School finally ended, and I thought once I was home I'd have more time to write… unfortunately, that is not the case. But I was able to sit down tonight and crank this out (it was an idea I've had in my head forever and needed to write it before I completely forgot.)
It's not finished because I was too eager to post it. It's probably going to be a two parter. There's no way I can make this a multi-chap fic. It was originally going to be a really long one-shot, but it will read better broken into halves.
Hopefully by next week I will write part two, and then I will get back to writing Halo. Thanks for sticking with me. xo
. . . .
Haley James was the epitome of nervous; she just hoped it wasn't obvious. The tips of her navy blue heels were a mere inch away from touching the edge of the freshly painted brim of the Spectrum Center Arena basketball court, where the Charlotte Hornets were seconds from winning their first game of the season.
She watched wide eyed— along with the rest of the quarter million spectators— as second year rookie Nathan Scott made a fast break down the court and to the basket. He jumped graciously, almost as if he was flying, and dunked the orange ball through the net just as the final buzzer cut through the eruption of deafening screams.
She stood stunned, almost forgetting the reason why she was there— until the camera man beside her gently nudged her past the press line.
"You can do it, Haley."
The twenty-three year-old, honey blonde reporter gulped a hard breath, hoping the bundle of nerves lodging in the depths of her throat would disentangle, but the result was futile.
It was her first live interview ever; the fiery nerves were a given.
The court was complete pandemonium. Throngs of players and people from the media hopelessly huddled around Nathan Scott, the player who had scored the final winning shot against the Miami Heat. Haley knew she had to get in there before it was too late.
Using her petite frame to her advantage, she pushed past the towering athletes, and ducked in-between any open space she could find. There, just under the basket, she could see number 23, receiving a series of fist bumps from several of his teammates.
She smiled, feeling the anticipation buzzing through her own bones. This was what she lived for.
"Ready, Gary?"
The videographer finally caught up behind her and nodded. Haley took one last glance at her appearance and plastered on a smile. She was ready.
"Here come the masses," Nathan heard his teammate, Tony Battle shout over the commotion surrounding them on the court. He was so caught-up in the celebration that he failed to remember the obligatory interview all MVP's were to give at the end of each game. It was always quick, but apparently important. TV stations always competed to see who can get to him first. A cocky smirk slid between his lips, ready to ham it up in front of the cameras.
Turning slightly, Nathan's smirk faltered slightly. The reporter in front of him was unrecognizable. Granted, it was only his second year playing for Charlotte, but he definitely would have remembered her.
She was short— probably around 5'4, but looked even tinier than that compared to the players around her. He swept his blue eyes appreciatively over her thin, yet curvy body. Her cleavage was no where near as unprofessional as so many other female reporters displayed. The curves were shown just enough to have Nathan want more and he couldn't help but grin at the way her navy blue t-shirt dress clung so fittingly to her skin.
Yeah, he decided, she was hot. More than hot, dare he think it. She was beautiful. Especially that shaky smile she was giving him. But still… this was basketball, and he took his job far too seriously to be interviewed by just another mindless bimbo. Nathan Scott had given many interviews in his day, especially while playing at Duke University, and during that time he found out one thing: the women who interviewed him knew absolutely nothing about basketball.
He sighed softly, wanting to get the damn thing over with so he could go out and celebrate with the boys. The last thing he wanted right now was to listen to some chick pretend to know what she was saying, all while fawning over him. He was so sick of it.
"Nathan Scott, do you have a second?" Haley tried to keep her hand still and wrapped it around the microphone. This was it… her first live interview. She prayed he wasn't going to be another brainless, vulgar athlete.
He glanced briefly at the video camera and smirked, "Sure."
"I'm Haley James with Charlotte 5 News. Congratulations on the big win. First of the season!"
His cocky smirk slowly transformed into a gentle, genuine grin. Haley's wide smile was even more beautiful up close, and he detected a hint of pink painted on her lips and cheeks. Those deep brown eyes held his gaze captive as he felt himself sinking further, but quickly shook his head to remain focused.
"Yeah, thanks."
Haley cleared her throat and gave him a congratulatory smile. The camera was rolling, and they were live. In the earpiece she had hidden behind her wavy hair, she could hear the network's producer mumbling nonsensical directions. It was all in her hands now.
"The assist from Tony Battle during the first half when you scored on Chris Bosh was incredible. I mean, you and Battle seem to have such a refined chemistry on the court. Is that natural or something you've worked on?"
Nathan blinked with surprise. He certainly wasn't expecting her first question to be so… professional. Most interviewers, especially the females, would ask basic, unrelated questions like 'how do you feel right now?' or 'what were you thinking after you missed the free-throw?'
He'd always give the same version of an answer, in between throwing his signature smirk. Back at Duke, he'd even stick around and see if the busty interviewer from ESPN was better in bed than she was at her job. As gorgeous as this Haley James was, Nathan knew he couldn't go there. He needed to clear his bad rep and focus on his career, and screwing the new reporter on opening night was not a way to clear his name. Plus, as he studied her further, she didn't seem like the type to do that either.
He almost forgot to answer. He was too busy staring at her damn smile that he swore could light the entire stadium with just one flash.
Haley waited expectantly and pushed the microphone closer to Nathan. If she were being honest, part of her fraying nerves was due to his close proximity. She'd been following his basketball career since he played for Duke, but would never actually admit it considering she went to his rival school; UNC Chapel Hill.
Still, she knew a good basketball player when she saw one, and Nathan Scott was it. It was unfortunate he was rumored to be an arrogant asshole, but Haley always believed in forming her own opinions. It was difficult but she didn't want to be influenced by outside sources. If working in the media taught her one thing, it was to never believe what you hear. She was eager to see first hand how Nathan Scott acted. She heard the rumors. He was hot… of course he got all the women. She just hoped he wouldn't objectify her on live television.
"Honestly, uh, Battle and I have always just worked well together. I think it's a little bit of both, you know? We naturally learn from each other, and overtime we were able to cultivate certain transitions. But, in the end, it all comes down to knowing what's gonna work best in the moment."
Haley nodded, enthralled by his answer. So maybe he wasn't as selfish as people thought he was. She smiled secretly. She didn't know him and she probably never would, but the look in his eyes told the story of a thousand words; basketball was his passion and she loved being able to document that.
"What're you expecting for the rest of the season, Nathan?"
The cocky smirk made another appearance as Nathan wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand, "We're just gonna keep fighting. Today wasn't an easy game, but we worked hard and we're going to keep working hard. I expect to keep coming out on top and leading the team best I can. It'll take a lot of collaboration but I fully believe we have what it takes."
Haley turned back to the camera and smiled. Nathan felt his knees buckle and decided it was from dehydration— not from the cute newscaster.
"Thank you, good luck this season," she spoke softly, "Back to you, Dave."
Randy gave her the signal they were no longer on air and lowered the camera off his shoulder. Haley was about to follow, but stopped when she heard Nathan call out.
"Yes?"
"Uhm, I have a question."
She blew out a deep breath. Maybe the rumors were true. A frown pulled at the corner of her lips. She didn't know why, but that disappointed her. Haley was so sick of professional athletes thinking they were entitled to everything. She was sick of their sleazy pick-up lines and crude gestures. It was hard being a girl in sportscasting; the guys always treated her like she was either completely incompetent or like she was a stripper. Both sucked.
"Will you be here every game?"
Haley's teeth sunk to her lower lip, "Yeah, why?"
"Just wondering," he shrugged, feigning nonchalance. "Though, I must say, I'm impressed."
"About what?"
"I thought you were going to be just another pretty reporter, but I was wrong," he smirked.
Haley arched her eyebrows, almost challengingly. "Oh?"
"It's a good thing," he mumbled, "I mean, it's refreshing."
She chuckled softly, "Just doing my job."
"Well, you're good at it."
She bit her lip, hiding her grin, "I guess I was wrong, too."
"About what?"
"I thought you were going to be just another brainless, arrogant jock."
Nathan laughed, "Touche, Haley James. Touche."
. . .
"Hey man, guess who's here?"
Nathan looked up from his locker and threw a sideways glance towards Tony. "Who?"
"Your girlfriend."
He furrowed his eyebrows. Tony knew he didn't have a girlfriend.
As if sensing his friend's confusion, Tony chuckled, "You know, that reporter chick from last week. She's doing pre-game interviews. Better suit up."
Nathan felt his cheeks flush, "She's not my girlfriend," his voice came out in a muffle as he pulled his shirt over his head, now standing shirtless.
Tony reached out and playfully swat Nathan's bicep, "not yet, at least."
"I don't know what you're talking about," he denied, watching a knowing smirk slide between Tony's wide lips.
"You totally have the hots for her."
"Scott has the hots for someone? Who?" Devon Fox, another one of Nathan's teammates joined in after having just walked into the locker room.
A groan tore from Nathan's lips, "No one."
"Bullshit," Tony interjected, "I saw the way you were looking at her."
"Who?" Devon asked again, getting closer.
"That reporter girl from Charlotte 5 News."
"Oh damn, yeah, she's hot!" Devon slapped Nathan's back, and a few other players started hollering.
"She's got one fine ass."
Nathan didn't know why but that comment irked him. His fists involuntarily balled and he attempted to calm the rage flowing through his blood.
"Did you tap that, Scott?"
Nathan's jaw clenched, "No," he grit. "It's not like that. Nothing happened."
"Oh, good, then I can get in on that," Tim Smith smiled wickedly, and Nathan was a mere two seconds away from punching him straight in the face; he wouldn't even have cared if he was benched this game.
"Haley's not like that, Tim. Back off."
Tim snickered and held his hands up, mocking surrender. "Okay, dude, I get it. She's yours. Sorry."
Nathan rolled his eyes. Sometimes his teammates were idiots. He just wanted to be left alone. Sure, Haley was easily the most beautiful woman he's ever laid eyes on, but that didn't mean guys could talk about her like she was a piece of meat. She was more than that.
His heart started racing. Was Tony right? Was she really coming in the locker room?
"Shit," he mumbled below his breath. Why was he suddenly worried? She was just a reporter. Nothing more, nothing less. Okay, an insanely hot reporter, but that was it.
He reached onto the shelf of his locker and grabbed his water bottle, taking a long chug from it, hoping to calm down. He couldn't let his mind blur simply because of a beautiful smile and a girl who finally knew what she was talking about when it came to basketball. No.
Nathan needed to focus on the game. Winning; that was what mattered.
"Hey, twenty-three."
And just like that- with the utterance of one simple word- all thoughts of basketball flushed from his mind. He turned, smirking at the sight of Haley, dressed in black skinny jeans and gray blazer jacket. Her honey blonde hair was swept up in a neat bun that had Nathan itching to undo it so he could run his fingers through her soft curls.
"Haley James, Charlotte 5 news," he smirked. "How're you?"
"Good!" He watched her smile stretch over those pink lips, "Great, actually. My boss loved our interview last week and asked if I could do a pre-game segment. Do you mind?"
"Not at all," he momentarily forgot he was standing shirtless until he detected Haley's far-off gaze, staring directly at his chiseled stomach. Chuckling quietly, Nathan threw her a charming smile. "Anything for my favorite reporter."
"Huh?" Haley knew he said something, for his voice resounded through her ears, but she was in a trance. Nathan Scott was undeniably sexy.
Dammit, she inwardly chastised. You're here to work, not gawk at his amazing body.
He laughed and threw his jersey over his torso, hiding his perfectly abs from view. Haley blinked, finding herself back in reality and blushed. This was so unlike her.
"I just said I'd do anything for my favorite reporter," he reiterated.
Haley playfully rolled her eyes, inwardly hoping the redness on her cheeks wasn't too obvious. "Oh, please. This is coming from the guy who insulted me last week."
Nathan's jaw dropped, mocking hurt from her insinuation, "I did not!"
"Did too," she crossed her arms over her chest, further displaying her already ample cleavage, leaving Nathan grabbing for his water bottle.
"If anything, I thought I complimented you," his eyebrows raised expectantly, silently challenging her own playful glare.
Their flirty banter was palpable; it was nowhere near inappropriate, but both knew they should be careful not to venture into dangerous territory.
Haley was used to being hit on by players- albeit it was usually innocent, and she would innocently feed into it, but Nathan was different. He was charming, but not in a 'I'm-trying-to-get-into-your-pants' type of way. He had yet to go too far. It was playful, and though she'd never admit it outloud, her heart matched the beat of a steady bass whenever he'd flash that crooked smirk at her.
As for Nathan, Haley was refreshing. Most women fell at his feet, practically worshipping the ground he walked on, and as expected with almost every eligible, attractive, bachelor, he used to love it; until it got old. And it got old quick. He liked how Haley challenged him. She didn't buy into his bullshit, and that was immediate upon first notice. She was strictly business, but Nathan liked the idea of finding out what was beyond the microphone and cameras.
"How? You said you thought I was just another pretty reporter. I took offense to that, you know. It undermined me." Her voice was teasing, but the words were true.
Nathan frowned, "Haley, I'm sorry. I really didn't mean it like that. I mean, you are really pretty- beautiful, actually- but most of the women who've interviewed me really had no idea what they were doing and ended up making me look stupid. I guess I was just surprised, that's all."
Haley nodded slowly, trying to ignore the fact he called her beautiful. "I get it. Back when I reported in college, the players made me feel worthless because I was a girl. Or they'd hit on me and make vulgar comments," she flippantly waved her hand, "but it made me feel inferior and I hated that."
"Did you really expect me to be that type of guy?"
She sighed, "Honestly? I heard rumors about you but I tried not to let it affect my work."
"I'm not- I mean, I was, but I swear I'm not like that anymore," Nathan quickly interjected. His stomach burned when Haley admitted she knew about his playboy reputation. If anything, he was a playboy in high school and college, but once he got to the pro's, he straightened right out.
The women who worked in the media always bragged about hooking up with him, even if it wasn't true. Mostly, Nathan would smile flirtatiously and they'd misconstrue it as something more. The next day, he'd read some stupid blog about how he brought her back to his place for the night, when he very well knew he went to bed alone. So yeah, he hated the media, but Haley was different. Different good.
"I know," she gave him a soft smile. "But trust me, your comment was innocent compared to what some other guys have said and done."
He ticked his jaw, imagining some grimy player with his hands all over her ass. "I'm sorry you have to go through that."
Haley shrugged, "it's part of the job, I guess."
"It shouldn't have to be," he mumbled quietly. Yes, he had flirted with plenty of female sportscasters, but it was always innocent. He'd never go so far as to make them feel uncomfortable… he wasn't one for sexual harassment; it was always consensual.
"Thank you, Nathan. And hey, I'm sorry for saying I thought you were going to be a cocky, brainless jock. You're not. I've just had bad experiences and sometimes it blurs my perception."
"How about we have a fresh start?" Nathan smirked, holding out his hand for a shake. Haley giggled softly and grasped his larger hand, both pretending not to feel the sparks igniting between their interlocked palms.
"I'd like that. Hi, I'm Haley James. Charlotte 5 News."
"Nathan Scott, number 23 for the Charlotte Hornets."
"Ready for today's game?" She asked, setting up the recording equipment.
Nathan blew out a heavy breath. He was actually really nervous. The Hornets were playing their rivals, and their coach had placed a lot of pressure on the team to do well.
"Are you asking as a reporter or in general?"
"Depends," Haley giggled again, "does your answer change?"
He nodded, "I'm nervous as hell, but I try not to show it on television. It makes me look weak."
Haley stopped fidgeting with the microphone and glanced at Nathan's piercing blue eyes that were already fixed on her. Chills crawled along her spine. "You're not weak, Nathan. You're an amazing player."
The way she said it had Nathan nearly lose his breath. No one had ever spoken to him with such sincerity. "Thank you."
"Just don't tell anyone I said so. I'm supposed to be objective here. I technically can't favor one team over the other."
Nathan laughed, "well you better be a fan of the Hornets."
"Don't worry, I am. But like I said, don't tell anyone."
"Your secret is safe with me," he grinned from ear-to-ear, loving her cute blush. "So, uh, how'd you get into basketball anyway?"
Haley looked up from her notebook and laughed, "Aren't I supposed to ask you that?"
He shrugged cutely, "I'm just curious."
She smiled, "I grew up with it. My whole family was a huge basketball fan. More so college than NBA, but my brother played in high school and I used to go to all his games. I completely fell in love with watching it, but I've always wanted to be a journalist so when I found out I could be a sportscaster, I couldn't imagine doing anything else."
Nathan watched her as she spoke. It was clear she was just as passionate as he was because his eyes would sparkle the way hers were. "Did you ever play basketball?"
Haley laughed loudly, "Oh, God, no. I absolutely suck. My brother got all the athletic genes. I'm only good at watching," she admitted, feeling slightly embarrassed.
"I hope he got the height genes too, since you're clearly lacking," he teased.
Haley scrunched her nose, "yes, I know I'm short. That's one of the reasons I suck."
Nathan chuckled, "Was your brother any good?"
"He was," she admitted softly. Nathan studied the change in her demeanor.
"Did he play in college?"
He watched her smile falter, "Uhm no. He was supposed to play at UNC but, he uh, actually passed away in his senior year of high school."
"Oh, Haley, I'm so sorry," he voiced with concern.
"It's okay," she gave him a weak smile, "It was a long time ago. I was only 12 when it happened."
"Still, that's horrible. I can't imagine how hard it must've been."
Haley looked away from his cobalt blue eyes and studied her black boots. She didn't know why she divulged her private information to Nathan. She still barely knew him, but she just felt so comfortable around him. She suddenly wanted to spill all her secrets to him.
"Yeah, it was tough. It's part of the reason I pursued sports journalism in the first place. He was the one who told me about it."
Nathan nodded, "where'd you go to school?"
Haley coughed, "UNC."
"What was that?" Nathan hadn't heard her.
"Chapel Hill," she whispered.
"Ah, my rivalry," he shook his head, "and to think I was just starting to think we could be friends."
Haley lightly shoved him, "UNC has a great journalism school, thank you very much! Plus, everyone in my family is a Tar Heels fan."
"Too bad their basketball team sucks. We beat you guys two years in a row."
"Yeah, yeah," Haley mumbled, "but we won March Madness this year, so suck it! Your Blue Devils were out in like the first round."
"Whatever," Nathan mumbled, "we're still better."
She snorted, "in your dreams, 23."
They traded smiles, but were interrupted seconds later when Gary, the camera guy came over. "We've gotta start rollin' soon, Haley. Game's 'bout to start."
Haley cleared her throat, nodding. She felt as if she had been caught with her hand in a cookie jar. Her co-worker had just caught her flirting with Nathan. The last thing she wanted was a reputation of that type of reporter. She had to remain professional.
As if sensing her thoughts, Nathan straightened his jersey. It's not like they were doing anything like making out, but still, flirting when he should've been working could seriously mess with his game. If his coach saw, Nathan would get his ass handed to him.
The interview was short and quick and remained completely professional, but Gary grinned secretly behind the camera. It was obvious the newscaster and the professional athlete had eyes for each other.
Haley finished asking Nathan his strategy for the game, and yet again impressed him with more basketball facts from his college days.
"Did some research on me, Haley James, Charlotte 5 News?" He asked after they stopped rolling the footage.
"Please, don't flatter yourself, 23." Haley quipped. "I know everything about any NBA player on the East Coast."
"I wouldn't doubt it," Nathan muttered. "Actually, I bet you know more than me."
Gary nodded, "Haley could tell you basketball facts dating back to, like 1962."
She laughed alongside her co-worker, "it's true. My parents started drilling it into me since I was in the womb."
"And yet you still can't make a free-throw, huh?" Nathan teased.
"Maybe one day," she shrugged, "but I'll leave it up to you."
"You watching the game?" Nathan asked.
"I kinda have to," Haley laughed, holding up notepad. "Good luck, Nathan."
He smirked, "thanks."
They parted ways- Haley to the press box, and Nathan to find the rest of the team for warm-ups, but their gazes met frequently throughout the night.
She tried to keep quiet, but couldn't help cheering after Nathan repeatedly scored; it was one of his best games in his career.
"I think you're his lucky charm," Gary commented knowingly from beside her.
Haley bit down on the end of her pen cap, chewing furiously on it. "I don't know about that."
"Haley, you know stats better than anyone. This is Scott's best scoring percentage, ever. There's no way it's a coincidence. I think he's trying to impress a certain reporter."
She felt heat rush to her face, and wished she wore her hair down to curtain her cheeks. "You're crazy," she muttered.
At that moment, Nathan sprinted by the press box, nodding towards her slightly. Haley blushed when Gary cleared his throat.
"See? He's into you, kid."
Haley chomped down on the pen cap again, needing a distraction. She didn't know what to say, so she remained silent.
"And I think you're into him, too." Gary continued in a hushed whisper.
"And again, I think you're crazy." Haley denied furiously.
Gary simply shrugged, "there's nothing wrong with it, Haley. I think you guys would be good together. The reporter and the athlete. Makes for a good pair, don't you think?"
Haley silently cursed her mother for passing on her infamous blush. It was a tell-tale sign of embarrassment.
"Not gonna happen, Gary," Haley replied. She always swore she'd never date an athlete again. Not after her high school boyfriend, the star player for their school basketball team, broke her heart. Plus, there was the whole ethics thing; she couldn't possibly date someone she had to work so closely with. Could she?
As if Gary had read her mind, he leaned closer, "it's technically not against any station policy. Frankly, I think you should go for it."
Haley turned, smiling slightly, "I think you want to go for it."
Gary laughed and held up his hand, showing off his wedding band. "My wife would argue otherwise."
"Well, there's nothing to go for. Just 'cause he's playing well doesn't mean he's into me."
"You're just in denial. Nathan Scott has the hots for you, Haley James. And you do, too."
She sank her teeth deeper into her lip and watched Nathan sink another three pointer. The entire arena erupted into a fit of cheers, and she unknowingly started clapping, too. She smiled giddily when he looked back and met her eyes again, smirking. That boy definitely knew his way around a basketball court, and the sweat glistening down his bulging biceps had her lips drying.
Okay, she inwardly acquiesced, maybe she did have a tiny crush on Nathan Scott.
. . .
Part two will be up soon! Thanks for reading, and I'm eager to hear what ya think!