A/N: Sorry I took so much time with this update… I've just been really busy and I am right now experiencing full blown the consequences of procrastinating… And on top of that I just started a new internship so my free time pretty much evaporated. But have no fear I will keep updating this story, just maybe not once a week like I used to. And today I am giving you a long chapter because I didn't really know how to cut it... And of course thank you for the wonderful reviews! I Love the feedback!

Definitely not my characters…

Chapter 12 – Running Interference

-- Morgan Enterprises, Jason's Office --

"Jase, are you going to the benefit tonight?" Carly asked her friend facing the large window that offered a mesmerizing view of the whole city.

Jason, who thankfully was used to multitasking, answered while going over various financial reports. "I have to; the company is giving a big check so I need to be there at least for a little while. Why?"

"Great, that means we can go together. I know Jax will be there and probably with Kate." She said pronouncing the other woman's name with disgust.

"Are you sure you want to be there?"

The woman walked to face his desk where he was sitting then snapped at him. "Of course! I wouldn't want to miss this occasion for anything! I have to look my absolute best so he can see exactly what he's turned his back on."

Jason shook his head. Why was he even surprised? Carly was and would always be Carly.

She continued. "I have to go get my dress from the boutique. 7:30 ok? You'll send a driver!" The blonde woman said before disappearing from his office.

It was the first time in a little while that Jason had heard Carly mention her soon to be ex husband. Jason was starting to think that she was actually making progress and letting go of her obsession but he was obviously wrong and would need to keep an eye on her that night. Someone else he would gladly keep his eyes on was Elizabeth who he hadn't seen in a week because of a business trip to Europe which he just got back from. He had spoken with her on the phone many times but missed her smile tremendously.

As soon as Carly left his office, the young man picked up his phone and dialed the designer's number.

"Elizabeth?"

"No it's Maxie! But I guess you don't want to talk to me but my boss. Although she's really busy right now and shouldn't even be talking on the…" Elizabeth jumped on the phone and Jason could slightly hear her reprimand her witty assistant before finally addressing him. "Jason! I wasn't expecting a call from you right now. What time is it in London?"

"Well actually I got back this morning. I missed you."

"I missed you too. I'm glad you're back, when will I get to see you?"

"Well actually that's the reason why I called; General Hospital is having a benefit tonight, and I was wondering if you'd be there?"

"I will, I have to make an appearance with my new business partner Jasper Jacks."

"Jax? So the deal went through, you're officially working together now?"

"Yes, and I am really excited, he's bringing a lot of money and expertise to the table."

"Oh, I see." Jason paused, leaving room for an awkward silence. "That's good."

"You sound concerned somehow. What's wrong? You don't like him? Or am I detecting an ounce of jealousy in all this?" The young woman teasingly said.

"No, no, nothing like that. It's just his ex-wife Carly that I am worried about; I know how extreme she can be sometimes; especially when Jax is involved."

"Yes, I've met her remember? But she doesn't scare me one bit."

"Good. But just try to ignore her..." The young man saw his assistant enter his office files in hand. "Listen, I have to go now but I am looking forward to seeing you later tonight."

"I can't wait! See you tonight!"

-- Elizabeth's House --

Elizabeth had been excited all day at the idea of seeing Jason that night. She definitely wanted to look her best when his eyes would lay on her. She had missed him a lot during the long week he had been away, more than she ever thought she would. Jason was slowly becoming a fixture in her life and it rejoiced and scared Elizabeth enormously at the same time.

"Hurry up or we're going to be late!" Maxie exclaimed.

"I know, I know… I'm just not so sure about that dress… I don't know… it fits kind of wrong." Elizabeth muttered inspecting the Greek inspired jade green dress which gracefully fell to the ground perfectly molding her figure. A thin silver band across her waist accentuated her narrow bust and the asymmetric look only covered one of her shoulders while her hair fell in waves on the bare one.

"That's all in your head, the dress fits just fine! Actually more than fine! It's like it was made for you. Oh actually it was! So come one, time to go!"

"No look how puffy it looks on this side, I need to retouch this quickly." The brunette uttered before roaming around her bedroom and walk-in closet looking for something to fix her dress; much to Maxie's dismay.

"No you can't! We are super late. Jax called twice already! The dress is perfect on you Elizabeth, let's go!"

"How about the hair? Should I put it up? Actually I think I should." She said examining her hairdo.

The young blonde could feel exasperation grow on her as she observed Elizabeth doubt every single detail of her outfit. Her job was to make sure her boss would be out of her house on time for the benefit and it seemed she failed; Elizabeth had taken not less than two hours to get ready and had changed dress at least three times. What wouldn't love do to you Maxie thought. "Elizabeth, we've already discussed the hair. It compliments the dress perfectly this way!"

"Are you sure because I really think that something looks wrong…"

"Elizabeth! Let's go!" Maxie cried out loosing patience and tapping her foot on the floor restlessly.

"Ok… I'm ready." The designer grabbed her small silver clutch bag then followed her assistant out the door.

-- General Hospital, Board Room --

The most prominent residents of Port Charles were all gathered to raise money for a new pediatric aisle in the hospital. Jason arrived at the benefit that evening with Carly at his arm; the woman had been extremely happy to have once again scored a date with the charming and very sought after businessman, which also guaranteed that he wasn't coming with Elizabeth. Carly picked up a glass of champagne from a tray then began conversing around to mark points with the recognizable faces present, leaving Jason to shake other familiar hands.

Sonny Corinthos approached his new business partner walking confidently. "Mr. Morgan."

"Please, call me Jason." He said while firmly shaking the man's hand. "How's everything going?"

"Perfect, especially since our new partnership. Morgan Enterprises definitely serves my interests very well." The older man flashed his dimples as he spoke.

"Well I'm glad to hear that. I'm sure we'll realize a lot of great things together."

The tanned man nodded agreeably then noticed Jason's frozen look as he stared at something or rather someone in the distance. His eyes followed a stunning Elizabeth as she appeared in the room, ushered in by Jax. The evening gown she was wearing complimented her marvelously and the woman seemed to be glowing as she swayed her way in the room, greeting different people along the way. A faint smile took over Jason's mouth as he continued his conversation with Sonny.

The older man spoke to regain Jason's attention. "I also wanted to approach you about an investment opportunity. I myself have different South American interests and I am sure working together on these fronts could benefit us both."

"Well, it sounds like something worth looking into. Why don't we set up a meeting to discuss this?"

"Great."

*****

Elizabeth spotted Jason across the room in a middle of a conversation with a guest. She assumed he was a business associate but she couldn't wait to see Jason anymore so decided to walk up to them, champagne flute in hand, at the risk of being rude. Jason's deep blue eyes sparkled as she got closer and called his name. He placed a hand in the small of her back then bent over to grace her lips of a sweet kiss.

"Good evening." The woman said as she nodded towards the other man.

"Elizabeth, this is Sonny Corinthos, a coffee importer and one of my most recent associates. Sonny, Elizabeth Webber."

Sonny held Elizabeth's hand to his mouth. "It is my pleasure to meet such a beautiful woman. How do you do it Morgan? Always in the best company!"

The young man only smiled at Sonny's comment hoping Elizabeth wouldn't take it the wrong way.

Thankfully she didn't. "It's nice to meet you too. But I'm sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt, how about I leave you to talk business." Elizabeth said apologetically.

"Oh no, don't worry, we were finished here and there are a few more people I have to greet." Sonny reassured her. "Jason, I will give you a call later to set up that meeting."

"Good." The blond replied with another firm handshake. He then concentrated all his attention to Elizabeth as he had missed her more that he thought possible in the few days he spent away. His mind had been filled with thoughts of the brunette while he should have been focusing harder on his work; feeling this drawn to a woman was a whole new world to him.

"You look beautiful." He told her, devouring her face of the eyes.

"Thank you… I tried." Elizabeth blushed lightly and thought about how much time she had needed to get ready.

"But what took you so long? I was growing impatient here."

"I doubt it, because you are the most patient guy I have ever met. Seriously."

Jason chuckled lightly at her observation.

"So how was Europe?"

"Everything went well; I probably won't have to return there for at least another month."

"Great, because I missed you while you were gone." She said with a charming smile then held one of his hands in between hers. "I'll go say hello to Kate over there and be right back. Ok?

"Alright, don't take too long."

"I won't." She added before disappearing in the crowd.

*****

Carly hadn't missed Elizabeth and Jax's grand entrance or her exchange with Jason. The stupid woman was stealing the spotlight from her! Carly's sight closely followed the designer who walked up to Kate Howard exchanging ridiculously unwarranted compliments. The two women were then joined by Jax who seemed to partake in their absurd dress commenting game. This must have been a joke she thought. He left her for that, for these brainless and extremely superficial women. Yes Carly had made mistakes but Jax had already punished her enough for straying on him; he couldn't be serious deciding to really carry out this divorce this time.

Carly knew her husband, he would get mad and threaten to leave her, but ultimately he'd come back. But Jason was another story; she couldn't simply stand by and watch this woman use him. She couldn't possibly leave things the way they were like Jason had asked her to. Besides, now that Jax was out of her life for the time being, she would focus her attention on Jason. She needed to protect her best friend. The man was about to be played by this woman and she would put a stop to it. She had promised she wouldn't do anything to Elizabeth but that didn't mean Jason was off limits.

"Jason, I wanted you to meet someone." Carly said as she walked to her friend followed by another woman. "This is Courtney."

The newly introduced blonde extended an arm to Jason. "It is so nice to finally meet you. I have heard so much about you. In good of course. " She expressed excited to be meeting the man who might just have been her ticket to money and superstardom.

Carly went on with the introductions. "Court's an actress Jase. She's already starred in many remarkable roles. And you'll see; she's adorable."

Jason smiled politely, not understanding what the purpose of this exchange was exactly. He wasn't trying to meet anyone at the time and Carly knew that very well. And if this was her way of getting his mind off of Elizabeth, then it was a poor one he thought; the woman standing before him had nothing on Elizabeth.

"Alright, I'll leave you two to talk." Carly said then quickly tried to leave them alone.

"Not so fast Carly." Jason called out as she was already a few feet away.

"I'll be right back, I have to say hello to… Patrick Drake." She disappeared in the crowd.

What a sneaky liar she was Jason thought. Now he was left to chat with a woman with who he had nothing in common. That was how things used to be before he met Elizabeth, but with her he discovered that spending time with someone who could actually challenge his thoughts was way more gratifying than a pretty looking sponge.

"So tell me Jason, have you seen me in anything recently?"

The man pinched the bridge of his nose before answering. "The news is pretty much all I watch on TV."

"Not TV, movies!" She corrected him almost outraged. "I just starred in a Robert Guza film… you see, people have been talking Golden Globes and Oscars but I don't want to say anything… you know, not to jinx it." She let out with a nerve gritting chuckle.

"I see." Was the only thing Jason could manage to say.

"So, Carly told me you ride motorcycles. I've never been on one you know. And it's the kind of things that I want to try at least once before I get old. Because once I'm old, I won't be able to do much anymore you know." She leaned forward and placed a hand on Jason's arm prompting the man to take a step backwards.

"Um... I usually ride alone." Or with a woman I am actually interested in. The man thought realizing Elizabeth had been the first to ever have the privilege.

*****

Elizabeth was in the middle of a passionate discussion with Kate Howard predicting next season's trends when she noticed Jason talking with a tall blonde on the other side of the room. Knowing if the espadrille was really dead or would make a comeback next summer suddenly became a moot point for the designer who couldn't stop herself from looking at the pair. She stared the blonde down thinking that the other woman must have been more of Jason's type than she ever was before being brought back to present times by Kate.

"Elizabeth? So you agree it will be bold colors, large prints and definitely no espadrille for next summer."

"Um… yeah… you're the expert." She simply added facing Kate again. Until her eyes wandered back to Jason who was now free of the blonde seductress and making his way towards Elizabeth. She let out a sigh of relief. "Would you excuse me for a second Kate?"

Elizabeth met the taller man mid way and Jason elegantly offered her his arm. "I think my parents just arrived and I have no interest in talking to them right now. Why do you say we get out of here?"

"I think that's a wonderful idea." She said hooking her slender arm to his stronger one. She had spent enough time schmoozing around and had definitely been photographed with Jax enough already. And the man seemed busy keeping company to Kate with who he had developed a keen complicity.

They started walking in the direction of the elevators but a soft voice stopped the pair in their tracks. "Jase wait!"

They turned around to face a paled skinned brunette who wore a simple but tasteful black cocktail dress. Jason let go of Elizabeth's arm to graze the newly arrived woman of a kiss on the cheek. "Hey Emily."

"Don't tell me you were leaving already? I just got here with Nikolas… and mom and dad are here too." The young woman said, helping Elizabeth understand the nature of their relationship.

"Yes and that's exactly why I'm leaving." Jason remarked.

Elizabeth observed Jason's sister shrug as if she knew there would be no point in arguing. From what Jason had told her he and his parents were estranged and although he had never mentioned anything about his sister, Elizabeth guessed she had probably been playing the role of mediator in a desperate effort to hold her family together.

The taller woman faced the designer. "Sorry, how can I be so rude?" She extended an arm towards Elizabeth. "I'm Emily Quartermaine, Jason's little sister."

The shorter brunette took Emily's hand and shook it in hers. "Elizabeth Webber."

"Of course! I know who you are… I'm a fan!" Emily said accompanied by a chuckle. "Your last collection was incredible!"

"Thank you. I'm glad you liked it." Elizabeth smiled kindly.

"You definitely have an amazing sense of style." Emily said then looked away towards a dark-haired man standing on the other end of the reception room. "Alright… I'd love to stay here and talk fashion with you all night but my lovely but very possessive fiancé is over there and I better go join him before he sends more angry glances at me. It was really nice meeting you Elizabeth!"

"You too." The designer said then held back Jason's arm as they discreetly found the exit, running away from the swarming party.

-- Black Limousine --

"Hungry?" Jason asked as soon as they entered the back of the stretched out car.

"Actually I am! And as crazy as it sounds I am craving for a nice burger right now… Eating burgers in couture, how fun is that?" Elizabeth was very amused by the idea, thinking that Kate who practically only ate salads would completely disapprove.

"Not more fun than this." Jason said leaning forward and surprising the designer with a kiss that let her back resting on the limo's seat behind her.

The driver rolled the separating window down interrupting the pair's fervent kiss. "Excuse me Mr. Morgan, but what's the destination?"

Jason lifted his head long enough to give directions to the young man then met the woman's lips again for another passionate kiss as the car started moving.

*****

The limo driver difficultly maneuvered through a fast-food restaurant's drive-thru window where the couple got to order more food that they could eat. They offered some to their chauffeur then asked him to keep driving around town until further notice.

"Hmm… that was so good!" Elizabeth said slurping more of her vanilla milkshake. "I was starving, didn't really get to eat any dinner."

"Who knew you could eat that much!" The blond teasingly said after having witnessed Elizabeth duck down a very large burger and some fries.

"I was hungry!" She justified with a cute grimace that made Jason chuckle lightly.

The young man then spoke with a proud smile on his face. "I have something for you."

"Really? What is it?" The brunette grew intrigued.

"I got you a little something from Paris." Jason said as he pulled a jewelry box from behind him and removed the top revealing to Elizabeth an adorable gold charm bracelet.

The woman's eyes opened wide as she saw the tasteful gift. "Aww... Jason this is beautiful. But you shouldn't have really…"

"I saw it and it made me think of you so I had to get it."

"Well thank you. This is gorgeous. I love it!" She said then let the man close the thin bracelet on her small wrist. She took a closer look at one of the shiny dangling charms that stood out form the rest.

"Is this an angel?"

The young man nodded.

"It is adorable. Thank you." She said before closing her arms around his neck and locking her lips on his once more. Elizabeth had stopped believing men like him existed but it seemed they did. He was caring, affectionate and the perfect gentleman; he possessed all the qualities she had ever wanted in the man and thought she would never find. Maybe she wasn't doomed when it came to relationships after all.

The kiss quickly got more heated. The man slowly slid a large hand inside her cascading chocolate tresses then delicately fell on the brunette once more leaving her laying on the comfortable limo banc. The woman closed her arms around him as their tongues roomed each other's mouth fiercely. A swift turn by the driver caused the pair to brutally fall off the leather limo seat and land on the floor. Elizabeth ended up on top of the man as they both laughed at the impracticability of making out in the back of a moving limo.

"Are you ok?" Elizabeth asked Jason trying to lift herself up. But she was held in place by the young man who tremendously enjoyed her near proximity.

The man was about to answer that he was more than ok but was interrupted by his phone ringing in his pocket. "Sorry… I have to take this."

The woman managed to sit back up on the seat and helped Jason straighten up in the narrow limo. He grabbed the phone from his pocket and started speaking. "Morgan."

Elizabeth took advantage of this time to attempt to fix her hairdo and make sure her dress was still in place. She was able to catch bits and pieces of his conversation and something told her it was the end of their nice little escape.

"I'm sorry. It was my assistant. I have to run to the office to take an important conference call with Hong Kong." Jason announced sad to be putting an end to their nice moment. Unfortunately it wasn't a matter he could postpone.

"Oh… ok." The brunette said trying to hide her deep disappointment.

"I'm not sure how long it will take but you can come with me and..."

"Oh no... just go ahead. It's getting late anyway. I should get home."

Elizabeth told him not wanting to stand in the way of his work; she slouched back on the limo seat watching Jason tell the driver about the new plans. It wasn't easy dating such a demanded man.

--

A/N: Next on A Fashion Affair: "Making it Up"