Hey everybody, y'all all right? I know, I know, it's been a while. I haven't abandoned the story, just hit a wall, and needed a break. Also, life happened. But I'm back! Thank you to everyone who sent PMs checking on me. I really appreciate you all. And to those who have stayed with AWS and who always leave thoughtful reviews, thank you so much. I write for all of you.
As I stated, I hit a wall and really didn't know where I wanted to go with AWS, so I just took some time to think. I'm still not sure, but I wanted to write something because you guys have been so loyal to me. I think you'll enjoy both, YES TWO, chapters. I do need to warn you about some colorful language. It's only one word, but it's new for me. I hope you enjoy what I've put together. Let me know. Happy reading.
TBOT
Mask up!
Two weeks later…
Since returning from their trip to Chesapeake Bay, Fitz and Olivia spent every free moment they had together. They were gloriously happy in love and couldn't get enough of each other. They did manage to have dinner with Joey and Julian, and with T.C., but they preferred to spend what time they had left before Fitz had to report to training camp, alone, in their own little bubble.
They were in bed in Great Falls the night before Fitz had to leave. It had been a perfect day. They'd spent most of it in bed just talking, and then showered before they cooked dinner together and turned in early. Of course they had no intention of sleeping, because Fitz had other plans.
"This is it," Olivia whispered, her head on his chest. They'd just had the most incredible sex.
"Yeah, the next five weeks are going to be brutal but we'll talk every day."
"But it won't be the same as seeing you," she said, kissing his chest.
Fitz was quiet for a minute. "When camp is over and the regular season begins, I want you here with me."
Olivia raised her head, a slight frown on her face. He cut her off before she could speak.
"Livvie I know you have your own place and a career that takes up a lot of your time, but I sleep so much better when you're here next to me. I love waking up next to you, eating breakfast together and watching you get dressed for work. Besides, once the media gets wind that we're dating, they're going to be relentless, trying to find out everything they can about you. And that includes where you live and work."
Olivia was quiet for a moment. They had had this conversation, so she understood what could happen, but she just couldn't fathom anyone wanting to know anything about her or her life.
Fitz continued. "I know it sounds like a lot of back and forth, but I'll drive you to and from work. I just want you here with me, to keep you safe and away from the media."
"But won't you have practice?"
He nodded. "Two hours a day. But I'll do whatever it takes to make it work. Don't worry about me. "
"What about team meetings?"
"What about them?"
"Won't you need to spend time watching film, working out and meeting with coaches? It just seems like it's going to be hard to do all of that and try to be with me every day."
Fitz reached down and pulled her into his arms so he could look directly into her eyes. "Listen, I know it's going to be hard the next few months, but I'm okay with hard work. Especially when I know the prize is worth it. You're worth it. We're worth it." He grinned at her and then kissed her, hard and deep. "This will also allow me to be with you every moment I can, between practices and meetings."
Olivia nodded. "I don't like us being apart either, so we'll try it out," she said as she moved her hips and felt his rock hard dick slide between the slick folds of her core.
"What are we doing, Livvie?" he whispered, pulling away a little.
She grinned slyly, but didn't say a word.
"We're about to get ourselves in trouble," he warned.
"What do you mean?" she asked, already knowing the answer to her question. She just needed him back in that spot between her legs.
"I've spent the last few months imagining being married to you, and you know I want you to have my son," Fitz grinned at his love.
Olivia smiled softly at his words.
"But after Chesapeake, we said we wouldn't be reckless about birth control anymore."
They'd had unprotected sex a few times during that trip and when Olivia's period showed up, she was relieved, Fitz, not so much. But he also knew that with everything going on in their lives, the timing wouldn't have been right for a baby to be thrown in the mix.
"Maybe we should stop playing around and get a condom," he said lifting a brow.
Olivia groaned but she knew he was right. "Yeah, get another condom."
Fitz laughed. "I thought so." He kissed her nose and lifted her from his chest. Laying her next to him, he reached for one of the foil packets on the night table. Rising up, he looked at Olivia before ripping the packet open with his teeth and knelt between her knees.
She pushed up onto her elbows to watch. The sight of him rolling on the condom before he made love to her would never get old. But, always never too far from her thoughts was the day they wouldn't want or need to use any kind of barrier.
"I love you, Livvie," he whispered, before crawling between her legs and covering her body with his.
He slid into her, causing her to gasp. It was always perfect, the way her man stretched and filled her, and the way he always made her feel like they were perfectly made for each other, because they were.
"I…I love you too, Fitz."
"I know." He leaned down and kissed her lips. "Fuc…" he cursed softly, pressing his forehead to hers.
"Oh God," she gasped. "Baby, please."
Fitz's only response was to lift her legs over his broad shoulders. "I'm gonna come, Livvie. Come with me?"
"Yes," she whimpered, nodding her head and wrapping her arms tighter around his wide, muscled back. She angled her hips, so each of his strokes went deeper. "Yes, baby. I'll come with you, I'll follow you anywhere."
X
Fitz lay staring at Olivia. She was so beautiful when she slept; he wanted to let her sleep, he really did. He ran his fingers up her arm and over her shoulder. As he did, another part of his anatomy was beginning to stir, and looking at her and touching her certainly wasn't helping. He smiled to himself; he'd put her to sleep with that last round, and now he was teasing her hoping she'd wake up, ready for more.
Moving his hand to her ass, he lightly pinched her.
"Ouch!" Olivia shrieked as she shifted in the bed, rubbing the spot where he'd just pinched. Fitz chuckled and moved her hand away, rubbing the spot for her.
"Fitz, what is wrong with you?" she grumbled.
He leaned over and kissed her neck, and then moved his hand down her body.
She gasped when he slid his hand between her legs. "Fitz," she whined. "We have not managed to do anything but have sex over the last twelve hours. Are we that horny for each other?"
"Just in love," Fitz said with a smile, and kissed her neck again.
"Well you're going to have to give me some time to recuperate. I'm thirty, not eighteen. You've worn me out."
He looked at her with that familiar grin. "We won't be able to do this for the next five weeks," he murmured against her neck. "I'm trying to get as much of you as I can."
"Fitz, seriously," she whined, now fully awake as his hand cupped her core and he straddled her body. Before she could object any further, she was on her back, her legs were draped over his shoulders again, his mouth was on her and his tongue was in her. There was no point in trying to concentrate on anything other than how long she could fight against her next orgasm, and from the way Fitz was feeding like a man starved, it wouldn't be very long.
X
Olivia felt the soft kisses to her shoulder and stirred. She yawned and blinked a couple of times before turning and wrapping her arms around Fitz's big body. Lifting her head, she peeked up at him. He smiled before anchoring his hands underneath her arms and sliding her up his body, kissing her nose and then nuzzling her neck.
"Fitz," she said lifting her head again when she felt his hands cup her butt and grind his erection into her core.
"You can't possibly want to do it again."
He nodded. "I do, and we will."
Fitz had spent the previous evening and early morning exploring several positions while making love to his woman. As tired as she was, each time he reached for her she willingly came into his arms.
"Baby, we've been going at it all night and morning. I don't think my kitty can handle anymore. I'm very sore, and I'm going to need to soak in the Jacuzzi, or I'll have trouble walking today."
Fitz laughed, loudly. "Your kitty, Livvie?" he said raising his brows. "Is that what we're calling it now?"
She looked at him. "You have a better name?"
"Mine," he said, staring at her without any humor in his voice.
Olivia gulped and all she could do was nod.
Fitz hugged her tighter.
"I need to use the bathroom."
Fitz kissed her curls before watching her as she sat up and rolled out of the bed, heading for the bathroom. She winced, her body cursing her with every step she took. She used the bathroom and washed her hands before splashing her face with water. She looked at herself as she brushed her teeth. She was glowing, and happy, until she noticed the bite marks on her neck, breasts, stomach and inner thighs.
What the…I'm going to kill him.
Olivia finished brushing her teeth before returning to the bedroom and jumped on Fitz, straddling him, trying to wrap her fingers around his thick neck. He was startled at first but then started to laugh before easily flipping her onto her back and hovering his huge body above her.
"What's wrong, Livvie?" he asked, chuckling.
"What? Are you fifteen, Fitz? Why do I have bite marks on my body?"
Fitz grinned. "I think they look sexy. They say you're taken," he replied smugly.
"They?" she asked incredulously. "Fitz, where else did you bite me? And how did you do it without me even noticing?"
He stared down into her beautiful face. He'd never done anything like this before, but he wanted other men to know she was off limits.
"There's one here," he said turning her head and touching the back of her neck. "Here," he pointed to her lower back, "and here," he rubbed her butt.
"So there's a map of bite marks on my body?"
Fitz grinned.
"They're not sexy, Fitzgerald, especially when they're visible. I'm having dinner with my parents later today. The last thing I need is Maya Pope's hawk eye seeing your handiwork. You have my neck telling our business."
"Livvie, I'm sorry," he chuckled.
"No you're not," she said, lightly tapping his head. She didn't find any of this funny.
He nodded. "Seriously Livvie, I'm really sorry. Do you accept my apology?"
Olivia sighed. "I don't know. I have to think about it," she pouted.
Fitz leaned down and kissed her neck before moving to her breasts.
"Fitz," she moaned.
"I love that sound, Livvie."
"I'm still angry with you," she whimpered as he took a sensitive nipple between his lips.
"I know, baby, and I'm so sorry." He looked down and saw the frown on her face. Sighing, he rolled off her body, pulling her onto his hard chest and covering them both with the sheet. She softly kissed his chest before laying her head over his heart.
"I really am sorry. I promise it will never happen again." He reached out and ran a finger across her cheek. "I just wanted to leave you something to remember me by."
Olivia looked up at him with a smirk. "After what we've been doing for the past twelve hours, there's no way I could ever forget you."
Fitz threw back his head and laughed. Wrapping an arm around her shoulders, he kissed her curls again.
"Well, I aim to please."
Olivia popped his arm, which only made him laugh harder.
"Are you going to be okay?"
"Yeah, I'll cover the bites on my neck with a little make-up. The others can't be seen unless I'm naked, so that won't be an issue."
"Damn right, it won't be an issue," he said roughly, causing her to look up at him.
"Simmer down, Superman," she said, kissing his chest. "You have nothing to worry about."
X
Hunger finally drove the lovers from bed. They showered and went downstairs to make breakfast. Neither wanted to think about the next few hours when they would part ways for five long weeks.
After they finished breakfast, they went to Fitz's favorite room, with every intention of watching a little television. But it wasn't long before he pulled her into his arms and carried her upstairs to his bedroom, and back to bed.
Olivia lay curled on her side with Fitz spooned behind her. He had been insatiable, and there was no indication that he was in any way satisfied. She could feel his erection pressed against her back, as his hands rubbed up and down her body, and he kissed the back of her neck.
"Do I make you happy?" he asked between kisses.
"Always," she said as she looked over her shoulder at him.
"Remember I want to make you happy every day."
She remained silent while Fitz's arm moved around her body and his hand caressed her from breast to stomach. It wasn't long before his leg slipped between hers and his dick slid against her core.
Olivia sighed lazily. "Fitz," she whined. "I don't think I can take anymore orgasms today, I might just die." She kissed his arm. "You're the best at it, babe."
Fitz released her and sat up. He lifted his arms and flexed his massive solid biceps like a bodybuilder.
"Oh please," Olivia said, rolling her eyes and laughing at his antics. "You are so full of yourself." She moved away from him toward the edge of the bed. "I should've kept that to myself."
Fitz reached out and wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her back toward him. He glanced at her with mischief in his beautiful eyes. "How about one more time before we have to get ready to go? I promise to perform CPR if you need it."
Olivia laughed, pushing him back on the bed and straddling him. "You better."
X
Fitz stood from the bed in all of his naked glory and looked back at Olivia who was eyeing him seductively She never got tired of looking at his broad back, his tight glutes and his powerful and muscular legs.
"Can't we stay here a little longer?" she asked, leaning up on her elbow.
He chuckled shaking his head. "No, I have to get to Richmond and you have a dinner date with your parents."
Olivia sighed and rolled her eyes as she threw her sore body back against the mattress.
"Don't remind me," she whined.
"I need to shower and finish packing my bags," he said, smiling down at his beautiful and sexy girlfriend. "Care to join me?" He held out his hand to her. Taking the offered hand, Olivia stood and gave him a slight curtsy before walking past him, her hips swaying enticingly. Fitz followed closely behind her and playfully smacked her bare butt.
"Hey!" Olivia yelped.
He chuckled, pulling her back into his strong arms and whispered near her ear.
"You know you like it."
Olivia tilted her head back and looked up into his face. Leaning against his chest, she raised one arm to his head and pulled it close.
"Yes, I do."
Fitz grinned, biting down on his bottom lip. "Come on, I want to show you something," he said as he slowly walked her toward the bathroom, his arms wrapped around her waist.
"Oh, I can take a wild guess at what you want to show me."
"I bet you can." He suddenly lifted her over his shoulder and carried her into the bathroom.
"Fitz!" she squealed, "put me down!" He laughed and Olivia eventually joined him, falling into a fit of giggles.
X
After making love again in the shower, Olivia and Fitz dressed before she began to fold the clothes he'd tossed on the bed, placing them in his suitcase, while he gathered everything else he would need for five weeks.
When Fitz finally finished packing, he turned to Olivia who sat on the bed watching him. He walked over to her and pulled her to her feet, wrapping his arms around her waist.
"I've never been in a relationship, serious or otherwise, during the season, so I've never considered how it would feel to leave the person I loved for any length of time. Now I don't know how I'm going to handle being away from you. This is new territory for me." He reached out and traced a finger down her cheek.
Olivia nodded. "I know, for me too. But this is your career, and we'll get through it. I love you."
Fitz tightened his arms around her. He turned his face into her neck, inhaling her scent to commit it to memory until he could touch her again.
"I love you too, Livvie."
X
"I'll call after I get checked in, okay," Fitz said as they stood next to Olivia's car.
They'd finally left his bedroom suite after a few more minutes of soft kisses and promises to call each every night.
Olivia nodded. "Make sure you do."
He smiled. "I won't forget. And I want to hear all about dinner."
Olivia laughed. "I'll be sure to give you every detail."
Fitz opened the driver's-side door. As she turned to say goodbye, he eased himself against her until her back was pressed against the vehicle. He took her face in his hands and then kissed her again, before stepping back after a minute.
"Well you better get going," she said as she looked up at him. "Please be careful, babe."
"I will. I'll call you tonight."
Fitz opened her door and helped her inside. They stared at one another.
"Go."
Olivia nodded and drove away, leaving Fitz standing in the circular driveway, watching. She glanced into her rearview and he was still there, still watching as the Audi disappeared around the bend in the long driveway.
Five weeks already seemed like forever.
X
Later…
"So you got settled in okay?" Olivia asked, looking at her boyfriend's handsome face on her screen.
"Yeah. This is my eleventh camp, they're all basically the same. Of course one of the perks of being a vet is that I have my own room."
"What did you have to do today?"
"Let's see," he said getting comfortable on the king sized bed. "Got checked in, caught up with a few of the guys, had a physical and attended our first meeting with Coach Fauci. Since I'm team captain, I was asked to share a few words as well."
"Oh yeah? What did you say?"
"I just talked about how we were one game away from going to the Super Bowl last season and how management had made changes and added the key pieces to take us all the way. And that I'm not settling for anything less than winning it all. Tomorrow is the first day of a new season. I'm not really looking forward to two-a-days, but if that's what it takes to get to Miami, I'm all in. I just need the buy-in, and the commitment, from the rest of the team."
Olivia grinned at her man. "I want that for you too, babe, and camp is going to fly by."
"Thank you, Livvie. So how was dinner at Chez Pope?"
She laughed, rolling her eyes. "Eli and Maya Pope wanted to know everything about training camp. They also wanted me to tell you to please be careful and take care of yourself."
Fitz smiled. They had been to the Pope home a few times since his first visit, for dinner. Olivia's parents were definitely Team Fitz. Besides their son's engagement and pending marriage, he was their favorite topic. So much so, that Maya Pope had stopped arranging blind dates for both her adult children. She was quite happy with the partners they'd both chosen, and Fitz could do no wrong.
"When they weren't gushing over you, they were discussing the possibility of my career change. My dad was very helpful, and gave me some sound, solid advice."
Fitz nodded. He liked Olivia's parents too. "Did they notice my artwork?" he asked, changing the subject.
Olivia smirked at the satisfied grin on his face. "I thought I was in the clear until after dinner when my dad went out onto the patio to smoke a cigar, leaving Mom and me alone. We were sitting in the kitchen, talking, when I realized I don't know my mother as well as I thought."
"Really? How so?" he asked.
"It was in the things she said."
Maya Pope could be a handful, but she was also overprotective for a reason. Instead of always assuming the worst, Olivia now understood where her heart was.
"I see you and Fitzgerald have been having fun," Maya said pointedly, as she took a sip from her glass.
Olivia frowned. "What do you mean?"
Maya chuckled. "Olivia, baby, that bun is barely covering the hickey on the back of your neck, and if you didn't want anyone to notice the bite marks on your chest, you should've probably buttoned your blouse completely."
Olivia stared at her mother and the color drained from her face.
"What? You didn't know?"
"Mom, do you think Daddy noticed?" she asked just above a whisper, glancing at the entrance to the kitchen.
Maya took another sip before answering her daughter's question. "Probably, but he would never say anything."
Olivia covered her face with her hands. "I'm so embarrassed."
"Embarrassed? Why? You are a beautiful woman, who's in love with a handsome man, and he's obviously very passionate about you."
She sighed, looking at her mother again. "Fitz got carried away."
"Mmmhmm, I can tell," Maya replied, "I can also understand why you've been spending all of your free time with him, I would too," she said, giving Olivia a knowing smile.
"Maya Carolyn Pope! No! That is so inappropriate," Olivia fussed, with her face twisted. Not believing what her mother had said.
"Oh, please, Olivia Carolyn Pope, we're grown women. I wasn't always yours and Julian's mother, and I still have eyes. I can compliment the man."
"Yeah but I don't need you alluding to what Fitz and I do in our private time together. That's just...improper."
Maya took in the shocked look on her daughter's face. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to embarrass you.
She reached out and caught Olivia's chin between her index finger and her thumb. "You really are happy, aren't you, baby?"Her eyes were warm and loving as she looked at her daughter.
"I'm very happy, Mom."
"I really like Fitzgerald. He's a good man. A very good man."
Olivia was surprised by her mother's about-face, and it showed on her face. "Who are you, lady, and what have you done with my mother? I don't ever recall you ever being this enthusiastic when it came to my love life. Never. I've only been with Fitz for what, almost four months, and you're singing his praises. What gives?"
"Relax, baby." Maya laughed when she saw the look on her daughter's face. "Seriously, I'm sorry, Olivia. I know I've been hard on you, but I had a higher purpose in mind for you, and your career, and your love life. But, you're everything you should be. You're smart, compassionate, independent and successful, and I'm happy you've found some lasting happiness and a lifetime love. I'm never wrong about these things, baby. Fitzgerald Grant is definitely the man for you."
Olivia stared at her mother, speechless. She reached for Maya's glass and lifted it. "What's in this? Because you've been on one tonight."
Maya reached for her glass. "You will always be my smart-mouthed baby girl, and I love you," she said sincerely. "But," she added, "whatever happens between the two of you, enjoy the ride. I know I would." She raised an eyebrow and sat back in her chair.
"Mother! Please!"
"I'm just saying, Olivia. You're happy and in love. Enjoy Fitzgerald Grant for as long as it makes sense and hopefully, that means a lifetime."
Olivia looked at her mother. She had nothing to add.
Fitz smiled as he listened to Olivia. He agreed with Maya Pope, he was the man for her.
"Again Livvie, I'm sorry. I will never put you in that position with your parents again."
"I know, and you better not."
"I found the photo," Fitz said, quickly changing the subject. "Thank you."
Olivia nodded. She'd slipped the framed photo in his bag, where she knew he'd find it. It was a picture of the two of them taken by Joey when the foursome had visited the vineyards in northern Virginia. It was also one of his favorites.
"I wanted you to remember what you have waiting for you at home."
Fitz grinned. "As if I could ever forget." He stared at her beautiful face on his screen. "Next time, make it a picture of you in the nude."
Olivia's eyes widened and she blushed. "No!"
He frowned. "Are you serious? I see you naked almost every day. You can text it to me."
Olivia shook her head. "I don't think so, Mr. Grant. Anything can be leaked nowadays. And all of this," she pointed to herself, "is for your eyes only."
Fitz nodded. "Damn right. I'll wait until I can see all you, naked, in person again."
Olivia grinned. "Thought you'd see things my way."
X
Week one…
"Hey, Livvie," Fitz said, smiling at his girlfriend on his phone's screen.
"Hey, yourself," she said, returning his smile. "How are you?" Even though it was late, she knew she would not have been able to sleep until she spoke to him. Their nightly calls were something of a ritual. They were on day seven of training camp.
"Do you miss me?" he asked, looking directly at her. She was so beautiful and sexy in her pajama shorts set, her hair tied in a silk scarf, and two spots of white blemish cream on her face. God, he missed her.
She laughed. "You ask me that every day and my answer is always the same, of course I do."
Fitz smiled and nodded. He knew, he just wanted to hear her say it.
"How was your day?"
He exhaled deeply. "Hectic, and mentally exhausting."
"What do you mean?"
"I've been butting heads with the new offensive coordinator about plays."
"It's probably just a matter of adjustment between the two of you, babe."
"I agree with this being an adjustment period, but we're both being paid to get the job done, so he's going to need some input from me. I feel like I'm being stifled."
"And I'm sure you're keeping quiet about your dissatisfaction."
He stared at the screen. "Livvie, you know me," he responded.
She nodded. "I do."
"I just need him to trust my instincts."
"And I'm sure he will. It sounds like you're more frustrated."
"I am frustrated," he said. "We were one offensive play away from going to the Super Bowl and this guy's supposed to be the person who gets us there. I don't want to have to prove myself to the new guy. I've been at this for a while."
"Fitz, you have to give the new coordinator a chance. Just keep doing you and be patient."
He nodded and was silent for a moment.
"Other than the issue with the new coordinator, how are you feeling?"
Fitz sighed. "I'm feeling every one of my thirty-three years"
"Aww, babe. I wish I was there to give you a massage."
He grinned at that. "So do I. Trust me, I'd rather have your soft hands getting the kinks out than one of the team's trainers."
"I like the sound of that."
"Well it's true. So how was your day?"
"Busy," she gave an exaggerated sigh. "It looks as if I'll be going to trial soon. We were unable to plead out the case."
Fitz listened to his love talk about her case until they could barely keep their eyes open. After exchanging goodnights, they ended the call, still counting down the days until camp ended.
X
Ten days later…
Fitz lay awake before dawn. He'd lost count of how many days of training camp he had left because the answer didn't matter. All of his mental energy was dedicated to sticking to his routine, checking things off of his daily schedule until he made it to the end of the day so he could fall in bed and do it all over again.
Throwing back the covers, he sat up and stood from the bed. If he stayed any longer, he would give in to that feeling and convince himself to skip practice and drive two hours to see Olivia. It had been over two weeks since he'd held her in his arms, and he didn't like how empty they felt without her in them. Sure they Facetimed every day, but only seeing her face on a screen wasn't going to cut it anymore.
Turning on the television, he listened for the local weather. The high was going to be ninety-two degrees. He would never understand the reasoning behind holding training camp outdoors in August, the hottest and most humid month in Virginia; especially when they had a perfectly fine indoor facility in Ashburn. This was the beginning of his eleventh year in the league, and he still didn't understand it.
Walking into the bathroom, he turned on the lights and the shower, ready to begin his day.
X
Fitz's phone was ringing when he emerged from the bathroom wrapped in a towel. It was barely six in the morning and he smiled, knowing exactly who it was.
"Good morning, beautiful," he greeted.
"Good morning, baby. How are you?"
He sighed. "Tired, and missing you," he answered honestly.
"I know," she said. "Me too. Two more weeks and camp in Richmond ends."
Fitz chuckled. Of course she knew how many days were left. "Are you marking them off on a calendar or something, because I didn't have a clue."
"Absolutely, babe," she answered. "I know exactly how many days there are before you're home for good, and I get uninterrupted time with my man."
My man. He loved it when Olivia said those words.
Fitz exhaled deeply. "I miss you so much," he said again, happy that he could tell her. Before camp began, they agreed that she wouldn't visit because he needed to focus, but now he was questioning the logic of that decision. He didn't feel focused. He just wanted to be with his girlfriend.
"Are you on your way home?"
"Yes. Jo worked me over this morning as if she knew what I'd done for you last night," she chuckled.
The sound of her chuckle was music to his ears, and as tired and sore as he was, his dick stirred at the sound of it. He closed his eyes and the image of her masturbating with a sex toy, he didn't even know she owned, filled his mind.
Dammit…I'm a veteran and team captain. I could miss one day of practice and no one would question it. Would they? It was almost the weekend anyway.
"No, you can't," Olivia said, leaving no room for debate.
"Did I just say that out loud?"
"Yes, you did," she said with a laugh. "You're not alone, Fitz. I miss you, a lot. But as I said last night, I'm not going to let you jeopardize your career because we're having a hard time being apart. I won't let you do that."
"Aww, come on Livvie. No one will blink an eye if I miss practice. They wouldn't even ask for an excuse."
"Is that fair to the rest of the team? Could anyone else miss practice without an excuse? As team captain, what kind of an example would you be setting for them?"
"I know. You're right, Livvie," he mumbled. "This is just…a lot harder than I expected. Being away from you this long…it's just hard."
"Fitz, I wish there was a way I could make it easier."
"This is making it easier. Talking to you everyday makes it easier."
"Oh yeah? Well, I just want to make sure you know that a lot more than what happened last night is waiting for you when you get home."
"Damn," he said softly. "How many days do we have left again?"
"Seventeen more days."
"Seventeen," he repeated. "Seems like an eternity."
"I know, but it really isn't. Just two and a half more weeks."
"Yeah," he said absently.
"Babe, I'm going up to shower and get ready for work."
"Okay. I'll call you at lunchtime."
"Fitz, no. You need to eat and take a nap. Especially after staying awake so late with me last night."
"I'll call you at lunch if I want to," he said. He loved the fact that she was so concerned about his wellbeing that she demanded he eat and sleep, instead of her calling her.
"And I'll answer just to tell you to eat and take a nap." She sighed, not wanting to argue with him. "Fitz, babe," she said softly.
He closed his eyes and lay back onto the bed. "Yes, my love?"
"Please take care of yourself. You promised to do a lot of things to me with that sexy body and I need you healthy and well rested to do those things."
Fitz laughed, loving her ability to make things light. "Okay, Livvie. I'll eat and sleep this afternoon as long as you promise me a repeat performance of last night."
Olivia chuckled. "I'll think about it."
His grinned was wide and she heard it in his voice. "Okay, I'm going to get dressed and head over to the facility to begin my day of torture with a nutritious breakfast."
She laughed. "I love you, Fitz."
"I love you more, Livvie."
TBC