A/N: As always, thank you for reviewing! Ok I first wanted to give credit to my creative director, a.k.a. my sister who helps me with the direction of the story and often finds me titles because I'm usually clueless on that. Alright, here is the next installment, I know I said the story would be about ten chapters but it obviously will be longer because I need more time to tell the story just the way I want to. How much longer? I'm not sure maybe five or six more; anyway I hope everyone is still enjoying this!

Not my characters… Just in case you were wondering…

Chapter 9 – A Blast from the Past

-- Morgan Enterprises --

"Mr. Morgan, Carly here to…" The assistant wasn't done talking that Carly was already in the middle of Jason's spacious office.

"You are not going to believe this!" The blonde woman said throwing her clutch handbag on Jason's office sofa.

"Then please, enlighten me…" He said without much interest, eyes buried in various legal documents his lawyer had prepared for him.

"It's your stupid designer! She…"

"Carly, I thought I was clear when I told you to leave her alone."

"I didn't do anything! And you should tell her to leave me alone!"

"She doesn't even know who you are Carly and frankly I don't think she cares."

"Well she should, because if she talks to me the way she did yesterday I will show her who she's dealing with."

"Ok, can you just tell me what happened?"

"Well… She was at the Metro Court, unashamedly hitting on Jax in front of everyone at the hotel! And then when I nicely introduced myself she went crazy on me and called me a gold digging slut."

Jason couldn't suppress a faint chuckle.

"Don't laugh, it's not funny! Can't you see she's after the highest net worth! If it's not you it's going to be Jax but I won't let her mess with any of you." She declared arms crossed.

Jason stood up from his leather chair and walked up to his friend. He placed both hands on each of her shoulders and spoke looking at her straight in the eyes. "Carly, you will not do anything because there is nothing to do. I like Elizabeth, I actually really like this woman and you will not mess things up for me this time ok? So repeat after me, you will stay out of this."

The shocked woman looked straight back in his crystal blue eyes, openmouthed. Jason raised an eyebrow in insistence before she finally spoke. "Fine, I won't."

"You won't what?"

"God Jason! Fine, I won't do anything to poodle face Elizabeth!" She exclaimed before leaving his office defeated.

-- Kelly's --

Elizabeth had been excited all morning looking forward to having lunch with Jason. She felt a little ridiculous, like a teenager with a huge crush on the most popular guy in school. The mere thought of the blond caused her lips to curl up and Maxie had made sure to point out how happy she seemed all day. And she was right, all along, the young designer couldn't have imagined how easy it would be to let her fears behind and simply enjoy Jason's company without overanalyzing each step along the way. They had spent a very fun time riding around town really fast the night before and Jason even let Elizabeth steer his motorcycle for a little while. The two had decided to meet the next day and agreed to grab some lunch at the cozy diner. Elizabeth would gladly take advantage of any minutes they were able to share as both had pretty hectic schedules.

Kelly's always reminded the brunette of her waitressing days. She loved and hated the place at the same time for one unique reason; the memories. She had met many incredible people there, who had jumpstarted her career tremendously like Kate Howard. The woman had been stranded one day, in urgent need of a phone and had sympathized with the young fashion student behind the counter. But unfortunately, the place also sheltered its fair share of bad experiences with rude patrons but also her ex boyfriend Lucky Spencer who had made her storm out in tears at more than one occasion. But this era was over, she needed to leave him behind, she would be there with Jason this time and enjoy every minute of it.

The couple entered the cutely decorated neighborhood café and sat at a round table, across from each other.

"So you used to work here?"

Elizabeth nodded with a nostalgic smile. "Yes, for most of my college years."

"I used to come by sometimes back in the days. I can't believe we've never met before."

"Even if we had I doubt you would have noticed me."

"Oh I'm sure I would have." Jason witnessed her fair cheeks turn a light tint of red then asked her. "How was work?"

"Great actually! One of my main suppliers finally accepted to renegotiate our contract. You can't even begin to imagine, I've been on their case for at least two month trying to cut my costs and now out of nowhere they've accepted to offer me a very advantageous price."

"Really? Great to hear everything's well at EW." Jason said with a light corrupt grin.

"How about Morgan Enterprises? Acquiring any companies in the near future?"

"No, but I have my eyes on this very promising fashion label. Unfortunately, I don't think the owner would be so keen on selling." Jason said while extending his arm over the table to caress Elizabeth's hand.

The brunette tilted her head to the side with a charming smile that enthralled the blond man.

"I heard you met Carly." Jason added.

"Carly… Oh! The crazy woman who almost attacked me yesterday?"

"Yes, that must be her."

"I was having a very nice business lunch with a potential investor for EW and I think she didn't appreciate me talking to her ex husband too much because she started spewing insults at me for no reason. She even threw your name in there which I thought was a little weird."

"Don't mind her. She's a friend of mine. We actually go way back, from the time before Morgan Enterprises."

"Well, I don't see how you can be friends with her; she seems to be on the… deranged side."

"She can be a little over the top and very possessive sometimes but she isn't a bad person. Besides, it is thanks to her that I met you."

"Really? How?" Elizabeth curiously wondered how that woman fitted in all this.

"She is the one who dragged me to fashion week telling me I would love what I'd see. And she was right."

His words caused a light blush to tint her cheeks, maybe that Carly wasn't a waste of air after all.

A gum chewing waitress finally came by to take their food orders. "Sorry for the wait, but it's lunch time so you know… wait, oh my god, are you Jason Morgan?"

Jason nodded, wondering what the unfamiliar young blonde girl wanted from him. The waitress signaled her friend, another waitress who must have been the same age, to come over. "It's just that me and my friend think you are super sexy, we always hear about you in mags and stuff. You were voted Port Charles most eligible bachelor right? Oh my gosh! Would you sign us an autograph?"

"And can we take a picture of you with our phones?" Her friend added.

Elizabeth was following the scene closely, examining Jason's reaction to the overexcited girls that just came up to him. Couldn't they see that he had company, and that it wasn't right to disturb him and antagonize his date at the same time? She wouldn't call herself his girlfriend but definitely moving in this direction and these girls had absolutely no respect for that. But what annoyed Elizabeth the most was that he was encouraging the situation; smiling profusely, obviously enjoying being sought after. She knew this didn't mean anything but couldn't help but feel vexed. She faced away trying to keep her jealousy in check.

The brunette who was looking towards the door couldn't believe who she spotted entering the diner. Her whole body tensed as she saw none other than Lucky Spencer walk in confidently. Why did he have to show up there and then? Elizabeth tried to hide behind a hand without drawing too much attention on her but Jason who was now free of his groupies started wondering what was going on and blew her cover.

"Elizabeth? What's wrong? You seem like you just saw a ghost."

"Something like that." She whispered before facing sideways in an attempt to avoid making eye contact with her ex. It was too late.

Lucky waived at her. "Hey Elizabeth! Is that you?"

"Damn it!" She swore in her breath.

Jason had a hard time following up on what had her so agitated.

"Lucky…" She said in fake enthusiasm. A light bulb switched on in Jason's head as he heard the infamous name.

"It's been a while; I hope everything is going well."

Can't you tell I have company, just go bug someone else damn it! She thought, but said. "Yeah, everything is fine with me."

"Oh and congratulation on your show, I heard you did good."

Since when do you care about my career, moron! "I didn't know you cared about fashion but thank you I guess."

"I mean, you could draw that's for sure but I never thought you'd become a star or anything."

"Or what? Or you would have stuck around longer? You know what? I don't even know why I'm pretending here, you disgust me Lucky! And I hope you always remember that!"

"Wow… still touchy I see. Don't tell me you're not over me yet?" Lucky said with an arrogant grin that made Elizabeth cringe.

"Are you kidding me? You are the biggest mistake I've ever made!" She said hastily standing up from her chair across Jason to face Lucky.

Jason who was now worried about the path the conversation was taking imitated her and stood to his feet. "Ok, Elizabeth, why don't we go grab lunch somewhere else?"

"No way!" She shouted. "We were here first!"

"Who are you anyway? Is that the new shoulder you've been crying on about how miserable your life is?" Lucky inquired.

"Hey back off!" Jason yelled at the dark haired man who was becoming a little too insulting to his taste and rapidly getting on his nerve too.

"What?" She poked Lucky with her index finger not paying any attention to Jason. "You are just an asshole and I can't believe it took me that long to realize it!"

"Oh come on Elizabeth I've told you already how sorry I was for how things turned out between us."

"Someone tell me this is a joke! You cannot be serious; we both know that the only thing you've ever been sorry about was getting caught! You weren't even smart enough to cover your tracks! You know what you're an idiot lucky and a cheating bastard!" She snapped at him then felt a strong arm hold her around the waist and drag her out of the diner that had turned into a fighting arena where patrons were about to take bets on who would win the screaming match.

*****

"Why did you take me out of there? I was about to show him that he cannot talk to me like this. I am free of the stupid hold he had on me! He is a complete looser!"

"Yes you are right."

"And a cheater!"

Jason agreeably nodded.

"And a putz!"

"A what?"

"A putz!" Elizabeth repeated before bursting in uncontrollable laughter. "Oh my god! I'm a real idiot! Getting all worked up over a… putz!"

"But you have your reasons for being mad at the guy." Jason said encouraging her to go easy on herself.

"I do, but I wish it didn't affect me anymore. I wish I could just blank him out of my mind and forget all about him. All the pain, and the heartache that he put me through. But I still can't and it's making me crazy!"

"Maybe it's for the best that you remember everything that he put you through so that you never fall in the same trap again."

"You always make so much sense… I'm sorry for the scene Jason, I shouldn't even be venting to you about how much I hate my ex boyfriend. Pretty lame…" The woman said facing down.

"I told you, I don't mind listening."

She kept avoiding the man's gaze. "Well, I'm sure you'll rethink that after hanging out with me a little longer. But I'm really sorry, I tried to control myself but he has a way of pushing my buttons."

Jason held her chin in an effort to meet her eyes. "Well I'm glad that he is a looser, or I would have never had my chance with you."

She chuckled at his declaration as Jason lowered his face to hers, meeting her lips for a tender kiss.

"We didn't even get to eat anything and you already have to get back to work." She said saddened.

"Actually I think they'll have to do without me for a couple more hours." She smiled adamantly; the busy Jason Morgan was really making room for her in his busy schedule.

The man continued. "I'll get our orders to go, and then I know something that will help you get all that frustration out."

"Ok, that sounds great."

-- Bull's Eye Shooting Range --

"A shooting range?"

Jason nodded. "I hope you're not against firearms or anything."

"I mean I don't like violence or guns for that matter but I guess it can come in handy to learn how to fire one in this city."

"Yeah. I learned how to long ago. I used to live in a boxcar for a while, not the safest place especially with the gangs in the city. That's when I learned how to protect myself."

"You? In a box car? You told me there was much more about you I didn't know…"

Jason smiled charmingly.

Elizabeth went on talking. "I've actually always been curious about the sensation. But I've never held a real gun before."

"Here." Jason handed her protective glasses and a headset to shield her ears. He then placed the firearm in her hand and Elizabeth thought the weapon was particularly heavy and cold to the touch. The young man stood close behind her; so close she could feel his warm breath brushing over the delicate skin of her neck.

"Place your feet like this. It will help you keep your balance." He instructed her while sliding a foot in between her three inch pumps, forcing her legs to spread lightly. Jason then slowly trailed his hands up her arms until he reached her shoulder square; the man's close proximity and gentle touch caused shivers of delight to run down her spine as she fought to keep her composure. An unexpected hand on the small of her back then made the tense brunette arch to his touch.

The man was pleased with the effect he had on the petite woman beside him, but her near proximity didn't leave him at ease either as he was reminded by a mild tug in his pants. Jason spoke loudly so she could hear him through her ear casket and tried to help her loosen up as she visibly seemed on edge. "Keep your back straight. You're in fashion; you should know something about that."

Elizabeth was so concentrated that she failed to react to his remark. The young man continued the gun lesson by aligning his body to hers and slowly lifting her arms up with his. He positioned her to take the perfect shot.

"Alright, now put your hands like this. And look straight at your target."

All she wanted to do was close her eyes and forget herself in his comforting embrace. But she followed his instructions and fixed the black and white target at the other end of the range. Jason delicately placed his hands on either side of her hips then gave her the final directive.

"Now pull the trigger, gently."

She did and all Elizabeth noticed next was a force that pushed her backwards and the powder smell that came with it. The designer was grateful Jason was standing right behind her as her tiny body crashed against his muscular shape.

"Wow, I didn't know that this little gun could be that… powerful."

"It's always a shock the first time." Jason said taking the firearm away from her.

"Hey look! Right on the target!" She burst out excitedly. "Who would have thought I would be that good at shooting a gun! And my parents who always said I chose the wrong vocation, maybe they were right after all."

Jason chuckled, happily seeing that she was enjoying herself. "Well now I know I better not get you mad right?"

Elizabeth nodded then closed both arms around Jason's neck. The young man imitated her and placed his arms around her waist then kissed her fervently. She was exquisite, he wanted her badly but his attraction for the brunette wasn't just physical like it usually was. Her simple presence next to him made him happy. Jason didn't know what it was, but something about that little woman made him want to smile the whole time he was with her. No one had accomplished that, especially not in this short amount of time; he knew something real was building up with Elizabeth and was enjoying every second of it.

--

A/N: Next chapter's title will be "Unexpected Drop-in" any idea what is going to happen next? Guesses are more than welcome!