Part II
Enjoy.
X
Later in Great Falls…
When Olivia arrived home, after dinner with Joey, Fitz was already in bed dozing. The television played softly in the background and his playbook lay across his chest. Olivia gingerly removed the book and placed it on his night table. Fitz began rustling and slowly opened his eyes.
"Hey, what time is it?" he asked drowsily.
"Almost ten." Olivia sat on side of the bed and removed her booties then stood again and pulled her sweater over her head, and finally wiggled out of her jeans."
"Why didn't you call me on your drive home?" He had turned over to watch her undress. They still hadn't had sex since Monday because she felt he needed to save his energy and concentrate on getting back on the field.
"I thought maybe you were asleep and I didn't want to wake you. Looks like I was correct."
"How was dinner?"
"Dinner was a great ending to a long and busy day. Joey says hello."
Fitz smiled. "You're so sexy, Livvie. I love that outfit."
"Oh? Should I get dressed again, or is this okay?" she asked, modeling the rose pink lace demi bra and matching boy shorts.
"No, no. Absolutely not." He reached out and pulled her closer, kissing her flat belly. "You smell good. You're wearing my favorite perfume."
Olivia played in his hair while he placed kisses all over her belly, and then moved up her body toward her breasts. She leaned back and looked into his face.
Fitz, we are not having sex tonight."
He looked up at her to see if she was serious. She was.
Fitz exhaled deeply and fell back onto his pillows, throwing an arm over his face.
"Hey," Olivia said, frowning. "What's going on? Did something happen at practice today?" She sat next to him on the bed while he lay down.
He removed his arm and reached out to play with her nipple through her bra, but Olivia stayed his hand.
"Stop. Something's wrong. Do you want to talk about it?"
Fitz brought her hand to his lips and kissed her fingers gently, and then held it in his much larger one.
"It's T.C."
Olivia removed her hand from his and turned to look in his face. "What about her? What happened?"
"She's going to the game on Sunday as Ty's guest."
Olivia looked at him, waiting for more.
"She showed up in Ashburn after practice today, and she and Ty asked to speak with me alone. Turns out they've been seeing each other."
"As in dating?" Olivia asked
Fitz nodded.
"That's it?"
"What do you mean, that's it? You know how I feel about my teammates and my sister."
She sighed. "Fitz, T is a beautiful young woman and she's going to attract the attention of young men, including your teammate."
"Well, while I was thinking that it was you he was attracted to, he was getting closer to my little sister."
"Who will soon be twenty-one years old."
"But she's still off limits to him."
Olivia ignored his comment. "So what happened?"
"Apparently they've been going out and spending time together since Family Day."
He recalled parts of their conversation.
"It's hard to resist someone you really like. Teddy and I talk almost every day and I find myself wanting to talk to her any chance I get. This is real, Cap. I can't ignore what I feel."
There was that stupid nickname again.
"Fitz we've been attracted to one another since the pool party, but there were a few reasons for staying away from each other. The number one reason was you. I knew you would probably kill him."
"So have you two been out on an official date yet?" he asked.
They looked at each other, still holding hands.
"Yes, and it was the best time I've ever had with anyone." T.C. said, smiling at Ty.
Fitz could tell that Tyson was already smitten with T.C. The blush on his face told the story.
"Of course she didn't want to go out with me at first because of you. But I was persistent, and we've been inseparable ever since."
"We knew we had to be honest with you, big brother."
They looked at each other again, and smiled. Then Ty laughed.
"We also knew you would be pissed."
"How could you date her without talking to me first?" Fitz asked, looking at Ty.
"Fitz please, this is none of your business, and Ty didn't need your permission to date me. You are NOT my father."
Fitz shook his head. "Ty we talk every day and you couldn't tell me that you were 'officially' dating my sister?" he asked.
"I wanted to…I didn't know how."Ty responded.
"Fitz we didn't want to tell you because we didn't want you to think that Ty was somehow using me to get closer to you. But believe it or not, the world does not revolve around you. My relationship with Ty, and us being together, has nothing to do with you."
"Cap, it doesn't matter what you want. Teddy has the right to date and be happy with whomever she wants. And right now, that person is me."
T.C. reached out and squeezed her brother's hand. "This is about me finding someone to love like you have with Olivia. Don't I deserve to have that?"
"Yeah, but don't you think this happened a little fast, T?"
"I thought you liked Ty." T.C. looked at her boyfriend and then her brother.
"I just don't want to see you rush into anything." Fitz sighed. "I don't want to see you get hurt."
"And she won't be," Ty said through clenched teeth.
Fitz glared at the young man then looked at his sister. He sighed in defeat. "Maybe I am being overprotective."
T.C. reached out and hugged her brother. "And I wouldn't have it any other way."
Fitz sat in the film room long after T.C. and Ty had left. They'd talked a little while longer, and he was still in shock, and a bit upset. How did this happen right under his nose? He now knew who the familiar voice belonged to when he'd talked to T.C. before the divisional playoff game and why she didn't attend. She wanted to come as her boyfriend's guest but they weren't ready to reveal their relationship to everyone yet. Ty's parents had also had dinner with his parents and neither of them had said a word. Maybe this was more serious than he thought.
"What's wrong with Ty, Fitz? He's a nice guy and he's obviously crazy about your sister. He tried to stay away from her because of you. He was afraid of how you would react. The man took a chance, even though he knew he'd have to deal with you. But the heart wants what it wants."
Fitz looked at Olivia closely. "You knew, didn't you?"
"I knew Ty liked her, a lot, but I didn't know they were dating. T.C. never told me anything about that."
"Why didn't you tell me?"
"Tell you what? That Ty liked T? I thought any information about their relationship should come from T.C. and Ty. And honestly, with the playoffs coming up, and now your injury, you have enough on your shoulders. I think they should've waited to tell you." She knew there was a possibility that his performance on the field could be impacted by this news.
"But Fitz, T.C. has the right to be happy even if it's with Ty. You're not being fair to them."
Fitz scoffed. "He didn't think he could tell me about him and T.C. I guess it was hard for him because of the rule that my baby sister is off-limits."
"She is not a baby, Fitz. She's a strong and bright young woman who happens to be dating your teammate." Olivia touched his cheek, and the soft hair of his beard prickled her fingers.
He exhaled deeply. "It seems like just yesterday I was home from college and she was following me around like my shadow. Now she's almost a senior in college and dating a man. When did my baby sister stop being a baby?"
"T will never stop being your little sister. She will always wear that title. Trust me, I know." Olivia chuckled, thinking about her relationship with her big brother. "She's a young woman now, and you're going to have to give her space as she navigates this new relationship with Ty."
"Man, I don't know how fathers do it. T's my sister and I can't imagine going through this with my daughter."
Olivia laughed. "Fitz that's different. T.C. is a young adult, and your problem isn't that she's dating, it's who she's dating."
"Yeah, well, that's why we're only having sons." He grinned at her.
"You're funny. But we can't control that either. You get what you get."
He gave her a lusty look. "I don't know, Livvie. That's not what I've heard. I've heard that if you go deep or doggy style, you increase your chances of conceiving a boy."
"Fitz! Where did you hear that?"
"You'd be surprised at the conversations in NFL locker rooms."
Olivia rolled her eyes. "I'm sure I don't want to know." They both laughed, until Fitz became serious again.
"You know I was trying to keep an eye on Ty whenever he was around you. My gut told me whenever I saw you together, to see him as a threat, especially when he was flirty with you. I know how men look at women, and there were times he looked at you like that. But apparently it wasn't you he was after."
Olivia didn't believe that Ty liked her like that. If anything, it was to show Fitz what a good guy he was, and to have an ally in his corner when he and T.C. finally did decide to come out as a couple.
"Fitz, Ty does not like me."
Fitz took her hand in his again. "Maybe not now, but at one time he had a crush on you. Not that I blame him." He grinned at her and she smirked.
"Ty has never been inappropriate with me. He has always been nice and respectful, and nothing more. So stop it."
"I'll handle him at practice tomorrow."
Olivia shook her head. "You will not. They came to you and were honest. You will do nothing to Ty tomorrow, just like you're not going to say anything else to T.C. about their relationship."
The stubborn set of Fitz's jaw told her that he would do whatever he felt.
"I mean it Fitzgerald. You are not going to interfere."
"Or what?" he asked, defiantly.
She glared at him. "Try me."
"Are you serious?"
Olivia crossed her arms and nodded. "Yes, I'm serious."
She tried to stand but he pulled her back onto the bed. He loved when she tried to pretend that she was angry with him. She was so turned on right now, but would refuse to have sex with him to make a point.
Olivia looked into his cobalt eyes, hooded eyes trying to ignore her need for him. "Fitz you can wait until Sunday."
Fitz let go of her hand and chuckled. He threw the duvet aside so she could see his obvious desire for her. His mouth curved into a lopsided grin when he noticed her looking at how hard he was through his pajama pants.
"Can you really say no to all this, Livvie?"
She nodded again. "I can and I will."
He took her hand and tried to place it on his rock hard abs, but she still refused to budge.
"God I love you, stubborn woman." He lowered the waistband of his pajamas and put her hand on his erection.
Olivia's body reacted, of course. "I've touched you before and I'm not impressed." She said nonchalantly.
Fitz released her hand and laughed, loudly, while Olivia stood looking at him with a satisfied grin on her face.
"Okay, baby, you don't play fair but I can live with that."
"Fitz I love you with my whole heart, but as I said before, we are not having sex tonight."
He sighed deeply. "I know. It's for the best. I'm still in the protocol and Brice has been taking all the first-string reps. I need to concentrate on getting back on the field."
Olivia leaned down and kissed him. "I thought you'd see things my way. Now, I'm going to change into my pajamas and cleanse my face." She stood again and walked toward her closet, knowing Fitz was watching.
"You don't have to wear pajamas on my account."
She turned to see Fitz propped up on his elbow, watching her with admiration.
He shrugged. "I never get tired of seeing you naked."
"I know you don't." She winked cheekily and continued to walk to her closet.
"Sexy lady, when this season is over, I'm going to keep you in our bed for days."
Olivia laughed out loud. "I can't wait!"
X
Friday…
Friday evening Olivia met with the ladies of the Wives Club for drinks, and although she had a wonderful time, she couldn't wait for Sunday, so she could see Fitz again. She was also ready to get to Great Falls and their bed. The offense had decided to check into the team hotel after practice a day early. Brice was still getting first-string reps, but Fitz was also back on the practice field. She was ambivalent about him playing. If he was cleared, of course she would support him.
The ladies parted ways in the parking lot of the bar, and Olivia finally made it home, cleansed her face, showered, moisturized and covered her naked body with a silk robe. After brushing her teeth, she climbed into bed and checked her phone for any messages from Fitz, but there were none. Powering on the television she began watching a movie and promptly fell asleep.
At some point during the night, she thought she was dreaming when she heard Fitz's voice whisper near her ear. "It's me, Livvie. Wake up."
She smiled and turned to see him in the barely lit room, leaning over the bed smiling at her.
"Fitz, what are you doing here?"
"I had to come and see you. I tried to wait, but I couldn't sleep." He leaned closer and she could see his handsome face clearer.
"I missed you," he said as he removed his sweater and jeans, and got into bed wearing a t-shirt and black boxer briefs. "I can't make love to you, so it's best I keep my clothes on."
She snuggled closer. "I know. But you're cold, babe, let me warm you up."
He laughed. "Livvie, no sex."
Olivia chuckled. Those were usually her words. "I just want to hold on to you until you're warmer."
"Okay. But stop moving or you'll be on your back and I'll worry about the consequences later," he said kissing her neck. His hand moved to her breast and she moaned. She allowed him to touch her a bit longer until his hand moved lower and she closed her legs, tight.
"Nope. You need all of your energy if you play on Sunday."
"You know I can satisfy you in another way," he whispered.
Olivia couldn't deny that his hands on her thighs were making her weak. She shook her head. "It's been four days, you won't last."
"True, but I've gone longer." He continued to try and open her legs, but she held firm.
"Not with me naked in bed next to you."
Fitz moved his hand back to her breasts and gently tweaked her nipples. "Okay, you have a point."
"I can put on pajamas."
"As if that will matter," he chuckled. "No, I just want to lay here with you. And since I've been cleared to play on Sunday, sex may not be a good idea."
He heard her gasp. "Are you serious?" Olivia asked before moving out of his arms, sitting up and turning on the bedside lamp. "When was the decision made?"
Instead of answering, Fitz searched for the remote and powered on the television. Finding the all sports network, he turned up the volume so she could hear their breaking news.
"The Washington Football Team has received the news they've been waiting and hoping to hear all week long: star quarterback Fitz Grant has been officially cleared from the Team's concussion protocols. The Team announced his ability to play this evening. Grant suffered a concussion in the Football Team's divisional playoff win over New Orleans last week, but he had no setbacks in the concussion protocol this week. This means Grant will be able to play without any medical limitations against the visiting Arizona team in the NFC Championship on Sunday afternoon. The team has been quite positive about Grant's ability to play all week long, but nothing was official until he was cleared medically to play again."
The breaking news had been playing on a loop all evening, and was being analyzed by the sports pundits assembled to give their opinions. Fitz promptly powered off the television, and pulled Olivia back into his arms.
"To answer your question, the decision was made earlier today. I had an appointment with an independent neurologist, who put me through several tests, again, and I passed them all."
Olivia threw her arms around Fitz's neck. "Baby, that's wonderful news!" When she released him, his eyes were on her naked body peaking from underneath her robe, and he shook his head in a way that she knew consequences be damned. But she quickly leaned away. "Fitz why didn't you tell me you were seeing a neurologist today?"
"I knew today was your last day for a while, in the AUSA's office, and you had a lot on your mind. I didn't want to burden you. You had enough to think about. It's been all about me this week, you needed a break."
"Fitz I'll always want to know what's going on with you."
"Well you know now." He sat up and reached for the hem of his t-shirt and pulled it over his head.
"Babe, do you think you're ready to play?"
"Livvie, I understand your concern but there's no way three neurologists would clear me to play if I wasn't ready. I have no symptoms and I feel fine.
"But Fitz…"
"I. Feel. Fine." He punctuated each word with a kiss. "My mind is sharp and my body is fit and primed, and I'm ready to execute every play in the playbook."
She wanted to believe him, but she also knew he wanted to be on the field on Sunday to lead his team, no matter what. Ultimately, she knew he would never lie to her about something so serious, jeopardizing his health, and his career. So she chose not to focus on it.
"I love you, Fitz."
He leaned down and kissed her as she helped him to discard his boxers. She wanted him so bad and didn't care if he blamed her for not playing his best on Sunday.
When they finished, she looked at him curiously. "Fitz, what are you doing here? How are you here?"
Fitz pressed her on her back and hovered above her with that grin on his face. "Livvie, I'm the Team's Captain, I have my ways, he laughed. "Seriously, we volunteered to stay at the hotel tonight, it wasn't mandatory. We can come and go as we please tonight. I just couldn't wait to tell you my news in person." He reached out and wiped her tears. "Stop your tears, your man is going to be just fine." He bent down and kissed her deep and slow. When he raised his head, he looked down at her with a serious look on his handsome face.
"Do I make you happy?"
"Always," she answered as she wrapped her arms and legs around his large body, holding him close to her heart.
A few hours later, Fitz reluctantly left her in bed before dawn Saturday morning, and it was the last time she saw or spoke with him until after the game, Sunday evening.
X
NFC Championship Game…
Olivia, her parents, the Grants, Joey and Julian walked into the Team suite before the game. Everyone walked to their seats while Olivia greeted her Wives Club friends. They all wanted her to know how happy they were that Fitz was going to play. After ordering a glass of wine, she made it to her seat, between Constance and her mother.
"What did I miss?" she asked.
"Nothing," Joey said from her seat in front of Olivia. "They haven't even come out of the locker room to warm up yet."
"They're probably watching the last few minutes of the AFC Championship game," JR added. "It looks like the winner of this game will be playing Denver in the Super Bowl."
Olivia was happy that everyone was there in the suite to support her, and Fitz. Joey leaned back again and patted her knee.
"It's okay to be nervous, Liv."
She smiled. "That obvious, huh?"
"Kinda," Joey chuckled.
"Well there's nothing to be nervous about. The Team's going to win this game. They've already beaten Arizona this season. Just one more win then they're in the Super Bowl," Julian said.
Olivia nodded, knowing what her brother said was probably true, but this game felt entirely different now that she was watching the man she loved take the field after a serious injury. She was feeling fear mixed with excitement. Over the course of the regular season, she'd seen how each game took something out of him, although he would never admit it. Getting the Team to the conference championship game had not been easy. She didn't think she'd ever like the game, but she would always love Fitz.
Nervous, Olivia stood and walked down to the window to look at the activity on the field. She saw T.C. and Ty's parents sitting near the fifty yard line. T.C. was wearing Ty's jersey. Olivia smiled. She was happy for Fitz's little sister. T.C. had matured since the first time they'd met. She'd also joined Olivia and Constance for lunch yesterday and couldn't stop gushing about Ty. Constance and JR seemed to like him, and had nothing but good things to say about him. Olivia shook her head. Young love.
She continued to search for Fitz, and finally she saw him, jogging from the tunnel. He stopped to talk to a few people before moving to the end zone. Catching a ball tossed to him by a trainer, he threw a spiral pass to Drew. They continued to warm up for about ten minutes before he ran to the sidelines. She waited for him to look up and wasn't disappointed when he finally did and grinned at her. He blew her a kiss and gave the thumbs up. She watched as he threw a few more passes before he, Drew, Malcolm, the trainers and medical staff jogged back to the locker room to await team introductions.
Since Arizona was the road team, they ran out of the tunnel first, and their fans were on their feet. Minutes later, three guys ran out of the tunnel at top speed, each carrying a Team flag, followed by the second and third string team members. Then the starters were introduced.
Olivia cheered for the teammates he stood shoulder to shoulder with during practice, and every game. These guys were all in the trenches together.
And then she heard it.
"Number seven, quarterback, Fitzgerald Grant!" the public address announcer boomed and the crowd went wild. Fitz jogged out of the tunnel, carrying his helmet. Olivia saved her loudest cheers for her man. He headed for the Team sideline and a cameraman followed to get a tight shot. Fitz looked directly in the camera and winked. Olivia knew that gesture was just for her. Her belly always flipped whenever he did it.
After the national anthem and the coin toss, Olivia finally took her seat for the start of the game.
X
Fitz couldn't get settled in the first quarter and threw a few incomplete passes. He also intentionally grounded the ball when felt a defensive end and a linebacker closing in on him.
"He's playing scared," Olivia said, but she didn't know why.
By the second quarter, the score was thirteen to seven, Arizona. Fitz had thrown an interception and was sacked twice. The Team was lucky they only needed a touchdown to take the lead.
With five minutes left in the first half, the Team had the ball. The offense lined up and the ball was snapped. Fitz peddled back and threw an incomplete pass, but he didn't see the strong safety blitz coming. The result was him being slammed to ground, hard. Yellow flags fell all around them and Fitz remained prone on the field, motionless. There was a hush throughout the stadium.
Olivia closed her eyes, her worst nightmare was happening again. "Fitz, baby, please get up!" She didn't even realize she was yelling for him to get up as her heart climbed into her throat.
Fitz rose slowly to his hands and knees, then to one knee and then to a standing position. And then he went back down to all fours, reaching for the ground. Lincoln and Declan helped him stand again as the medical staff ran onto the field. They slowly helped him walk off the field and into the blue medical tent on the sideline. Brice was put into the game. The roughing the passer penalty gave them good field position, but without Fitz in the game, it didn't make a difference.
Constance sat next to Olivia wringing her hands and Olivia tried to soothe her, although she was scared as hell. "He's fine. He walked off the field. That's a good sign." She tried to reassure Fitz's mother.
Maya held her daughter's hand and tried to coax her to breathe. "He's okay, baby. He's fine. It looks as if he just had the wind knocked out of him."
Olivia shook her head. "I won't be okay until I talk to him."
The game continued but Olivia, Constance and Maya couldn't focus on what was going on the field. They moved away from everyone and huddled together because they didn't want to rain on everybody else's fun. It was the still the NFC Championship game. Fitz or not, the show must go on. A few minutes later, they watched as Fitz and members of the medical team left the tent and walked to the locker room. No one knew if he would be able to return. Arizona had scored again, and the score was now twenty to seven. Brice was having a hard time handling the pressure. As halftime began, everyone stood and went to get food, but Olivia, Maya and Constance remained seated, waiting on news about Fitz. Finally, her phone pinged with a text notification, and Olivia quickly read the message from Dre, who was on the sideline again.
Fitz is fine. He had the wind knocked out of him and needed oxygen. But he will play in the second half.
Olivia's hand flew to her chest.
"Is it Fitzgerald? Is it another concussion?" Constance asked, grabbing Olivia's arm.
Olivia shook her head. "No. Andre said he's fine and he'll be back in the second half. He had the wind knocked out of him and had a little trouble breathing. So they're giving him oxygen."
Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, and finally stood to walk around suite, waiting for the second half to begin.
X
The second half began with Brice playing in the Team's first possession. They didn't score but he also didn't make any mistakes. After a defensive a stop, Fitz returned to the field to thunderous cheering. To say he had a great second half was an understatement. He threw two touchdown passes, one to Malcolm, and the other to Drew, in the third quarter and the score was twenty-one to twenty, Football Team. Arizona kicked a field goal and took a two point lead, with fifty-three seconds left in the game. The Team had the ball, and Fitz had his work cut out for him.
They came to the line and after reading the defense, Fitz changed the play. Malcolm ran the correct route and Fitz put the ball right on his number, for a complete pass and thirteen yard gain. They were first and ten on Arizona's forty-six yard line. The next play was called dead with an offensive off side penalty. Now they were pushed back to the fifty-one yard line. A quick throw to Jake got those five yards back, second and ten from the forty-six.
Drew caught another pass for twelve yards and immediately ran out of bounds to stop the clock, since they were out of timeouts. With thirty seconds left, Fitz threw to Malcolm for a first down but another offensive penalty for holding moved the Team back ten yards, wiping out Malcolm's reception, and taking them out of field goal range.
Olivia sat with her fingers laced and stared at Fitz who appeared calm and in control. The referee whistled and they returned to the line of scrimmage. She kept her eyes on Fitz, sending every positive thought she could in his direction.
The ball was snapped and Fitz stepped back looking for an open receiver.
Olivia stood. "Come on, baby. Come on, baby," she chanted, her hands pressed to her lips.
Finally he connected with Drew, and Olivia heard Lauren scream somewhere behind her. He ran, then made a move breaking the d-back's ankles in the process, on his way to the end zone. Three yards out, he jumped in the air and threw himself over the body of a linebacker and then…touchdown! The sound that rose from the crowd was deafening. It was a sound that reverberated against Olivia's eardrums. Stunned, she watched the team flood the field. That was it! They were going to the Super Bowl.
Fitz sat on the field, where he'd remained after being pushed down. He looked up at the scoreboard in disbelief.
Meanwhile, everybody in the suite danced, hugged, cried and screamed at each other in shock that the Football Team was going to the Super Bowl. Olivia hugged Constance and then her mother, jumping up and down. They couldn't stop screaming and cheering. The celebration lasted a few more minutes before stadium security came up to escort the families of the players down to the field. Olivia, Constance and JR followed them while Joey, Julian and the Popes left with everybody else to go downstairs to wait.
The time between the Team scoring the winning touchdown and everyone heading to the field was a blur to Olivia as she searched for Fitz. She was sure she lost the Grants somewhere in the chaos. All she knew was that she had to be with him in this moment. The man who'd led his team to a winning season. The man who'd fought all week to play in this game after being injured. The man who trained like a machine and played like a beast on the field every game, and came home bruised, sore and aching from exertion. The man who loved tenderly and played fiercely…she needed to be in his arms. He needed to know how proud she was of him.
Olivia quickly pushed through reporters, Team members and their families, oblivious to the thick, falling confetti. Then she saw him. He had a microphone in his face and tears streaming down his cheeks as he tried to regain his composure.
"Fitz!" she called out to him. His head snapped around in the direction of her voice and his face broke into that grin that still did things to her. He reached out for her and the crowd around him parted to let her through. She leapt her small body into his arms, and like always, he was there, ready to catch her. He wrapped his arms around her tightly. In his arms, the noise and the crowd became non-existent. It was just the two of them.
"You did it!"
"We're going to the Super Bowl, baby" he whispered in between kisses. He pulled away and looked into her beautiful eyes. "You've been here for me since the beginning of the season, and we've come this far. Are you ready to go to Miami and take the last step with me?" he asked.
Olivia laughed, nodding her head. "Of course! Yes! A thousand times yes! I told you I'd follow you anywhere, babe, and I meant it. Anywhere!"
Fitz threw his head back and laughed, and once again she couldn't believe that this big, beautiful man was all hers.
"I love you," she said.
"I love you so much more." He kissed her again and they both heard a throat clearing.
Fitz's parents, T.C. who was hugged up with Ty, and Ty's parents were all staring at them with amused smiles on their faces. Constance had tears in her eyes. Fitz placed Olivia on her feet and reached for his mother.
"Congratulations, Fitzgerald. I am so proud of you. I am also happy for you." She hugged him tightly. Stepping back, she watched her husband engulf their son in a bear hug.
"Congratulations, son. I told you this was the year." JR stood back and grinned at his son. "You make me so proud."
"Thank you, Dad. But we still have one more game."
"I know. I'm feeling optimistic."
Everyone laughed.
T.C. moved away from Ty, and his parents, and Olivia didn't miss the look Fitz gave the young man. But Ty wasn't fazed at all. She threw her arms around her big brother's neck.
"Great game, Fitz. Miami is going to be so much fun!"
Everyone laughed again.
They all stood making small talk until Fitz and a few other players joined the Team owner and their coach on the stage, which had been set up for the presentation of the George S. Halas trophy, presented to champion of the NFC. After the Team owner and the coach spoke, Fitz was called on. He stepped to microphone wearing an NFC Champions baseball cap, and glanced out at his family and his beautiful love before lifting the trophy.
"Washington fans, we did it!" The crowd screamed and yelled again.
"Fitz, it looks like you're on track to win a Super Bowl. Is this what you thought it would be like?"
"Are you kidding? This is a whole lot better than I thought it would be. I've been on the other side, and I know what they're feeling in that other locker room right now. We came so close last year. But this is an unbelievable team and an unbelievable atmosphere tonight. The entire team and the city earned it. I'm just so happy to be a part of such a great group of guys. We all put in the work, and the hard work has paid off."
"When you went down, what thoughts were going through your mind? Especially after last week."
"Well I knew I was okay. Having the wind knocked out of you is just normal football. I wanted to go back in the game immediately but the medical staff wanted to make sure everything was okay. They were being cautious."
"And you came back with a vengeance. Touchdowns on the Team's first two possessions. You guys came out in the second half and played tough, hardnosed football."
"We did. I think we won the line of scrimmage. Our guys on the outside made plays for us. It's a team effort. That's what it's all about. We are a resilient team and we found a way to win seventeen games this season. Tonight was no different."
"Did you feel any pressure at all? There's been so much expected of you."
"You know, we've been dealing with that all year. But we never strayed from what we set out to do in the preseason. Go out and play, show up and do your job. I'm just grateful to be a part of it."
"Congratulations, Fitz, and good luck in the Super Bowl."
"Thank you."
Fitz left the stage and went directly to Olivia who still stood with his parents. T.C., Ty and his parents had headed inside. He reached out and wiped the tears from her cheeks.
"Livvie, don't cry. This is a happy occasion."
"I know, but I can't help it. I'm just so proud of you."
He pulled her into his arms and hugged her tight while Drew and a few others were being interviewed. When the ceremony was over, Fitz and Olivia took a few a pictures on the confetti strewn field, and Olivia and the rest of the Wives Club also took a group photo on the stage. Everyone laughed while watching their star quarterback chase his girlfriend around the field, giggling and throwing confetti like children. Finally, they all headed toward the tunnel, and the locker room. Malcolm and Chloe walked ahead of them and they all laughed and cheered when he yelled, "The champs are here!"
Fitz accepted congratulations from the Popes, Joey, Julian and few others before heading to the locker room to shower and dress. The Popes and the Grants left for their late dinner in the city, while Julian and Joey left to go home. Olivia, T.C. and Ty's parents waited for Fitz and Ty to finish.
Fitz finally exited the locker room wearing a custom Gucci wool two-button suit in gray plaid. He wore a black shirt without a tie, and black lace-ups. His hair was still damp from the shower. He was sexy as hell, and obviously exhausted. He walked over to Olivia, who was sitting with a few other family members. T.C. had already left with Ty and his parents.
Olivia stood and hugged him. "You smell delicious," she whispered, burying her head in his chest.
"So do you." He looked down at her and grinned. "Are you ready to go home?"
Olivia nodded. They said their goodbyes and turned to leave but were stopped by Malcolm, who walked toward them with his arm around Chloe's waist.
"Hey Fitz, I'm giving a private party at a club in the city. It's closed to the public. Why don't you and Olivia stop by?" he asked.
Fitz shook his head. "Maybe next time, Mal," he said, declining the invitation. "But you guys enjoy yourselves." Fitz just wanted to order takeout and go home with Olivia. They turned to leave but Fitz stopped.
"Oh, and don't have too much fun," he said with a laugh. "We all have to be in Ashburn tomorrow."
"We'll all be there, Cap," Malcolm said with a huge grin on his face before turning in the opposite direction and walking away.
Fitz looked Olivia. "Let's go home." He took her hand and led her toward the exit and to the lot where his SUV was parked. Together, they left the stadium for the last time this season.
X
The couple stopped to pick up dinner from their favorite Peruvian restaurant in Great Falls. When they walked in, the staff and diners gave Fitz a standing ovation, yelling and cheering for their "golden boy" quarterback. Of course dinner was on the house.
It always amazed Olivia how often Fitz received free stuff, though he could more than afford anything he wanted. He could buy that restaurant if he wanted, but as always, they were given whatever they wanted. It was something Olivia didn't think she would ever get used to.
At home, they set up the food on the kitchen island. Olivia arranged plates, flatware and glasses, while Fitz unpacked the variety of dishes they'd ordered. He'd removed his suit jacket, and Olivia couldn't help noticing the rippled of muscles across his shoulders and back. They stretched the fabric as he moved, reminding her of the toned body that lay beneath.
When they finished eating, they cleared away the food and the dishes. Olivia sat perched on a stool and watched Fitz quickly dispatch the few dishes they'd used. She loved looking at him. Finally, Fitz walked around the island and lifted her to sit atop it while he stood between her legs.
She reached out and touched the bruise on his nose. It was from the hit he took. "You push yourself too hard, babe," Olivia scolded. "You're constantly on the go. You should rest tomorrow instead of going in so early, especially after the concussion, and today."
"If you noticed, I tried to jump right up," Fitz said, smiling. "Then I thought, whoa, I can't breathe. That guy knocked the wind out of me. That's why I went back down. I wanted to sit out one play but the trainers and the doctors wanted to make sure I hadn't injured anything else." He leaned in and kissed her lips. "I'm really okay, Livvie. We'll watch film tomorrow to see what happened, and correct that mistake. There is nothing for you to worry about. I'll be in top shape for the Super Bowl in two weeks. And I'll rest when we go away together. The most strenuous thing I plan to do is make love to you, often."
Olivia blushed. A vacation was what they both needed after a long season. Uninterrupted time alone, just the two of them. No family, no AUSA's office, no NFL.
"I still can't believe we're going to the Super Bowl," she said, still in awe.
"Believe it, baby."
Fitz leaned in closer. "I love you, Olivia Pope. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me."
"Oh, that's right," she said, putting her arms around his thick neck. "I'm your weakness."
He laughed. "Darling, I'm so weak for you. It's crazy." Then he looked at her with a serious expression, and leaned down and kissed her. "I want you, Livvie, right now."
Her core clenched at his words. Fitz lifted her from the island into his arms and her legs automatically wrapped his waist. He slowly walked them to their favorite room while Olivia pulled his head down and kissed him, open mouthed and hot. He moaned and returned the kiss as he sat down on the sofa, still holding her in his arms.
When they finally parted, she leaned her forehead against his. "Fitz can we do this?"
"Livvie I don't know how many ways I can tell you that I'm okay."
She chuckled, shaking her head. "No, baby. I meant is it okay for you to have sex right now? You still have one more game and it's the big one."
Fitz kissed her again. "Did you honestly think this evening would end without me being inside you?"
Olivia laughed again, lifting her arms so Fitz could remove her sweater. He pulled the garment over her head and dropped it next to them on the sofa, revealing her black lace bra. "I can't wait to see you in my jersey again. It will be warm enough to wear it in Miami. You always look so sexy." He then opened the front clasp of her bra. The lace material parted, revealing her perfect breasts. He leaned forward and kissed her right breast and then her left, making her nipples harden.
Olivia moaned, barely able to concentrate. "Mayb…maybe I'll get a new one for the game."
"Doesn't matter," he said as his lips moved to his neck. "I'm going to enjoy removing it from your sexy little body."
Olivia moaned again.
"Livvie, when I threw that pass to Drew, all I could think of was if you were proud of me. That's all I want from you. To love me and to be proud of me."
His words brought tears to her eyes. She placed her hand over his heart. "I will always love you, and be proud of you."
"Say that again."
"What?"
"That you love me, and you're proud of me."
Olivia pulled his shirt from his pants and quickly began working on the buttons. When she finished he helped her remove it from his body and dropped it next to them. As always, she couldn't help staring at his beautiful ripped body and all those hard muscles; he was more gorgeous each time she saw him without a shirt, if that was possible. She leaned forward and pressed her breasts against his naked chest.
"I am so proud of you, Fitzgerald Grant, and I have never loved anyone as much as I love you, and I never will."
He wrapped his arms around her. "Let's go up to our bedroom."
Olivia shook her head. "I don't think we're going to make it that far."
Slowly, she slid from his lap and stood in front of him. She first removed her boots, then her jeans and finally her matching black lace bikini panties, while Fitz sat watching with hooded eyes. He leaned back and opened his legs. She lowered to her knees, unbuckled his belt, unbuttoned and unzipped his pants. Finally she managed to get him out of his boxer briefs. She rubbed him slowly, enjoying his inches in her hand, and he moaned in pleasure.
"Livvie, it's been too long since you've done this." He heaved a heavy breath and bit back a curse as she covered him with her warm mouth, sending a shudder through his body.
Fitz relaxed and rested his head on the back on the sofa. She sucked on him and he ran her fingers through her hair, moving against her mouth faster.
Olivia watched him through her lashes as she bobbed up and down on his dick. He was too thick and long for her mouth to cover him all at once, so she wrapped her hands around his girth to help as she swallowed him as far as she could go. He hissed out a breath as his hips bucked up off the sofa. She knew his tip was sensitive so she swirled her tongue around it twice before sucking him in whole again. She repeated the motion, and he suddenly pulled out, quickly lifted her and laid her on the sofa.
Standing, he stepped out of his shoes, pants and briefs, climbed back onto the sofa and knelt between her thighs. Fisting his dick in his hand, he teased her with the tip. Finally, he placed her legs on either side of his shoulders and entered her. From that angle, she felt all hard inches of him as he hit against her clit.
Olivia cried out at the intensity of the pleasure because she loved this man so much. He plunged into her slick folds, reaching between them to rub her clit, whispering over and over how much he loved her. Olivia's eyes rolled into the back of her head.
"Fitz!" Olivia screamed, and he smiled.
"Good girl, Livvie," he grunted. "You like this, huh?"
"Yesss! I'm going to cum, Fitz. Please!" she gasped. "Please, I'm so close."
"Good, baby, I'm right with you."
He started stroking even faster before emptying his seed into her, just as she tightened around him, screaming his name and clawing his back. She came fast and hard.
Fitz groaned before collapsing on top of her. He didn't think he'd ever come so hard in his life.
After a few minutes of them both trying to catch their breath, Fitz rolled away from Olivia and reached for the cozy throw on the sofa, pulling it over them. He pulled her onto his chest and she tucked her head beneath his neck. As she started to drift off to sleep, she looked up to see his face, and his eyes were closed. He had to be exhausted after the game he'd played, and the work out he'd just given her.
"Fitz, we should probably go upstairs. Do you really want Bert to find us like this tomorrow morning?"
He never opened his eyes, and tightened his arms around her instead. "I'm good right here as long as you're here with me." He kissed her forehead. "Now, go to sleep. We have some busy days ahead of us."