Part II
X
Fitz dressed and left his room. His steps were a little lighter after Olivia's pep talk. He walked inside the training facility to weigh in. Just inside the door, he ran into the second and third string quarterbacks, and members of the receiving corps.
"You're in a better mood this morning," Malcolm said with a mischievous grin on his face, slapping him on his back.
"Just stop," Fitz said, as he kicked off his Nike slides and stepped onto the scale.
"You must've talked to your girlfriend?" Malcolm continued as if Fitz hadn't spoken at all, and he ignored his glare.
"A woman? You have a girlfriend?" Tyson Henry, the third string quarterback asked. "I thought you didn't date! That you were too focused on your career to be distracted by a serious relationship."
Fitz rolled his eyes. "Ignore him, Ty. He doesn't know what he's talking about."
Fitz didn't like denying his relationship with Olivia, but he didn't want her to become fodder for his teammates either.
"He does, and he loves her," Malcolm confirmed.
"So not only do you have a girlfriend, but you love her?" Tyson asked, his eyes open wide in shock.
"Two-hundred nine pounds," the nurse said as she entered his weight into the tablet she was holding. "You're about six pounds away from your goal. We need you to gain that last six. Make sure you're getting plenty of protein for muscle recovery."
"Thank you," Fitz said as he stepped off the scale.
She nodded and shooed him away.
He put his shoes back on and turned to the guys who were still staring at him, waiting.
"So when are you going to introduce her to the wife?" Brice Miller, the second string quarterback asked. "I'm really getting tired of dodging all the questions from Lori's cousins and girlfriends who are all interested in you."
"You've been blocking all this time?" Fitz asked with feigned indignation, trying to change the subject.
"Oh please, you said you weren't interested," Brice replied.
"Doesn't matter, anyway, Mr. Anti-social finally has himself a lady," Drew "Speedy" McWilliams, starting wide receiver and currently Fitz's favorite target said, throwing an arm around his shoulder. "I think this is good for you and the rest of the offense. Maybe now you'll come out and hang with us once in a while instead of sitting at home and obsessively watching game film."
Fitz gave a Speedy a pointed look. "Obsessively watching game film is why I'm so good at my job. I'm never going to stop doing that."
"Yeah, but not hanging out with the rest of the guys makes it hard to connect with you," Victor Fuller, the starting running back added. "So if this woman…"
Forget it. They weren't letting this go. "Olivia. Her name is Olivia."
Victor smiled, nodding his head. "Right. I've been here six years and this is the first time you've ever mentioned a girlfriend. If Olivia has softened you and changed your mood this way, I'm all for it."
"Whatever," Fitz said smiling. Although it was strange to hear that they thought he was too reserved to hang out with them off the field. Did he really come across that uptight? He'd have to work on that.
The conversation about Olivia lasted throughout most of breakfast with Fitz being very vague. His teammates finally left it alone and they finished eating before going to the trainer to get checked for bruises and getting taped up, then moved on to the weight room.
Getting motivated to push himself for another season, possibly his last, when he was so tired and sore was hard, but joking around with the guys made it easier. Later, after watching practice film from the previous day with the team, he was ready to get on the field, ready to execute new plays, and work with Malcolm and the new members of the offense.
X
The second practice of the day ended at five, and Fitz felt great. Talking to Olivia at lunch still had him in a great mood. He still missed her, but he also had a job to do. Seventeen days.
"Fitz Grant! Fitz Grant!" A small voice called as he walked off the field through a line off fans, who'd attended the open afternoon practice. They all stood behind steel barricades, jockeying to get selfies and autographs from their favorite players. Fitz turned and spotted a tiny human, smiling, jumping up and down and wearing his jersey. He broke away from his conversation with Speedy and jogged over to greet him.
"Hey, dude. I like your jersey," Fitz said, turning on the charm. "Do you play football?"
"Yeah, and we wear the same number too!" he said, holding up an extra-small jersey.
"Oh, wow, we do. What's your name?" Fitz asked. The little boy answered excitedly and Fitz signed the jersey, then worked his way down the fence line. He was signing a football for another kid when he heard a familiar voice.
"I'm a big fan, Mr. Grant, but I don't have anything for you to sign," Olivia said smiling up at him.
His hand stopped mid-air and a goofy grin spread across his handsome face, causing the crowd to smile too.
"Livvie…What? How?" he asked, before quickly moving to stand in front of her, the fence separating them.
She shrugged. "You sounded like you needed me this morning, so here I am."
Fitz stared at her in disbelief before dropping his helmet, reaching out and lifting her over the fence and into his arms.
"Fitz! You're soaked in sweat," she squealed.
"I know, and I'm very sorry," he looked down into her beautiful upturned face and those gorgeous doe eyes. "I can't believe you're here."
"Of course I'm here. You needed me."
"I did," he said then kissed her lips, oblivious to the cameras around them, before letting her go.
"Fitz, people are watching."
"Then I guess I better give them something to see." He lowered his head again and opened her mouth with his tongue and she wrapped her arms around his neck and gave into his kiss. They were both so consumed they vaguely heard the catcalls and whistles.
When they finally came up for air, Fitz acknowledged the crowd with a nod before turning back to Olivia. He stood staring at her. She was wearing dark wash skinny jeans, a bright yellow tie-shoulder silk tank camisole and sandals. Her beautiful hair was pulled back into a loose ponytail, down her back.
"You look beautiful, baby. Sorry I got my sweat all over you," he said, giving her that grin.
Olivia wrinkled her nose. "It should really gross me out, but it's been so long since I've seen you that I don't really care."
"Yeah, you love me," he said, nodding.
She raised a brow. "Did you doubt it?"
He shook his head. "Never," he answered in a low voice before leading her farther away from the crowd. "If you keep looking at me that way you're going to end up over my shoulder, on your way to my room."
Olivia smiled. "Would that be a bad thing?"
Fitz threw back his head and laughed. "What am I going to do with you, Livvie?"
She moved closer to him, unaffected by the overpowering smell attacking her nostrils.
"You'll find out later," she whispered.
He swallowed. "I can't wait."
"Fitz, why are those men staring at us?" She recognized Nick, Atticus and of course, Malcolm, but there were five others standing and smiling. "Am I not supposed to be on this side of the fence?"
Fitz looked over his shoulder at his teammates. They'd dropped their gear and were all giving him expectant looks.
"They're staring because, until this morning, some of them thought I was uptight, unaffected and single. Your presence has dispelled them of the latter."
She nodded.
"Hey Grant, aren't you going to introduce us to the lady?" Speedy called out.
Fitz scowled at him. "Hell no!"
They all laughed, including Olivia.
Nick walked up first and said hello. "Man, am I glad to see you," he said glancing at Fitz. "Your man has been hell to be around. He needed to see you. If you can't adjust his attitude then nothing's going to help. The guys are ready to toss his ornery behind off the team, and he's the starting quarterback. This isn't the way to begin the season. We want him focused and happy. We've got a damn Super Bowl to win."
Olivia wasn't sure if Nick was serious. The smile on his face didn't reach his eyes. Did they really think she was the reason for Fitz's foul mood? Was she?
"That's enough, Nick," Fitz said through clenched teeth, glaring at his teammate.
Nick looked at Fitz before giving Olivia a genuine smile and a wink, and walked away.
Atticus stepped up next and said hello, and walked off toward the training facility.
Malcolm lifted her hand and attempted to kiss it before she snatched it away.
"Go away, Malcolm," Fitz ground out. The cocky young man just laughed, backed away and jogged off.
"Livvie, this is Drew "Speedy" McWilliams, starting receiver, Victor Fuller, starting running back, Brice Miller and Tyson Henry back-up qbs, and Jake Maddox, starting tight end. Guys, this is Olivia Pope. They all greeted the beautiful woman who'd obviously stolen their superstar quarterback's heart. Speedy and Victor gave Fitz sly looks. He knew why. They were both surprised to see that he was dating a Black woman, but knowing Fitz, they shouldn't have been.
When no one made a move to leave, Fitz sighed, shaking his head. "Why do I tolerate you people? You've been introduced, now scram."
"Fitz," Olivia warned.
"What? It's bad enough that you have to smell my sweat, but how do you guys expect her to breathe with this wall of stink coming at her?"
Victor lifted his arm, sniffed and then nodded. "That's fair," he said. "Nice meeting you, Olivia."
"Likewise," she responded and then watched as he walked away.
"If you're not doing anything the Sunday before Labor Day, you're invited to attend the big cookout my wife, Lauren, and I give every year," Speedy said. "I know she'd love to meet Fitz's girlfriend."
"We'll think about it," Fitz answered for them both.
"It was nice meeting you, Drew," Olivia said.
Speedy winked and nodded at Olivia before saying goodbye and leaving. He was followed by the rest of the guys.
Olivia watched them walk away with a bemused look on her face. "They're all harmless, Fitz."
"Yeah, whatever."
"They're also funny." She looked up at him. "What do you think about us going to the cookout and possibly meeting their wives and girlfriends? I mean, I've met Jada and she's a sweetheart, but her husband's retired."
"Well you're going to meet some of them at Family Day when camp moves to Ashburn. Do you want to attend the cookout?"
The Football Team always conducted a final week of training camp at their training facility in Ashburn so the local fans could attend. There was Fan Day, where fans could meet and greet the players, take pictures and get autographs. Family Day was designated for player's families to meet the team, coaches and management and tour the facilities. There would also be music, food and prizes. It would be Olivia's very first Football Team VIP event as the girlfriend of the team's captain, and superstar quarterback.
Olivia shrugged. "If you want to go, I'll go with you. It will be our official coming out to everyone."
"Well, let's play it by ear. We still have camp and the pre-season to get through."
Olivia nodded.
"So, what do you have planned for us tonight?" he whispered, although most of the crowd was gone.
"Planned? My plan was to drive down to Richmond to see my boyfriend and have my way with him. Is that a problem?" she asked, grinning up at him.
Fitz grinned. "It's absolutely not a problem." He leaned down and kissed her forehead. "Brice, Tyson and I have a quick meeting with the quarterbacks coach and then I'm all yours. Where are you staying?"
"I have a suite at The Jefferson."
"Okay, I'll have one of the team chefs prepare dinner for us and I should see you no later than seven-thirty."
"I'll be waiting."
"You've made me so happy, Livvie."
"It's because I love you, Fitz."
"Every time you say those words I get…well, I'll show you tonight," he promised. "I love you so much, lady. More than you'll ever know."
"I know." She kissed his lips. "Now come and walk me to my car."
After a few more minutes of kissing her sweaty boyfriend, Olivia finally slid behind the wheel of her car and Fitz hopped onto a golf cart, driven by a security guard, to take him back to the training facility, to shower and attend his meeting.
X
Olivia drove the short distance to the hotel, in need of a hot shower herself. It was an impulsive decision to drive down to Richmond and surprise Fitz, but something in his voice triggered her reaction, and she went with it. She had been doing that a lot lately when it came to him. She just wanted to do for him and be with him in ways that she'd never done with any other man. It felt good. Better than good. It felt right.
Once in her suite, she removed her phone from her purse and called Joey.
"Hey Liv. You made it safely, huh?" she asked in lieu of a greeting.
"Yes, traffic wasn't bad at all. I just checked into my room."
"Good. Was Fitz surprised?"
Olivia smiled, remembering how Fitz had lifted her over the barricade and into his arms. "Yes. Very. He crushed me against his very large and very sweaty body for so long that I'm going to have to have the hotel clean my clothes. There's no way they can sit in my room for two days."
"Eww, that's just gross." Joey said.
"True. But it was worth it just see the look on his face. It was definitely a great idea to surprise him. Thank you."
"You're welcome. I told you to go with your gut, because your gut is what?"
Olivia laughed at her best friend's comment, but eventually answered. "Never wrong."
"Okay then.
They laughed together.
"So what are your plans this evening?"
"Well, Fitz will be here with dinner by seven-thirty. In the meantime, I'm going to shower and do a little work. And when he gets here…"
"You're going to be ready to give him some good pus…"
"Josephine! Don't you dare say it."
"What?" Joey asked innocently.
Olivia shook her head. Her bestie was right though, she had plans for Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III.
"Okay, my next client is here. Handle your business, girl. Love you, Liv."
"Love you too, Jo."
Olivia ended the call and made her way to the suite's bathroom for a much needed shower.
X
Olivia was in the suite's bedroom when the doorbell rang. Fitz had called to let her know that he was on his way up with dinner. She'd asked the concierge to bring up a tablecloth, two place settings and candles for the suites table. Now all she needed was the food and her man.
She'd showered and slipped into a white tank dress in soft jersey knit. It was her favorite and she only wore it at home. Fitz called it the dress she wore when she wanted to get fucked, and tonight he definitely wasn't wrong.
Her heart fluttered, as if this was the first time they were going to be alone together and she laughed to herself. She looked through the peephole and chuckled. Fitz leaned against the opposite wall wearing a baseball cap pulled low over his face and dark aviators, obviously trying to be incognito.
Olivia opened the door with a huge smile on her face, and his gaze took her in. He'd missed those toned legs wrapped around his waist and those arms around his neck. Her beautiful hair was pulled into a messy bun on top of her head. He stood staring, making no move to enter.
"Are you coming in, or would you prefer to stand there and stare at me?" She lifted a brow smugly and Fitz chuckled.
"I'm good either way because I love what I'm staring at."
"Of course you do," she said, and then stepped aside.
Removing his shades, he stood from the wall and gave her a sexy grin. "I see you're wearing the dress," he said as he walked into suite, and she closed the door behind them.
Olivia nodded, looking up at him. "Yes, I wore the dress."
Setting the large brown shopping bag onto the set table, he then pulled her into his arms. Leaning down, he kissed her. When they finally came up for air, he touched his forehead against hers, his arms still tightly wrapped around her waist.
"Thank you, Livvie."
"For what?"
"For knowing what I needed."
She slid her arms around his thick neck. "I love you. Of course I knew what you needed."
He knew he'd never get tired of hearing her say those words.
"I'm starved, what's for dinner?" she asked.
Fitz laughed and released his hold on her. "Let's see, there's grilled basil chicken, pumpkin and cauliflower garlic mash, shaved brussel sprout salad, and for dessert, cheesecake bites."
Olivia jumped and down like a little kid. "Yes! It all sounds so good."
"It is." Fitz rarely ate out during the season for fear of food poisoning so he'd had one of the team chefs prepare a clean dinner for the two of them.
Kissing her cheek, he took her hand. "So you came down to take care of me, huh?"
She nodded. "You seemed as if you needed to be taken care of."
Fitz sighed. "I do."
He sounded so exhausted that it broke her heart. She reached out and traced his brow and his lips with the tips of her fingers and then kissed him again.
"Come on, let's unpack the food."
"Yes, ma'am."
Olivia began to remove containers from the bag and fix their plates, while Fitz slipped his hands around her waist, causing her to relax into his embrace.
"You smell so good," he whispered.
"So do you."
He buried his face in her neck and breathed in. "I missed you so much, Livvie," he murmured against her skin.
She'd lost count how many times he'd said those words in the last twenty-four hours. It's why she'd moved heaven and earth to get out of the office early and start her long weekend. She missed him too; she more than missed him. She wanted to feel him, kiss him, sit and talk to him for hours, and make love to him. She also needed him to hold her like he was doing, for a while and feel her body molded against all the hard muscle he'd put on in the last few weeks. He squeezed her a little tighter.
"Hey," she whispered, covering his hands with hers. "What's wrong? Are you okay?" She turned in his arms and looked up at him.
He looked down at her with that lopsided grin. "I'm just really happy you're here."
"Me too." It was true and what she felt for him had only grown more intense since they'd been apart.
Fitz took her face gently in his hands again and kissed her with everything in him.
"Hmm…Fitzgerald Grant. My man. My big, handsome, cocky man. A few weeks apart and you've gone all soft on me?" She smiled up at him.
He growled in response and pulled her against a part of his anatomy that definitely wasn't soft.
"Soft?" he said with an edge in his voice.
"Fitz," she gasped.
"Livvie," he responded, imitating her voice, and laughing at her. "Let's eat first," he said swatting her softly on her ass.
She nodded and he moved around her and pulled out her chair, seating her, before taking the seat across from her.
"So," she said as she nibbled on the salad, which was even better than she thought it would be. "I can really see your gainz."
Fitz laughed, loudly. "My gainz, Livvie?"
"What?" she asked. "Did I use it incorrectly?"
"No, you didn't. I can tell Joey's rubbing off on you. You're beginning to sound like a gym rat."
Olivia chuckled. "I just want to make sure I'm supporting you however you need."
His face softened, then he stood from his chair, leaned over and kissed her. "I appreciate your support," he replied softly.
Reaching around the table, he pulled his chair next to hers and then moved his plate before taking his seat again. With one hand, he pushed her dress farther up her thighs and began rubbing his thumb against her soft skin while he also picked up his fork and started eating again.
Olivia tried to concentrate on the food and the conversation but his thumb on her bare thigh made her core throb in response, and she ached for him.
"This was a good surprise, huh?" she asked, trying to draw attention away from what he was doing to her.
"This was the best surprise." He chewed slowly while looking at her with those beautiful eyes and it made her squirm in her seat. "This morning Malcolm and a few of the other guys commented on my lighter mood, and Mal told them it was probably because I'd spoken to my girlfriend. And now, here you are."
"You've been walking around in a foul mood?"
"Not necessarily a foul mood, just a bit intense."
"Of course you're intense. You're also stressed, exhausted and missing me."
"Yeah, but I've always been able to shove those feelings into a box, and move on and still get the job done."
"Because that's healthy behavior, Fitz."
"Hey," he said, "I know that suppressing those feelings isn't healthy, but it's what I've always done. I never had anyone to share them with, until now."
Olivia set her fork on her plate, and then reached out and took his face in her hands. "Fitz those feelings are normal. The fact you love and trust me enough to allow me to love you through it all makes me so grateful and honored that you allow me to see you this way."
"Honored…" he repeated, then closed his eyes, leaning his forehead against hers. "You know you're never getting rid of me, right?"
Olivia chuckled. "The feeling is mutual, mister."
He stared at her without uttering a word. After a few moments, he spoke. "Come with me," he said, standing from the table and holding out his hand.
She frowned. "But we're not finished."
"Oh yes we are…for now."
She looked at him, noticing the need in his eyes. Sighing, her only response was to place her hand in his and stand. His hands went to her waist and he lifted her into his arms. Her arms went around his neck while his hands slid under her thighs for support, as he walked them toward the suite's bedroom.
X
"How's your body feeling right now?" she asked as they crossed the bedroom's threshold. The only light was from a lamp on the night table.
He smiled. "I'm a little sore," he admitted.
"Would you like a massage? Mine aren't as good as yours, but I'll try to get the job done."
Fitz shook his head. "No. I took a quick ice bathe and sat in the sauna at the training facility."
"Are you sure?" she asked, concern all over her face. "Remember what happened when you were doing voluntary training sessions in Ashburn?"
He laughed. "Wow, a guy gets one bad cramp and you act as if it's a chronic condition."
"We were having sex, Fitz. You screamed and grabbed your hamstring like you were severely injured. I thought you'd pulled something…or that I had snapped something."
"Okay, Livvie," he said kissing her. "I get it. But I'm really okay. I've been drinking lots of water, and as I said, I did all of the recovery work at the training facility. Okay?"
She nodded. "Okay."
"Good." He kissed her nose before lowering her to her feet. Grabbing the hem of the dress, he pulled it over her head and dropped it to the floor. She wasn't wearing any underwear and stood before him gloriously naked.
"Damn," he hissed, looking at her from her pink toes to the messy bun. "It takes sheer willpower not to come on the spot when you look like this."
Fitz took a step back and reached into the pocket of his shorts. Removing a box of condoms, he tossed it on the bed. He then kicked off his slides and quickly removed his t-shirt, and dropped his shorts and boxer briefs in one swoop. Like always, her eyes were drawn to his perfect, thick length.
"Your reaction every time you see my dick makes me smile." He pulled her back into his arms. "God you make me so happy."
She smiled.
"Thank you again, Livvie, for supporting me. For loving me and for being here with me when I know you're preparing for trial."
Olivia stood on her toes and whispered near his ear. "Always, baby."
Without another word, Fitz lifted her and laid her on the bed before crawling between her legs. He kissed the insides of her thighs as one of his long fingers grazed her clit, and slipped slower, between her slick folds. He placed a kiss there before parting them and allowing his tongue to get reacquainted. Olivia moaned and knees fell farther apart, giving him better access. He latched onto her clit, causing her back to lift completely from the bed.
When he slid a long finger inside, she bucked her hips, pushing them up for more. Using slow circles, he added a second finger, which had her hips thrusting erratically.
"Oh, Fitz, oh baby…" she moaned louder.
He could feel her muscles clenching around his fingers as her body began to tremble. Her thighs closed around his head as the tremors began. Slowly he removed his fingers and replaced them with his mouth.
"Fitz! Please!"
His mouth remained on her until her body fell back onto the bed, still trembling. He kissed his way up her body until his big body was hovering over hers.
"You okay, baby?"
"Mmmhmm," was all she said, her eyes closed while her body recovered.
"You sure?"
She opened her eyes and looked directly into his. "Can you please not touch me for about three minutes?"
Fitz threw back his head and laughed, and then lowered his head to kiss her. Finally he raised up on his knees and reached for the box of condoms.
Olivia watched as he ripped open the box and removed a foil packet. Tearing it open with his teeth, he rolled the latex over his long, thick length, and then moved back between her legs, spreading them wider to accommodate his body.
"Your three minutes are up."
Olivia chuckled and kissed his lips. "You're not playing fair."
"What's fair, baby? I'm an athlete, I play to win."
Her body stilled and tensed with his effort to ease deep into her inch by inch. There was slight discomfort from being a little tight. But it was so good and had been so long that she ignored it.
"Look who's suddenly quiet," he teased, smiling down at her. "Who needs to be taken care of now?" His hips moved and hers thrust up trying to pull him deeper.
Olivia remained silent, allowing her body to do the talking.
"Oh, is that how you want it?" He gripped her ass and grinned. "Let's see how deep I can go." He lifted her hips, and his dick moved until it couldn't go any further.
"How long has it been since I've been inside you?" he asked, his voice low and rough.
"Seven…seventeen days," she stammered as he slid in and out of her, slow and deep.
"Feels like forever," he whispered, then kissed her mouth, her neck then moved lower taking a nipple between his lips. She reached down with one hand and cradled his head against her breast as he sucked.
"Oh, God," she gasped. "Fitz, please."
He lifted his head to look into her doe eyes before kissing her again. She grabbed his hard and muscled back, and held on.
"Oh, Livvie, oh yes," he groaned, rolling his hips.
"That feels so good," she moaned.
"You're so tight and wet, Livvie," he whispered.
"And you're a...amazing, babe."
"Are you ready to come for me?" he growled lowly.
All he had to do was ask, and her body answered. She looked up into his eyes. They were intense and focused on her. His mouth was slightly open as he quickly worked his hips.
Suddenly, he shifted, lifting her legs over his broad shoulders. She cried out as his penetration deepened. Olivia reached out and grabbed his head, pulling him into a deep kiss.
Fitz's powerful strokes rocked her body.
"Oh my God, oh yes," he groaned, rolling his hips. Olivia lifted her hips to meet his strokes. It had been almost three weeks. She missed this. Missed being with the man she loved like this. Her walls began to spasm and clamped down on him as he increased his efforts of fucking her through another orgasm.
He called out her name as he pumped his release into her, slamming into one last time, holding steady while he emptied his load into the condom.
Once he released her, Olivia lowered her still trembling legs to the mattress. Fitz leaned down and trailed kisses along her neck and finally her lips.
"You okay?"
"Mmmhmm," she answered, her eyes closed.
He chuckled and eased out of her, climbed off the bed and went to the bathroom to discard the full condom. When he returned, Olivia was still on her back, eyes still closed. The visual had an effect on his dick. He climbed back onto the bed, pulling her into his arms, so that they were facing each other, both on their sides.
Olivia opened her eyes and smiled at him. She moved closer and draped one leg over his, forcing one of his legs between hers.
Taking her hand in his, he laced his fingers through hers, bringing them to his lips. "You really missed this, huh?" Fitz asked as he swiveled his hips and she felt his dick stir.
She lifted her head. "Yes," she whispered, softly kissing his lips.
He grinned. "Let me hear you say it."
She shook her head, laughing at the cocky grin on his face. "I missed you and this," she grasped his dick, "very much."
"And I missed you both too."
Olivia laughed and Fitz captured her lips silencing her, and she moaned against his mouth as his hand moved between her legs. She pushed his hand away, and they settled into a comfortable silence. It had been four months since they'd met, and more than once, she'd tried to figure out why it was so good with Fitz. Why was it so different? Maybe it was because he was so attentive. Or maybe it was that he always seemed more concerned with her pleasure than his own. Or maybe it was because she really loved him.
"What's going on in the beautiful head of yours?" he asked, softly kissing her shoulder.
She smiled at him. "I'm doing a mental inventory of all the reasons I love you."
Fitz grinned at her. "Oh yeah?"
She leaned in and pecked his lips. "Absolutely."
They'd grown closer since their time in Chesapeake, if that were possible. They knew each other better than the people they'd known their entire lives. It was as if their bodies, minds and souls hand become one, they even breathed in sync.
Olivia was overwhelmed with the way Fitz lived to see her happy, and it always brought a smile to her face. She never knew she wanted to be cherished that way until Fitz started to show her what she'd been missing in a relationship, and what she really wanted. She'd never thought about it before because it wasn't really a priority, now it was like second nature to want to be loved the way she knew only Fitzgerald Grant could love her.
Fitz kissed her forehead. "I love hearing you say that," he said and proceeded to make up for lost time until he heard her scream his name again.
X
Later, after a shower, they sat at the table again eating their warmed up dinner. The concierge service was exceptional at this hotel.
"Are you going to be okay at practice tomorrow? I mean, it's been a long night and you have to wake up early for practice," Olivia asked.
Fitz laughed. "Livvie, studies show that pregame sex has no effect on performance and can reduce stress. I don't have a game tomorrow, just practice. So don't worry your pretty little head," he said before lightly kissing her fingers.
They continued to eat in companionable silence.
"As soon as camp is over, I'm going to make this up to you in some way," he promised." His beautiful eyes were filled with regret as he looked at Olivia, and she absolutely melted at the expression on his face.
He felt torn about the amount of time he'd been away but knew it couldn't be helped. Olivia was still a major priority in his life and he felt she was getting the short end of the stick.
"You," she said, tapping him on the chest with her finger, "don't have anything to make-up to me for. I knew who you were and what you did for a living before I fell in love with you. You don't ever have to apologize to me for doing what you do. You just concentrate on bringing home a championship, and when it's all over, it will have all been worth it."
Sighing, Fitz leaned over and kissed her lips. "I didn't know being away from you would be so difficult. I don't care what you say, when the season's over we're going away to some island and disappear from the rest of the world for as long as you like so I can constantly remind you of how much I love you."
Olivia squeezed his hand. "Baby, I already know," she assured him.
X
Friday…
Olivia was busy typing case notes as she worked from her hotel room. She'd spoken to Fitz earlier, and he sounded so much better. The stress in his voice was no longer there, which confirmed that her decision to come and see him was the right one.
They'd made plans to have dinner at Lemaire, the hotel's five star restaurant. The chef had promised that she would prepare a clean meal for Fitz. She'd also said no chef wanted to be known in the DMV as the chef who made Fitzgerald Grant sick. He really wanted to spend a quiet evening together in her suite before she left for D.C. on Saturday, but Olivia had nixed that idea. She smiled to herself and shook her head as she thought about that conversation.
Olivia was still daydreaming when her phone pinged, indicating a new text message. Glancing at the screen, she saw that it was from Joey and tapped the screen. The first thing she noticed was several photos of her and Fitz at yesterday's evening practice. The second was the headline: Has the NFL's most eligible bachelor been officially taken off the market? It was a blog post from a gossip site called Capital Tales. Olivia had never heard of it, but she continued reading.
Well ladies, it appears Fitzgerald "The Golden Arm" Grant, the Washington Football Team's gorgeous, hot and sexy quarterback, is officially off the market. Unfortunately, it looks as if we all missed the opportunity because a new woman has staked a claim.
For years he's been linked to Hollywood starlets, supermodels and many other women, and no one could provide any proof. Yesterday, after training camp ended for the day, Grant was spotted lifting a woman into his arms and hugging and kissing her.
Here's what we know about the honey-brown beauty. A trusted source has identified the woman as Miss Olivia Pope, a D.C. native and prosecutor with the US Attorney's office in the District. She's also the daughter of Elijah Pope, a well-known attorney who gained notoriety early in his career by winning a multi-million dollar settlement for a Black employee of a aircraft manufacturer over claims that he was subjected to racial discrimination at work.
So she has beauty and brains, and from these photos, a lot of Fitz Grant's attention. The beautiful couple looked incredibly happy to see one another, as they held hands and shared intimate embraces. But it was the kiss in the parking lot that has us convinced that Grant has found love.
Congratulations to the couple, and I don't know about you guys, but I'm rooting for Mr. Grant and Miss Pope. Best of luck to them both, and oh, Olivia Pope, you did that girl! Yessss! Grant is all in with his new love. We see you, sis, and we'll be keeping an eye out for more to come.
Olivia read the post twice. Although she hated being anywhere near the media, at least the blog post was tasteful, and had stuck with the facts. If she was being honest, she'd expected bigger headlines from the Post and other well known social media sites. This was pretty tame. Still, she groaned, not sure if this was the life she wanted. But, she was definitely sure that she loved and wanted Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III. Sighing, she forwarded the post to Fitz and went back to work.
X
After Olivia finished work for the day, she checked her phone and noticed she still had not received a response from Fitz. It didn't surprise her; since training camp began. His schedule was tight, so this was no unusual. There was a lot that went into being a star athlete and Fitz was such a competitor. He pushed himself so hard and hated to lose.
She smiled, thinking about that man of hers. Glancing at the time, she stood and walked to the bedroom to change into her bathing suit, deciding to spend some time in the pool before she needed to get ready for her dinner date with Fitz.
X
Dinner was supposed to be romantic, just the two of them, dining by candlelight. But all eyes had been on them since they'd entered the restaurant, and now as they held hands, talking quietly. No one had approached their table, but it didn't stop them from staring and whispering.
"I'm sorry, Livvie."
"It's not your fault," she shrugged.
They both knew that the post from the Capital Tales blog had been picked up by national media outlets and the pictures were making their rounds. When Fitz had showed up at her door looking gorgeous and sexy, all of the uncertainty she'd been feeling disappeared. She didn't like all of the attention on them but she also understood that if she was going to be in a relationship with Fitz, she was going to have to adjust. He was a superstar quarterback. Of course people were going to be interested in the woman he was dating.
"I knew that dating you would make my life crazy. I just didn't know how much, and how overwhelming it would be. And this is just from one blog post. Like right now, I know someone is taking a photo of us while we eat."
"I know, Livvie. But we've had this conversation, and you knew it was possible that dating me would change some things in your life."
"I know, but it's going to take some time for me to get used to being in the spotlight. I want to be with you, just be patient with me. You're so worth it all, and I love you."
He smiled and grasped her hand. "Say that again."
"What?"
"That you love me."
Olivia thought she would melt at the love in his voice and the look on his handsome face. She squeezed his hand. "I have never loved anyone as much as I love you and I never will."
Fitz leaned over and softly kissed her lips, cameras be damned. "I love you too, and we're in this together."
X
Dinner progressed without any incidents. Fitz did step away at one point to take a call from T.C. He had been trying to reach for two days, and she hadn't returned his texts or calls. His next step was to contact the police. So when she finally called, he needed to speak with her. Olivia had warned him to relax, saying she was fine and was probably just hanging out with her friends. She had been. She and her roommates had been attending parties as students returned to the District for the fall semester, and she was having a good time. He was just glad to hear her voice ad know that she was okay.
Later they lay on the sofa in Olivia's suite. "T.C.'s attending Family Day with me," she said. "I hope you don't mind."
Fitz was surprised. "Of course not. She's only attended once, said it was boring and never wanted to attend again."
Olivia laughed. "Really? Because she jumped at the chance to hang out with me for the day."
Fitz was happy that his sister and his girlfriend got along well. T.C. looked at Olivia as a big sister figure. They spoke and texted often, mostly T.C. sending memes or pictures of random things, and asking for Olivia's opinion. She didn't overdo it, but that was probably because of Fitz's warning to not bother her, but T.C, was cool. She'd come a long way since the incident last May. She was a typical twenty-year old, so Olivia didn't mind.
"Of course she did. She'd rather hang with you than her big brother anyway."
Olivia chuckled, nodding her head. It was true. "Well the three of us are going to have a good time, and I'll be more comfortable with the two of you."
Fitz reached down and turned Olivia to face him, and she lay flush with his body. "You're leaving tomorrow and I don't want to spend what time we have left talking about my little sister.
Olivia chuckled. "Well what would you like to talk about, Mr. Grant?" she asked.
"How about I show you instead," he said as he gazed into her eyes and tightened his grip on her hips, ready for a repeat performance of the night before.