Where have you been all my life?
He was nervous, but he wouldn't accept it. He was a tough guy and a heartbreaker, he had had lots of first dates with lots of different girls. Why was he so nervous about this one? He paced for a while, throwing glances towards the door every now a then. They were supposed to meet at 6, and it was 6:05. He had arrived early, he always did. When you arrive on time, girls think you're a gentleman. If they think you're a gentleman, taking them to bed is much easier. Besides, he liked seeing the girls coming, it was a great chance to notice every detail of their anatomy, and it was good fun sharing his impressions with his friends afterwards. In fact, he really enjoyed telling the gang about all the sexiest, dirtiest details of every date. That was one of the things that made him so popular among the boys, he was considered a hero. 6:10. He began to wonder if she would come. He had never been deserted by a girl before. Then he heard the door, and turned his face. There she was. Not late enough to be rude, not early enough to look desperate for meeting him. She was wearing a white miniskirt, a red top and a black jacket. He stared at her carefully while she approached. He felt breathless, his heart beating fast against his chest.
-Hi, Nathan. Sorry I'm a bit late.
-Never mind, Peyton. I haven't been waiting for long –he didn't want her to think he had been anxious to meet her.
-How do I look?
-You look great.
-Is that what you will tell your friends tomorrow? That I looked great with my miniskirt and my tight top?
Nathan blushed slightly. So she knew about his 'habits' of telling his friends? And still he had accepted to date him? He tried not to show his confusion.
No-he said, trying to sound confident –Why should I wait? I will tell them this very night.
Peyton smiled. God, she had a lovely smile. He smiled back and leaded her to their table.
At the beginning, the conversation was weird, it seemed that none of them did know how to talk to the other, but still he was enjoying her company. It was being near her what made him feel at ease. It didn't matter if they didn't know what to say. It was the first time in his life that he felt like that. He didn't want to say anything that could bother her or make him look stupid. Of course, he could seduce her and take her to bed easily, he was sure. He could pretend to be the sweet, fun, caring guy girls seemed to prefer to discover sex with, and then he was able to say goodbye as quickly and easily as he had unbuttoned the girl's trousers. But he didn't want that with Peyton. Not that night, at least. He couldn't stop watching at her mouth when she was speaking, and he was willing to meet her eyes all the time, even though every time he succeeded, he could feel his cheeks turn red, especially when he noticed her shy smile.
They talked for a while about school, about basketball, about their friends and about their families. Nathan found himself telling Peyton how difficult it was for him to talk to his dad, how hard it was to be the captain of the team, everyone always expecting so much of him. Peyton told Nathan about the feeling of loneliness and the fear of losing her loved ones. They felt they could speak about anything. They knew they really could understand each other.
-To be honest-Peyton said suddenly –I never thought I would be on a date with you, Nathan Scott.
-Why?
-I've heard so many stories 'bout your love affairs. I always thought that I would reject you if you asked me out -not that I was expecting you to-she added quickly, blushing.
-Your lovely, Peyton-he said softly. -Why did you accept?
- I wanted to see if my impressions on you were right. I've always thought you were quite arrogant and a bit nasty.
Nathan was surprised to hear that. Suddenly, he felt scared to be dumped by her on their first date. However, Peyton spoke again.
-I was wrong. You're not like that at all. I really like you.
Nathan held her hand, but he let go when she took her eyes away form his and her cheeks turned red.
Then, she said something about liking the music in that club, and he thought that was a great chance to ask her to dance. When they got to the dance floor, the music changed. It was a slow song. Nathan couldn't believe his luck. He was dying to hold her in his arms. They danced and the world disappeared around them. He smelled her curly hair, the flowery scent filling his nostrils. He had to smile. When the song was over, they stayed there for a while, looking into each other's eyes. Suddenly, she noticed the watch on the wall.
-Oh! It's 9:45, I have to go. My dad wants me back at ten.
-You need a ride?
-Yeah, thanks.
In the car, they didn't speak much, but threw shy glances at each other. He wondered if she was thinking of the moment of saying goodnight, too.
When they got to the house, he opened the car door for Peyton and walked with her to the house door, afraid of holding her hand.
-I have had a great time, Nathan –she said.
-Me too.
-Would you like to repeat it? –She said in a whisper, with a flirting tone in her voice.
It was the moment he had been expecting. There were no second dates for him. If he got the girl to bed on the first one, he didn't need another. If he didn't succeed in having sex, he was not interested in the girl anymore.
-Yes. Next Saturday?
-Next Saturday –she said with a bright smile.
She tiptoed and kissed him on the cheek.
-See ya, then.
-See ya.
She got into the house. When he came back to his car, he felt like flying. He touched his cheek. He checked his cell phone. He had five lost calls from his friends. They used to phone him when he was out with a girl, and he always called them back to tell them about the 'experience'. They were all waiting for him to tell them every sexy detail of his date. Because Peyton was a sexy girl, she really was. But she was sweet and fun and wonderful, too, and he was dying to see her again. He didn't feel like sharing her with none. And, for the first time in his life, Nathan Scott didn't call his friends back.