Thanks for your patience! It's a little different from the last chapter… FYI: The street mentioned really exists! Check out my tumblr page and I'll post a link of the house. :) xo

It was the kiss that distracted her. Not that everything else that transpired in her office wasn't memorable. Because it was. Her body was feeling the effects. But the way he crushed his mouth against hers. That was the kicker. An hour had gone by and she was still thinking about it. Breath-stealing, with the rush she had craved for the longest time. Mentally separating every other lip-lock; nothing felt like this. It could have happened a week prior. On the bed, in the hallway. At the hotel bar. They could have kissed earlier, but now. It was different. It was perfect timing.

She could still feel his lips. They were soft yet commanding, prompting her mouth to follow his lead. Additionally, they were expert in all the areas that she desired. Relishing each kiss on her shoulder, collarbone, to the inside of her thighs. Teasing her for what seemed like a lifetime, before satisfying her with his mouth. Olivia used two of her fingers to etch the boundaries of her lips, blissfully reminded of that moment when Fitz Grant began to physically change her mind.

The phone line beeped excessively, jolting her out of this daydream. Olivia groaned - with clenched fists - and began to regulate her breathing, failing miserably. Snatching the receiver, she barked, "What?"

"Already on edge?"

"Huh?"

A light chuckle followed.

"Hi."

This greeting was in the exact tone he used when he was lying on top of her. While their bodies were curved into each other, eliminating the dead space, they welcomed this new world of togetherness. Olivia cleared her throat, to distract herself, as well as him. It was the truth - she was flustered, downright turned on by his voice.

"Hi."

Silence on the other end.

"Yes, Fitz? What do you need?"

"Fitz? Score!"

Mildly agitated by his quips, Olivia rolled her eyes. "Very funny."

"I need your number."

"You have my extension," she corrected.

"No, Pope, I would like to get your cell phone number. And I would like to know - your place or mine?"

"Already?"

"You've not bailing, are you?"

"Nope." Olivia answered, emphasizing on the letter "P". "I am not cancelling. It just didn't seem that

long ago that you were here."

Fitz sighed. "Ahh. You are correct. I didn't want you to forget."

"202-556-0752."

The scratching of a pen was extra loud in Olivia's ear.

"Did you write it down?"

Fitz hummed in agreement. "Of course. I'm more of a pen and paper kind of guy," he said. "Then I transfer it to my phone."

"Alrighty." Olivia scanned the room, then remembered something. "Do you know that I got an email, asking if I was okay?"

Fitz inquired with some concern, "What do you mean?"

"The new guy, Marcus," she clarified, "he emailed me. Saying he heard funky noises coming from my office."

Fitz snickered. "I was almost certain that your walls were soundproof, but oh, well. Did you reply?"

Almost having a coughing fit, Olivia exclaimed, "Of course not! That would be a box I wouldn't able to close. I'll figure out an excuse if I cross paths with him and if he remembers"

The laugh from Fitz made her cheeks rise, which eventually caused her to join in.

"How shall we do this?"

Olivia was quick on her feet. "Text me your address, with the time, and I'll meet you there."

"Deal."

Not waiting for him to say anything else, Olivia hung up and quickly finished everything on her to-do list - responding to more emails and tidying up. She didn't want anyone to suspect a thing. But each glance at the couch and her desk, brought vivid mental pictures of being fucked royally. She'd never done anything so bold or risky in regards to her personal life. It was… fun.

Clocking out a few minutes early, so no one could ask questions, Olivia made her getaway. Only one of her brilliant comrades, Huck, saw her. He never interfered with her ins and outs, usually the main person who would discourage anyone from coming to her door. She hated unwelcomed guests. But Fitz probably worked his magic hours earlier.

With a nod, she bid her nightly farewell to Huck and took the secret path to her garage. Olivia had time to go home to change, and pack an overnight bag - just in case something happened. She did have to work the next day and meet with Cyrus. Not being prepared was not in her modus operandi.

As she slipped on her flats while readjusting how her dark hair would fall on her shoulders, her phone buzzed. Glancing over, she read a text from an unfamiliar number. It was him. Before smiling too wide, Olivia pulled on her oversized grey cardigan, then her coat, and walked out the door. Covered and poised - just how she liked it.

Olivia took the long way to get to Fitz's. Crossing from Connecticut to Pennsylvania, to a side street - Vermont Avenue. The text said 1500. Olivia walked up to a very tall, brick house bordered by trees. Several levels of windows decorated the building with grey double doors. It seemed odd to her that he was living so close to the White House; only a mile away from the epicenter of the District. She assumed Fitz lived in a highrise in Dupont or maybe Kalorama. But then again, the past week threw her for a loop; she couldn't assume anything.

She found her destination - Number 5. She rang the doorbell. Taking a step back, she took a breath, silenced her phone, and waited.

"Good evening."

The door opened, presenting Fitz, in a light blue dress shirt and jeans, and a brilliant smile.

"Hello," she answered. Fitz stepped aside to allow Olivia to enter. Grinning as she walked past him, she crossed the threshold.

"Can I take your coat?"

Olivia turned. "Thank you."

The living room was neat and cozy. Very lived in. Olivia noticed a guitar against the wall. Being the observant woman that she was, Olivia looked for red flags. She didn't see anything. The smells of meat and vegetables brought her back to the present.

"Are you cooking?"

"Actually, I am," Fitz proudly declared, moving back to the stove. "I am grilling chicken and steak for fajitas." Before Olivia could praise him, she saw Fitz stop in his tracks. He turned around with a disappointed expression, maybe realizing he might not have thought of all of his options. "You're not a vegetarian, right?"

Olivia shook her head, stifling a laugh. "No, I'm not. Remember the pepperoni in the hotel room?"

"I don't know why I forgot."

"It's okay," she said, taking a seat at the island. "This is a nice place. I didn't think you'd lived over here."

Fitz nodded, "Yeah. It's nice."

"How long have you lived here?"

Stirring the colorful array of peppers and onions, he added, "About a year and a half. I lived outside of the city for three. My parents owned the building, so I guess it was time for me to take over."

Olivia innocently asked, "Did they move?"

Fitz swiped his lips with his tongue, before clearing his throat. Looking down, he gave a short smile. He didn't seem to be acting slyly; more of an uncomfortable gesture.

"They're no longer with us."

Gasping loudly, Olivia cupped her hand over her mouth. "Oh my God, I'm sorry. Pardon my ignorance."

Fitz gave a quick wave, "It's alright. There was no reason for you to know. Things didn't go well with them. When Dad left, my mother stayed here until she passed. Left the house in my name. When they split, they turned the house into condos."

"So, you do this, as well as work at Beene?"

"Yeah," he replied, plating the meal for Olivia. "Being at the company is what I love. This is just part of the family business, I suppose."

He was surely fascinating. More than the flashy marketing expert with a killer swag walk. Olivia wanted to keep every piece of information close.

"Have you always lived here?"

"Yes," Olivia stated, folding her hands. "Nothing special. But I went to boarding school growing up, and came back when I went to Georgetown. That's where I met Cy."

Fitz poured a glass of dark red wine, handing to Olivia.

"Thank you, kind sir," she raised her glass.

"Thank you for humoring me and coming to my humble abode."

Olivia winked, taking a long sip of the tart and rich liquid. Their eyes met and didn't falter. She knew the heat was rising. She was thanking her lucky stars that the extra clothes were in her large purse.

"Do you want to watch some TV," Fitz broke the silence.

Surprised by his question, she played it off. Tucking some hair behind her ear, she smiled. "Sure!" Fitz guided her to the couch. She almost stopped, while he gently touched the small of her back.

"What's your favorite kind of show?"

"Political dramas."

Fitz immediately replied, "Not surprised."

"Oh," she inquired with a touch of sass. "What you made you think that?"

"You're analytical and problem solving is your forte. Being engaged and challenged intellectually turns you on!"

Olivia lifted her eyebrows; amused by Fitz's response, which was very accurate, she refocused the conversation. "How about you, Mister Grant?"

"Cornball and smart comedies."

"The Office? Parks & Rec?"

The blue in Fitz's eyes became brighter. Like a kid in a toy store, his joy became so clear. Olivia must have hit the jackpot. "Absolutely! I have the DVDs and everything. Arrested Development? I'm your guy."

Olivia bit her lip. His enthusiasm was a tad sexy. "Let's watch an episode then. But don't repeat every line. I need to enjoy what I'm watching."

Fitz tips his head in deference. "By all means."

As the evening continued, Olivia thought to herself about this situation. They spent most of a work week in close quarters. The first day back in the office, they had an intense conversation, which led to fucking on her couch. Which, she initiated. It was amazing - a quiet evening. It wasn't what she was expecting. Was it a disappointment that they hadn't raced to the bedroom? Was this a true date?

She had to decide how to make this dynamic work. Keep it cordial and only see each other from now on at work? Or want something more?

"Fitz?"

"Yes," he answered, shifting his eyes over to her.

"You like it when I call you that?"

"Absolutely," he proclaimed. "We're crossing a line that I stepped over months ago."

Olivia shook her head. "Speaking of which, when did you start liking me? Or find me attractive?"

"Well," Fitz started, lifting his legs onto the coffee table, crossing one foot over the other. "I saw you at that office-wide meeting that Cyrus led. I was getting ready to speak and I saw you. Off to the side. You tend to do that. Stand by the side, not wanting to be seen."

Olivia kept a straight face, but was eerily impressed that he noticed, once again.

"Go on."

"You rarely smiled. But I could see this fantastic aura of yours. That drew me in. I remember you calling Steve Finch out when he tried to convince the team to drop that client. I was shocked. But you always knew what you were talking about and always one step ahead."

"Then you're gorgeous! Have you seen yourself? I think you're...You're perfect. I had this image of you being this strong woman, and still delicate. This afternoon, I was proven right."

Olivia's eyes got so wide, they could have fallen out. Immediately, she stared ahead at the wall, the flat screen tv, the window. Hell, anything to pull her away from the detailed narrative Fitz was giving. She wanted to be noticed for what she did, but not in this way. Not coming from a person who was pining for her. Who saw beyond her tough exterior.

Uncomfortable, yes. Undeserving of this attention?

No.

Fiddling with the classically-styled watch that graced her wrist, Olivia snarkily commented, "There must have been other women that you found attractive."

"Well, yeah. I have eyes," Fitz interjected, putting his feet back on the floor. But no one took my breath away like you, Liv."

"Does that answer your question?"

Olivia slightly nodded. Words were failing her. But it was okay.

"Cool."

She caught him tentatively place his hand on her knee. Not that she minded - Olivia enjoyed it. They were becoming more at ease around each other. Shy moments for sure, but it translated into relaxing. Olivia wanted to actually flirt, and inched her way to his side. Batting her eyelashes as Fitz kissed her temple, putting his arm over her shoulder. She wiggled as she pressed her head on his chest.

"Hey you," he stated, rubbing his hands on her. "Are you getting sleepy? Or…" The combination of the soft fabric of her cardigan with his fingertips, felt like heaven. His voice had a playful tone.

"I'm not ready to make a big deal out of this-," Olivia blurted out, hesitant to find the owner of the those soulful blue eyes. "I need to think."

Fitz's nose scrunched. Even with the countless days of observing him in broad daylight, watching how he reacted to others, Olivia wasn't gifted to decipher what he was thinking in that moment. His eyes were soft and his touch was gentle. But obviously confused by what she was trying to say.

"What I mean is, that, do you think we're moving too fast?"

Olivia waited for Fitz to respond. It wouldn't have surprised her if he had answered negatively or questioned her doubts, given that they took a major step in their relationship hours prior. It was something she constantly wondered about every time she connected with a man.

"That's okay. We have what we have for right now. I just want you to be happy."

Olivia let out a short sigh, hopefully content, returning to her former position. "Alright."

"We don't have to do anything tonight. If you want to call it a night, that's fine." Fitz paused, lifting her chin. His smile was genuine. Giving Olivia a sweet kiss, he let go and added, "It's all on you."

Tracing the buttons that lined down Fitz's chest, she whispered, "I don't want to leave."

"You don't have to, Olivia," he replied, stroking her cheek with his knuckle. "Not at all."

Relieved, she had to kiss him once again. Not as desperate this time around. But sweet, slow, and freeing.

The night was far from over.