Two days later, Jonathan was sat next to Jennifer on a scheduled flight out of Los Angeles. They were due to change planes in London and then on to Kenya.

After two days of deliberations, Jonathan had decided on the direct approach.

"So Miss Edwards. What can I do to persuade you I’m not all bad."

"Sorry?"

"Well, I get the distinct impression you’re not too enamoured about having my company for this assignment, and if we are going to spend the next week in each others company, I would prefer it if we were talking."

"It’s not you personally Mr Hart."

"Ah."

Jennifer smiled. Well at least he could get her to smile.

"Sorry. Jonathan. As I said it’s nothing personal. I’m just not used to having someone following me and judging my work."

"That’s not why I’ve come. I enjoy your work, yes." Jonathan had ensured he’d read a lot of Jennifers work over the last few days. "But that’s not the reason I’m here. I happen to care about my employees and what they want. If I take on Weir then I want to know about the people who work there and what they want."

"Why choose me to follow then?"

"That was my good fortune."

Jennifer smiled again.

"Seriously. It could have been any one of the journalists working for Weir. You’ve got Tom to blame for picking you to get lumbered with me. I really am interested in what you’ve go to say about your work and about Weir."

"Fair enough. I think I can try and be civil for a week."

Jonathan smiled this time.

"Thank you. I’ll look forward to it."

During the remainder of the flight whilst their conversion was mainly small talk, Jennifer was surprised how easily it flowed. He wasn’t at all what she’d expected and she began to think maybe the trip wouldn’t be as bad as she’d anticipated. She’d met a number of men in his position over the years and experience had told her to expect an arrogant go getter who didn’t mind who they trod on to get to the top. Jonathan was making her see things differently.

The first flight was a long one and after a time they both fell asleep. Jonathan woke first, and looked over at Jennifer sat next to him. She looked so peaceful he wanted to reach out and touch her. She also seemed to have relaxed a bit towards him during the flight and he was pleased that she appeared to have accepted his company for the week. Whilst he had initially been attracted to her outer beauty, these last few hours had shown it was equalled by her inner beauty. She was smart, intelligent and funny, and he really wanted to spend a lot more time with her.

Jennifer stirred in her sleep and moved her head to rest on his shoulder. Jonathan wasn’t sure what to do. He enjoyed the closeness and feel of it and moved his head to take in the scent of her hair, but he didn’t want her to become embarrassed by the position she was in when she woke up. He gently moved her head back across and Jennifers head lapsed to the other side.

Both flights remained uneventful and the pair eventually arrived at their hotel in Nairobi.

"Why don’t we get freshened up, and I’ll take you to dinner," said Jonathan once they had both booked in.

"Why not. I’ll meet you in the bar in an hour."

Jennifer made her way to her room to shower and change. Looking through her suitcase, she found herself wishing she had packed some more elegant attire. She stood back and took a moment to think about that last thought. God, Jonathan was obviously having an effect on her and she wanted to look good. No, she wanted to look special. She shook her head. This was ridiculous, it wasn’t even a date and she was here to do a job. That was all he was here for too. Jeez, how had 24 hours of travel in his company managed to completely change her opinion of industrialists, well one in particular.

Jonathan was sat in the bar waiting when she walked in. Ever the gentleman he stood and greeted her, then pulled her chair out.

"Can I get you a drink?"

"Vodka Martini please."

Jonathan ordered the drink and they continued their small talk before heading to a local restaurant for dinner.

Over dinner Jennifer talked animatedly about her work and the article she had come to write.

Jonathan smiled at her.

"What, am I boring you?" She questioned tilting her head to the side.

"No not at all. It’s very interesting. It’s nice to see someone who enjoys their work and is so obviously committed to the causes they write about."

"Thank you." Jennifer blushed. She wasn’t quite sure what to say next. "We’ve got an early start tomorrow. I think we should probably turn in."

"Sure. I told you, you’re the boss."

This time it was Jennifers turn to smile. Jonathan watched as her face lit up. He could happily have stayed and looked at her for an eternity.

The guide picked them up from the hotel early next morning and they commenced on their journey to the first camp. They were about a mile from their destination driving over some rough terrain when the land rover swerved to miss a rhino in the middle of the track, hit a large rock on the side of the road and rolled over.

Jonathan shook his head as he came round and got his bearings. He looked across and saw Jennifer lying there in what had been the back seat. Her hair had blood matted in the side and her right leg was trapped under the metal of the seat she’d been sat in.

"Jennifer," he called as he crawled through the upturned vehicle towards her. He put his hand on her neck to feel for a pulse. Relief rushed through his veins as he felt it. He put his cheek down to her mouth just to be sure. Her sweet breath ticked the side of his face. She was still alive.

"Oooh."

Jonathan turned around and moved forward.

"Mike are you alright," he called to the driver.

"Yeah, but I’m going to have one hellva headache without the pleasure of the alcohol the night before." Mike sat up and looked around him. "What about you?"

"I’m fine, but Jennifer’s unconscious and her leg’s trapped. Give me a hand will you."

Mike manoeuvered himself to where Jonathan was sat. Between them they managed to untangle the metal that was encasing Jennifers leg. Jonathan ripped her trousers apart to have a look at the damage.

"It looks like it might be broken. Pass me that walking stick will you and I’ll splint it to her other leg."

Jonathan took his shirt off and ripped it into strips suitable for tying Jennifers legs together. Once he was happy with his handiwork, he put his boot through the window to clear the remaining glass and climbed out.

"Right, gently does it," he said as he pulled Jennifer towards him and put his arms around her body. He wished he was holding her under different circumstances. Mike got hold of her feet and gently laid her on the ground. Jonathan felt for her pulse again just to reassure himself.

"Have you got a first aid kit?"

"It’s in the front. I’ll just go and get it."

Jonathan let Jennifers head rest in his lap and stroked the blood matted hair away from the wound.

"Hang on in there Jennifer. I want to get to know you better," he said, his voice catching.

"Here," said Mike returning with the kit. "The radio’s still functioning, I managed to get hold of the camp and they’re sending a truck out. I’ve told them Jennifers injured, so they’re going to take her straight back to town. I don’t know what you want to do."

"I’ll go with her," said Jonathan without hesitation.

Jonathan opened the first aid kit and cleared the dried blood away from the wound on Jennifers head. It wasn’t as bad as it appeared but Jennifer was still unconscious. He bent down and kissed the wound hoping his lips might somehow aid the healing process.

"You were right, the leg is broken. We’re just putting a cast on, but I’m afraid she hasn’t regained consciousness yet. We’ve carried out a cranial examination and there’s no internal bleeding, so it should just be a question of time. We’re just going to move her to a room on her own. If you give me a number we can contact you when she comes around."

"I’ll stay, thanks."

Jonathan was shown to the room where Jennifer lay still, out cold. He wanted to take her in his arms and just cuddle her, but he knew that was wrong. Whilst he knew he was in love with her he had no idea how she felt. Sitting with her on the roadside, he realised the thought that she might die, and he’d never get to know her properly or make love to her frightened him. He pulled a chair up to the side of the bed and took her hand in his stroking it.

"Please come round."

He reached up and stroked her cheek with his knuckles willing her to pull through. As time went on Jonathan felt his eyes getting heavy and succumbed to the sleep that was calling, still holding Jennifers hand.

Jennifer smacked her lips together. God she was dry. She tried to turn over, but was restricted in her movement. Opening her eyes, she was staring at the fluorescent light strip on the ceiling. This doesn’t look much like the bush. Then she looked to her side and saw Jonathans handsome face, dead to the world. She followed the line of his arm until she saw his hand holding tightly on to hers. She liked the feel of it. What the hell had happened though? With her other hand Jennifer tried to push herself up. The movement caused Jonathan to stir and wake. Realising he still had hold of her hand, he quickly removed it. Jennifer was disappointed.

"Thank god," he said sitting up in his chair. "Welcome back." A smile engulfed his face to see her awake.

"What’s happened?"

"We had an accident in the land rover. I’m afraid you’ve broken your leg."

"That would explain this then." Jennifer reached out to touch the bruising on Jonathans cheek. Jonathan closed his eyes as the caress of her fingers sent fire raging through his body.

"I have looked better," he said laughing. "How are you feeling, you had quite a bang on the head."

"Not bad considering. I have a bit of a headache."

"I’ll go and get the doctor. Don’t go away."

"I don’t think I’d get very far with this," she said looking at her cast and laughing. With all that had happened, she was still able to find humour. Jonathan liked that.

The doctor came in and gave her a look over.

"Well Miss Edwards. There appears to be no permanent damage, just the leg. You want to thank Mr Hart here, he did a very good job on the splint."

"He did. You are a man of many talents Jonathan. Thank you."

"No problem." If only I could show you a few more he thought to himself.

"I’d like to keep you in another night for observation, but then you’ll be free to go."

"Thanks doctor."

"Yes thanks," said Jonathan shaking his hand.

Jonathan sat back down.

"It’s very good of you, but you don’t have to stay," said Jennifer hoping he would.

"I’d like to if you don’t mind the company."

"I’m afraid it looks like my story’s going to have to wait. It’ll be a waste of a trip for you."

"Not at all. I’ll just have to join you on another adventure in the future, as long as they don’t all end up in a hospital bed," he said smiling. At that comment, the same thought went through both their minds. Any other bed would be just fine.

Jennifer was trying to stifle a yawn but not very successfully.

"Right that’s it. I’m going to leave you to have a good nights sleep. Do you want me to bring in anything for you in the morning?" said Jonathan standing up.

"A fresh set of clothes would be good. Do you know where they ended up?"

"I had one of the guides from the camp book us back in to the hotel, so it should all be there. I’ll bring some in as long as you don’t mind me going through your case."

"That’s fine. And Jonathan, thank you for everything," Jennifer said sincerely looking up at him. He smiled and looked down wanting at least to give her a kiss good night, but decided against it.

"I’ll see you tomorrow. Good night."

Jennifer was sleeping soundly when Jonathan returned the following morning. He put her bag down and silently sat down next to the bed. She looked so angelic, her auburn hair fanned across the pillow, she was like a sleeping beauty. Could he be her Prince Charming? He certainly hoped so.

"Hi," he said as she began to stir and look at him. "Did you sleep alright."

She could get used to this. Waking up looking at Jonathans face certainly made a nice start to the day.

"Yes, great thanks, despite the leg. Have you been here long?"

"No, not really," he lied. He’d been sat there for about an hour just watching her, and would have been happy to do it all day. He much preferred having her conscious, however.

"I’ve brought you a change of clothes and your toiletries. Let me know when you want to get dressed and I’ll go and get a nurse to help. Listen, I know you wanted to do things your way, but I’ve taken the liberty of getting my plane to come and take us back to LA. I figured you’d rather be at home in this condition and a trip with a leg in a cast will be much more comfortable on my plane than on a scheduled flight."

Jennifer didn’t know what to say. He selflessness was too good to be true. Whilst he always had a plane at his beck and call, she knew he’d done this for her comfort, not his.

"Thank you. That’s most kind, as long as it doesn’t inconvenience you."

"Not at all. It’s my pleasure. I’m happy to help as long as you’ll let me."

"You make quite a nurse Mr Hart."

"Perhaps I should think of a job change. What do you think?"

"I think the business world would be a sorry place if it lost someone like you. It’s nice to meet someone who isn’t just in it for themselves." Jennifer paused. "I have to apologise. I prejudged you before our meeting and I’m sorry. You’ve turned out to be one nice guy Jonathan Hart." And I hope I get to know you a lot better.

"Apology accepted. I’m glad I’ve gone up in your opinion."

"Right, let’s get you up these steps. Put your arms around my neck and hold on tight." Putting his arms under Jennifers legs, he swept her up into them. Jennifer had never felt more comfortable being held close into his chest. Jonathan reveled in her warm breath hitting his face, her cheek touching his as he held her. Taking it slowly, he carried her up the steps and on to the plane. He placed her in one of the seats, fastening the belt and brought up a stool for her leg.

"If you have any discomfort let me know and I’ll see what I can do, okay."

Jennifers eyes filled with tears and one trickled down her cheek as she thanked him.

Instinctively his hand reached to her face and brushed it away.

"Hey, what’s all this about?"

"Sorry. I guess everything’s caught up with me. I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you for your kindness."

"You don’t have to thank me. I’d have done it for anyone." It was true, that was the sort of person Jonathan was, but this had been special, he wanted to give Jennifer the world.

The pair were midway through the flight when Jennifer decided to bite the bullet.

"Jonathan. Can I ask you a question." The journalist on her always told her to push things to the limit, but was this too far, was it overstepping the invisible line. She had to know though, her heart had to know. She thought it might be broken if he replied in the negative. Could she face that disappointment? Was it better to go on not knowing rather than face the truth if she didn’t like what she heard.

"Sure."

"Do you find me attractive?"

Jonathan wasn’t quite sure what to say. Did he find her attractive? He thought she was the most gorgeous person he had ever laid eyes on. What could he say without sounding too corny. He decided to be brief, not knowing where she was going with this.

"Yes, I think you’re very beautiful. Why do you ask?"

Now it was Jennifers turn. She looked directly at him, trying to gauge the response to what she was about to ask.

"I wondered why you hadn’t tried to make a pass at me."

There it was. Out in the open. Okay he didn’t seem upset or offended by what she’d just said. That was a good sign. She hoped her voice belied the fact that she was disappointed.

Jonathan walked over and gently placed his hands on either side of her face, his thumbs stroking her cheeks. He looked into her eyes and without a word moved his head towards hers kissing her softly on the waiting lips. He’d wanted to do this since their first encounter. They were as smooth and soft as he’d imagined and responded to his touch.

"Murgh," said Jennifer pulling away.

Jonathan looked at her. "God, I’m sorry if I misread the signs. Please forgive me."

If that wasn’t a response from her, he wanted to know what it was. He looked at her expression. Her eyes sparkled and he saw no anger on her face. What did she want?

"No, no. I did want you to kiss me," Jennifer responded quickly. His kiss had been soft and gentle and she definitely wanted more. "Sorry, I just have an annoying itch on my foot, and it got the better of me."

Jonathan smiled. He had the distinct impression he would be able to have another taste of those lips.

"Let me help." He quickly undid a pen and pulled out the refill. Moving to the end of her leg, he inserted it between her foot and the plaster.

"Right a bit," said Jennifer. "Yes, that’s it." Jennifer moaned with relief. Jonathan liked the sound. He hoped he’d be able to bring that noise about by other methods.

"Better."

"Much thanks. You show great initiative."

"I can’t claim that one as mine, I’ve seen it used before."

Jonathan hesitated. "Now, where were we before your itch interrupted us."

"Right about here," said Jennifer smiling and pointing to her lips.

Jonathan didn’t need showing twice. This time his hands worked through her hair as he brought the two sets of lips together. He’d never known anything like it. The sensation was unbelievable, he wanted it to go on and on. Jennifer couldn’t believe just one kiss was having this effect on her. She was willing to give him anything at that moment. Her hands moved up his back and fell into his silky hair pulling him closer. Both wanted to move the kiss on and their mouths opened in unison, Jonathans tongue slowly probing its way into Jennifers welcoming mouth. She was a willing recipient and twisted her own around it.

When they finally broke, both were breathless. Jonathan rested his forehead against Jennifers.

"I’ve wanted to do that since the moment I saw you in Toms’ office."

"You have!" Said Jennifer looking into his eyes; her fingers still entwined in his hair.

"Uh, huh."

"What took you so long?"

"I wanted to be sure it was reciprocated. I don’t give my heart away easily." Did she realise what he was saying?

Jennifer gulped. "Is that what you’ve done, given it away."

Jonathan moved his head back to look directly at Jennifer.

"If you’ll take it."

Jennifer pulled his head back into another passionate kiss.

"Only if you’ll have mine in exchange."

Jonathan grinned. This time his kiss moved down to her neck. Jennifer groaned at the sensation, it was the noise he’d hoped for.

"I’ve been thinking. You’re obviously not going to be able to cope in your apartment with your leg like that. Why don’t you come and stay with me?"

"Oh Jonathan, I don’t know."

"No funny business I promise, well unless you’d like it," he said smiling. "Seriously, I have a guest house on one level and my friend and houseman Max can help. He’s around most of the day."

"Don’t you think you’ll get fed up of me."

"Not at all, besides you can have your own independence within limits and Max and I can be there to help when necessary."

"If you’re sure, then yes it does make sense. Thank you."

"Great I’ll call Max and get the house ready."

When Jonathan returned from calling Max, he had no hesitation in sitting next to Jennifer and taking her in his arms. Jennifer nestled into his side as Jonathan kissed the top of her head. It felt just right to both of them and soon they had fallen asleep, completely content.

"Here we are, home sweet home," said Jonathan as he pushed Jennifers wheelchair through the front door.

Jennifer looked around taking in her surroundings.

"It’s beautiful."

"Thanks, Max and I like it. Feel free to make use of anything. Once you’re a dab hand with those crutches I’m sure there’ll be no stopping you. "

"Are you trying to say I’ll be noisy?" She questioned, a glint in her eye.

"Well you are a reporter."

"Can I get you anything Miss Edwards?" said Max walking back into the room interrupting the questioning.

"No I’m fine thanks, and Max, I hope I won’t be too much of a burden."

"No problem, just let me know what you need and I’ll be happy to help. I’ll take you over to your apartment tomorrow and we can collect some more of your gear."

Max left taking Jennifers bags to the guesthouse.

"Are you sure Max is okay with this?"

"Max, is fine. He’ll enjoy having a lady to watch out for. You’d better be careful though, he’s quite a charmer, and I don’t want him stealing you from me."

"Oh, I think you should be okay. I’m not done with you yet." Jennifer grabbed hold of Jonathans shirtfront and pulled him into a kiss.

"Mmmm, I could get used to this."

"Good."

Max had prepared a fabulous dinner for all of them, and after dinner Jonathan and Jennifer spent time quietly alone in the living area.

"Come on sleepy head. I think you should go to bed."

Jennifer had fallen asleep, her head on Jonathans lap, his arm across her body. He looked down on her before placing a kiss on her forehead. Contentment ran through his veins. The realisation that he could never have been in love before gripped him. He truly knew now what love was, it was here now lying in his arms. He knew there was only one thing left to complete his life, he never wanted Jennifer to leave it. Business decisions had always been easy but he had always been wary about his personal life, until now that was. He just knew she was the one. He had to be sure the timing was right though.

"Mmm," Jennifer mumbled opening her eyes. "I guess the jet lag is catching up." Easing herself up off his lap, with the aid of her crutches she managed to get herself up in to a standing position. "I guess I should try and get used to these for the next few weeks."

"I’ll escort you to the house, just so you don’t have any accidents."

As if she’d been using them a long time, Jennifer swiftly made her way outside and into the house.

"Now, just press this button if you want anything," said Jonathan pointing at the telephone, "and I’ll come straight over."

Jonathan pulled her into his arms for one final goodnight kiss, before helping her on to the bed. Lying back Jennifer was out like a light as soon as her head hit the pillow. Jonathan gathered the blankets around her deciding it wouldn’t harm her to sleep in her clothes.

"Goodnight my love," he said blowing her a kiss.

Max was sat at the kitchen table drinking a coffee when Jonathan returned to the house

"I see your charm won her over then Mr H." Max mused.

Jonathan couldn’t help but grin.

"I guess you could say that."

"I can understand why she had an effect on you, she’s gorgeous."

"Hey, careful Max, that’s my future wife you’re talking about."

Max spluttered out the small volume of coffee he had in his mouth.

"Does she know this."

"Not exactly."

"What does not exactly mean?"

"Well I haven’t popped the question yet Max, but she’s the one. Just thinking about her puts my head in a spin and when I touch her, it’s like nothing else matters, it’s just her and me. The world could be falling about our ears and I wouldn’t know and couldn’t care as long as I have her."

Max smiled. "You’re a lucky man. Not many people get to experience that sort of feeling."

Jonathan just smiled, his thoughts with Jennifer.