The next day, they all left for Dallas in the early morning. Jax remained in charge of WLC for the time being, although Anna was contemplating as to whether or not to make that permanent.

Carlos was seated next to Trent and Trivette, while Anna sat across.

She was working on some files that Jax had given her. They were some papers that needed to be looked over, and approved. She tried to concentrate, but seemed preoccupied. She desperately wanted to talk to Trent, but in private.

Trent felt the same way. He just kept looking at her thinking how radiant she looked. He was about to say something, when Anna's cellular phone rang. "Anna James. . .Hi Jarod. . .No, I'm on the plane right now. . .why? . . .I don't know yet. I need a long vacation. . .How's Ashley doing? . .Tell her I said hi. . .No, everything's fine. . .I promise. . .I'll call you when I get in. . .Love you too. . .bye." She hung up with him.

"What did he want?" Trent asked.

She looked up. "Just checking up on his baby sister."

He smiled at her, and she went back to her work. Trent couldn't help, but stare. She was so rich, and in a position of world power, but from the way she looked and acted, Trent couldn't tell. He decided to make light conversation. "What are your plans now that Jax has taken responsibility of the company?"

She sighed, and brushed her hair out of her face. "Honestly, I don't know." She said with amusement. "I mean, it's weird not having something to do, but I'm sure it won't take much getting used to." She paused. "I don't know. I guess I haven't really given it much thought."

Trent smiled. "Well, what are you doing . . . say tonight?"

She looked back up again with a small grin. "Trent Malloy, are you asking me out?"

He picked up on her underlying tone. "That depends. Are you planning on saying yes?"

She wasn't about to let him off so easily. "I don't know. Are you asking?" She said restating the question.

"How about I pick you up at eight?"

"How about seven thirty?" She said with a smirk.

"You've got it." He walked over, and sat next to her, and kissed her.

Carlos looked at Trivette. "You ever have that feeling that you're being left out?"

Trivette looked at him. "You hang around with Walker and that's the only feeling you get." He said with a laugh.

**********

Trent was at Anna's hotel room at precisely seven-thirty. She opened the door and looked beautiful. She had a light yellow chiffon dress on with spaghetti straps that went mid-thigh. Her hair was in a French twist and she had a simple diamond necklace. "I thought you'd never come." She smiled. "I'm not over-dressed am I?" She asked. He smiled. "No. You look absolutely stunning." She blushed at the compliment. He put his arm out for her and she quickly took it.

**********

Once they ordered, Trent and Anna couldn't stop talking. "You know, you could have stayed at my house." He quickly realized his mistake. "I mean, my mother's."

Anna chuckled at the suggestion. "Well, thank you for the offer, but I think it's best if I stay at a hotel. Besides, I've been spoiled by room service."

Trent laughed. "I'm guessing when you're rich, you don't have to do much cooking."

Anna took the comment slightly offensively. "It's not that at all. I don't have time for it. I love to cook, and I do every chance I get. It's just, the job does have its disadvantages as well as the fringe benefits." She decided to change the subject. "What about you?"

He slightly blushed. "What about me?"

"Tell me about yourself. You already know about me. My job. My ex. My social life. I want to know you."

He took in a deep breath. "Where to start." He said thinking aloud. "Well, I'm a private investigator, which you already knew." He paused for a moment. "I'm a karate teacher at Thunder Karate. Carlos is my best friend."

"No way. . .Really?" She said with a smile.

He chuckled and continued. "You obviously know about my family."

She laughed. "Obviously. But what about your hobbies? What you like, what you dislike. You know, stuff like that."

"Okay. That narrows it down a bit." He said. "Well, I like karate. My hobby would have to be hanging out at Uppercuts with everyone. My favorite color is blue. I will eat just about anything except for weird things like octopus. I'm not a big fan of seafood, but I do like salmon and trout." He took another deep breath. "Favorite sport would have to be, hockey and best athlete would have to be Wayne Gretzky. My favorite food is spaghetti. Oh, and I don't like coffee."

She smiled with a twinkle in her eyes. "I have to remember that one."

"So, what about you Anna James? What are your hobbies, likes, dislikes. Your past."

It was her turn to take in a deep breath. "Well, I just love listening to music. Especially Celine Dion and the New Age stuff like Lorrina McKennett, but I also enjoy Ricky Martin and the whole Latin scene. I love to hang out at dance clubs. My favorite food would have to be spaghetti. Same as yours. I dislike anything with meat since I am a vegetarian. My favorite sport would have to be baseball. Although, I'm not an avid sports fan." Once she finished, she switched the topic back to him. "Favorite ice cream?"

"Chocolate. You?"

"Jamoca. Things you look for in a woman."

He was caught off guard with this question, but didn't show it. He thought about it for a moment. "Someone who is kind, understanding, likes me for me, respects and supports what I do and believe. And most importantly, has to be approved by my family."

"Looks?" She asked with a questioning eyebrow.

"Doesn't matter. Although, I am partial to brunettes." He said with a smile.

"Financial situation." She said while dancing her lips on her glass.

"Doesn't matter."

She was searching for another question. "Most romantic feature."

"Heart and soul."

"Things she must know." She asked.

He sat back in his chair. "She has to know, that helping people is very important to me, and that it will always be a major part of my life."

She nodded her approval.

"What about you? What are your qualifications?"

"Well, I want someone completely opposite of Michael. Someone who knows me inside and out, who cares about what I do and will help out in anyway he can."

"Most romantic feature."

"Eyes." She said without hesitation. "And of course, heart and soul."

"Things he must know."

She thought carefully before answering. "My favorite song. Favorite flower. Favorite book. Oh, and how I take my coffee is a definite must."

Trent let out a small laugh. "Alright. So, name all of those."

"You mean, my favorites?"

"Yes."

"Why?" She said, slightly panicked.

"You never know when they'll come in handy."

"Alright. My favorite flower is a white rose. My favorite book is Pride & Prejudice. Favorite song is Celine Dion's Because You Loved Me." She took a sip of her coffee.

Trent waited for her to go on. "And. . ."

"And. . . What?"

"Your coffee?"

"Oh! Cream, one sugar."

Trent smiled at her. He couldn't believe he was actually sitting here with the most beautiful woman in the world.

**********

Once they were finished eating, Anna wanted some fresh air so, they decided to go for a walk. Trent held Anna's hand as they walked the streets of Dallas. Both remained silent, but the unspoken attraction was still there. Trent kissed her hand. Her phone rang. "Anna James? . . .Hi Jax!. . .Things are great. . .What?. . .Jax, I just got here. . .Yeah I realize it's important, but I just. . .Yeah, okay. . .Three days maximum. . .No, tell them that's it. . .I'll leave first thing in the morning. . .Bye." She hung the phone up. She was not happy.

"What's wrong?" Trent asked with concern.

"We've hit a snag in Paris. Something happened with the contracts and I have to fly out to fix it tomorrow."

"Tomorrow? But you just got here." Trent said sounding disappointed.

"I'm so sorry, but I can't get out of it. Jax has to take care of things in New York and until I appoint someone to take his place, it's my job to take over some of his responsibilities." She looked depressed herself.

He smiled trying to hide it. "Well, it's only three days right? Don't worry about it."

"I'm not worried about me, I'm worried about you. Are you sure you're okay with this?"

"Anna, it's your job. I understand that." He said while cursing himself for going along with it.

"Thank you." She smiled and kissed him.

**********

The next day, Trent went to Uppercuts for the football game. It was a weekly ritual for Butch, and Trent figured it would help keep his mind off of Anna. Carlos was a big help. He could always help Trent through anything. "Oh man! Did you see that?!"

"Yeah! Man, this is a great game!" Trent said with enthusiasm.

Carlos looked at his best friend. "You can't stop thinking of Anna can you?" He said knowing he was right.

Trent sighed. "I don't know Carlos."

Carlos noticed the game was over for the most part. He turned to Trent, "Did you want to go upstairs and talk about it?"

Trent thought about it for a moment. He didn't want to ruin his friend's fun, but at the same time, he wanted to talk to someone about the whole situation. "What about the game?"

"It's practically over anyway. Come on." Carlos stood up, and Trent quickly followed.

Carlos opened the door to Thunder Investigations, and the two walked in and sat down. "Okay, so what's going on?"

Trent took in a deep breath. "Honestly, I can't figure it out. I mean, I hardly know her."

Carlos put his hand on his friend's back. "You, my friend, have been struck by Cupid."

Trent smiled and thought about it for a moment. "Yeah. I guess I have."

"Look at you! You can't stop thinking about her."

"What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing. It's just, in all the time I've known you, you have never been this hung up over a woman and I just find that amusing."

Trent stood up and began walking around the room and his face grew grave.

"What?" Carlos asked.

"How long is it going to last Carlos?"

"What do you mean?"

"How long before she realizes that she doesn't want me? That she deserves better? That . . . she's made a mistake."

Carlos was caught slightly off guard by Trent's question. "Trent, that's not what happens."

"With someone like her it does."

"What do you mean, 'someone like her'?"

"You know what I'm talking about. She's one of the social elite. I mean, the media has portrayed her as America's Princess. Why would she want a nobody like me? I can't give her diamonds or money."

"Trent, Anna doesn't strike me as that type of person. She doesn't care about those things."

"How do you know?"

"Trent, nothing of the material sort is going to ruin this relationship. If anything, it will be your own insecurities that will cause a break-up."

Trent sighed, and knew his best friend was right.

"Don't mess this up."

**********

On Friday morning, Trent was at Thunder Karate giving his students a last minute workout before the tournament the next day. He watched from the sidelines as his students worked with much enthusiasm. As he was observing, and giving his teachings from the sidelines, he noticed Anna walk in the door. He smiled as she walked over to greet him. She had on a black short skirt, and a satin, light green, button down shirt. In her hands, she had a matching black jacket. She looked so classy. Especially next to him. "Hello handsome." She said as she kissed him.

The entire class stopped, and in unison said, "Oooooooo."

Trent and Anna looked at them and blushed. "Alright, back to work." He turned back to Anna who had stepped back. "What are you doing here? I thought you weren't due back until tomorrow?"

"I wasn't, but things weren't as bad as Jax thought. It didn't take long at all." She said with a smile. "Looks like your students are ready for tomorrow."

"Yeah. Ready to lose." Came a voice from behind.

Trent and Anna whipped around and found themselves looking into the face of Jake Lyons. "What do you want Lyons?" Trent asked with annoyance.

"Just wanted to check out the competition. Although, it's kind of disappointing." He turned to Anna and gave her a good look down. "Well, hello. What's a pretty little thing like you doing in a trashy place like this."

"It wasn't trashy until you walked in." She said with a smirk.

Trent held back a laugh, but Lyons on the other hand, was not amused. "Why don't you introduce me to your lady friend Malloy?"

"Anna James." She said without offering a hand.

Lyons let out a laugh. "As in World Link Communications Anna James!" He said while cracking up.

She didn't waver. "The very same."

He stopped laughing and moved closer. "Well, you and I must talk. Why don't you come over to my place later and I'll show you what a real man is all about."

"Tempting. But no."

"Why not?"

"If I were to go home with you, that would be breaking my first rule of dating."

"Which is?"

"I don't go home with S.O.B.'s." She said with a glare.

Lyons was speechless.

"Now, I suggest, you turn around and leave. Before I have to call my attorney."

"What for?"

"You're trespassing. And I could add sexual harassment on top of that."

"Fine. Stay with this loser. Don't think I'll give you another chance." He turned around and left the dojo.

Anna turned back to Trent. "He seems nice." She said with a sarcastic tone.

Trent left out a sigh of relief. "You don't let anyone push you around do you?" He said with a smile.

"What? Did you think I was some kind of a push over?"

Trent was still smiling.

"After this class, did you want to grab a bite to eat?"

"Oh, you know what? I have to meet Walker and Alex. I didn't think you were coming back until tomorrow. But you could join us."

"Are you sure?" She asked not wanting to invite herself.

"Positive. Walker and Alex both love having you around."

"Alright. I guess I'll just wait for you to be done then."

Trent kissed her quickly and went back to teaching.

**********

Walker and Alex were waiting for Trent at C.D.'s. They were discussing his relationship with Anna. "I'm telling you Alex, Trivette said they were acting very strangely. And personally, I think they're is something going on between the two."

Alex smiled, and seemed to agree. "I think you're right Walker, but don't you think Trent would have mentioned something?"

"I don't know. I guess we'll find out tonight." As she finished her sentence, Trent and Anna walked in the door together. Trent was dressed simply in black jeans and a blue shirt. Anna was still in her business suit.

Alex broke into a grin when she saw the two walking in together, holding hands. "Trent!" Alex said as she hugged him. She turned to Anna. "Anna, it's great to see you!"

"Likewise Alex." She said in a pleasant tone.

They all sat down at an empty table. "How was Paris?" Walker addressed to Anna.

"Well, Paris in general, is a wonderful city. Although, I didn't have the pleasure of enjoying it this time."

"What exactly were you there for?" Walker asked.

"We're building a branch out there and we hit a snag. The contractor complained he hadn't received payment for any of his work and was threatening to sue. We did in fact pay him, and we discovered he was trying to get more money out of us. So, I hired a new one who was even better and now everything is back on schedule."

"Are you going to work at the location you have here?" Walker continued.

"I haven't decided yet. Right now, I am still CEO of my company, but I am taking a very long vacation." She said happily.

"Where are you staying right now?" Alex inquired.

"I'm staying at the Anaton for now."

Walker gave Alex a look, and she knew what it meant. "So, I'm guessing this is a date for you guys?" Alex said with a smirk.

Anna suddenly grew embarrassed. She didn't want the whole world to know about her relationship. At least, not yet. Especially with the press. She didn't need the complications.

Trent picked up on Anna's uneasiness, and answered the question. "No comment." He said while throwing Anna one of his reassuring smiles.

"Oh come on, we've been talking to Trivette. I think it's great." Alex looked at Walker and corrected herself. "We think it's great."

Anna let out a sigh of relief when her phone rang. 'Saved by the bell.' "Excuse me." She picked it up. "Anna James. . .Hi Jonathan. . .What!? . . In Los Angeles? . . . I understand that, but I just got back from Europe dealing with construction problems out there. . .I may not have to be out there until Monday, but isn't that what I pay you for? To actually do your job? . .Ugh. You're useless. . .Yes, I'll be out there first thing Monday morning, but don't expect me to be in a good mood." She hung up her phone in frustration.

Trent seemed to sense what was about to come. "You have to leave again."

"Yes. But not until Sunday night. And I'll only be gone until Wednesday." Trent took his arm off her shoulder and Anna saw how much this hurt him. "You know, I just remembered a previous engagement." She stood up. "I'll call you later." She wanted to kiss him on the cheek, but wasn't sure if it was what he wanted, so, she gave him a pat on his back. "I'll see you guys later." She said to Alex and Walker. She looked at Trent for a moment hoping for a response but didn't get one.

Alex looked at Trent. "Are you okay?"

Trent sighed. "I don't know. I mean, she just got back today and she's already leaving again?"

Alex understood what Trent was going through. She went through it everyday with Walker. "I know it's hard Trent, but you're going to have to accept it now that she's a part of your life."

"Does it mean I have to like it?" He said sadly.

She smiled. "Not necessarily. But you have to understand that it's part of who she is. You know, her job is going to weigh heavily on your relationship. I mean, if you are dating that is." She said with a sly smile.

"I know that, but why does she have to leave at the drop of a hat? I mean, she has enough people working for her, why not send one of them?"

Walker and Alex shrugged not knowing what to say.

"I care about her, but I don't know if I can handle this."

Walker let out a sigh. "Trent, I know you care about her. But you have to support her in this because that's what she needs from you. Just let her sort things out. She'll come around." He took a sip of his coffee.

Trent smiled and seemed convinced.

As they continued their conversation, they didn't notice Michael walking in the door. "Can you tell me where Alex Cahill is sitting please?" He said curtly.

"Well now, that depends. What do you want with her?" C.D. said defensively.

"Personal business."

"Either you tell me what I want to know, or I'm going to have to ask you to leave."

Alex overheard the entire conversation, and walked over to the man. "It's alright C.D." She turned to Michael. "I'm Alex Cahill. What can I do for you?"

Trent stood up and turned around. His face dropped once he saw who it was.

"My name is Michael Doyle. I believe my 'wife' is one of your clients and filed for a divorce."

Alex's face remained professional. "That's correct."

"I was wondering, if you could tell me where she's staying. You see, I need to talk to her about this whole thing, but I just can't seem to get a hold of her."

"I'm afraid I can't do that."

Michael noticed Trent. "Well, well, well. If it isn't pretty boy. Also known as Anna's latest fling."

Trent stood next to Alex, and didn't reveal any signs of emotion.

Michael chuckled. "Are you trying to protect her? Not telling me where she is? Using your 'private investigative' skills."

Trent wasn't quite sure what he was getting at. "I had you checked out. You're a karate teacher slash private investigator. And, might I add, no where near Anna's social status." He paused for a moment. "Do you actually believe that you two could be something more? That she could actually love someone like you?"

"That's not your decision to make is it." Trent said calmly.

"You can drop the act, because it isn't working. Think about it. She's aristocracy you're common filth. She's too good for you." Trent stood showing no emotion.

"And you're better for her how? By beating her unconscious and restricting her eating habits?" Alex said in Trent's defense. "Trent is more of a man, than you could ever hope to be, and, might I add, much more deserving of Anna than you."

Michael laughed. "Touché. I've got to hand it to you. You can fight back. But for how long. Are you going to be able to handle the press? What about the tabloids? You'll become a sensation in the media. You're a rags to riches tail my boy. Only the paper's will make it look as if she saved you."

C.D. was growing angry. "I want you to leave right now mister."

Walker stepped up and stared at Michael. "I think you'd better do what he says."

Michael shrugged his mouth. "Alright. But before I go, there is one more thing I must warn you about." He paused as if awaiting a reaction. "Anna, is not the sweet, perfect little angel that the media portrays her as. She has been with so many men, that I've lost count." He turned to Trent. "She takes them out. Wines and dines them. Dresses them to the nine's. Sleeps with them. And then loses them. Oh, I'm sure she'll date you for a while, but within a short time, you'll be yesterday's news." He stopped for a moment. "Has she pulled the old business trip on you yet? You know, where she gets a phone call saying she has to go out of town? Well, she is going out of town, but not for business. She has guys in ever state and continent. Paris is always her first stop. I think his name is Steven Morgan."

"You're lying." Trent said hatefully.

"Ask her. See what she says." He took one last look around. "See you around pretty boy." He turned on his heel, and left.