A/N: Welcome back Gladiators! Thank you for your patience on that last chapter, I am trying to make these longer and just generally better for you. I am getting impatient myself with seeing Fitz and Liv together, so what do you say we start working into that? I hope you notice that I am trying to limit the Jake and Mellie scenes as much as I can but I do still have a story to write! I hope you enjoy this next chapter, remember to drop those reviews!

Chapter 6

The first two weeks of her employment flew by. Already her and Fitz had fallen into a comfortable routine, Olivia anticipated his every need before he could ask and Fitz could read her mood the moment she stepped off the elevator every day. To an outsider, you would think the two of them had been working together for days, not mere weeks. There were very few boundaries they wouldn't cross with each other, Olivia was the first to call Fitz out on his shortcomings and within the first hour of her arriving at work this morning she knew it was going to be one of those days. He sat in his office, still fuming over a contract that some poor intern had lost the day before. She had run out nearly in tears, whispering how sorry she was when Olivia approached his office and let herself in.

"I'm not in the mood right now, see yourself out." He didn't look up from his computer, but within seconds he knew who was standing in his office. Her presence alone stole his breath and made his skin tingle.

"You're kind of being a dick this morning, Mr. Grant. Care to tell me why you're abusing your interns before eight A.M?" There was a smirk in her tone, and as he looked up he could see it playing on her lips as well. As she sat down across from him he resigned himself to leaning back in his chair and running a hand through his hair. Any anger he felt dissipated anytime she was around him, and lately that had been his only saving grace.

"I know, I'm sorry. And I know you're going to say that you're not the one I need to apologize to, I will go speak to Jen after this and apologize to her as well." It wasn't normal, the way they knew each other already. The way they could anticipate each other's next move. Neither of them cared though, because to them it was normal and it was right. When they were together it was like the rest of the world disappeared and they moved together like a well oiled machine. "We had the signatures for the Branson project and they're missing. We are supposed to start the bidding for architects this afternoon but that can't happen without those signatures."

She laughed softly at him, he took his work seriously and she appreciated that about him but he always seemed to jump to the worst scenario. One thing she has learned about Fitz is that he loves control, and anytime he doesn't have it he turns into a bit of a lunatic. She had called him out on it once over lunch but of course he disagreed with her. They had argued about the fact for nearly twenty minutes when Olivia finally conceded and it became clear to her that day that Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III may be the only person more stubborn than her. "Give me the copy with your signatures, I know you have it sitting on that desk. I will drive over to the Branson's now and explain the situation. You'll have your signatures in the next hour." She stood as she spoke, and for the first time Fitz was able to take in her short skirt and heels that made her legs look a mile long. How could he ever really argue with this woman that had a choke hold on his entire being?

Chokehold… yeah I would love to have those legs around my shoulders in a chokehold. I would love to feel her writhing- no. No, those thoughts aren't appropriate right now. She was just in here telling me how much of a dick I am, and she's engaged. And I am still married, even if I've spent the last week sleeping in the guest room.

He shook his head and handed the folder over to Olivia's waiting palm. "Thank you, Liv. I'm really not sure what I would do without you. If you see Jen on your way out, would you send her in here, please?" His blue eyes were softer now, now as their eyes met she could see the Fitz that she had come to know well. She knew him far better than she had ever known a boss, and definitely more than she had known anyone in such a short amount of time. There might have been a lot of power in the Grant name, but this Grant was kind and funny and irresistibly charming.

"Yes, I will. And you're buying me lunch today!" She shouted over her shoulder as she walked out of his office and towards the elevator. The drive to the Branson's gave Olivia plenty of time to think. That's all she seems to have done lately, is think and overthink her current situation. For the last five years she has been in love with Jake Ballard, at least she thought she was. However, as she drove through the mid-morning traffic all she could think about was Fitzgerald Thomas Grant III. They had somehow completely skipped over the professional part of their relationship and jumped directly into a friendship, despite both of their best efforts. At work it seemed fine, because it allowed them to get work done and get it done well. But now it was affecting her at home, she found herself laying in bed every night for the last two weeks thinking about his striking blue eyes, his broad body, and his deep baritone voice. He occupied her mind constantly until she could no longer recognize herself.

Every part of her body ached for him constantly. Jake had signed on a new contract and was spending more and more time at work which left Olivia more time to stay late with Fitz, they usually ordered some form of takeout and spent more time talking about themselves than they did work. He had shared with her that his wife had dismissed him to the guest room which actually made him happier than it probably should have. They had gotten married less than four years ago, but by the way he explained it their marriage wasn't one of love. His father, Big Gerry as Fitz had called him, was good friends with Edward Sinclair and one scotch filled night the two had decided to set up their children. Melody Margaret Sinclair came from old money, dating back to prohibition when the Sinclair's made it big with their illegal moonshine production and distribution. Since Big Gerry had plans for his son to eventually get into politics he figured that a marriage between their children would be a perfect way to make both family names even more successful than they already were.

He had sat down at a corner booth at The French Laundry, a restaurant he would have never chosen for himself, beside his father and Edward Sinclair. It wasn't really clear what his presence added to what was supposed to be a business meeting, but Gerry had simply assured him that he wanted to give his son an opportunity to start taking his rightful place within the family business. Despite being freshly thirty two, Fitz had still been fairly naive when it came to love and the idea of it. Ever since that cold January night Fitz had given up his playboy ways, mostly, and started to enjoy the idea of settling down with someone. His mind was occupied by only one woman, but that didn't stop him from noticing the beauty of Melody Sinclair as she approached their table that night. He had disclosed to Olivia that he met a woman that he wanted to change his life for, but of course he left out enough detail to ensure she didn't find out that she was the woman he was describing.

When Melody had arrived it was unexpected. Fitz assumed that her father had invited her so that she could get insight into the business as the Sinclair's did not have any sons and as the oldest daughter Melody should be next in line to take over for her father. The two hit it off immediately, she was attractive, funny, smart, and charming- Fitz was hooked within the first ten minutes of speaking with her. Eventually their fathers had left the two of them to have dinner and continue getting to know each other and from then on Fitz had decided that unless Oliva had shown back up in his life, Mellie would be his wife. Within the next year the two were married, and six months later Mellie was pregnant with their first child. After Karen's conception though, the dynamic of their relationship had done a complete one-eighty. The sex stopped completely, there was no laughing or excitement. She shied away from even the most innocent touch from him. It was a miracle that they even managed to conceive Gerry, but even his birth hadn't brought Mellie and Fitz any closer.

For Fitz, his marriage had ended three years ago. There was nothing left for him anymore, but anytime he mentioned leaving he received hell from his father. Not to mention that his children were and forever would be the most important things in his life and he couldn't fathom the idea of leaving them. He remained true and faithful to Mellie and never once considered stepping out of his marriage to satisfy his needs, that was until Olivia Pope returned to his life. Now, his every thought was consumed by this beautiful woman that he just wanted to have and love for the rest of his life. The attraction he felt towards Olivia was stronger than anything he had ever felt, and he didn't expect that to end anytime soon. For him, sharing the story of his marriage was a way to let Olivia in and show her that if their friendship were to ever grow into more- which he hoped it would- that she would not be impeding on his already doomed marriage.

Olivia felt the same attraction to Fitz that he felt towards her, but she hoped that she wasn't nearly as obvious as he was. He watched her closely and intently, his eyes displayed every emotion that he felt and it took everything in her to ignore it and try to hold onto the friendship they had already created. While his marriage was set to fail from the beginning, hers was not. She loved Jake and even without their vows she hated herself for even being attracted to Fitz. She isn't this type of woman, she has morals and values that she is now tempted to go against. They hadn't discussed their feelings for each other, but they didn't have to. It was obvious in the air they shared, the songs of the birds, it was as sure as the sun would rise and set each day. These feelings weren't the same as the ones she felt for Jake, it was a new experience and every day she fought to maintain and balance them with her own expectations of herself.

An hour later she returned to the office and the air had finally calmed down. It was obvious that Fitz was now in a better mood and Olivia couldn't help but feel a bit of pride knowing that she was the reason he could move forward with his day. Just as she had for the last week, she let herself into Fitz's office where she found him pacing and talking on his cell phone. "Fine, just bring them to the office. Yes, I have their carseats, I know how to take care of my children. I'll see you when you get here, I have to go." She walked towards him quickly, not wanting to take up any more of his time.

"You didn't have to end your call, I was just dropping off the contract. And I already have a copy on my desk and I will go ahead and get it scanned in as well. Is there anything else I can do for you ?" She grinned softly at him as she crossed her arms around her chest. It was clear based on the part of the conversation that she had overheard that Mellie would be arriving soon enough, and the last thing she wanted was to get caught acting anything but professionally with Fitz.

"You have done more than enough. Please focus on what you need to get done for the day." He smiled as he stepped in front of her, leaning back against his desk with his ankles crossed in front of him. He needed to be closer to her, but they weren't there yet. They weren't ready. "Just do me a favor and order me some lunch when you order yours. Here's my card." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a brown, leather wallet before retrieving a black, platinum card and holding it out for her to take. As her hand reached his, he took the opportunity to brush his thumb over her knuckles, relishing in the contact of her skin on his, innocent as it was.

"I'm ordering sushi by the way. On second thought, how quickly do you think a personal sushi chef could be here? After all, you're the one paying." The smile on her lips was playful, until she instinctively pulled her bottom lip between her teeth in response to his heated gaze. They were still touching, and finally she had to pull herself away. "I should get back to work. You know where to find me if you need anything."

"That I do, Livvie. That I do." Her eyebrows raised at his new nickname for her. For twenty six years she has been called as many names as she could think of, but never did someone call her Livvie. Maybe her mother did when she was a child, but if she did it was no longer stored in her memory. The confusion and shock were evident on her face, and he couldn't help but tilt his head and give her his most charming grin. "Just go with it. It can be our thing." Without another word, Olivia turned to walk out of his office. Her skin was on fire, the butterflies in her stomach were on a rampage, and she was slowly slipping more and more into the feelings she had for Fitzgerald Grant.

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"Hey baby, how was work?" Jake entered the kitchen and placed a soft kiss on Olivia's cheek as she unloaded the takeout she had grabbed them for dinner. This used to be her favorite part of her day, when Jake would come home from work and kiss her. Today though, she doesn't have the same feeling she used to. Today she is almost disappointed that they're home together- it was easy to avoid being affectionate when he wasn't home until late, but he would almost definitely expect sex tonight and she just wasn't sure if she could do it.

"It was good. I've been crazy busy this week planning for this party-"

"Party? What party?" He grabbed his plate and took a seat at the table with his beer, waiting for her to join him.

"Oh my god, I haven't seen you to be able to ask you. Uhm-" She was hesitant, typically they only ever attended events for his work or with his friends. She was sure he would say no simply because he wasn't interested, but the fact that Fitz would be there had to guarantee a no from Jake. "Next Friday we are hosting a huge, black-tie fundraiser. I was hoping you would be my date. There will be booze, music, food, and of course me in a sexy gown." She smiled as she sat across from him. Maybe attending this fundraiser with Jake would be exactly what she needed to put her feelings towards Fitz at bay.

"Will Grant be there?" He asked over a mouthful of food. It was such an obvious question, Olivia thought. He's the CEO of the damn company, it would be in bad taste to not show up to his own party.

"He will be. As far as I know his wife will be joining him." Maybe by mentioning that Fitz was married, Jake would lighten up to the idea of joining her. Of course she knew that his marriage was in shambles and that her appearance would be strictly out of necessity for his image, but Jake didn't need to know that.

"Okay- yeah. Of course I would love to join you." He smiled softly at her. There was no feeling of excitement in Olivia, maybe a hint of relief, but mostly she was indifferent. She should be excited to get dressed up with her fiance and show him off to her new workplace, but there was something holding her back and she hated it. Jake was the first person to really love her, he was her first real relationship and she had no hesitation when he had asked her to marry him. Perhaps she should have waited, afterall she jumped on the opportunity to marry the first man she loved and never really gave herself a chance to know or love anyone else. Then again, there was a reason they loved each other, a reason they were planning a future together and that should be more than a small attraction and occasional flirting with another man.

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The music could be heard from the parking garage. Olivia knew it was going to be a great party but she didn't expect the thumping of pop music and the bright flashing lights. She was thankful that she wouldn't have to spend the evening shaking hands and making polite conversation, her and Jake would be able to relax and have fun for the first time in too long.

They stepped off of the elevator hand-in-hand. Her body was adorned by a long, black fitted dress that had just enough sparkle that the surrounding lights flashed off of her. Her silver, 4 inch heels made her legs look even longer and gave her hips an extra pop, not that they needed it with how tightly her dress hung to her. Her neck line dipped low between her breasts, nearly reaching her belly button, and she was the definition of perfection as she walked into the ball room.

Jake looked around the room, surprised to see so many big names in architecture and real estate. In his opinion, Fitz wasn't important enough to be hosting this kind of party, but at least it was an opportunity to shake some hands and maybe bring in some business for himself. Of course he would enjoy spending time with Liv, but he also needed this night to network and get his business moving in the right direction.

Fitz had been at the bar, grabbing himself a glass of scotch and a vodka tonic for Mellie. He was already exhausted from putting on a show with his wife and it had only been thirty minutes. Luckily, Mellie would have to leave at ten to go pick up the kids, then he would finally be able to relax. Until then though, he would be miserably sipping on scotch and faking a smile.

He was in the middle of taking a sip of his amber drink when he saw her. It was impossible not to look, she was easily the most breathtaking woman in the room. As he took her in, starting from her heels and slowly drifting his eyes up to her lips he couldn't help the smile that overtook his lips. It was the first real smile he had all night and suddenly he wasn't worried about his wife and his public image. He had to be closer to her, he needed to hear her voice- no. No, there was no possible way that his eyes weren't deceiving him. Of course she would bring her fiance, but he wasn't expecting to see that her fiance was the one and only Jake Ballard.

Before he could stop himself he was walking towards the couple. He was filled with anger, hurt, betrayal- but also lust, desire, and need. He had to admit to himself that walking over to her right now was selfish, he wanted to make Jake's skin crawl. He wanted to make it known that he was now a part of Olivia's life, but he also didn't want to hurt her. He wanted her to enjoy her evening which meant he had to behave, for her sake.

Their eyes met as she finally made her way into the room and his heart nearly stopped at the smile on her face. Never in a million years did he imagine that she would smile at him that way while on the arm of her fiance. Jake hadn't noticed him yet, but he would soon, which meant he would have to try to hide the pure desire he had for Olivia. Once she was within reach, he moved his hand around her hip and placed a small kiss to her cheek, still ignoring Jake. "Olivia, you look beautiful. I'm so glad you made it."

"Mr. Grant, if I recall you did tell me my presence was mandatory." She laughed softly before looking up at Jake whose face was now red and his lips were pulled tightly together. She wrapped her arm around his waist, trying to calm him down as he held out his hand to the taller man.

"Fitz, it's been a long time. I see you still know how to throw a party." He was being polite, he had to for Olivia's sake. This was her boss and it was her first work event, he would be damned if he did something to ruin this for her.

"Jake. I have to say, I'm surprised to see you. Liv never mentioned that you're her fiance." Jake shot a look at Olivia, confused as to why she hadn't mentioned him by name. If she had told Fitz that her fiance's name was Jake, Fitz easily would have put two and two together.

"In my defense, Mr. Grant, you never asked." She smiled softly at him before running her finger tips over Jake's waist, trying to reassure him. Much to her relief, the woman she had recognized as Fitz's wife approached just then and saved her from the rest of the awkward interaction.

"Sweetheart, there you are! I've been looking everywhere for you. Is this my drink?" She smiled, but even Olivia could tell that the smile was forced. She was staking her claim, but Olivia knew better. Without wasting another moment, she cleared her throat and excused herself and Jake to the bar for a drink. She couldn't be near Fitz, not tonight, not with the way he was looking at her. Tonight was about her and Jake spending time together and she would not let herself be distracted by the other man in her life.

By 9:30 she was comfortably buzzed as her and Jake danced in the middle of the crowded dance floor. He was still tense, and seemed far from having a good time. Every attempt she made at getting him to lighten up failed, and he was quickly killing her buzz. As the song that she was swaying her hips to came to an end, she heard the familiar voice of Mellie Grant approaching.

"Olivia! I have been dancing with my husband all night. Would you mind if I stole Jake here for a dance before I leave for the night?" Her eyes widened, she had absolutely no idea why Mellie would want to dance with a stranger, not when her husband was quite possibly the most attractive man in the room. She cleared her throat and started to reject her request when Jake piped up.

"Mrs. Grant, I would love to join you for a dance." Olivia looked at him, the shock evident on her face. He hadn't hardly smiled all night, but here he was smiling at Mellie and willingly accepting a dance with her. She took a step back from him and watched as he took Mellie's hand and the beat to a slow song started. She rolled her eyes and was on her way back to the bar when a smooth baritone voice came from behind her.

"You're not going to leave me out here dancing by myself, are you?" It was a horrible idea for her to dance with Fitz, they had never really been that physically close to each other and for good reason. While they never spoke of it, they both knew that they wouldn't be able to pull away from each other if they ever got close enough to breathe each other's air. It was dangerous territory, but how could she say no when she could feel his eyes boring into the back of her head? She slowly turned around and met his eyes, a smile tugging at her lips as she offered him her hand.

"I wouldn't dream of it, Mr. Grant." He took her hand and pulled her close to him, letting his hand rest respectfully on her back while he kept her right hand firmly in his left. She smelled amazing, a hint of rosemary and mint coming from her hair. He relished in the feeling of her small, soft body against his large, firm body.

"How many times have I told you to call me Fitz? We work closely together and I would like to think we are friends."

"No one else in the office calls you by your first name. The only person I have ever heard call you that is Cyrus, and he doesn't work for you. Even your wife calls you Fitzgerald." She laughed softly and the sound cause him to hold her a little tighter,

"Fine, I'll relent for now. You look amazing tonight, by the way. Not that I have really been able to look, but you always look amazing." His voice was low, not risking his wife and her fiance hearing his words. She met his eyes briefly before turning away, trying to hide the blush of her cheeks.

"Mr. Grant, I-" Her thoughts were interrupted by Jake, his hand resting on her shoulder. She pulled away from Fitz, the loss of contact causing a shiver to run through her body.

"Hey babe, I'm sorry. I just got a call from the office and have to head in. I'll leave the car for you but I might not be home until morning. I love you." He kissed her softly, letting his lips linger as a stake of his claim in front of Fitz. Before she could respond he was walking out of the front door, leaving her and Fitz alone on the dance floor. She couldn't believe it, he had promised to enjoy the night with her and was now leaving her to go home all alone.

It was even more surprising that he was willing to leave her with Fitz, especially after the fuss he made over her working for him. Now here she was in the sexiest dress she could find, sitting on a strong buzz, and Fitz still had a hand on her back. How could he be so willing to just leave her? She was still staring at the door, completely dumbfounded when she vaguely heard Mellie telling Fitz goodbye and excusing herself for the night. She was pulled away from her thoughts when she felt Fitz's breath against her ear.

"Meet me in my office in 10 minutes, use the east elevators."

"What?" She turned to face him, eyes wide but he was already gone. She shook her head and walked to the bar, she downed a shot of tequila before grabbing her fresh glass of wine. The events of the evening were not at all what she had expected, and now she couldn't even begin to wonder what Fitz wanted to see her upstairs for. Maybe he saw the hurt on her face, maybe he wanted to give her a chance to feel hurt and upset and figured his office was better than the middle of the party. Then again, she had her own office she could run to. She could always get in her car and drive home, she had made an appearance and there was no real reason she should have to stay any longer.

Then again, her skin still burned in the places Fitz had laid his hands on her. It was innocent, he kept his hand high on her back and didn't even begin to toe the line of inappropriate while they danced together. But now Jake and Mellie were gone, and now she had a moment to be alone with Fitz. Consequences be damned, she finished her glass in one long gulp and made her way to the east elevators, avoiding the curious eyes of any party goers and before she could stop herself she was on her way upstairs to his office.

A/N: Sorry Gladiators, I am absolutely leaving you on this cliff hanger! Drop the reviews, share the love, and I'll ease your pain soon enough!