'll let you know the exact time."
"So is that a yes?" he asked.
This time she rose and kissed his lips. "That is definitely a yes."
It was then she saw that he made no attempt to hide the fact that he was staring at her bare breasts. "Fitz, you're not listening are you?"
"Not really," he said laughing out loud. "There's nothing like making love to a beautiful and smart woman. Of course I'm not listening. How can I?" He lifted her and took a nipple into his mouth, circling it with his tongue and sucking until she called his name.
"Fitz!"
Fitz raised his head, and grinned. "Yes, my love?"
Her cheeks were flushed and her eyes were glazed over with desire. Olivia moved her mouth but nothing came out.
"Did you want something, Livvie?"
Silently, she straddled his thighs. Fitz reached out to help and she smiled.
"With so much to choose from, let's see…where do I start?" She gave him a devilish grin as she leaned forward and kissed him. "But this time, I get to set the pace."
Reaching for another condom, she ripped it open and slowly rolled it down his inches, giving him a few strokes. When she finally sank down onto him, Fitz's head fell back onto the pillows and Olivia knew that there wasn't a chance that she'd be getting into the office before lunch.
TBC