Chapter 2

Haley spent the days leading up to Nathan's arrival trying to avoid any thoughts of him. She worked, went shopping with Brooke and Peyton, and hung out with Lucas and the Rivercourt crew. It was now the day he has due back in Tree Hill. Haley decided to hunker down and stay in for the night. She wasn't hiding per say, she was just catching up on old episodes of "The Office." She was just getting lost in the antics of Jim Halpert and Dwight K. Shrute, when there was a knock a the front door.

"Cooooming!" Haley sing-songed, figuring that it was Brooke or someone. As soon as she opened the door, Haley wished she had ignored it.

"Hey Hales," Nathan said to her.

"Nathan..." Haley was interrupted by the ringing of Nathan's cell phone.

"What?...Slow down... aw jeez.. Okay, I'm coming." Nathan's conversation was short, but Haley could tell something was wrong.

"My dad's dealership caught fire, and apparently he was inside." Nathan said quietly.

Haley hesitated, "I highly doubt that this is a good decision, but come on," Haley grabbed her keys and made the way to her car. Nathan followed diligently, hoping that this was a good omen for their relationship.

The entire car ride was silent. When the arrived at the dealership, the got out and were shocked by what they saw. While watching Dan Scott Motors become a flaming inferno, Nathan and Haley unconsciously moved their hands together and laced their fingers.

An hour later the fire was put out and Dan was found to be okay. Haley told Nathan she was going to leave, but he could stay to make sure everything was fine. Nathan insisted on taking her home to ensure that she was safe.

Haley walked up her steps slowly, internally debating with herself, "This is probably going to bite me in the ass, but Nathan, do you have a place to say tonight?"

"No, not really." Nathan replied sadly.

Haley sighed, "You can stay in one of the extra rooms, but JUST for tonight."

"Thanks Hales," Nathan replied

"Don't call me that," Haley snapped

Later on, Haley showed Nathan to his room. "You've got clean sheets and everything, so... Goodnight, I guess."

Haley was about to leave when Nathan stopped her. "C'mon Haley can't we talk?"

"Talk about what, Nathan?" Haley replied getting angry.

"Everything that happened," He replied cautiously.

"Okay Nathan, you want to talk? I stayed, you left, never called, and then cheated on me with a half-wit bimbo!" Haley yelled angrily.

" Haley, I'm sorry," Nathan said.

"Yea, well good for you," With that, Haley turned to leave.

Before she could exit, Nathan spun her around and crashed his lips to hers. At first, Haley responded, lost in his kiss. When she regained her senses, Haley pushed Nathan off of her.

"I felt you kiss me back, Hales, don't pretend like you don't feel anything anymore" Nathan said.

"I wish you could see that loving you isn't the problem, Nathan" Haley ran from the room, her eyes filling with tears , threatening to spill out.

Nathan sighed defeated. "This is going to be harder than I thought."