Thanks for all the great reviews from last chapter! I absolutely love to hear what everyone is thinking and it definitely affects the direction of the story. Sorry for the delay in posting this one, but school stole me away from my computer this week… damn midterms! Lol… But anyway, I'm back with a new chapter that I hope you'll enjoy!

Not my characters… unfortunately… But thanks for reading!

Chapter 6 - Who let the dogs out?

-- Port Charles Airport --

Jason's private jet landed in Port Charles early that afternoon; the busy man was coming back from Vancouver where he was touching base with the Canadian subsidiaries of Morgan Enterprises. The couple weeks following his date with Elizabeth had been filled with never ending work as he patiently waited for the brunette to contact him.

The minute the blond man set foot on ground, he was greeted by his secretary who was in charge of updating him on everything that had gone on in the twenty four hours he spent away on his business trip.

"Welcome back Mr. Morgan!" The man nodded and the fervent assistant kept going, Blackberry in hand, as they walked away from the plane. "So the deal with Corinthos came through, he is now one of our biggest clients. How was the meeting?"

"Everything went well. I'll probably have to go back in two weeks or so to talk with potential investors."

"Alright, let me add this to the calendar" The woman with conservative glasses and a tight grey suit told her boss while punching some touches on the PDA. "The South Americans have been complaining about the new project, they are asking for a larger equity share."

"That was my last offer; it's take it or leave it."

"Alright, I'll contact their lawyer ASAP." She punched more buttons on her blackberry. "Also General Hospital has a benefit coming up and of course a large contribution is expected from you."

Jason listened to the assistant go on and on about work but only one thing was on his mind. "Were there any calls for me?"

"Plenty of course… And most callers left messages, but nothing very important. I'll forward them to you as soon as we're back in the office."

"Any message from… Elizabeth Webber?"

"No, no call from the designer."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am sure. I know how to do my job Mr. Morgan and I know how to relay a message." The woman retorted with a slight temper, annoyed to see him doubt her competence. She had beaten countless candidates for this position only because of her extraordinary qualifications.

"Sorry Jillian, I didn't mean otherwise. You know I hired you because you are the best."

"Ok well, Ms. Miller also has a few documents for you to sign; I told her you would get to it whenever you'd get back in the office."

"That's great. Listen it's Sunday, so why don't you take the rest of the day off? I will check in tomorrow to sign anything Diane has for me. Today I just want to get home and take it easy."

"Very well Mr. Morgan."

-- Elizabeth's house --

"Ok so Maxie, here are the two new sketches I worked on. I wanted your opinion on it." Elizabeth had been really proactive at work during the two weeks following her short escape with Jason. Maybe he was right and a bike ride was a great way to clear one's mind.

"This is absolutely gorgeous! I can so totally see that dress flowing down the runway! I wonder where you are getting all this inspiration from." Maxie said with a grin on her face.

"I have no idea what you mean by that." Elizabeth innocently said. "Ok, what about this one?" She presented another drawing to her assistant.

"Looks great! That evening gown collection is going to be amazing."

"I really hope so, because if it fails I am done."

"It won't… And remember you have to pick models for the ELLE photo shoot as soon as possible. The photograph wants to take test shots with the girls first.""

"Right… you know what, why don't you take care of the casting? You know what style we're going for, you know the clothes and I trust your judgment."

"Me really? Well I'll get on it right away; you will not be disappointed!" Maxie exclaimed excitedly.

The assistant was almost out the door ready to call the most renowned model agencies on the east coast when she turned again abruptly to face her boss. "Wait, is this about what I think it is about?"

Elizabeth lifted her puzzled eyes from her sketches. "What?"

"Of course! You are trying to free some time in your schedule so you can see Jason!"

"Where did you get this idea? I haven't spoken to the guy in days. I just want to finish these on time that's all. And you know I don't like casting calls, having to pick and choose girls like if they were cattle."

"Come on! It's their job, when you're a model your skill is your body! But when are you going to see Jason again?"

"God Maxie! Can't you just leave me alone with this?"

"No. I mean you had a great time last time you went out so in all logic you should be planning a third date before he forgets about you."

"You think he's already over me? Elizabeth asked worried. "I'm silly, you're right he's probably seducing his next prey right at this moment." She added defeated.

"No no no… that's not what I meant… you are incredible Elizabeth; he would be stupid to forget you that quickly! I'm sure he's been waiting for your call." Maxie replied in an effort to make up for her insensitive comment.

"Maybe, or maybe not. I don't know, maybe I am just gearing myself up for disappointment here. Let's face it; he is Jason Morgan from Morgan Enterprises, most eligible bachelor in the city." The brunette pointed out derisively.

"And, you are Elizabeth Webber, renowned fashion designer and guess what? He likes you!"

"Sometimes I wonder if he really likes me or if it's all just a game for him. You know how some men think of dating as a sport where they enjoy the challenge and once they reach their goal they are up for the next one."

"Yes, some, but what makes you think Jason is that way?"

Elizabeth looked at Maxie with her eyes wide opened wondering if they were talking about the same man.

The assistant continued. "Ok, maybe he seemed like that at first but you said it yourself there is more to him. He rides a badass bike, knows tacky old bars and can force a lock. Who could have imagined! That's why I say give him the benefit of the doubt and you never know, you might actually end up enjoying this."

Elizabeth wouldn't admit it but she was already really enjoying seeing Jason but extremely nervous about the casual dates turning into something more serious. "You are probably right and yeah, first impressions aren't always the right ones. I just don't want to be hurt that's all."

"I understand that but that's life, big reward comes with risks attached but something tells me you could hit really big with Jason. What you have to remember is that not all guys are dogs!" Maxie left her boss to think about their conversation preying that Elizabeth would stop being so afraid of opening her heart again. But who could blame her, the last time she had tried, things ended really badly and even Maxie wasn't sure if she could take another blow.

Maxie is right. Jason actually seems like a really nice guy. Elizabeth thought. Maybe I am putting way too much thought into all this and should just go with the flow and do what makes me happy. But easy to say.

-- Harborview Towers, Penthouse 2 --

Jason entered his penthouse, happy to finally get some time to unwind, leaving work far from his mind. He had been wondering on his way home why Elizabeth still hadn't called him. Maybe she was extremely busy like he had been or she was simply playing games with him, some kind of inexplicable girl rule, he didn't know. If this was her way of playing hard to get then it was working. Jason thought about picking up his phone and calling but the last thing he wanted was to seem pushy and make the young woman run the other way. So he decided he would get home, play some pool, drink a cold beer and maybe go for a ride, to clear his mind.

But what was sitting in his living room when he opened his door blew all his plans to pieces.

"Oh here you are! I have been waiting for at least half an hour." Carly complained.

"What are you doing here?" Jason said, dropping his small suitcase on the floor.

"I needed to talk to you."

"And that couldn't wait for at least an hour? I just got home from a business trip and I need to relax for a minute."

"Ok Jason, I know you were only in Canada, I can hardly believe that trip got you exhausted."

Jason felt his own eyes roll; he would need to talk to his secretary about not letting Carly in on his whereabouts.

"Anyway, I needed to talk to you before I do something stupid." The blond woman declared.

Jason pulled the chair of his desk and sat down, ready to listen to her like any good friend would. Besides, it was easier to listen to her right then than to have to clean up her mess.

"What's wrong?"

"Everything is wrong! It's Jax… I think he is sleeping with Kate head on a stick Howard."

"Wait… you think?" He questioned realizing that she was once again making a big deal out of a simple assumption.

"Yes I think! I told you last time how they spend all their time together! I'm telling you, there is something going on between them!"

"Carly…"

"God I hate her so much! She thinks she is the queen of fashion when her style sometimes has me seriously worried." Carly paused to make sure Jason was still listening to her. She stared at her friend who was going through a pile of documents scattered on his desk.

"Are you still here? Jason you worry me. Are you sick or something, you've been really distant these past few days. Is something wrong that you're not telling me?"

"No, everything is fine. I've been working a lot lately with the acquisition of this new company and all. You were saying?"

"Yes, so this Kate, you have no idea what I'd give to kick her out of my hotel!"

Jason could easily relate to that feeling; he could have given anything to kick Carly out of his penthouse at that moment. But like any supporting friend would do, he tried to participate in the conversation to keep her happy. "Right…"

The ringtone of his cell phone took Jason out of his misery. "Sorry, I have to take that."

"Sure…" Carly crossed her arms ready to wait for him to be done with his phone call so she could continue venting.

"Hello?"

"Hi, Jason? It's Elizabeth." She spoke timidly.

"Hey, how have you been?" Jason said delighted that she was finally calling him.

"Great, just work tying me down. But listen, I am free tonight and was wondering if you would like to come over to my house."

"I would love to; at what time?"

"Let's say eight, at 132 Magnolia Avenue."

"132 Magnolia, got it. See you then Elizabeth." Jason unconsciously repeated while noting the address on a piece of paper. He didn't realize that Carly was eavesdropping on his conversation.

The blond woman who had been listening in was shocked to learn that he was on the phone with another woman who wasn't his assistant but whose name was Elizabeth. And that this mysterious woman had him all joyful. Was it really possible that he was seriously dating someone without telling her about it? This would explain his secretive disappearance and his preoccupied mind. If there was someone special in his life, she needed to find out.

"I have to go." Carly said while picking up her handbag in a flash. In a few seconds she was out of his apartment without any explanation.

-- Damien Spinelli's office, Morgan Enterprises --

"Spinelli! Great to see you here on a weekend, I couldn't get my hands on Jillian and I need something very important. Only you can help me!"

"The Valkyrie; it is always a pleasure to be in your most fascinating presence."

"Yeah… well I need you to figure out who lives at this address." Carly grabbed a piece of paper from her bag and put it right under the computer wiz's nose.

"A mission for the Jackal? He can find anything that lies in cyberspace!"

"Spinelli, I need a name, right now!" Carly impatiently shouted. "So use your little computer right there and figure out who lives at this address."

The young man looked at the note in front of him. "Oh Magnolia avenue! Well, no need for further investigation, the Jackal knows this address from a previous assignment for his master of most confidential nature."

"Great so that means you can tell me who that Elizabeth person is."

"Oh, I see the Valkyrie already is in possession of part of the information. Well I would gladly assist you but I fear Stone Cold would not appreciate the Jackal disclosing that fact to you."

"But you don't have to worry Spinelli, I would never tell him I got this from you, you know that." Carly said in a soft voice while walking slowly toward Spinelli. "You can trust me."

The intimidated young man was running out of excuses to get rid of his boss' friend.

"I… I better get back to ruling cyberspace." He stuttered.

"Not before you at least give me a clue… you know I can simply drive there and figure it out. You would simply save me a trip."

Spinelli knew that when Carly set her mind to something, there was no way of stopping her; she could be like a hurricane in full swing. But Spinelli also knew that revealing anything to her would anger Jason tremendously.

"I am really sorry but I cannot be of any assistance to you, Stone Cold would kill me if he knew I divulged anything to the Valkyrie… I wish you luck in your hunt." Spinelli was now breathing heavily and gathered his courage to show Carly the exit.

"Ok fine, I guess I'll have to figure it out some other way… and it might not be pretty." She warned a nervous Spinelli.

*****

Carly was not the kind to give up easily and had one more trick under her sleeve. She didn't want to show up at the address as Jason might have been there already and him spotting her there would cause more harm than good. Therefore, after talking to Spinelli, she realized that she didn't need his cyber skills to figure that one out. She would use her own methods of expertise.

She picked up her phone and dialed the gas company number.

"Hi, my name is Carly Jacks and I called your company earlier to make changes to my account. I switched the name on the bill from my roommate's to mine and just wanted to check if it came in effect."

"Sure, could I have your address please?"

"132 Magnolia Avenue."

"City?"

"Port Charles, NY." Carly assumed.

"One second please, let me get these records for you."

"Sure, I'll wait."

"Ok so the bill is under a certain Elizabeth Webber, so I guess it's still under your roommate's name. And actually I don't see any records of a change of name. Would you like me to take care of it now?" The operator offered in a very helpful tone.

"You know what… no; I'll take care of it later."

She hung up the phone not believing her ears. Elizabeth Webber? As an Elizabeth Webber fashion designer? That woman was the one Jason was meeting? This couldn't be. Elizabeth Webber from EW, Carly couldn't believe it. She was absolutely not her best friend's type, too short; too shy… just not his type. Jason would never have an affair with her and definitely not a serious one; he absolutely had no interest in fashion. They had nothing in common. This discovery had her completely bewildered.

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