A/N: Hi guys! First of all, Happy New Year! I want to sincerely apologize for the long wait for the next update. As mentioned I was overseas on vacation and was writing chapters on my phone, but it wasn't the same. So I just took some time to enjoy my vacation and time with the family and I am now back and ready to rumble! Sorry for making you all wait, but here is the next chapter! I want to say, I read all your reviews and I appreciate all feedback, whether positive or constructive! I appreciate any feedback you give me so keep them coming. I also hear you guys and I know you want drama and I promise, drama is coming! I always planned for my story to have the perfect balance of romance and drama but I hear you and I promise it is coming. I'm excited for what I have planned for the next few chapters so stay tuned for that! Anyway without further ado...here is Chapter 38, it's another long one so grab some popcorn. Happy reading everyone! =)

• Chapter 38 •

Trish looked at Jason in disbelief. What were the chances that out of all the seats in this entire aircraft, he would end up sitting next to her?

"Now Trish, contain your excitement. I know you're excited to see me and spend this entire flight with me and I know...I know exactly what you're thinking but as much as I want to, we must refrain from joining the mile high club together and be professional. If there is one thing I am, is that I am professional."

"That's not even funny Jason" Trish replied as she rolled her eyes and turned back towards her novel. She then dropped her book to her lap and turned back to Jason who had taken his seat next to her.

"Why do you always give Jeff a hard time?" she said, catching Jason off guard.

He placed his elbow on the arm rest and rested his chin in his palm as he turned his head towards Trish.

"Because he's with you..." He grinned.

Trish scrunched up her face and poked her tongue out; clueless to how much truth was behind Jason's answer.

"You're such an ass" Trish replied as she returned to her novel.

Jason smiled knowing full well that he had just confessed his reasons behind his hatred for Jeff but the fact that Trish thought nothing of it was a bit of a blow to his ego. He took a moment to study the woman next to him. Her hair was pinned up into a messy bun as she was dressed casually in a tight black tank top and tight black sweatpants which complimented all her voluptuous curves. She had minimal makeup on and her glasses emphasized the hazel in her eyes. She was breathtaking, even when she was dressed down.

"Trish, can I ask you a question?" Jason asked after taking every detail of her in.

Trish tried her hardest not to roll her eyes as she placed her book back down and turned her attention to Jason

"What is it Jay?" she said letting out a sigh.

"What is it that you see in Jeff?"

"What's it to you?" she replied a little harsher than she meant to.

"I seriously want to know what it is that you see in him that makes you gush like a school girl?"

Trish couldn't help but smile as she thought of Jeff and unknowingly, her cheeks began to turn a rosy colour.

"See! Exactly like that." Jason exclaimed pointing at Trish's rosy cheeks. "What is it about him that makes you look like that?"

Trish quickly shook her head to try and compose herself. She didn't have to explain her reasons to anyone, especially not to Jason.

"That's none of your business Jay." She simply replied.

"Okay, but don't you find him a little...weird. I don't know...he's a little strange if you ask me."

"Jeff is different and that's what I love about him. He's not like anyone else I have ever met."

Jason was about to continue with his subtle insults but something she said struck a big nerve with him.

"Love?" He questioned

"What are you on about now Jay?" Trish responded a little confused.

"You said...'that's what I love about him'..." he quoted.

Her eyes widened in astonishment. She hadn't realized what she had said. It just slipped out so casually. Did she mean it? Was she in love with Jeff? It wasn't the first time she slipped the big L word but she didn't notice she did the first time either. Her mind was racing with so many questions and thoughts. She didn't have an answer because she herself didn't know what the answer was, but she had to think of something quick because Jason was looking at her awaiting a response.

"You...know what I mean..." Trish stuttered, turning her attention her novel. "Now if you don't mind Jay...I would like to get back to reading" she added trying to divert the topic of conversation to anything other than her feelings towards Jeff.

Jason remained silent. He was a little hurt that her heart was already captured by someone else. Was he too late? She had said the L word but she didn't admit to loving him. However, she didn't deny it either. Though Jason wasn't in love with Trish, he saw the potential to her. He was captivated by her, he was drawn to her. There was something about her that made her stand out above any other woman he had crossed paths with. He hated the fact that Jeff got to her first. He couldn't see Jeff loving her like he could. She deserved to be treated like a queen, not some secret office romance that wasn't publically acknowledged. It was in that moment that Jason's hatred for Jeff grew tenfold.

Halfway through the flight Jason was still livid with the fact that Trish had slipped out the L word when speaking about Jeff. It had replayed over and over in Jason's mind and his anger continued to grow. He didn't speak to Trish after that and kept his attention focused on the little television screen in front of him to refrain from saying something to her that he may have regretted at a later time. However it didn't prevent his mind from continuing to question Trish's feelings. He knew that she was infatuated by Jeff. He knew that Jeff and Trish had something going on, but love...were they really in love with each other already? Jason thought that Jeff was incapable of loving someone after previous conversations he had with Matt. Surely these two weren't in love with each other already. But he witnessed them kissing passionately at the airport...clearly there was something more going on. But she didn't admit to loving him. All these questions raced through Jason's mind. He ran his hand through his hair and let out a frustrated sigh. Trish had fallen asleep and he took a quick look over to see if he had woken her. Still and peaceful. She was sound asleep, looking as angelic as ever.

"Why can't you look at me the same way I look at you?" He asked her in a mere whisper knowing full well that she couldn't hear him. He let out another sigh before turning back to the TV screen but it didn't take long before something caught his attention. Jason looked over to his left shoulder and found Trish's head laid gently on it. She was still sound asleep. Shivers rushed through Jason's body causing goose bumps to form on his skin. He dreamt of having intimate contact with Trish and though she merely rested her head in his shoulder, it was the closest form of genuine contact he had with her. He took a moment to just admire her. Though she was sleeping, she looked amazing. How could one woman look this amazing as she slept? His eyes fell across her lips which were slightly parted as she breathed in an out. It took almost all of Jason's energy to stop himself from placing a kiss on those lips. Instead, he gently cupped the side of her face, making sure not to wake her and he ever so slightly brushed his thumb across her lips. He paused as she gentle stirred only to just nuzzle herself deeper into his shoulder. Jason gently placed a kiss on the top of her head. He could get use to this.

"What do you think you're doing?" came a sudden deep whisper.

A stunned Jason quickly looked up whilst simultaneously making sure he didn't make any big sudden movements so he didn't disturb his sleeping beauty. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw Adam looking down at him with a mixture of shock and confusion.

"She laid her head on me and I..."

"She's not your girl Jay. You can't be planting kisses on her like that" Adam interrupted.

"Shhh" Jason replied taking another quick look to make sure Trish hadn't woken. "It's not like that. I was just..."

"You were just placing a kiss on another man's girl. You're so lucky Jeff's not on this plane..."

"Yeah but he isn't is he? I'm not doing anything wrong here Adam. Trust me, I could be doing much worse than painting a kiss on her head, so cut me some slack here man."

Adam put his hands up in defeat. There was no winning with Jason. Not when Trish was involved.

"Fine. This is your war Jay; you're just asking for trouble you know that right? You have to remember you've got two Hardy boys to worry about and one of them is on this plane. If you want to act on your feelings do it some other time when you've got her alone...not now...not here. I'm looking out for your wellbeing." Adam quietly warned.

"Look..." Jason began but was stopped as Trish began to stir. Trish opened her eyes and took a moment to adjust to her surroundings. She lifted her head to find two blonde males looking back at her. She then realized that she had been sleeping on Jason's shoulder. Disappointment swept through Jason, realizing that short moment of bliss was over.

"I'm sorry Trish, did we wake you?" Adam asked quietly.

"No. I...uh...I'm sorry I used you as my pillow Jay. I didn't realize..."

Jason held his hand up slightly to silence her.

"No need to apologize Trish...honestly...it's not a big deal" he said with a small smile. It wasn't a genuine smile but it was all he could muster up to cover up his disappointment.

Trish replied back with a smile. She didn't quite know how to feel. She felt bad for using Jason as her pillow and at the same time, she felt a little guilty for having such close contact with someone other than Jeff...particularly the man that Jeff hated.

"Sorry for interrupting your conversation." She added before moving back towards her side and leaning her head against the window of the plane. She felt a little disappointed in herself. How could she have been so careless?

Adam gave a stern look to Jason before mouthing the words "be careful". He then returned to his seat leaving Jason alone with his thoughts. That little moment he shared with Trish, though may seem minor to others, it meant so much more to Jason. He envisioned more trips with Trish where she would happily rest her head on his shoulder, where she would hold her hand in his and where she would share a kiss with him. He envisioned a future where he wouldn't have to fight for her attention or her heart and she would feel the same way about him as he did for her.

He gently placed his hands on hers causing her to open her eyes.

"Just wanted to see if you were okay?" He asked.

"I'm okay. Thank you Jay. Sorry again for falling asleep on you."

"Don't sweat it. Anytime." He replied before turning his attention back to the TV screen in front of him.

...

Once they had landed in New York, Matt and Trish and Jason and Adam went their separate ways as they checked themselves into their hotels.

The next morning Matt and Trish were up at 5am as the first day of the convention was to kick off at 6am. They headed to the closest café and grabbed some coffees to go to help shake off the tiredness of the travel the night before.

"I do appreciate you coming to New York with me Trish. I know there are other places you would rather spend your time at than at a work convention." Matt said, taking a sip of his coffee as they made their way back to their hotel.

"It's okay Matt honestly. I appreciate you giving me this opportunity."

"Have you spoken with Jeff since arriving?"

"I did briefly but he was practicing some jumps or something for his motocross thingy."

"He will be okay Trish. I've seen him on that bike since he was 11. He's pretty good."

"I'm sure he is." Trish replied with a small smile. His brother knew him best but it didn't help ease her worries and anxiety. "I hope I get to see him in action one day" she added.

"Oh I can guarantee you that my brother would love to have you there cheering him on."

Trish smiled. She couldn't wait to for the day she could go to Cameron and see everything that held a special place in Jeff's heart.

"So anyway about this convention today..." Matt began diverting the conversation and bringing Trish out of her little trance. "There will be a conference between all the leading corporations, which includes NeroMoore. I'll be doing all the talking but I would appreciate it if you could take down some key notes that you think are of importance. Then we will have a luncheon with some of the representatives from the other companies before we do some press. Finally we will have a few drinks tonight before heading back to the hotel where we will prepare for tomorrow."

Trish was trying to process everything that Matt was saying as he went through the itinerary. She was feeling a little overwhelmed.

"Now tomorrow…" Matt continued. "There will be two press conferences for NeroMoore and a couple of television and radio interviews. Then we'll have a break for lunch where we will mingle with representatives of other companies. Following that I think we have a few more interviews before a seminar and then we head back to the hotel to get ready for a fancy dinner with everyone. It's a big two days but how does that sound?" He continued turning to Trish.

"Sounds like busy days ahead, but I'm up for it! I'm ready to represent NeroMoore to the highest of standards!" she replied excitedly.

"The schedule is looking pretty full so I do sincerely apologize for breaking my promise if we are unable to explore a little of the city" Matt apologized.

"Matt, it's okay really. I know how important this convention is for NeroMoore. I completely understand and I know that this trip was purely for business so I'm not upset at all. New York is not going anywhere." Trish replied.

"See that's the kind of attitude I like. Trish, you've really showed dedication to your work and I do appreciate that. I also appreciate that you've managed to remain professional despite your relationship with my brother..."

"Matt" Trish interrupted cutting him off. "I'm really sorry about all the trouble that has happened because of Jeff and me. I would have never expected anything to happen between Jeff and I and I know it has caused many headaches for you. I know you've said I've remained professional but what I have with Jeff is far from being professional. I'm just sincerely sorry for..."

"Trish" it was now Matt's turn to interrupt. "Please, you don't need to apologize. Okay, so I would normally be fully against office romances and mixing business with pleasure, but you make my brother happy and you continue to work hard regardless. You don't let your romance with Jeff affect your work, if anything it has probably made you work harder, which leads me to what I wanted to say before you cut me off. I'm thinking about giving you some extra duties and having you play a bigger role in our company. So how would you feel if I hired an assistant for you?"

"An assistant? Really?" Trish said a little surprised.

"Yeah. Think of this as somewhat of a promotion and I promise to increase your salary and put a little bonus for you at the end of the year. How does that sound?"

Trish was a little speechless. She hadn't been working there long and already she was being promoted and about to be given an assistant.

"Matt...I don't know what to say. Whilst I appreciate the offer, I don't expect to be given special treatment because my situation with your brother."

"Trish please, this promotion has nothing to do with you and Jeff. In fact Jeff has no idea about it. This is a decision that I have made because I've witness your professionalism, your work ethic and your dedication to this company. You go above and beyond your duties as our assistant and to be honest I could use a helping hand when Jeff needs his time off once in a while. This promotion is solely based on your hard work and nothing more."

Again, Trish was left speechless.

"I...I really don't know what to say...thank...thank you Matt. Honestly...thank you so much." She finally managed to say.

"You're very welcome. Now let's kick some ass today and show every company why NeroMoore is the elitist of the elites! Matt replied with a big smile as they arrived back at their hotel.

•••••

Meanwhile in Adam and Jason's hotel room, the topic of Trish had been brought up once again and the discussion between the two Canadian men was turning into a heated disagreement.

"Jay, I'm sorry but you need to let this thing with Trish go. I understand that you have the hots for her but she's just a chick man and we're here for business not some opportunity to score with a woman." Adam argued with a hint of frustration.

"It's not just any woman though Adam. I honestly think she is THE woman!"

"You don't even know her Jay! How can you say she's the one?"

"Because...I can just feel it! I don't expect you to understand because you can't feel the way I'm feeling but I am gravitated towards her man...I've never been so attracted to a woman before and before you say anything it extends beyond her looks. I can't explain. I just feel it."

"Do you realize how ridiculous you sound right now Jay?" Adam replied raising his voice slightly and running his hand through his hair with frustration. "And you don't seem to grasp the fact that she's already in love with Jeff!"

It was like a punch to the stomach. Adam's words were like a low blow. Jason's blood was beginning to boil.

"You don't know that for sure..." Jay replied through gritted teeth.

"Are you blind? They are all over each other. They can't keep their eyes and hands off each other. You would be a fool to think they weren't something more..." Adam replied. Jason did not want to hear anymore. He began to quickly pace back and forth in attempts to keep his anger under control. He didn't want to believe it. To him, he believed there was still a chance for him and Trish to become something more.

"Besides..." Adam continued. "They probably already had sex...multiple times I'm sure and besides..." Adam didn't get a chance to finish because the next thing he knew Jason had knocked him to the ground in a spear like tackle with both hands firmly around Adam's neck, preventing little air getting through. Fury had overcome Jason. He didn't want to imagine another man touching Trish, even though he knew full well that Jeff already had.

"Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!" Jason aggressively yelled as he kept his strong hold against Adam's throat.

In the struggle to get free, Adam managed to knee Jason in the stomach, knocking the wind out of him and causing him to fall to the side, grasping his midsection in agony. Adam gasped heavily, getting much needed air back into his lungs.

"What the hell is the matter with you!?" Adam yelled back as he picked himself up slowly and looked down at Jason who had backed himself up against the closest wall, sitting and holding his midsection panting heavily. He didn't know what to say. It was the first time in their many years of friendship that he had ever lashed out and became violent with Adam.

"Your head is so far in between her legs that you don't see what a lunatic you are right now! She's not into you! Stop being an asshole and get your shit together Jay!" Adam continued to yell.

"She's not into me yet…but she will be." Jason replied.

"You have no idea what you are talking about anymore Jay. You're freaking delusional." Adam responded shaking his head.

"That's where you're wrong Adam. I know Trish better than you think I do and I've come up with a plan. Just wait and see." Jason responded with a little smile as he still clung onto his midsection.

Adam narrowed his eyes in confusion. What the hell was Jason on about? He didn't have time to question him further. They had to get ready for the convention and to be honest, Adam was beyond furious with Jason.

"Maybe if you put more thought into our company like you are doing with Trish than maybe we would be as successful as NeroMoore. So I don't care what your plan is with Trish, just get your shit together for today!" Adam ordered before he left Jason on the floor, slamming the door behind him.

Jason rested his head back against the wall. He had never seen Adam so angry before. He couldn't blame him though, after the way that he acted with Adam earlier. It was uncalled for, but Adam had made him so mad with the sex comments, he just saw red. Jason exhaled deeply before slowly picking himself up from off the ground.

"Just wait and see" Jason said to himself before making his way to his room to get ready.