He let his lips trail down Hope's neck, his hand still shielding her eyes. He kissed her so softly, so gently. Why couldn't Hope figure out who he was? Did she know him? Was he a stranger? Whoever he was, he knew exactly how and where to kiss her. Just as Hope attempted to sneak a peek at him, the mystery guy shoved her to the ground and darted off. When Hope got to her feet, the guy had vanished. He'd just given her the greatest make-out session she'd had in a while only to dart off right after. Hope stared down the corridor in awe. Who was that? She had to have know him. His voice was too familiar. Hope was running on a high. That kiss felt so good. She couldn't help but smile.

Hope made her way back to the hotel, her head in the clouds. She didn't even notice Maria and Ashley walking next to her. Her brain was still trying to process that voice. Was it Jeff? Punk? Maybe even Shannon? Or some weird fan? She finally noticed the two Divas when they linked arms with her. Hope nearly jumped out of her skin. Ashley and Maria couldn't help but laugh. They high-fived each other when they saw the look on Hope's face. They saw she was trying not to laugh either.

"You guys nearly gave me a heart attack!" Hope exaggerated.

"Oh, relax," Maria hugged her. "It's not our fault you're oblivious."

"What's up with you?" Ashley asked. "You look kind of…out there."

"I just had the greatest make-out session with some guy," Hope replied.

"Some guy?" Maria echoed. "You don't know him?"

"His voice sounded familiar. But, he had my eyes covered."

"Wow. That's kinda kinky," Ashley teased.

Hope shoved her. "I really wanna know who this guy is."

"Did you notice anything about him?" Maria asked.

"He had a lip ring. And he was strong."

"Ooh, strong. That's hot," Ashley laughed.

"A good kisser?" Maria asked.

"That's besides the point, Ria," Hope replied.

Maria couldn't help but laugh. She knew Hope too well. She knew how her friend was struggling with her feelings. But, Hope never asked for help. She preferred doing things on her own. Maria never understood how she did it. She'd rather have friends helping her out than facing her problems alone. Maybe it was because Hope was more forward than she was. Or because Hope was afraid of getting hurt. Either way, Maria fully understood. It didn't matter much though. She could pretty much tell what Hope was thinking anyway. Ashley looked at the other two Divas before she jumped onto Hope's bed.

"We have an early flight tomorrow," she frowned.

"How early?" Hope asked.

"Noon."

"Oh, please. That's so not early."

"Eh, true. But, I wanted to sleep in."

"Ash, we're going to New York! It's gonna be great!"

"You're only saying that 'cause you're from New York."

"And proud of it, baby."

After a few days, Hope still had no knowledge of the mystery guy's identity. However, she had other things on her mind. It was Backlash. More importantly it was her first ever title opportunity. It'd be an understatement to say that she was excited. Matt had already kicked MVP's ass for the U.S. Championship. John's match against Randy was going on now. Hope and both Hardys were watching from backstage. Hope knew how much John wanted his title back. Besides, Randy was getting on everyone's last nerve with the whole 'Age of Orton' crap. In the final moments of the match, Randy had hit the RKO. But, somehow John had quickly countered and put Randy in the STFU. The fans erupted into cheers and boos when Randy tapped out.

"Here is your winner and new WWE Champion…John Cena!"

Matt, Jeff and Hope all started cheering. Two titles had changed hands at Backlash. Would Hope get that lucky too? Maybe. Matt excused himself, motioning to his younger brother. He hoped Jeff would take the hint and make a move. If he didn't, Matt didn't know what else to do. Jeff stared at Hope for a moment, trying to find his courage. How was it that he could Swanton Bomb off a twenty foot ladder but he couldn't talk to a girl he liked? It made him feel like he was a kid again.

"Spacing out again?" Jeff asked, nudging Hope.

Hope smiled softly, "Just thinking about something."

"Anything you wanna tell me?"

"Just about how this strange guy kissed me last week. I still don't know who it was."

"Well, do you have any idea who it was?" Jeff tried to hide his grin.

"Yeah. I have someone in mind," Hope grinned.

Before Jeff could make a response, CM Punk came into the room. He shot a lethal glare at Jeff, unbeknownst to Hope. Naturally, Jeff glared right back. Hope pulled Punk into a deep, passionate kiss. It nearly broke Jeff's heart just to watch.

"What was that for?" Punk asked.

"Don't be coy," Hope replied. "That was for last week. You really took me by surprise."

"I did?" Punk raised an eyebrow, confused.

"I loved how you pretty much pummeled me in the hallway and kissed me. It was hot."

Jeff pretty much wanted to kick himself when she said that. This whole time she thought it was Punk. It never even crossed her mind that it was Jeff. Punk saw the look on Jeff's face and he felt guilty for about a split second. He smirked, looking down at Hope.

"I didn't you'd be surprised. You hit hard though," Punk said.

"I'm sorry. Didn't your mom tell you not to sneak up on girls?" Hope laughed.

"I guess I didn't really listen to that lesson."

"Hey, Hope. Isn't your match next?" Jeff interrupted.

"Shit! You're right. I gotta get ready."

She quickly kissed both Punk and Jeff on the cheek before she headed off. Punk could see the fire in Jeff's eyes, how he wanted to rip him to pieces. The two tattooed wrestlers stood glaring at each other. Both of them knew what the other could gain and lose. This was all about one thing. One person.

"That must suck," Punk stifled a laugh. "Having the girl you adore choose another guy."

"Just wait until she realizes you've been lying to her," Jeff replied. "She'll be pissed."

"Well, then I guess I'd have to tell her about how her best friend was using her too."

"I never used her! I'm not like you."

"I'll see you tonight, Hardy. Be ready."

"I'll be ready, Punk. Don't worry about that."

"Here is your winner and the new Women's Champion…Hope!"

Hope couldn't believe it. She'd actually won. It was such an amazing feeling. The greatest high there was. Hope turned to Mickie and helped her to her feet. The two Divas exchanged a hug and Mickie raised Hope's arm in victory. It still felt surreal, like it was just a dream. The fans kept cheering as Hope and Mickie headed backstage. Once they were backstage, Randy Orton came over to them.

"Your match was outstanding, Hope," Randy smiled his signature cocky grin.

"Thanks, Randy," Hope replied. "Your match was pretty good too."

"Pretty good? I think you're forgetting who you're talking to. I'm--"

"Randy Orton. The Legend Killer. Yeah, I know."

"You sound a bit feisty. That's how I like 'em."

"That's too bad. I prefer guys that don't have the I.Q. of a kumquat."

"If that's true, then what's the deal between you and Hardy?"

"No deal, Orton. We're friends."

"What do say you and I grab a drink later," Randy offered. "You can see why everyone says I'm a legend."

Hope laughed, "Not even if you paid me, love."

She linked arms with Mickie as they left Randy in a daze. It hadn't registered to him yet that Hope had not only turned him down, but insulted him as well. Randy should've been used to that by now. Especially from John. Mickie was amused by Hope's comments toward Randy. Especially the kumquat one. The two Divas met up with Matt and John in the back. Jeff and Punk were both getting ready for their match.

"John, you're amazing," Hope grinned.

"Yeah, I know," John replied. "You weren't so bad yourself."

"Thanks. It was just…wow."

"I think everyone's first title match is like that," Mickie laughed.

"I know mine was," Matt replied, nudging Hope.

"Did you see Jeff? He looked kind of upset before," Hope frowned.

"I'm sure he's fine," Matt replied. "He was probably just going at it with Punk."

Matt hated lying to his best friend. But, he couldn't exactly tell her the truth. First off, she never would've believed him. Secondly, he wanted Jeff to do it himself. He doubted that would happen though. Jeff was just afraid of hurting Hope. The whole thing with Michaela, Jeff believed it was all his fault. He believed that he hurt Michaela. Not the other way around. Matt was still in awe about that. He also still couldn't believe that Hope was so oblivious to Jeff's feelings. Or maybe she wasn't oblivious. Who knew?

"I sure hope he is," Hope said.

"Trust me on this. He's my brother, I'd know if something was wrong," Matt lied.

Jeff stood in the center of the ring, awaiting CM Punk's music. There was such a fire in his eyes that even Lillian didn't want to go near him. Everyone knew how bad the Hardy/Punk feud was. Nobody knew how much it really mattered to the two men. Jeff knew they'd regret this in the long run. Right now, it seemed like the only thing to do. Punk's music blasted throughout the arena, bringing Jeff back to reality. Both tattooed men had their game faces on. The fans cheered and booed, not realizing how real this was going to be. Punk nixed his usual entrance. He dove into the ring and speared Jeff, punching his face in. Punk was hitting so hard and so fast that Jeff couldn't get a hit back. Until Punk made the mistake of taking a breather. Jeff punched Punk, dragging to his feet.

The two of them stood punching each other as the fans chanted 'boring'. But, neither man was paying any attention to the fans tonight. Jeff hit the Twist of Fate and hooked Punk's leg for the pin. Punk kicked out at the two count. This wasn't going to be easy. They both knew that. Punk nailed the GTS but Jeff managed to recover. The match went on the this for a while. Punk had had enough. He grabbed a steel chair and cracked Jeff across the back with it. Not once, but twice. The ref signaled the bell, disqualifying Punk.

Jeff collapsed onto the mat, holding his back in pain. Punk dropped down next to him. The two of them locked eyes, both glaring at each other. A look of pain in Jeff's eyes and a look of hate in Punk's.

"You lose, Hardy," Punk whispered.

"Here is your winner, by disqualification…Jeff Hardy!" Lillian announced.

The ref helped Jeff out of the ring and to the back. Hope and Matt were the first ones by his side. Jeff leaned on his brother for support as he tried to assure Hope that he was okay. It was no use. She could see the pain in his eyes. Anybody could. Hope held Jeff's face in her hands. He almost couldn't breathe when she touched him. It felt too good.

"Are you sure you're okay?" Hope asked.

"I wouldn't lie to you. I'm fine," Jeff answered. "I'm used to this."

"If you say so."

"Congrats on your win, Hope."

"Thanks. It still feels kind of surreal."

Jeff so badly wanted to just kiss her. Just shove her into a corner and have his way with her. Maybe he should just do it. Right now. This was it. Now or never. Jeff grabbed Hope, backing her against the wall. He shoved his lips against hers so hard that it made both their lips bleed. Hope wrapped her arms around Jeff's neck, returning his kiss just as hard. Matt stared on in shock as his brother and best friend simply shut out the rest of the world. Jeff let his hands roam around Hope's body, his lips never moving away from hers. He didn't want to come up for air but eventually he had to.

"It was you," Hope whispered. "You're the mystery guy."

"I thought you'd never figure it out," Jeff replied.

"I should've known it was you."

"I…I love you."

"I love you too."

Hope pulled Jeff into another kiss, pulling his body closer to hers. Jeff kept his arms around his arms around her waist, nuzzling at her neck. Hope let out a giggle that Jeff found incredibly adorable. All this time he'd worried about nothing. She felt the same way.

"Jeff!"

Hope's angelic voice brought Jeff back to reality. Reality? The whole thing with Hope just now, that'd been a fantasy. He tried to force a smile but Matt could already tell something was wrong. Jeff didn't know why he bothered hiding things . Matt always knew. Always.

"You were spacing out on me," Hope pouted.

"I'm sorry. What did you say?" Jeff asked.

"I said you owe a game of Guitar Hero," she grinned. "You left early last week. Just when I was about to kick your ass."

"Maybe…maybe I let you win."

"Yeah. Right. Who are you trying to kid?"

"Ah. Touché, Hope."

"Well, I'm gonna go celebrate with John. See you Hardys later."

Matt and Jeff both waved as Hope left to catch up with John. Once he was sure Hope was out of earshot, Matt turned to Jeff. Jeff rolled his eyes, knowing exactly what his brother wanted to know. But, Jeff didn't want to talk. His mind was still on that little fantasy. Or better yet, last week. Hope's lips tasted so sweet. If only she'd known it was him. Would that have changed things? Maybe. Maybe not.

John took Hope down to the Coyote Ugly Saloon. He'd said it was horrible that she'd never been there since she was a New Yorker. Hope had simply laughed at him. She wrapped an arm around John's waist. He knew that meant she was thinking about something important. He also knew what it was and that she wanted his help. John hated the way Punk and Jeff were making Hope feel like this. Everyone always asked John how he never slept with Hope. He'd always laugh at that question. He simply never thought of Hope that way. Even if he did, mentioning it now would've been hell.

"All right you. Talk to me," John said, sitting at the bar.

"John, don't. I don't know what you want me to say," Hope replied.

One of the barmaids, Kellie, came over and asked what she could get them to drink. Kellie held John's gaze for a few minutes before taking their orders. Two screwdrivers. Once Kellie had gone off, John turned back to Hope. Hope sighed. She should've known she wasn't getting off that easily. Especially with John.

"C'mon. I know you wanna get this off your mind," John nudged her.