He was still trying to figure out exactly how he felt about her. He enjoyed her company very much. Dating her was different than dating Bess Marvin. When he went out with Bess, it was more like hanging out with a friend. They had fun, but spent as much time checking out other people as they spent with each other. No, Ashlee was different. Ashlee made him feel complete...almost. It wasn't quite love - he was sure of that. He'd felt love twice before. First with Iola, and then with Vanessa. In fact, he still loved Vanessa. When she wouldn't leave Bayport to go to California with him, she had set him free. Isn't that what they say "If you love someone set them free? And if it's meant to be, they'll come back to you? He wasn't sure. Anyway, that was love. This feeling for Ashlee wasn't as strong, but he had a hunch that it could be.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Joe jumped as he felt the tap on his shoulder. "Oh, Kevin," he said. "I didn't realize you were there."

"Man, I wasn't sure YOU were there. You looked like you were really concentrating hard on something." Kevin slung a towel over his shoulder. Kevin was LA born and bred and had been modeling since he was a teenager. Joe occasionally crossed paths with Kevin at an occasional shoot.

"I guess I was. I was trying to sort out my love life." Joe laughed. "Not an easy thing to do."

Kevin grinned. "Too many dates or not enough?"

Joe chuckled. "Neither. You know Ashlee Martin? She's the blond that was doing the Lee jeans ad layout with Mark this morning. I've been dating her for a couple of months and was just thinking about making more of a commitment to her. Maybe."

Kevin whistled. "Wow. Are we talking marriage here?"

Joe's eyes widened in horror. "NO!" he blurted out. "I was just thinking along the lines of seeing each other exclusively. Maybe moving in together. Something like that."

Kevin doubled over with laughter. "Man, if you could have seen your face just then. That was priceless. Relax, Joe. If I see her at a shoot, I promise not to mention the M-word."

"Sorry," Joe grinned, embarrassed. "I really like her, but the thought of marriage..." he stopped. "Well, I'm just not ready for that."

"I hear you." Kevin said. "Me, on the other hand, I'm ready. I'm a one-man guy. I've had the same partner for 6 years and I wouldn't trade him for anything in the world. When the time is right to commit to one person, you'll know."

"I hope you're right," Joe said. "Listen, Kevin, I'm going to have to get going here. I've still got to hit the gym and get cleaned up before dinner. Ashlee did me a real favor the other night. She let me get some things off my chest that had been bothering me for a long time. I was planning on taking her out for dinner and dancing tonight. Kind of a thank you for being so sweet."

"Cool. I hear you." Kevin turned to leave, then stopped. "Hey, I just had this fantastic idea!"

"What?" Joe asked.

"Greg and I were going on a double date tonight with our roommate Rebecca. I kind of set Becca up on this blind date with Mark and she really hates it when I do this. If we went as a group, I could get her to come along without the kicking and the screaming."

Joe flinched. He'd had something more private in mind for tonight. "I don't know. I was kind of leaning more toward the romantic side for this evening."

"Aw, come on. It'll be fun. I just know Mark is perfect for Rebecca, but I've got to get them together for her to see it. If it's a group thing, she'll go without argument."

"I take it your roommate doesn't like to be set up on blind dates."

"Nope," Kevin said with a grin.

"Then why do you do it?" Joe asked.

"Cause she needs a man." Kevin said. "She's a wonderful woman who's become like a little sister to Greg and me. I'm determined to see to it she has someone special to take care of her - even if she isn't."

"So you're setting her up with Mark? The photographer from today's shoot?" Joe asked.

"Yeah. He's perfect for her. He's serious, kind, hard working. And he's agreed to go out with her. I just need to get her to the date. Without bloodshed." Kevin grinned. "Come on. Be a buddy. Help me out."

"Carrying this big brother thing a bit far, aren't you?" Joe replied. "I wouldn't want my brother setting me up on dates, either."

"Come on, Joe. We were going to have dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe, maybe do some clubbing afterwards. I'll bet Ashlee would have fun. And Becca would feel a lot more comfortable.

Joe sighed. There was no real way to squirm out of this without hurting Kevin's feelings. "Okay, I guess we'll come. What time?"

"How about we meet you and Ashlee at the Hard Rock around 8 o'clock?"

"Sure," Joe said. "But if I'm going to get her there on time, I better catch her now to let her know the plans have changed. And to make sure she doesn't mind."

"She won't," Kevin said. "I know her. She's pretty easy going."

"You're right," Joe replied. "Well, I'll see you guys at eight."

Kevin grabbed his stuff and headed toward the door. "You're the best, man. See you later!"

Joe sat back at the table, feeling slightly grouchy. So much for his romantic evening. He now found himself feeling ignored, as Ashlee and Mark discussed aspects of this morning's photo shoot while they waited for Kevin and Greg to arrive with Mark's date. He sighed, and turned to watch the door. They were becoming quite late.

Ashlee touched Joe's hand. Joe turned toward her and caught her apologetic smile. "You look bored," she observed.

"Sorry," Joe said. "Not really bored, just aggravated that Kevin's so late." He looked over at Mark. "I hope they haven't stood you up."

Mark shrugged. "It happens. I'm okay if they did." He flashed a smile at Ashlee. Joe felt like punching him.

Joe turned back toward the door just as Kevin came through. He was followed by a tall red head that must be Greg and a tall, slender brunette. Joe gave a low whistle of appreciation. "Well, Mark," he said. "Looks like your date is here. And they appear to have set you up with a looker!"

"Joe!" Ashley said in mock horror. "Admiring the other guy’s date is a big no-no." She slapped him lightly on the arm.

"Hey," he said. "Can I help it if I appreciate beauty? Besides, I've still got the prettiest girl in the restaurant." He waved toward Kevin's direction, hoping to catch their attention.

"That's better," she said with a grin. Joe watched the trio weave their way through the crowd toward their table. Something about the woman struck Joe as familiar. He suddenly had the feeling that he knew her. Maybe from...

Ashlee touched his cheek. "Did you hear me?"

"I'm sorry, Baby," he said. "It's been a long day. What was that again?"

"I said, I love you," she said.

"Love you too," he said, leaning in to kiss her. When he heard the sound of laughter, he broke away and looked up. Kevin's group was settling in at the table. Joe started to grin, but the grin faded as he caught the eye of the woman Kevin had seated next to Mark. Recognition flashed in her eyes and she looked stunned. Joe felt his breath catch. This wasn't possible.

Dimly, he heard Kevin making the introductions. "Mark, this is my partner, Greg Johnson. And this lovely creature is our roommate, Rebecca Addison. Rebecca, this is Mark Thompson. And these are my friends Joe Hardy and Ashlee Martin. We work together from time to time."

Joe was momentarily speechless. The young woman in front of him appeared to be suddenly uncomfortable. "Uh," she began. "Um... pleased to meet you.'

Joe reached across the table suddenly and grabbed her hand. "Yeah," he said sharply. "Pleased to meet you too. Except, I'm sure we've met before. Haven't we?"

Her eyes widened even more and her cheeks reddened. "No, I'm sure I'd, um, I’d .. I'd remember that. I think."

"Really," Joe said, letting go of her hand. She pulled it back quickly, reacting as if she'd been bitten by a snake. "Because I never forget a face."

And he hadn't. He was 100 percent sure he was looking into the face of Nancy Drew.