Chapter 8

Liv was never one to count the days or even the hours in a day or anything like that. Most of her days were just filled with the happiness of living, of being able to give back and getting to know people.

It had been two weeks, 14 days to get specific. Going to hours, it had been 336, yes 336 hours since she last saw Fitz. His beautiful blue eyes and gorgeous smile had been on her mind since the moment he drove away.

She had refrained from texting him that night, not being able to eat any of her celebratory dinner. It was eerily quiet at the dinner table on what should have been a happy occasion. Liv kept side eyeing Eli, and DC was no better, he wasn't going to earn any brownie points with Liv either.

Trying to show gratitude for Emmie, Abby, and Leo being there, Liv tried with small talk, but it was hard. She felt so bad for Fitz, he had such a nice start to the day, and it ended with such sadness.

Finally, not being able to pretend anymore, Liv dropped her fork, excused herself from the table and went to her room. She began searching the internet for apartments in the area, she needed to get out, beginning to feel suffocated.

Abby came in a few minutes later and sat on the bed with her. "Hey Liv, it'll be alright, you'll talk to him again tomorrow, I'm sure."

Liv sat up in the bed and shook her head. "You didn't see the hurt in his eyes. He genuinely believes he will ruin me in some way if we try to be together. I was so happy when he agreed to come to dinner. I just shouldn't have pushed him." Liv stopped. She shrugged her shoulders. "I don't know Abs," Liv put her head down, "guess we'll see."

"Well, I'm sure he'll come around. Look how he surprised you this morning. He cares for you, that's for sure." Abby rubbed Liv's knee trying to soothe her a bit.

"Yeah, I'll call you tomorrow, Abs, thanks for coming tonight, tell Leo I said to have a good night, ok." Liv turned and curled herself on the bed sinking into the pillow. She wanted to sleep, but knew it would be impossible to do.

Two weeks later now, she was still finding it difficult to sleep, but her and Fitz have been texting so it's a start again. He hasn't been on the news either, and that, Liv thought was a good thing.

Destiny had been working with Liv late into the nights editing the book and it should be done a week sooner than planned, so that's something Liv looked forward to. Now, sitting in her near empty room, boxes all around, she took a deep breath. She turned in the direction of the knock at the door and her father came in.

He walked over to one of the boxes and gave it three taps on top. "So, you're really moving?" The sadness in his voice was hard for Liv to bear.

"You're being dramatic dad, I am moving three blocks away, it's not like I'm moving to a different country. It's time I move out on my own, you'll still see me every day."

"And Fitz?"

Liv crossed her arms and took a deep breath, "what about Fitz? I haven't seen him since you basically called him a privileged brat."

"I was just protecting you…"

"Protecting me from what? You don't even know him, and I've asked you to get to know him. You know that day he left, I met his parents. His mother recognized me from a picture on his phone. She sat with Abby and me while we were having lunch. She said such nice things, thanked me for believing in her son. Even his father who is hell more privileged than Fitz greeted me kindly." Liv just looked at her father.

"So, what, you want me to pretend the guy isn't on the news every day for his need for anger management and staying out of trouble."

"No, I wanted you to be nice for once, get to know him, talk to him, I mean come on dad, you didn't give him a chance. You and DC both teamed up on him, and that wasn't fair."

Eli looked up to the ceiling, knowing she was right. "Are you going to the shelter tomorrow?"

"Yes, I'll be there. Emmie asked me to help her with the breakfast, Nickie can't make it, so I'm filling in."

"Ok, I appreciate that." He looked at the stacked boxes. "I'll take some of these to your new place tomorrow."

"Thank you. Look, dad, after breakfast, I'm taking a ride. I haven't taken a ride in a while, I near to clear my head a bit. I'll be careful."

Eli walked over to his now standing daughter. He took her shoulders and kissed her forehead. "I despise it when you take a ride, but I know there's no stopping you." He looked at her. "If you get in contact with Fitz, have him over, I'll try again."

Liv smiled at him. "Really?"

"Really, I mean I'm already losing you to your own place."

Liv rolled her eyes. "Oh my goodness, stop it, you're not losing me, I'm literally point five miles from here." Liv laughed.

That night, like every night for the past two weeks, her and Fitz began a texting session. "Hey you, how was your day?" Liv began.

"Not a moment of free time. I had to visit five different venues in three different places. Yours?"

"Worked some more on the book, just about finished with the editing. I miss you." It had been the first time Liv texted it, but it was the whole time they hadn't seen each other. Maybe she shouldn't have texted that.

Liv saw the three dots for a few seconds, then stopped, then again. She was wondering what he could be thinking. So, before he could type back, she ended it.

"I'm tired, I think I may get some sleep tonight. Goodnight Fitz."

Fitz looked at the phone. He took a deep swallow. He just loved when she texted him, loved it more than he would admit, but he got to see her face on her phone and imagine her there with him.

Two weeks ago, when he drove away, he had to pull over when he was sure he was out of sight. It was one of the hardest things he had to do in his life, and he couldn't remember anything that caused him so much pain.

He saw the pleading in her eyes for him not to go, but Eli's words overshadowed that, and he just had to get out of there. His emotions were everywhere, and he had to leave before he said something to her father he would regret or he punched DC square in the jaw.

"Just please, Fitz, don't go." Livvie's words echoed over again, and he couldn't take all his thoughts. He stopped the car and pounded his fist on the front seat. He put his head in his hands, his palms going slowly back until they fell back down in frustration.

"Fucking Jeremy, I have to make a change in my life." He looked in the rearview mirror and saw his reflection. "I will be someone she deserves" Fitz said to himself, not realizing in Liv's eyes he already was.

He drove to his parents' house that night. They were in the middle of dinner, so Fitz wouldn't go hungry after all.

"Oh, Fitz, glad you could join us, Albert made this delicious balsamic chicken, come sit." Sarah pulled out the chair next to her, across from his father.

They ate in silence for a few minutes before his mother cut the tension. "How is Olivia after that whole unfortunate episode?" She took a piece of chicken off her fork.

"Didn't seem to phase her at all, honestly."

"She seems like a lovely young lady." Gerry chimed in.

"She is." Fitz looked at him. "Look, dad, do you know how Jeremy fucked up that wedding?"

Gerry put his glass of scotch down and folded his hands in front of his mouth. "No, I don't, want to tell me?"

"He knocked up the older daughter, got her pregnant then dragged her off to get an abortion. Jeremy got the founder of Galaxy Industries daughter pregnant and forced her into an abortion. Then Jeremy tried to cover it up. That's how we lost the wedding to Ballard."

His father closed his eyes and pushed his plate away. "Anything I can do to make it up to you?"

Fitz dropped his fork. "Make it up to me? What about that young girl who is damaged for life because of that piece of…"

"Fitzgerald!" Sarah stopped him. "Not at my dinner table."

"Garbage," Fitz caught himself. "That piece of garbage."

"Remember son, Jeremy was put in the position because he had to keep you from going to jail"

"Fitzgerald, is Olivia's family happy for her, I'm sure they are." Sarah tried to change the subject. "She also told me you befriended a young boy, Nathan, I believe."

Fitz calmed down a bit. "Yes, the young boy has no home, he lives at the shelter that Liv's father runs, and she works at." He looked at Gerry. "You know dad, maybe you can do something for me."

"Oh, what's that?" Gerry asked swallowing the last of his scotch.

"I need to find an affordable apartment for the young boy and his mother. I will cover any fees and the first year's rent. Also, you have any contacts in a senior living building?"

"I can do both. Give me two weeks and it's done. This is very nice of you Fitz."

Sarah's hand went over Gerry's. "He's not as mean as they make him out to be, it's all the people you hang around with." She gave his hand a pat. "Retire already."

"I also want to buy you out. Not the real estate company, the banquet halls. I want to start fresh. I'll have my lawyer draw up some agreement papers. I have no interest in the real estate, but I plan to extend the banquet halls and get ahead of Ballard, so I'll buy you out." Fitz looked at his father.

"You're making this decision in haste, Fitz, give it."

"No, I want to be my own boss, I can do this, and if you don't want to, I'll start from the bottom up then."

That night he wanted to text Liv and tell her what he had done with his father, but he didn't. They didn't text at all that first night, then it was 13 straight nights of texting. Fitz wasn't getting much sleep at all, so he welcomed the texts when they did come through.

Tonight, two weeks later, he had a pain in his heart he never had before. He closed his eyes after he looked at his phone, always seeing her beautiful face behind his eyes. When the last text came through, he read it and couldn't answer her. He tried; he just didn't know the right words.

Should he say, "I miss you too," "Then lets' stop missing each other and get together." Maybe I can swing by the shelter tomorrow and pick you up." Fitz just didn't know what to say, kept deleting text after text, and then her good night text came through.

Maybe, just maybe, he thought she was tired enough to go to sleep. He worried about her and maybe tomorrow he would surprise her and show up. Nathan and his mother should be getting the news about the apartment as well as is Emmie getting into the senior place. Fitz closed his eyes, his phone on his chest, and he fell asleep, finally.

They had both made changes in their lives. These changes, not known by each other yet, were for them to be together somehow. It's what they were both willing to do to give in to this love they were feeling for one another.

"Olivia!" Nathan ran over to her and hugged her waist. He looked behind her and put his head down. "Fitz isn't here again?"

Liv went eye level with the young boy. "No, sweetheart, not today, maybe tomorrow though." Liv looked over at the play corner. Nathan hadn't touched his Lego's since Fitz left that day. He didn't want anyone else to play with him except for Fitz and it broke Liv's heart every day.

"But I won't be here anymore." Nathan's green eyes looked at her sadly. "I'm leaving."

Liv looked at Nathan's mother who had come over. She rubbed her son's head. "That's right baby boy." She looked up at Liv. "Got a letter last night. We are in over at the apartment building on Jackson Street. Third floor, two-bedroom, rent paid for a year." She handed Liv the letter.

"This is fantastic Lena, wow." Liv was reading the letter.

"Yes, so we are packing up, DC and Buzzy are going to help us move today." She gave Liv a hug. "I can never thank you for all you have done for me and Nathan. You visit whenever you can, and I can't wait to read that book. You're going to kill it girl."

Liv smiled as she watched them walk away and Nathan began boxing up some of his toys. Liv walked into the kitchen and Emme turned to her.

"Just the person I was hoping would walk in. Your father tells me you're taking a ride today. You know I hate that motorcycle Olivia." Emmie walked over to her, hands on her hips and waited for a response.

Liv shrugged. "I know, but it's been ages since I took a ride. I just need to clear my head. I'll be careful."

"I will never know why Bernard left that bike to you. That darn Harley Davidson, he just couldn't part with it." Emmie spoke of her late son. He had passed away four years ago and left Liv the owner of his Harley Davidson. He used to take Liv for rides around the neighborhood.

"He knew how much I loved the freedom of the air, the open space, just the overall feeling of being on the bike. He also knew I would take care of it."

"Whatever. Have you spoken to Fitzgerald?" Emmie began working on the eggs.

"We've been texting." Liv took an apron and put it on.

"Your eyes Olivia, they've been dark. You used to light up the room when you walked in. Ever since the night of your dinner your eyes consume your sadness. You care for him?"

"Yes Emmie, very much." Liv put her head down. "I just can't force him."

"You better not be paying any mind to your father and to DC. They both step over their boundaries. Dad tells me you're moving into your own place? That's a step in the right direction."

"It is." Liv agreed. "I've been working on my book nonstop, I have good things happening." Liv started putting some fruit into cups.

"Go to him Olivia. Be assertive and go to him. Find a place to talk, even if it's the whole night. Pour your feelings out to him, so you know if this is right or not. I happen to feel it is." Emmie looked up at two men that walked into the kitchen. "May I help you gentlemen?"

"Emmeline Carter?" The taller man asked.

"Yes, that's me, is everything alright?" Emmie's hand went to her heart.

"Yes, ma'am, this is your lease for the senior living apartments on Cedar Street. Effective tomorrow you may move in, all paid up and ready for you." The men nodded at Liv and walked out.

"Olivia, oh my goodness, we did it, but how is it all paid for? I thought I would at least have to pay some rent." She let Olivia read the lease.

"No, it's all good Emmie, looks like you have a home." Liv gave her a hug.

"This is thanks to you and your father. The two of you never stop helping in this community." She cupped Liv's face. "You're happy for me, but your eyes show such sadness. Go to him, now, go, I have this."

"Emmie, I can't just." Liv said.

"You can. Pull up on that motorcycle and take him places he's never been before. Live your life, you've helped so many others live theirs."

Liv picked up her phone. She called Justin, hoping Fitz was at the FTG Hall. She didn't like to ride too far on the bike. He answered on the first ring. "Ms. Pope, is everything alright?"

"Justin is Fitz there, if he is, don't let him know it's me on the phone." Liv bit her bottom lip.

"He's here, just got here as a matter of fact. What's up?"

"Sorry to do this, but I want to surprise him and take him somewhere, can you manage the hall?"

Justin rubbed the back of his neck. He knew Jeremy was coming to collect his wages Fitz owed him for the last two weeks. Fitz would drop the appointment in a second for Olivia and that would piss off Jeremy.

"Absolutely, I can handle this." Justin knew how sad Fitz had been in the recent weeks. He hadn't seen Olivia around and he could only conclude it had something to do with Jeremy being fired. Rumor had it Liv had witnessed the whole thing and Jeremy said some nasty things to Olivia. "He's been training me to be head manager, maybe taking over Jeremy's spot." Justin said proudly.

"Good, and congratulations. I'll be there in about 15 minutes. Remember don't say anything."

"I won't." Justin ended the call before he spilled the beans about Jeremy coming for an appointment. He just hoped they did not run into each other. It was no secret Jeremy blamed Olivia for Fitz's sudden change and his firing.

"Justin, you're going to be in here during the meeting with Jeremy. I don't want him accusing me of anything." Fitz looked up. "Are the cameras on?"

"Yes sir, I just checked, they're on." Justin sat next to Fitz and took a hard swallow.

"What's wrong? Don't worry, I'm done with the nonsense with Jeremy. I'm not going to do anything to the prick. I just want you to witness how to deal with employees after they have left the company. Ok?" Fitz gave Justin a pat on the shoulder and then looked out the window at the annoying sound coming from the parking lot.

"What the f…" Fitz went towards the door, Justin following.

There was a motorcycle, a beautiful Harley Davidson just outside the entrance, making enough noise to annoy the hell out of Fitz. He hates motorcycles. "HEY!" he shouted, but the driver paid no mind.

He looked carefully at the rider, black jeans, a black leather jacket, black boots, and a black helmet that clearly protected the head completely. He began to wave to get the attention of the driver. The motor stopped and the driver faced him, still tinted covering the face. "GET THIS NOISEMAKER OFF MY PROPERTY."

Justin looked up and down the block. The noise didn't seem to be bothering anyone else and he wondered when Olivia would pull in, hoping she didn't see him this angry. He hadn't been this angry for two weeks.

"Want a ride?" The voice was muffled behind the helmet, and Olivia was smiling, knowing how angry she was making him. She couldn't wait for his mood to change when he saw it was her.

"A ride, did you say? Are you crazy? Get off my property with this." Fitz pointed back to the road.

The rider's gloved hands went on either side of the helmet and Liv was about to lift the helmet off as Fitz stepped closer to the cycle. He looked at the rider, angry that the bike was still there, and then his eyes grew wide in surprise.

Liv took the helmet off, swung her head left and right, and smiled looking at him. "Now, about that ride, Mister." She tucked the helmet under her arm.

"Livvie? You ride a motorcycle? A Harley no less?"

"Surprised? Come on, Fitz, let's go for a ride. The extra helmet in on the back, let's get away for a bit. You would be amazed how free you feel riding in the open air."

Fitz turned looking at Justin. "I have this boss, go on."

"Reschedule the appointment, and my cell is on my desk, lock it up." He turned and looked at Liv, took the helmet from the back and said "here goes nothing."

Justin turned and walked into the hall, taking a deep breath, now he had to deal with Jeremy. He locked up Fitz's phone and waited.

"Wait," Liv said. "Do you have a place we can go?"

"How's a 20 mile ride? Is that too far?"

"No, I can do that, where to?"

Fitz pointed towards the direction. "Over that way, towards the lake. I have a lake house there, we can talk." He looked at the sky. "It looks like rain soon though, better get going."

He went behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist and touching her gave him such a feeling of comfort. She put her helmet on and revved up the motor.

Liv felt his arms go around her and she immediately felt a calm come over her, God she missed his touch. He directed her where to go and within a half hour, they were in front of a small lake house with a garage. She stopped the bike and Fitz got out to open the garage.

"Pull the bike in." His legs were shaky, he was still coming down from a high of feeling so free in the open air, like Liv said he would, and he was hot from being wrapped around her taking in her scent from the leather jacket. The whole ride was just so euphoric.

She climbed off the bike and with the helmet off, she smiled at him. "Hi." She said walking to him.

"Hi. You are so badass, Olivia Pope." She cupped his face and pulled him down for a kiss. She rested her head on his chest.

"I missed you so much." She looked up and around. "So, what is this place?"

"It's a lake house my parents have owned since I was born, come on, let's go inside."

Back at the banquet hall, Jeremy pulled his car into the lot just as the motorcycle was pulling away. He walked into the building to a calm Justin waiting for him.

"I don't need to see you half-pint, where the fuck is Fitz?"

"He was on the back of that bike you just saw. Taking a ride with Olivia Pope."

"Get the fuck out of here, Fitz hates motorcycles."

"He likes Olivia Pope more, I guess." Justin shrugged.

Jeremy pulled Justin by his collar. "I want my money low life, call him and get him back here."

Justin pushed Jeremy's hand off him. "No can do loser boy, he didn't take his phone and he said to reschedule."

Jeremy took a step back. "You?" He pointed at Justin. "He's training you to take my place. You'll never fill my shoes."

Justin adjusted his shirt and pulled out Fitz's calendar. "Does Wednesday work for you? How is 10 a.m.?"

"You ready to play second fiddle to a woman from the hood?" Jeremy laughed.

Justin ignored him. "Or would 1 p.m. be better since you'll be coming down from your heroin high."

"Listen you little shit, watch yourself. I'll be back tomorrow, 9 a.m., make sure you tell Fitz he better have my money. I'm sick of being tossed aside for Olivia Pope." He looked at Justin up and down. "And you, you little shit, will never be able to handle the workload, Fitz will see that in time."

Walking out, Jeremy took his phone. "Sully, time to pay up that favor you owe me. That's right, got a job for you. I need you to camp out over here on the other side, by FTG. You're going to look for a motorcycle, a Harley. Could be today, could be tomorrow, but when Fitz comes back to the hall, follow the Harley and clip the wheel."

"Calm the fuck down, Sully, I don't want you to kill the rider, just a little scare, can you clip the back fucking wheel, and put a scare into the rider."

Sully paused. He knew the day would come when he would have to pay Jeremy back, but not like this. "Jer, come on, I don't want to do anything like that, can't I pay you back some other way."

"You know what, never mind, I'll call Raquel's father when I hang up and.."

"No, no, I'll do it, when should I expect?"

"I. Don't. Know. That's why I'm telling you to get some snacks and camp out here."

"How do you know Fitz is even going back there?"

"Because his phone is here, I'll wait to leave until I see you, then I'll expect a call when it's done."

"My God, Fitz this place is beautiful." Liv looked all around, it was furnished, a wide room with a kitchen off to the side. She walked through the living area and into a small room in the corner. "This is amazing." Liv was looking up at a glass roof, seeing the sky between the green trees. Out the big window to the left was the lake. Liv walked over to the window and saw the crystal clear sparkling lake. "This is your place?"

Fitz's arms went around her once again. "This is my thinking place. My parents hardly come up here anymore. I loved coming here as a kid." He took one arm off to point. "Over there, a slide that went right into the lake." He pointed to the other side. "our rowboat to go out fishing. We had everything, and it has always been so peaceful."

"And the sunroof, my goodness I would stay in this room all the time." Liv was looking up at the grey cloudy sky, admiring it.

Fitz looked up. "I usually did. I loved watching it go from light to dark. I used to do puzzles, play video games, just about everything in this room."

Liv turned to him now. "Thank you for bringing me here."

"You drove this time." His forehead when to hers and she met his lips. "Come, let's sit in the recliner, we can look at the calmness of the lake." He took Liv's hand, and he sat first. Liv went between his legs as he sat up and she rested her back on his chest, their hands interlocking now.

"I'm glad I drove to you, glad you had me come here," she moved his hand around. Her fingers now unlocked with his and she matched fingers. She smiled. She looked at him now, tilting her head. "How have you been?"

"I've been miserable but making changes. How are things with your dad?"

"Complicated but fine. I'm moving out, got my own place. Three blocks away, but you would think I'm moving to Antarctica if you ask him."

"Wow, good for you. I'm buying my father out. I'll be the sole owner of the banquet halls and hiring my own people. I'm in the works to open one more in the next month. Groundbreaking will begin and hopefully in three months we can have another one over by Garfield. So, if you know anyone looking for work."

"I know plenty, I'll send them your way."

"Please do." His hands now went across her stomach where they interlocked. His cheek went to hers and they just looked out to the lake. He took a deep slow breath. His lips pressed against her ear as her hand caressed his face. "I have missed you too, Livvie." His lips gently went over her ear lobe and Liv felt a chill go up her spine. "I just couldn't admit it." Then, he rested his forehead on the back of her shoulder.

"Every day I was so grateful for your texts. I know it's hard when you have people dictating to you like my dad and DC, but I want you to know I want to try with you. I want to be with you."

Fitz closed his eyes against her. He gently kissed her on the cheek. "So do I Livvie," then he smiled.

Suddenly Liv heard a noise and looked up. It had started to rain, and the drops were pounding on the rooftop, covering the window with droplets. "Listen to that rain echo the room, how beautiful." She tuned now, still in between him, but her chin rested on his chest. "You, sir, have some explaining to do." Liv poked him.

"Me?" Fitz looked at her, resting one hand behind his head while his other rubbed her back. "What did I do?"

"Emmie and Nathan, getting them out of the shelter. Your father is in real estate, I am sure he knows some people." She looked into his eyes. "Thank you. You don't know what that means to them. Nathan really misses you, too."

"My father finally felt miserable after the whole episode with Jeremy, so I used it to my advantage and had him do me some favors for once." Fitz shrugged. "I'm glad it worked out."

Her hands went to his chest, rubbing up and down, then she hugged him, closely to her body feeling him against hers. "I always saw the good in you, Fitz." She felt his hands rub her back, and then they went up her shirt and his hands connected with her skin. Liv could feel her body lose control, as could he as her back filled with the bumps he was giving her.

He turned her chin up to his and gently kissed her lips. His hand found her bra strap and he was about to unsnap it. He stopped and looked at her.

"Is this ok, Livvie?"

She nodded, never leaving his eyes, "it's fine." Once her bra was unsnapped, she stood up and took her shirt off, he was watching her every move. He, too, stood up and took his off. He then guided her hand and walked over to the bed. The rain still pounding on the glass roof above.

Olivia stood near the bed, topless, and Fitz took a step back and looked at her. While he was gazing at her, nipples hard, she took off her pants and stood in front of him with only her black lace panties.

"You are so fucking beautiful." He pulled her back to him hugging her tightly, resting his head on her shoulder.

She took his hands and guided him down to the bed. "Let's lay, let's talk." The pounding of the rain giving such a peace to the room. Liv laid on the soft bed and Fitz followed next to her as she stared at the raindrops on the roof. "That sounds amazing."

They both laid back looking at the clear windows bounce raindrops off. Liv finally turned and faced him. "You can look at me Fitz."

His face was flushed. "I shouldn't have taken your bra off, I'm sorry if."

"Hey." She turned his face towards hers, "it's fine, I like it. This place is just so amazing." She took his hand and interlocked her fingers with his, then she just met his fingers, holding her hand to his. "Your hands are so big."

He smiled. "Yours are so delicate." He looked at her and took a deep breath. "I am sorry I left you that night."

Liv shrugged. "I can't blame you, you felt uncomfortable, my father was wrong, we talked about it. He wants a do over, wants to have you back for dinner, just the three of us." Liv looked at him.

"I can do that." Fitz caressed her face. "Do you have anything to do tomorrow, you want to stay the night here?"

Liv nodded her head. "I'd love to stay the night, besides the rain should let up before we head back on the bike." She smiled, again her hand caressing his cheek. "You are so gorgeous Mr. Grant." Her head went to his as they kissed under the sound of the rain pounding on the rooftop.

"Emmie, did she say anything at all about where she was going?" Eli looked out the window at the pouring rain. Liv was out there, on the damn motorcycle and he was worried sick.

"Mr. Pope," DC began, "I can text her, tell her stay where she is. I'll go pick her up."

Emmie looked at them both. "You two will do nothing. If you must know, Eli, she went to Fitz, to talk. I'm sure they are in a safe place."

Eli's hand rubbed down his face, then he remembered, he had to be better accepting. He shook his head. "Ok, fair enough, but if I don't hear from her within the half hour, DC is going to send that text and he will go get her."

Emmie pulled Eli over to the side. "I'm not going to be around here much anymore. Having my own place will keep me there and not here. Don't you lose your daughter, Eli. She very much cares for that young man. No one has given him a chance like she has, I am sure he cares as much for her. You should be thankful she found someone to care for her like he does." She looked sternly at him, seeing his stubbornness, but also his acceptance of her words.

"He is a boy from the hills, Emmie, you know how they."

"You're no better judging him as some of those people are with judging us. It doesn't matter where he's from as long as he respects Olivia and from what I can see, he does respect her. Give her space. She has done everything for you. You owe this to her."

Eli's phone buzzed and after looking at the message he faced Emmie. "Don't expect me home tonight. I'm safe, I'm with Fitz. We're talking. Love you, dad."

"Was that Liv?" DC asked, seeing Eli looking at her phone.

"Yes, she's fine. Let's go finish helping Lena and Nathan move.

"She with him?" DC didn't move.

'Yes." Eli looked at him. "She's fine, now are you helping?"

Liv put her phone next to them on the small nightstand and turned back to Fitz. "He would have the cavalry out if I didn't text him."

"How long has it been just you and him?"

"My whole life. My mother up and left, moved to Russia with her lover. She wanted to take me, get sole custody of me, but he fought, and he won. It's been us ever since."

"No wonder he's so protective of you."

"I'm not going to lie Fitz; I love him very much. He can drive me crazy at times, but I have been his everything. He's worked so hard in life so I can meet my goals. Now I understand why it's hard for him to watch me care so deeply for someone."

"That's me?" Fitz asked, his eyes looking serious.

"That's you." She took his hand and placed it on her breast. Her other hand cupped his cheek and they kissed, deeply, lovingly and then Liv rested her forehead on his as she felt his hand move around her breast.

His head went down, kissing her neck, then back up again. "I care deeply for you as well, Olivia. It's unchartered territory for me, but I'm going in, headfirst." He felt her hand soothe his chest, then go under the band of his boxers, and she felt his erection gripping it softly with her delicate hand.

"I've wanted to do this since I first felt this at the picnic in the park."

"You felt that." His face flushed. "Yeah, you do this to me." His mouth now engulfed her breast, and she felt his tongue circle her nipple. Her legs began to bend as her body was feeling weak.

She began to stroke his rock hard erection, and he said, "please Livvie, don't stop." He didn't stop either and his hand went to her clit as his mouth still captured her breast, making her even weaker.

"I don't have protection Liv, so."

"So, this is fine." Liv whispered and she moaned as his two fingers entered her. Not having any leverage, she stroked his dick harder as he took his boxers off completely.

Suddenly it was just the sound of the pounding rain and their heavy breathing as they looked at one another, while they each pleasured each other. Liv lost the gaze first as her head went back when his fingers began to go up her fold to the top of her clit.

Her panties came completely off also, and Fitz put his two fingers in one last time, then took them out for a final circle on her clit as he watched her lose control.

The orgasm hit her body hard, as it's been a long time since she had one. Her mouth opened a bit, and Fitz put his lips on hers feeling her body's weakness as she stroked him, surprisingly through her orgasm.

Her thumb circled the top of his dick, feeling the pre cum, then her hand went back entirely over it. He left the kiss and turned to his back, as Liv continued her stroke. He finally let out a grunt and Liv felt him come onto her hand.

Now she turned above him and kissed his lips as his arm went around her. They stopped and looked at each other smiling. "Where's the bathroom?" Liv asked.

Fitz pointed and Liv got washed up and brought a cloth out for Fitz. "Are you doing anything next weekend?" He asked her as she cuddled into his arms.

"Not that I'm aware of. Why?"

"Would you like to come back up here. Friday night until Sunday, we can go swimming, boating, fishing, walk around, if you'd like."

"I'd like that very much, but aren't your weekends your busiest time? Weddings, showers, and all that?"

"You're more important." He kissed her head.

"Ok." She said, closing her eyes. "When I wake up, I'd very much like for you to shower with me." The rain still dropping on the windows above was coasting her to sleep.

He pulled her closer to his chest feeling her body go to sleep and Fitz never felt so calm in his life. He couldn't admit it right now, but he knew it was over for him, his days of never feeling love for someone other than himself had changed. He was falling in love with Olivia and having her right there in his arms was something he would never regret.

With the water filling the lake outside, the leaves catching the rain, and the drops hitting the window above, the couple fell into a peaceful sleep for now. They were both unaware of the people just twenty miles away plotting to make their happiness short lived.