TROTD - Chapter Twenty-Five: I'm a Real Man

TRIGGER WARNING: This chapter includes discussion of Edison's attempted assault of Olivia. If you find this uncomfortable I recommend you skipping the chapter. 

I’m a Real Man

            Fitz tightened his fingers around the steering wheel, visions of his drunk 18 year old daughter haunting his consciousness. Olivia braced herself and clutched her phone as the car raced towards the bar, speeding through yellow lights, taking turns at a high rate of speed. She wasn’t sure whether Ellie would call her again but she was sure she wouldn’t expect to see Fitz walk in with Olivia. She bit her bottom lip in anticipation of the confrontation Fitz’s presence would undoubtedly cause. It had been silly to think that Fitz would let her leave alone in the middle of the night, and once he learned of Ellie’s predicament, there was no question.

“Why is Edison in my restaurant?” he asked rhetorically.

“She just said he was there. She didn’t say why,” Olivia whispered, still biting her lip.

            Fitz glanced in her direction, wondering what was going through her mind as she nervously gnawed her lip. Was it the prospect of seeing Edison again or the fact that Ellie had called her? He questioned why Ellie hadn’t called Heather or even Megan. And what would make Olivia think that he would let her face Edison alone? His mind swam with doubts.

            Olivia knitted her fingers together in her lap, looking down at her jeans and oversized sweatshirt. She was certain she looked a mess but hadn’t taken the time to straighten herself any further than pulling her hair into a ponytail. Reaching into her purse she pulled out her lip gloss, swiping it over her lips more as means to keep herself occupied than any attempt at improving her appearance.

            They arrived at the restaurant, the apprehension heavy. Olivia unbuckled her seatbelt and reached for the door handle but Fitz caught her wrist, “You stay here, I’ll go get her.”

“No Fitz, she called me. I’ll go get her,” she appeared resolute when she met his eyes, then her visage softened when she saw the concern in his eyes, “I’ll be fine.”

            He thought about letting her go in alone, long enough for her to get out of the car and start towards the entrance to the restaurant. But the memories came swiftly flooding back, the marks on her arms and legs, her tears, how she flinched at even his touch after Edison had attacked her, and he was out of the car.

            She turned when she heard his approaching footsteps, “Fitz, I said I’ll be fine.”

“I’m not letting him hurt you again,” Fitz slid his palm along her arm, finally grasping her hand.

            Olivia released a loud breath, her hands trembled faintly as Fitz held the door open for her. She noticed Ellie and Josh sitting near the end of the bar, thankful Edison was nowhere in sight.

“Liv,” Ellie brightened at her approach, “Thank goodness…”

            Fitz walked around the corner and Ellie’s face dropped, “Daddy…”

“What are you doing drinking? And how could you be so stupid to drink in my restaurant?” Fitz’s jaw twitched.

“I’m going to go talk to Josh,” Olivia excused herself.

“What were you thinking?” Fitz said a little louder, pulling Ellie in the direction of his office.

“Daddy….we were bored after the movie and I was the only one who wasn’t twenty-one,” Ellie tried to explain before Fitz cut her off.

“Do you know what could happen if Edison calls the police?”

“He won’t,” Ellie pouted.

X-X

“Josh, what happened? Why did you let her drink? What were you thinking?” Olivia leaned close so she wasn’t overheard.

“You look like crap Liv,” he slurred, “Have a drink.”

“Josh, you fucked up,” she insisted, “She’s eighteen, this is her father’s restaurant, and Edison.”

“We were just havin’ fun Liv,” his bleary eyes searched her face, “You’re mad.”

“Yeah, I’m mad, more importantly Fitz is furious.”

“She wanted to get a drink, everyone else was twenty-one. We knew that Jeremy would serve her,” Josh tipped his chin towards the bartender, “We didn’t know Mr. Davis would come in.”

            Olivia scanned the room, hopeful that she and Fitz could somehow avoid a run-in with Edison. Leaning on the bar she asked Jeremy for a glass of water, then took a long drink as she waited for Fitz and Ellie.

“Mmm…..that ass looks better than I remember,” his words were like ice through her veins and she visibly shivered. A curl of fear rose in her belly, his scent invading her nostrils, his hand sliding over her rear end and underneath the hem at the back of her shirt.

            She set her jaw, an attempt to hide her fear, “Get your hand off me.”

“Imagine my surprise when I saw the youngest Grant drinking at the bar,” there was an eerie calm in his voice, “And how fortuitous that you should come along to collect her.”

“Edison,” Olivia again made it clear she didn’t like him touching her, “I said get your hand off me.”

“So the rumors are true?” he was close enough that she could feel his breath on her neck and she was suddenly nauseous, “You and Grant? No wonder he coldcocked me after our date.”

            Olivia spun to face him, his hand sliding across her hip, “I think you’re mistaken Edison. You and I did not have a date.”

            She looked around franticly, hoping someone in the nearly empty restaurant would notice her plight but whether by chance or by choice no help was forthcoming.  She took a step back, he was standing too close and she needed to think, and she wondered where Fitz had gone.

X-X

“I am so disappointed in you,” Fitz paced his eyes on Ellie as she sat with her head in her hands.

“Daddy, I said I was sorry,” she lifted her face from her hands, tears streamed down her cheeks.

            His heart lurched, “El….”

“I’ll never do it again,” she whispered, “I’m sorry I bothered you and Liv. I know how important she is to you.”

“You know that you and Heather will always be most important to me,” he ran his hands through his hair, torn between his feelings of guilt and anger over her misbehavior.

            Ellie used the back of her hand to wipe the tears from her eyes and concentrated on her father pacing in front of her. She had called Olivia in hopes of avoiding this precise situation, her father looking disappointed and angry and hurt. Everything would have been fine if her father’s former partner hadn’t showed up and threatened to call the police.  

“I am really sorry,” Ellie looked at Fitz expectantly.

“I think we’re going to have to talk about it later,” Fitz shook his head, “I don’t think I can be objective about this right now. Let’s go.”

X-X

            Josh rose quickly from his barstool, heading in the direction of the restrooms; a sudden bout of nausea overtaking him. Olivia looked around at the bar area, a couple huddled in a corner booth and two businessmen at the far end of the bar talking with Jeremy, the only patrons left. Edison’s proximity continued to make her uncomfortable, only made worse by the fact that now there was no one close by, and she took another sip of water in order to stall him a few minutes longer. She looked down at the baggy sweatshirt, hoping it camouflaged her growing bump well enough that she wouldn’t be reading about her pregnancy on TMZ.

“When are you going to let me take you out again?” he slithered closer, the stench of bourbon seeping from his pores causing her stomach to roil, “I can’t get this body out of my head.”

            His hand touched her hip and she instinctively recoiled, “I have to go find Fitz,” she choked, attempting to extricate herself from him without causing too much of a scene.

“Oh Livvie, don’t go so soon,” he sneered, his hands now digging painfully into her hips, “You know Grant can’t give you what I can.”

            Edison punctuated his statement by drawing Olivia’s hip against the bulge in his pants. One hand slipped from her hip and found her backside sending renewed apprehension from her head to her toes. She reviled the use of Fitz’s nickname for her by the repulsive man pawing all over her.

“Grant’s busy, let me take you somewhere and show you what a real man can do,” Edison’s voice was unnerving, bringing the memory of the night in his car flooding back to her consciousness.

“Let go of me,” she urged, turning her hips in an attempt to free herself from his grasp.

“Oh, I like a girl who resists, makes it that much better when you finally give in,” Edison’s face was mere inches from hers.

            Olivia’s entire focus was on Edison and freeing herself from his lascivious hold. Her hands pressed into the muscles of his chest, arms shaking from the exertion. The panic of the night he attacked her coursed through her veins, tensing her muscles and raising her heartrate to a steady thud beneath her ribcage. He was stronger, just as he had been that night, only tonight there would be no Abby and Charlie to save her. Where is Fitz? She wondered.

            Edison’s hand ran to the front of her jeans and began the ascent of her upper body.

“What’s this?” he asked, pausing on her swollen abdomen.

            Panic struck Olivia, her head swam, her legs suddenly felt weak, and she mustered every ounce of strength she had left to push herself free of him. His hands had just found their ideal place on her midsection when a streak moved through her vision and Fitz was on him.

“You don’t learn do you Edison?”

            Edison put his hands up in a gesture of compliance but he was far from congenial when his eyes met the stormy blue of Fitz’s. Olivia shuttered at the sight of Fitz.  She hadn’t seen him that angry since the night of Edison’s attack. He had Edison pinned against the bar and the few heads in the restaurant turned in his direction. She knew she had to stop him, as much as she wanted to watch Fitz beat Edison to a bloody pulp, to fight for her honor, to assure him who she wanted, she also knew that their altercation would lead to questions.

“Fitz stop,” she urged from a safe distance. But he was like a man possessed, white knuckles gripping his shirt tighter by the second, nostrils flaring in rage, fists at the ready.

“Fitz!” she insisted just a mark louder, “People are looking at you.”

“I don’t care,” Fitz snarled, his eyes never leaving those of the man who cowered in his grasp, “Once and for all I’m going to teach this asshole a lesson.”

            Olivia took a tentative step in Fitz’s direction, her hand gripping his right bicep in an attempt to bring him back to her. The air seemed too viscid to supply oxygen to her pounding heart and her throbbing muscles. Potential headlines flashed in her mind bringing her anxiety to the level of desperation. The end of her privacy, public scrutiny, judgment, and speculation. It wasn’t Edison’s business, not Megan’s business nor Ellie’s, and it most certainly was not the business of the public that she was dating Fitz or carrying his child but that wouldn’t stop it.

“Please…..Fitz……stop…..” Fitz continued his hold on Edison, “for me……”

            Whether the tone of her voice or the words she spoke, his grip loosened and his eyes moved to her.

“Smart decision,” Edison murmured, straightening his shirt.  Fitz began towards him again but his eyes met Ellie’s and the fear he saw there froze him.

“Daddy….” She held tightly to Josh’s side, the haze of her intoxication waning.

“Man the tabloids are gonna love this,” Edison continued to speak, “Drunk underage daughter, knocked up mistress......are you even divorced yet Buddy?”

            The self-satisfied smile returned to Edison’s face as he considered his advantageous position. Fitz had effectively ruined any chance Edison had at finding a new investment partner and Edison saw this as his opportunity for retribution.

“You ruined me. Personally and financially, you and your mistress destroyed me,” he fumed looking from Fitz to Olivia and back again, “I can’t tell you how much I will enjoy watching your fall from grace…..both of you.”

“I get your beef with me,” Fitz took a half step towards Edison, “This perceived competition over Olivia, you’re angry about me breaking our partnership. I get it. But leave my family out of it.”

            Edison swallowed another mouthful of bourbon, liquid courage to stand up to his former partner, “You got pissed off because Olivia went out with me, because I was available and she went out with me instead of you.”

            Fitz bit back the urge to correct Edison’s misinformation. Edison was fishing for information, trying to determine the specifics of their relationship, and any information they divulged would just add to Edison’s growing arsenal.

“You know that my hands were all over her,” Edison leered at Olivia, his gaze traveling over her curves as he taunted Fitz, “And you know she liked it.”

“Get out of my restaurant,” Fitz’s hands were clenched in white knuckled fists, “before I call the police.”

            Edison tipped back the glass of amber liquid, cherishing the sting as he placed the glass back on the bar. He pulled on his overcoat, tossing several bills down on the wooden bar top before he fished his keys out of his pocket.

            He let his hand travel over Olivia’s midsection on his way past her, “Bye Livvie,” he looked back towards Fitz, “She couldn’t handle a real man. Enjoy my sloppy seconds.”

            Olivia instinctively reached for Fitz again, aware that if he began hitting Edison she would be unlikely to get him to stop. Rationally Fitz knew that an altercation with Edison was the worst thing he could do but his instincts to defend his family were fierce. He watched Ellie grasp tighter onto Josh and felt Olivia’s fingers clutch deeper into his forearm. He knew that he would do anything for either of them, hoped that they would find a way to their own truce, and wondered if he would be able to effectively protect Heather, Ellie, Olivia, and his unborn child.

“Fitz,” Olivia shook his arm gently, drawing his gaze to her, “we should probably get going. It’s nearly two o’clock and it’s been a long night for everyone.”

“Right,” he absently agreed.

“I’m going to stay at Heather’s,” Ellie’s voice still held a note of inebriation and her gait was less than perfect.

“Fine,” Fitz was still deep in thought. Ellie’s expression was one of surprise when she looked in Josh’s direction. She threw her arms around Fitz’s neck and pulled him down into an awkward embrace.

“I love you Daddy and I’m sorry,” she choked back tears. Realizing she wasn’t getting a response from her father she directed her attention at Olivia, hugging her, “Thank you so much Liv. I know it wasn’t easy for you to come.”

            Olivia smiled and weakly hugged her back. She searched for the proper words, what she should say, but the only sentiment she could summon was anger and she felt those thoughts best left unspoken for the time being. Josh and Ellie walked hand in hand through the front door and Olivia watched through the window as they pulled from the parking lot.

            Several minutes later, Olivia led Fitz to the car, keenly aware of the few other people around, how close to her Fitz was walking, and the nagging pain low in her belly. She slid the keys from Fitz’s hand and kissed his temple before slipping the key into the ignition and driving in the direction of Fitz’s house. They rode largely in silence, the only words exchanged, almost meaningless apologies for the events of the evening. Fitz’s simple regrets were bringing Edison into her life and Ellie complicating their relationship. Olivia was apologizing for ever agreeing to have a drink with Edison and her inability to allow their story to go public.

            They were met with the remains of their interrupted evening together when they stepped through the front door.  Clothes strewn about, a bottle of water lay on its side on the nightstand, and a re-run of “Smash” was on the television.

            Fitz followed her into the bedroom and watched as she pulled the grey sweatshirt over her head. The tank top she wore beneath it strained at her midsection and he saw the weariness of the evening color her features when she unbuttoned her jeans and slid them down her slender legs. He busied himself changing into pajama pants and brushing his teeth, all the while hoping that she would say something.

            She peeked at the flexing muscles of his bare chest. He was quiet and brooding, she correctly speculated that he was ruminating on Edison’s words. My hands were all over her, he tossed his shirt into the hamper. She liked it, he pulled the thin cotton pants up his legs, knotting them at the waist. Livvie, he wet his toothbrush. She couldn’t handle a real man, he forcefully swept the toothbrush over his teeth. Enjoy my sloppy seconds, he spit. Livvie, spit again. Mistress, he rinsed his mouth. Livvie, splashed the cold water onto his face. I’m available, dried his hands on the nearby towel. Livvie, he threw the towel down roughly to the edge of the sink with an audible sigh.

            He emerged from the bathroom, still lost in his contemplations. He wanted to reach out to her, to hold her, but she felt so distant. He stared absently at the television, searching for something to say, anything to break the strain in the room.

“Megan worked on the pilot of this show,” he looked as shocked as Olivia at his words, they stood, staring wide-eyed at one another. Emotions flickered in their eyes; fear, regret, apprehension, and detachment.

            Fitz broke their eye contact first, “Livvie…..”

“Its fine,” Olivia assured him in a soft voice, climbing beneath the duvet and pulling the covers up over her shoulders. Tears streaked her cheeks and she concentrated on maintaining even breaths so Fitz wouldn’t become aware of her plight.

            Fitz stared at her back, even breaths rising and falling beneath the blanket. Her curls fell haphazard over the pillow and he felt compelled to draw her into his arms.

“I’m so sorry, Livvie,” his breath blew over her ear as he spoke, sending a shiver through her. Even when they disagreed his proximity still stoked the always smoldering flame in the pit of her stomach.

“Me too.”

“It was a really dumb thing to say. It just came out, I don’t know why…”

“It’s been a long night,” she rolled to face him, “Why don’t we talk about it in the morning.”

“I’m sorry you got dragged into Ellie’s mess tonight and I’m sorry I couldn’t do a better job defending you,” Fitz whispered against her jaw.

“I’m sorry I wouldn’t let you,” she returned, “Believe me there are few things I want more in this world than to see you kick Edison’s ass.”

“It wouldn’t have been smart,” he smiled, a finger tracing the curve of her neck, the shell of her ear, the angle of her jaw, the bow of her lips.

“I promise we won’t have to be a secret forever,” Olivia kissed the fingertip that tempted her lips.

“We’ll do it when it’s the right time for you, and the right time for our child,” his lips replaced his finger at the corner of her mouth, “You have far more to lose than I do.”

“Thank you for understanding,” she smiled, “and for defending me.”

“Thank you for loving me Livvie.”

“Edison has taken so much from us,” the tears started anew.

“Shh….Livvie, he can never take this.”

            He pressed his lips gently against hers, allowing her to control their contact. Her lips were soft, yielding, she needed the effortless connection. Soon desire overcame her and she let her tongue venture into his mouth, exploring, healing, comforting.  She appreciated his patience and understanding. They were surely not perfect but they were beginning to welcome their imperfection.

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Terry - Anticipation

Anticipation

“Nervous?” he asked, shifting in his seat, his right hand coming to rest on the inside of her knee.

“What, that you won’t be able to control yourself?” she giggled, guiding his hand a little further up her inner thigh.

            He shifted his eyes off the road for just a second, licking his lips at the sight of his hand partially hidden by the hem of her white Christian Dior dress.

“I’ll be fine, you should probably worry about yourself,” a sexy smirk curled one side of his mouth and his hand glided just a bit higher.

            Kerry’s breathing quickened, her heart a hastened thud in her chest. Her skin tingled under his large, firm hand and she focused on his profile, chiseled chin, a mouth that lit her skin ablaze, that spot below his ear she knew drove him insane when she kissed it. The air hung heavy between them, his fingers creeping closer to the top of her thigh, her hand itching to touch his muscular leg.

            Tony quivered when her petite hand perched lightly on his thigh, his hand retreating somewhat.

“I wish we didn’t have to do this thing,” he sighed in reference to the fall preview panel for Scandal. He glanced in her direction to gauge her reaction.

            She appeared unfazed as she watched their destination come into view. They slowed to a halt and she angled herself towards him, her right hand circling the wrist of the hand that heated her leg. He looked from her face to their joined hands and back, a perplexed expression settling over his features.

“I wish we didn’t have to do this either,” she drew his hand closer to the apex of her thigh as she spoke, “but at least you have something to look forward to.”

            Jackpot, he thought when he felt the satiny warm skin between her thighs. Then his head whirred as realization clicked in his mind. He was touching her, actually touching her, no fabric between his hand and the most intimate part of her. The temperature in the car rapidly soared and he struggled to keep his breathing under control, a low groan escaping from deep in his throat when she dragged his fingers through her damp folds.

“Aren’t you going to open the door for me?” her tone was husky, her chestnut eyes holding his slate grey.

            Tony willed his mouth to move, trying to force the air held captive in his lungs, swallowing past the lump that hung thick in his throat, “You’re not…..not wearing…..” he stammered, voice cracking, “You’re not wearing any panties.”

“I dare you to think of anything else,” she touched her lips to his cheek then scraped her nails over his nape, her breath gliding over his ear, “I’m so hot for you.”

            He groaned and tugged his hands through his hair before abruptly pushing the car door open and trying to focus on anything other than the woman who walked several strides in front of him.

            Tony ran through their plan in his head, keep a respectable distance, no extended eye contact, simple answers to any questions about Kerry. Easier said than done, he thought.

            Kerry slowed, allowing him to gain a step on her. She was in tuned to the fall of his footsteps, the sound of his breathing, the heat radiating from him. Would it be so awful if she peeked back at him? Would anyone catch a photo of her appreciating the view of the man who was causing the slow burn in the pit of her stomach? She fought the urge, keeping her eyes trained forward.

            Photographers and interviewers vied for their attention, a drone that underscored the thrum of sexual tension between them. He had the perfect view of her ass, how her dress fell just above her knee, what he knew wasn’t underneath.  She stopped, beckoning him towards her for a picture.

“You smell amazing,” her words quickened his pulse as he plastered on his best smile and prayed no one heard her.

            They turned, smiling in the general direction of the cameras, and she felt his hand skim agonizingly down her back, stopping just above her rear end. Kerry knew this was payback, for her comment and not wearing panties, and it meant war.

            Tony’s smile took on a knowing nuance when her buttocks clenched, his pinky just floating over the top of her ass. She was hell bent on driving him insane with desire, he would do his best to return the favor. He wanted her begging by the time the evening was over, primed and ready for him, barely able to make it away from prying eyes before she was all over him. So many people only knew the professional pretense she offered, none knew that she was far from tame in bed, not shy to tell him what she liked and how she liked it, the small kinks that sent her spiraling over the edge. It was their little secret.

“Do you know how easy it would be for me to….” his voice trailed off, his warm breath caressing her ear.

“Stop.”

            Though she tried to sound stern he knew that part of her statement was a strategy to save herself from further torment. He heeded her request but allowed his palm to inch lower onto her firm ass. When Tony’s hand finally left her back Kerry whined softly, immediately missing the contact. She hesitated, preoccupied with things that had nothing to do with where she was or the job at hand. Focus, she silently chided herself before plastering a smile on her face and stepping towards a reporter to be interviewed.

            The cast stood chatting as they waited to be announced for the panel. Kerry talked with Columbus, watching Tony laugh with Jeff out of the corner of her eye. She shifted from one foot to the other, wishing she could catch his gaze for just a second.

“I’m gonna grab a water, can I get you something?” Columbus asked, drawing her attention back to him with a touch to her arm.

“No thanks,” she smiled, holding up the bottle of water she held in her left hand. She watched him walk away, mulling over what she planned to say during the panel.

“Do I look okay?” his voice and how close his chest was to her back sent a fresh wave of desire washing over her. The heat was only intensified when his fingertips touched the skin just below where the sleeve of her dress fell on her arm.

            She turned into him, his fingers gliding along her waist as she spun. Her hands smoothed over the front of his shirt, a perfect excuse to touch the firm muscles of his chest. Tony’s breathing quickened when her nails dragged over where his nipples peaked beneath the cotton.

“Maybe undo one more button,” Kerry suggested, her fingers nimbly unfastening his shirt, “Show off a little of what’s underneath.”

“God I want to kiss you,” he struggled not to move his hand to her jaw or press his fingers into her hair.

            Kerry licked her lips and he wondered for a second if it was meant as an invitation, “Patience,” she whispered.

            Tony opened his mouth to answer but they were drawn back to their surroundings by the announcement of Jeff’s name.

“You’re next,” Kerry smiled, “If you get nervous just remember I’m not wearing any panties.”

            His mouth went instantly dry, his cheeks ruddy but before he could form a response he heard his name and the agonizing tension was broken. The public façade fell into place and he walked onstage, taking his seat next to Jeff. Tony sighed, feeling more comfortable than he had since they arrived. There was no way she could torture him in front of a live audience without someone noticing, and she wouldn’t risk that.

            Kerry heard her name and pasted on her own “on” smile before striding in the direction of her seat. Climbing the steps to the stage her eyes met Tony’s and she was overcome by just how handsome he was. His easy smile, the way he relaxed back in his seat, blue eyes that bore into her with appetite and intensity. Before she realized it she was playfully sauntering in his direction and taking her seat beside him.

            Almost imperceptible to the audience was the way Tony’s gaze skimmed her back before she took her seat. She was so close, near enough that all it would take would be a slightly outstretched hand. Her perfume reminded him of when she was still wet from her shower, she would sit in her robe and smooth lotion over her slender legs, then a small mist of perfume before getting dressed. He loved to watch her get ready for her day but even better was unwrapping the package at the end of the day.

“You’re staring,” it was nearly inaudible.

“You’re stunning,” he returned in a hush as Katie walked past them to her seat.

            The remainder of the panel was quick longing glances and seemingly incidental touches. He’d watch the hem of her dress ride higher on her thigh, his mouth watering at the thought of her bareness beneath. She squirmed slightly in her seat when he gestured with his hands, his long fingers and broad palms, all built to drive her to madness.

            Kerry squeezed her thighs tightly together when Tony’s leg gently brushed against her bare calf. Suddenly the room felt stuffy, her skin heated, every inch of her tuned into his every move. She could feel the warmth of his breath when he spoke in her direction and several times their arms managed to touch, sending her heart rate soaring anew.

            Both Tony and Kerry did their best to appear engaged in the discussions around them but there was no way either could concentrate on anything other than their heartbeats pounding in their ears, the tension that enveloped them, and just how long it would be until they could surrender to their urges. She watched his shirt gape slightly, the buttons straining over his broad torso, and she unconsciously licked her lips. He checked his watch, time seemed to be standing still. While the audience members asked questions about Twitter and the impact of fan feedback Tony watched Kerry. While Columbus and Katie laughed about their reasons for joining social media, Kerry kept Tony in view. His shirt, her skirt, his arms, her legs, a game of cat and mouse they wouldn’t be able to maintain much longer.

            Finally, after a discussion about the pacing of the show and the formula for successful TV, came welcome applause. Kerry scrunched her nose in Tony’s direction as they both clapped along with their cast mates and he winked at her in return and mouthed “I love you” drawing a blush from her.

            As soon as they were off-stage he was grabbing her hand, pulling her with him in search of somewhere, anywhere, he could be alone with her.

            She struggled to keep pace with him, losing her breath in the rush for seclusion.

“Tony,” she giggled. “Where are we going?”

            He didn’t answer, wholly focused on his goal, trying door after door until ultimately finding a knob that turned and pulling her inside.

“A closet? Honestly?” Kerry’s hands were on her hips. But the stormy grey brewing in his eyes told her she wasn’t going to get an answer. His hands were on her then, running up the outsides of her thighs, cupping her bare ass as he angled his mouth against hers. His mouth was rough, demanding, mimicking the ruthless movements of his hands below. He was soothing his need for her, dousing the flames that lashed in his belly, claiming her.

“You taste as good as you look,” his teeth sunk lightly into the flesh of her left shoulder, tracing the mark they left with the tip of his tongue.

            Her answer came out in the form of an approving moan and suddenly it didn’t matter whether they were in bed or a broom closet, she wanted him.

‘Oh god Tony,” it came out on a sigh when he repositioned his hands for better access to her. Then he was dropping to his knees, pushing up her skirt, hands raising goose bumps on her sweltering flesh.

“Mmmm….” A low throaty sound before his mouth was on her, tongue submerged in her wetness, nose nudging her clit as his mouth moved over her.

            Her hands were in his curls then stroking over her abdomen and up to cup her breasts as she ascended higher. Her teeth dug into her bottom lip, suppressing the moan that sat ripe on her tongue. Taking mercy on her reddened, swollen lip she let her mouth fall open and his name tumbled out on a sigh.

            His tongue tracked through her folds, dipping into her, teasing, tasting, enticing. As he drove her closer to the edge her hands found his hair, tugging gently, coaxing him where she needed him. When he replaced his thrusting tongue with two thick fingers, Tony sensed her impending climax, the way she dug her nails into his scalp, the hurried cadence of her breathing. Just as her breath caught at her peak he abruptly pulled his mouth from her, his fingers sliding from her.

“Tony,” she sounded exasperated looking down at his sodden mouth and chin incredulously.

“Kerry,” he stood, pulling her mouth to his and pressing his tongue between her lips.

            She could smell herself on him, taste herself on his damp mouth. She teetered precariously on the edge, knowing that a single brush of his hand would nudge her into bliss, and she wanted it.

“I….I’m so….so close….” she stuttered between open mouth kisses, sheer frustration marring her features.

            He looked triumphant, “Now you know how I’ve felt for hours.”

TROTD - Chapter Twenty-Four: Inside Job

Inside Job

“Livvie, sit down,” Fitz caught her as she rushed past him on the way to the pantry, “Everything is perfect. We aren’t hosting the Queen of England, just a college kid who is currently,” he took a deep breath in an attempt to clear visions of Ellie and Josh from his imagination, “currently dating my youngest daughter.”

            Olivia couldn’t hide the smile that curved her lips in response to his unease concerning Ellie dating. As protective as Fitz was about her and their unborn baby, he was just as fiercely defensive of his two older children. She slid her arms around his waist, burying her nose into his plush cashmere sweater, inhaling deeply.  Taking a moment to savor the warmth of his embrace and his masculine smell, she stood silent.

“How serious do you think they are?” Fitz wondered, his hands absently roaming over her back.

            She took a step back, cupping his face in her hands and pressing her lips to his in a chaste kiss, “I think you need to stop worrying or you’re going to drive yourself insane.”

“I mean do you think they…” his face conveyed a thought that he couldn’t bear to put into words.

“Do I think they’ve had sex?” Olivia guessed.

“Shh….God, don’t even say it. I just can’t bear the thought,” he still looked stricken, “She’s just a kid.”

“First of all she isn’t a kid, she’s about to go to college,” her fingers massaged the back of his neck and shoulders, softening the message she delivered, “Second, I can almost guarantee you that they have slept together.”

            He ran his hand through his hair, walking to the window and looking out onto the deck where Heather and Ellie sat chatting, “Liv, am I being overprotective?”

            He turned back to her, searching her face for an answer, his fingers raking his hair again.  She pulled him to her, taking his hands in hers if for no other reason than she wanted him to keep his hair long into old age. He visibly relaxed at the touch of her hand and leaned in to kiss her.

“Maybe just a tad overprotective,” she muttered against his lips, “Remember she’s an adult and if Josh makes her happy and treats her well we should approve.”

            Fitz closed his eyes, inhaling the scent of her shampoo, “You almost sound like a parent,” he nibbled the delicate skin of her neck.  A rosy glow colored her cheeks, the sensation of his mouth on her sensitive skin sending warmth spreading through her. The simplest things made her turn to jelly in his arms, the rumble of his baritone, his big, powerful hands touching her, his lips claiming hers.

“I love you,” she whispered under half-lidded eyes, lost in the simplicity of holding and being held by Fitz.

            He stroked her cheek with a feather light touch, “I’ll never stop loving you.”

            They came together, lips joining in their familiar dance of passion. He held her as close as her growing belly would allow while she tugged his curls in gratification. Engrossed in their embrace, Olivia and Fitz barely registered the patio door opening but the exaggerated slam shook them from their trance.

“Disgusting,” Ellie blurted, her face screwed into a sour scowl, “She’s already pregnant what are you two trying to do?”

            Fitz cleared his throat, holding Olivia in front of him, willing the obvious effect of his arousal to abate, “You girls ready for dinner?”

            Ellie rolled her eyes, “So we’re just going to ignore the fact that you two insist on making out in the room where we eat?”

“Stop,” Heather interjected, “El, let’s go change. I’ll let you borrow that dress.”

            Fitz opened his mouth to protest Ellie borrowing her sister’s dress but the nearly imperceptible shake of Olivia’s head suggested he hold his tongue.  He exhaled sharply as he watched his daughters disappear up the stairs.

“I can’t do this Livvie. I’m not ready.”

            Olivia took his hand, entwining their fingers, and gave him a sympathetic smile, “You’ll be great. Just remember, no Tarzan.”

            He pulled her into him, causing her to giggle when he kissed the tip of her nose, “Got it. No caveman unless I’m claiming my woman.”

“Your woman?” she said with mock indignation, “Your woman?”

            His lips brushed against the spot just below her ear, the place that made her center immediately warm. He let his mouth trail down the length of her neck, the goose bumps left in their wake not going unnoticed.

“We have half an hour until the boyfriend gets here,” his voice was thick with need, the bulge in his pants jutting against her belly.

            The way he touched her was magic, even after months of being virtually inseparable he set her alight with anticipation. When they were first together it was the mystery, the tug of raw attraction. Now it was the memory of his hands imprinted on her skin, how he said her name, and knowing what that glint in his eye meant. It was being intimately familiar with the way he controlled her body, how he knew what she wanted, what she liked, often before she did. The magic of his fingers, how his mouth teased and tormented, and just what he could do with that firmness that was urging against her. A secret smile tempted her lips at the thought. Fitz was handsome and charming, well built and obviously strong, but she knew no one would ever truly comprehend what gave her the silly grin she wore around him or the chill that prickled her spine when he whispered to her.

“Heather and Ellie are upstairs,” Olivia skimmed her nails along the nape of his neck.

“We’ll be quick…and quiet,” Fitz’s hands rubbed the sides of her belly.

            She shook her head with a giggle and a smile, “Help me finish setting the table.”

            Fitz picked up the dessert plates sitting on the counter with a pout before leaning in to catch Olivia’s lower lip between his teeth, “I’ll be counting the minutes until I get you naked.”

            She playfully squeezed his backside when he sucked her lip to calm the sting of his teeth.  The close proximity was heady for both of them and they found themselves lost in a passionate embrace.

“Jesus, don’t you two ever stop?” Ellie announced walking into the kitchen.

            Olivia quickly pushed away from Fitz, wiping her lips with the back of her hand. Fitz reached for her hand to keep her close but she slipped from his grasp.

“Can you not do that while Josh is here?” Ellie continued, “I’ll be totally embarrassed.”

            Fitz held the stack of dessert plates out to Ellie and Heather, “Take these into the dining room, please.”

            Ellie rolled her eyes as her sister took the plates, “I’m serious, it’s gross.”

            The girls walked towards the dining room and Olivia moved to check the chicken cooking in the oven.

“I hope he can manage to keep his hands to himself,” Ellie lamented, placing the last plate on the table.

“He’s happy, why can’t you be happy for them?”

            Ellie met Heather’s stare with a shrug and a nonchalant smile. The doorbell saved her from having to answer her sister’s question, “I’ll get it!”

            Olivia heard a giggle from the direction of the front door and shifted a pointed look in Fitz’s direction, “Behave.”

“As long as he’s respectful I’ll give him a chance,” Fitz assured her before giving her a quick kiss and heading in the direction of Ellie’s voice.

“Mr. Grant,” Fitz noticed Josh straighten at his approach and shook the young man’s outstretched hand.

“Josh.”

“Look Daddy, Josh brought me flowers,” Ellie smiled from ear to ear and held up a large bouquet of lavender and pink flowers.

“Very nice,” Fitz was impressed with the gesture but did his best not to allow it to show.

“I also brought flowers for Olivia, Sir. If that’s alright with you,” it was clear that Josh was anxious and he wiped one sweaty palm then the other on his slacks.

“Josh,” Olivia beamed, walking into the foyer and pulling him into a warm embrace.

            He held the flowers out to her and she gladly took them, inhaling deeply before walking back in the direction of the kitchen.

“Let me take your coat, Josh” Fitz said, “Come in and have a seat. We can talk while Liv finishes dinner.”

            Fitz led Josh into the study, an attempt to keep him off kilter and afford them some measure of privacy.  He sat in the well-worn leather armchair and gestured for Josh to take the seat opposite him.

“So, Josh,” he poured himself a generous glass of scotch then brought the glass to his lips.

“Sir,” Josh interrupted, his speech pressured, “I really care about Ellie. I know you’re worried about our age difference, Sir. I mean, I really respect her, and I respect you, Sir….”

            Fitz was pleased to see that his tactic was succeeding and almost felt bad for Josh. He considered how much he wanted to impress Olivia’s parents and the look on her father’s face when they’d told him Olivia was expecting. Something in him softened a bit, “Listen Josh, my only concern is that you respect Ellie and that you’re good to her.”

            Olivia was approaching the door and stopped short at Fitz’s statement. Her palm smoothed over her belly, her eyes moist, not only was he a good man but an amazing father. She wondered how she and Peanut got so lucky. He leaned back in his seat, crossing his ankle over his knee, she couldn’t look away. The sweater he wore strained over his biceps when his arms settled across his chest, heat settled low in her belly and she licked her lips at the thought of those strong arms flexing as he loomed above her or gripping her securely when he took her against the wall.

            She shook her head to clear the sweltering thoughts, fanning herself in hopes of easing the flush that had overtaken her. Deciding she had collected herself sufficiently she eased the door open and poked her head inside.

“Dinner is ready,” she smiled at Josh before her gaze turned to Fitz and her expression took on a heated edge. His eyes traveled from her moist lips to her ample breasts peeking out from her top finally settling on her sparkling eyes. Fire danced there, a smoldering flame he was used to seeing when they were separated across a room or were waiting to shoot their scenes. He cleared his throat, conjuring the unsexiest thoughts he could.

            Josh rose immediately and walked towards the kitchen leaving Fitz to tamp the blaze Olivia had ignited.

“Coming?” Olivia said, still lingering in the doorway.

            Her words stoked the inferno and he knew it would be some minutes before he’d be comfortable around their guests.

“Livvie….”

            She took several steps into the room, “Did you need a hand?”

“Olivia…..”

            Then she was a mere arm’s length away, close enough he could feel her, the heat that radiated from her, the floral notes of her perfume, and his overwhelming need for her.

“My full name huh?” her nails ran near his temple, just below his ear, and along the edge of his hairline.

“Please…..” the ache in his groin was agonizing.

“Aren’t you hungry?” he knew her words were carefully chosen.

“You’re going to kill me…..” he whispered as she dropped to her knees in front of him, still not making further contact with him. All he wanted was to touch her, the slope of her shoulder, the curve of her breast, the angle of her hip. His thoughts weren’t helping quell the circumstance below his waist and things were only made worse by her hands moving along his thigh, his skin scorching beneath her fingers.

“Is there anything I can do for you?” it was flirty and husky and designed to drive him mad.

“Fuck Liv, I’m not a saint,” he huffed, nearly leaping from his seat and moving quickly to the door. She heard the door latch and the lock engage, immediately warming her to the core. He turned back to her, stalking towards her, his stare forcing her backwards until the backs of her legs hit the edge of the couch and she fell clumsily to the cushions.

“What are you going to do?” her heart thudded in her chest, sounding in her ears like the thump of a drum.

            He straddled her thighs, lowering himself over her when a sharp knock on the door sent him falling onto the couch beside her.

“Dad,” Heather called from the hall, “Is everything okay?”

            The handle jiggled and Fitz did his best to set his arid mouth to work, “Fine,” it came out as a prepubescent squeak and he cleared his throat before trying again, “Be right there.”

“Okay,” Heather sounded satisfied and retreated back to the dining room.

“You almost got us in trouble,” Fitz warned, offering a hand to Olivia then smoothing his sweater.

“I just said that dinner was ready. How is that causing trouble?” she asked innocently, allowing her palm to rest over his heart.

“Can I give you a hand? Was I coming? Hungry?” he was dubious, “You’re lucky I didn’t lose it as soon as you touched me.”

            She offered a most pleased smile before bringing her lips to his then led him out of the study and to the dining room.

            Dinner was fairly uneventful, superb food, casual conversation, and smiles all around. Fitz caught Olivia’s eye when he saw Ellie take Josh’s hand, tempted to put a stop to the contact. But Olivia slid her fingers between his and brushed her thumb over the back of his hand, a gesture that was meant to reassure.

            Fitz smiled in return, finding solace in the touch of the woman he loved and having the people who meant the most to him happy.

“Josh and I are going to a movie,” Ellie announced a few minutes later, puncturing the comfortable silence.

“I thought we’d get to know Josh a little bit better,” contended Fitz as the couple started towards the foyer.

“Daddy,” maintained Ellie, “We had dinner isn’t that enough?”

            Fitz opened his mouth to argue but a quick squeeze of his hand by Olivia stopped his protest.

“You two have fun,” Olivia spoke up, giving a little wave.

“Thanks Liv,” Ellie rushed back, surprising Olivia with a firm hug, “I owe you one.”

X-X

“Tell me the truth, did you spike her food or something?” Fitz asked as he pulled his sweater over his head exposing his bare, sculpted chest. Ellie and Josh had left for the movies and Heather to her apartment, leaving them all alone. Much to Olivia’s dismay, Fitz had spent the bulk of the time marveling at Ellie’s civil behavior.

“Come to bed,” she sauntered from the bathroom, glancing back over her shoulder to be sure he was watching before she cocked her hip to the side in a seductive sway.

            A low growl resounded from him, the memory of her earlier words, the flirting, the heat, the craving. The shift in her hormones made her both more aggressive and more responsive, something that he didn’t remember happening with Megan. But then the list of firsts with Olivia was longer than his arm.

            He watched her peel back the covers on the bed and slide beneath before following her lead. She curled on her side, squirming around until she felt the familiar dip in the mattress and his warm body settle just behind hers.

            Before he lay his head on the pillow, he reached his hand around to touch her belly, “I love you little Peanut and I love your Mommy.”

            She scooted back against him, longing for him to touch her the way she’d been daydreaming for hours. She wanted his hands all over her and his mouth on hers, his fingers digging into her flesh and his rigid length finding purchase deep within her. He rewarded her incursion with a small roll of his hips bringing his erection dangerously close to her center.

“Make love to me Fitz,” she breathed over her shoulder.

“Whatever my Livvie wants my Livvie gets,” he rumbled into the hair at the nape of her neck.

            The night was about relieving the unbearable tension that simmered between them all evening, reconnecting, and celebrating the ostensible improvement in the relationship between Olivia and Ellie.

            Fitz rolled Olivia to straddle him, beginning his tactile exploration of her form. She settled against his chest as best she could and brushed her lips over his.

“I love you,” she whispered just before he captured her mouth fully. Their exchanged moans were lost to the other in a masterpiece of gratification. He was just beginning his venture over her breasts when her phone rang, startling them both. She ignored the intrusion, pressing herself harder against him before her phone rang a second time, the caller clearly not appreciating that she was indisposed.

            With an irritated lament she crawled to the nightstand in pursuit of the offending device, “Hello?”

            She scrambled from the bed, pulling on a pair of jeans and Fitz’s sweatshirt, dragging her hair into a haphazard ponytail, as she listened intently to the voice on the other end of the line.

“I’ll be there in fifteen minutes,” she assured the person on the other end, “Stay put and don’t worry.”

            Her eyes scanned the room after she ended the call, searching for her purse and keys.

“Where are you going?” he sounded alarmed at her haste, “Who was on the phone?”

“I just have to run out,” she offered a hurried smile before grabbing her keys and walking from the room, Fitz rushing close behind.

“Olivia, where are you going?” his voice was urgent.

“I have to go pick up Ellie,” she didn’t turn back to meet his stare but the mood in the room shifted when she sensed the words hit him, “She needs a ride.”

“Where is she? Is she alright? I’m coming with you,” then Fitz was headed back up the steps, putting on the first pair of pants he came across and dragging a t-shirt over his head as he hurried back to the foyer.

“Just stay here. She’s fine,” Olivia was soothing. He caught her hand before she could slip out the door, turning her so she had no choice but to look him in the eye.

“Where is she?” he wouldn’t let it drop.

“The restaurant,” Olivia admitted, bracing herself.

“What rest…….my restaurant?” the pieces were starting to come together.

“She and Josh were there…..and the bartender served them…..” her voice trailed off and her gaze fell to the slate tiles under her feet.

“They were drinking?” Fitz was yelling now, his fingers exerting more pressure on her wrist by the second. Then he took a deep breath, “Just tell me she’s okay.”

“She had a fake ID,” Olivia extracted her arm from his grip, “and Edison is threatening to call the police.”

A/N: So there you have it. Looking forward to hearing your feedback. Looks like Edison isn’t going away quietly. Do you think Ellie has really turned over a new leaf? Thanks for reading. This story has brought so many amazing people into my life. I am thankful both for that and for each and every one of you who continues to read and follow Olivia and Fitz on their journey and emboldens me to continue.

XO,

RG

More new Olitz fun

Posted another Olitz fic to ff.net. Not sure if it should stand as a one-shot or turn into fluffy smutty fun. Always looking for your input.  Here it is:

https://www.fanfiction.net/story/story_edit_property.php?storyid=10975265

Hope you enjoy!!

-RG

Another Really Good Olitz Fic

I read this entire fic last night. I will warn you that it isn't finished and hasn't been updated in nearly a year but it is really excellent.

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/9230288/1/Now-Then

Enjoy!!!  Feel free to share what you're reading too. I love to know what my followers are into.

Another plug

This fic is quickly becoming a personal fave. Two new chapters in two days makes it nearly instant gratification too!!!  Comment if you agree that this fic is pretty great.

https://www.fanfiction.net/s/10794501/1/Paper-Thin

Enjoy!

The Scandalous Writer