"What's wrong, Hales?" Nathan asked as they were lying on her bed with her cuddled into his side.
"I'm just scared." She said.
"About what?" He prodded.
"You're leaving for Duke tomorrow. I don't want you to go. I don't want things to change between us." She admitted. He sat up bringing her with him. He saw the tears in her eyes and his heart broke. He was struggling with leaving the next day as well. He didn't want to leave her. "I love you, Hales, you know that. I'm going to miss you so much. But nothing is going to change between us. And Durham isn't that far away from Tree Hill."
"It's far enough." She mumbled.
"Hales, I love you, and nothing will ever change that. Nothing and nobody is going to come between us ever. You are mine, and I am yours. We will be together for the rest of our lives. I'm going to marry you someday, Haley James. We're going to have lots of babies. We're going to come back to Tree Hill and live in a big house with a big yard and an amazing pool. And we're going to live happily ever after." He reassured.
"Promise?" She questioned.
"I promise." He confirmed.
"I love you so much, Nathan Scott." She cried resting her forhead against his.
"I love you, too." He said before capturing her lips in a passionate kiss. The two fell back to the bed tangled up in a heavy make-out session. The boundaries of their relationship has never crossed beyond some intense make-out sessions with a few items of clothing being shed. That's as far as it ever got. Haley wasn't ready to have sex yet. And Nathan respected her. He loved her too much to push her into anything she wasn't ready for. He, himself, wasn't still a virgin. He lost his virginity his sophomore year of high school. After that, he slept around slightly until he started dating Haley his junior year of high school.
Their kiss intensified and Haley could feel how much he wanted her. She moaned slightly when he cupped her breast through her shirt. He moved his hand lower finding the hem of her shirt. He slipped his hand under the fabric and slid it gently along her bare skin until he reached her bra. She pushed him away allowing just enough space between them so she could throw her shirt off of her body. His eyes feasted on her bra-clad breasts as she layed back down flat against the bed. He leaned forward and kissed her neck and moved lower. He moved down passed her breasts to her flat stomach planting hot, open-mouthed kisses along her skin. Haley felt her insides heat up. She quivered as he popped open the button of her jeans. She reached down and cupped his cheeks pulling him back up her body kissing him urgently. She reached for the hem of his shirt and ripped it from his body while running her hands up and down his broad, muscular chest. She ran her hands back down his stomach gliding over his toned abs and even lower as she brushed against his hard erection through his jeans eliciting a groan to fall from his lips. He grabbed her hand haulting her movements and pushed it down against the mattress next to her head. She felt him pull back slightly. "We have to stop, Hales, or I'm not going to be able to." He breathed out.
"Nathan, I might not be ready to have sex yet. But I'm pretty sure there are other things we could do to each other." She purred seductively. She wasn't ready to stop. She wanted to move forward in her relationship with Nathan. She wasn't ready to be with him completely, but she was ready to venture onto that next step. She wanted to, and she would have no regrets. She looked into his dark lust-filled eyes urging him to continue. He leaned forward once again and placed hot, wet kisses along her neck. Her breathing hitched when he glided his hands down her body, over her breasts, across her stomach to where her jeans began. She snapped her eyes shut with anticipation as he delved his hands into her jeans and under her panties as well. He teased her for a bit before he...
Haley groaned as she heard her cell phone buzzing followed shortly by her loud ringtone. She hid her face into her pillow praying for the sound to stop. It did, and she smiled before attempting to fall back into her peaceful slumber. Seconds later, the dreadful noise sounded once again. She reached over and grabbed her phone. "What?" She bit out irritated.
"Is that any way to greet your best friend?" A male voice sounded.
"Yes, it is. I'm trying to sleep. What do you want, Julian?" She asked tiredly.
"Nothing. I just wanted to wake you up." Julian answered.
"Damn it, Julian!" She complained.
"I'm kidding, beautiful. I was calling to see if you wanted to grab some dinner with me tonight. I start shooting that commercial today, and I have a feeling I'm going to have to unwind after the day is done." He said.
"Seriously? You called me at freakin seven o'clock in the morning for that." She said incredulously while glancing at the alarm clock sitting on her nightstand.
"Yup. So, what do you say? Dinner tonight-my place?" He asked.
"Fine. Count me in." She answered. "So, are you excited about this commercial?" She asked while stretching in her bed knowing she was now awake for the day.
"I'm excited about the directing part. I don't care too much about the commercial." He responded honestly.
"What's the commercial about?" She questioned.
"It's some body spray ad. I don't know. All I know is that they've endorsed some major NBA star. I just wish it was a movie instead of a commercial." He stated.
"Oh, stop, Julian. You just finished directing a movie. Your first major movie, and it was fantastic. It was a hit in the box office, and there's still a buzz about it. So, this week it's a commercial. Next week could be another major movie. You just have to keep working hard and doing what you're doing. More great things are to come Julian Baker." She reassured.
"You see, this is why I called you. You always know the right thing to say to me, beautiful. I love you, you know that." He said.
"Yes, I do. I love you, too." She said.
"So, did I interrupt a good dream?" He asked changing the subject.
"No. I had another dream about him, Julian." She stated softly.
"Nathan?" He asked already knowing the answer.
"Yes, Nathan." She answered exasperated.
"What was this one about?" He asked.
"The night before he left for Duke. That's four nights in a row now. Why the hell am I suddenly dreaming about him?" She cried.
"Have you been thinking about him lately?" He asked.
"No, the last time I even mentioned him was a couple months ago. Lucas told me that he was going to be in New York and was making plans to meet up with him. That was the only mention of him during that conversation and that's the last time I have mentioned him." She answered.
"I don't know, beautiful. Maybe there's no reason at all for you to be dreaming or thinking about him. Maybe it's just simply a dream. People have weird and random dreams all of the time. I know I do. Once I had a dream about Nathan. Did I ever tell you about that? I've never even met the guy in person. Talk about random." He joked hoping to make her laugh which she did.
"Thanks, Julian. You're probably right. It's just a dream. I haven't seen or spoken to him in five years, and I don't intend to any time soon." She said.
"That's my girl." He stated.
"Well, I better let you go. I'm hungry, and I have to take a shower." She said.
"Really? Well, if you hold off, I can be there in about fifteen minutes if the traffic agrees with me. Then, I could join you." He suggested.
"I don't think I can hold off. Why don't you just save up all of your energy for tonight." She countered suggestively.
"Gladly. I'll see you tonight, beautiful." He said.
"See you tonight." She said before ending the call. She set the phone down before jumping out of bed and rushing into her bathroom for a shower. After about a fifteen minute shower, she wrapped a towel securely around her body before towel drying her hair slightly. She made her way out of the bedroom and into the kitchen where she saw one of her roomates sitting at the counter eating a bowl of cereal. "Good morning, Millie."
"Good morning, Hales." The girl greeted.
"Where's Alex?" Haley asked. Millie gave her a pointed look. "Let me guess, she's still out from last night." Haley said as Millie nodded her head. "Why do I even ask?" Haley said as the two girls laughed. Haley made her way over to the freshly made coffee and poured herself a cup.
"Julian wake you up?" Millie deduced.
"Yes. Why else would I be up this early on a day off?" Haley chuckled.
"Is he coming over tonight for a late night booty call?" Millie asked raising an eyebrow.
"Actually, no." Haley answered.
"Really?" Millie said in surprise.
"I'm going over there." Haley smiled innocently at the girl.
"You are such a dirty girl, Haley James." Millie said.
"Hey, at least I'm not like Alex." Haley countered.
"You're not like Alex how?" A voice asked causing the girls to turn their heads towards the doorway finding their other roomate.
"I'm not a whore who sleeps around." Haley said.
"Hey!" Alex mock pouted as both Haley and Millie gave her a pointed look. "Okay, so it's true. I like boys. What can I say? Anyway, not all of us have a best friend who not only has the benefits of a friend, but has the benefits in the bedroom." Alex defended herself while casting a playful glance towards Haley.
"She's got you there." Millie chimed in.
"Yeah, I know." Haley agreed. Alex was right. Julian is Haley's best friend. He has been since their freshmen year at Stanford. They met and had an instant connection with one another. They were both scholarly and had a deep love for books and movies. They clicked and became inseparable. They are also what is normally described as "friends with benefits." They haven't always had this type of relationship with each other. The sexual side of their relationship didn't start until their junior year of college. They actually lost their virginity to one another. It wasn't because they discovered any hidden feelings for each other. It wasn't because they expressed their love for each other. It happened after a funeral. Haley's parent's funeral to be exact.
Haley had receieved word that her parents had died instantly in a car accident. She was pretty shut down, and Julian came home with her to Tree Hill for the funeral. He stayed with her and Lucas for the entire week. The day of the funeral arrived, and Haley was still a mess. That night, after the service, after the burial, and after everyone was gone, it was just him and Haley. Lucas went to stay with Peyton for a few days. Haley had been shutting her brother out, and he didn't know what else to do. Julian told Lucas that he would take care of Haley. He went up to her old bedroom and found her sitting on the bed. She was looking through some old photographs of her family.
"Hey, beautiful." He greeted softly walking further into the bedroom. "How are you holding up?" He asked while taking a seat next to her on the bed.
"Not so good. This can't be happening, Julian. How can this be happening?" She cried as he quickly wrapped his arms around her as she sobbed into his shirt. "It's okay. I'm here. It's okay." He whispered gently stroking her hair.
"It hurts. Will it ever stop hurting?" She cried. After a couple of seconds, he felt her pulling away from him slightly until she was staring directly into his eyes. He looked at her confused. It was then that she leaned slightly closer to him until her lips were hovering right in front of his. "Make the pain go away, Julian." She whispered before capturing his lips in a soft, sensual kiss. After a minute, he broke away. "What are you doing, Haley?"
"I want to stop hurting, even if only for a moment." She explained.
"Haley, you don't want to do this. You're vulnerable right now. You're only going to regret this after it's over. You want your first time to be special and meaningful." He rejected her softly.
"But it will be. You're the only person I trust in this world right now aside from Lucas. You're my best friend, and I love you. My first time will be special and meaningful, because I know how much you love me and care about me. I feel the same way. Please, Julian. I won't regret anything. I know I'm sad and hurt and vulnerable, but I know what I'm saying. I know what I'm doing. Please, Julian. Please just be my best friend and be here for me. I need you." She pleaded. He watched her for a moment and his heart broke. He knew she wasn't lying about regretting this decision. He wanted to take her pain away. And at the moment, there was only one way he could. So, he kissed her. And he gave away his virginity to her that night and took away hers. They awoke the next morning and processed what happened the night before. They agreed that it meant nothing more than comfort. Neither one of them had feelings that ventured beyond friendship. They were best friends. If anything, their night together created a deeper bond between the two. After that night, they went back to normal. They never had sex again after that night, nor did they want to. At least not until two months ago when they began their "friends with benefits" relationship.
"Nathan, are you ready?" Clay asked.
"Yeah, man, just a second." Nathan answered. A few seconds went by, and Clay grew even more irritated. "Nate, hurry up. We were supposed to be on the set like five minutes ago." He complained while flipping through some unopened mail in his i-phone.
"Jeez, I'm coming! Chill out." Nathan said while walking out of the bathroom of the hotel room. "What's the big deal? So, we're a little late. Who cares?" He said and rolled his eyes when he heard Clay let out a scoff.
"Who cares? It's amazing how inconsiderate you are. I shouldn't be so surprised considering I've been representing you for three years now. I had a hell of a time getting these guys to use you as their spokesman. You are getting a very, very generous endorsement out of this. The least you could do is show a little gratitude by actually being on time." Clay huffed out.
"Whatever. Let's go." Nathan said as he and Clay walked out of the hotel. They weaved through some reporters and fans that were waiting outside. They climbed into the limo and set off in the direction of the studio. Clay noticed Nathan fidgeting in his seat. "What is wrong with you?" He asked.
"I hate limos." Nathan shot out causing Clay to roll his eyes. "I hate LA. I want to go back to New York and drive my own car. Who the hell would ever want to live in this god forsaken city?" Nathan continued on in annoyance.
"Do you want this endorsement or not? And do you want the ten point five million dollars you're getting out of it?" Clay asked.
"Yes." Nathan replied shortly.
"Then, shut the hell up. You're only here for two days. Just suck it up." Clay shot out.
"Fine. I'll shut up." Nathan replied. The two rode in silence the rest of the way to the studio. They climbed out of the limo and walked inside. The building was swarming with people scurrying around completely focused. They walked further into the building trying to find where they were needed. "Nathan Scott! Over here!" A voice shouted.
"Hi, I'm Clay, Nathan's agent. This is Nathan." Clay introduced shaking the man's hand.
"Hi, I'm Neil Reynolds." The man responded shaking Nathan's hand.
"Are you the director?" Clay asked.
"Oh, no. I'm just his assistant. He'll be right out. He's on a phone call right now. He should be out any minute though." Neil responded. Just then, a man came walking into the room busily talking on his cell phone. "Seriously, calm down. I have to get going. The guy is finally here." The man said into the phone while glaring momentarily at Nathan. Nathan shot a look at Clay in annoyance while Clay just laughed. "Okay, I have to go. Bye." The man said quickly while snapping his phone shut. "Sorry. Women-you know how that goes." He said focusing his attention to Nathan, Clay, and Neil.
"Yeah, we do. Hi, I'm Clay Evans." Clay said stretching out his hand towards the man.
"Hi, I'm Julian Baker." Julian responded shaking his hand.
"This is Na..."
"Nathan Scott. I know all about you." Julian interrupted stretching his hand towards Nathan.
"Good for you." Nathan snapped refusing to shake Julian's hand. Clay elbowed Nathan in his side. "Sorry, Julian, Nathan's just in a bit of a bad mood today." Clay glared at Nathan.
"It's quite alright. Well, since we're already behind on schedule. Why don't we just get started." Julian suggested looking pointedly at Nathan.
"Fine by me. The sooner we get started, the sooner I get to go back to New York." Nathan replied causing another eye roll from his agent who shared an apologetic look with Julian.
A couple hours flew by and everyone was growing more and more irritated with Nathan's attitude and lack of enthusiasm. Julian pulled Clay aside and said that Nathan has to get his act together. They have a deadline and were already running behind schedule due to the late arrival. "I'm sorry, Julian. He was already in a bad mood, but I don't know what his problem is now. I'll go talk to him." Clay responded.
"No, I'll do it." Julian said walking away towards the direction of Nathan with Clay tailing behind. "Look, Nathan, we need to get this done. I need your cooperation with this. Everyone's tired and everyone's restless. Let's shoot this commercial and be done." He said.
"I have been shooting. It's not my fault nobody knows what they're doing around here." Nathan shot out.
"Nathan. What the hell is wrong with you?" Clay scolded. He watched as Nathan turned his attention back to Julian and sent a pointed look his way. Julian glared right back at him refusing to back down. "Look, I think we both know what your problem with me is right now." Julian said as Clay watched the scene confused as well as intrigued.
"You don't know shit!" Nathan seethed.
"Really?" Julian challenged. As if on cue, his cell phone rang and he looked down and couldn't stop the smile which envaded his face. He pushed answer and held the phone up to his ear. "Haley James, how's it going beautiful?" He greeted and watched as the color seemed to drain from Nathan's face. He sent a smug smile his way before disappearing into the crowd. "Nathan, what is wrong with you? We need to get this commercial shot." Clay said. Nathan didn't say anything. He just continued staring in the direction where Julian vanished off to. "Nathan!" Clay exclaimed but still, Nathan said nothing.
Nathan returned home to his penthouse apartment after a grueling day of practice. He was exhausted and wanted nothing more than a hot shower, some good food, and a couple of refreshing beers. He had just finished his shower and heard the doorbell sound alerting him that his food had arrived. He paid for his food, took out a couple beers from his fridge, and carried them along with his food to the couch in his living room. He noticed a couple of messages blinking on his answering machine and pushed play while getting settled.
"Hey, big brother. It's your favorite sister-Brooke! As you know, I had my fashion show for my new spring line months ago. I found you flirting shamelessly with one of my models, Rachel. She was the gorgeous red-head. Well, you remember. Anyway, I sort of maybe was wondering if you would like to go out on a date with her. I ran into her for another modeling gig, and she was asking about you. Well, just let me know, big bro. Hey, that rhymed!"
Nathan let out a slight chuckle as he heard his sister giggling at herself before pushing delete and waited for the next message to play.
"Hey, Nate, it's Lucas. I was just calling to tell you that I'm going to be in New York for a book signing in a couple of months. I was hoping to catch up with you while I'm in town. Call me and let me know a good time we can get together. Oh, and Peyton says hi. I'll talk to you later.
Nathan deleted that message as well. He was excited to see Lucas. It's been close to year since they've actually seen each other and had the chance to hang out in person. They still talk often, but it wasn't the same. He made a mental note to call Lucas the next day to set up a good time. He clicked on the television and began eating. E! Hollywood popped on and he was just about to switch the channel when he heard her name.
"We're here today talking with the beautiful Haley James." The host said. Nathan quickly turned the volume up on his tv and directed his complete focus to his ex-girlfriend. "She is the hottest new thing to hit Hollywood." The host said as Haley had a small blush covering her face. Nathan couldn't help but smile at the sight. "And she's not even in the actual show business. She is editor-in-chief of the newest, hottest magazine, In The Zone. She was labeled as the next big one, and she has certainly proved that to be true. So, Haley, how are you doing? You look absolutely stunning."
"Well, thank you. I am doing very well, thanks." Haley responded. Nathan couldn't agree more with the host. Haley was dressed in a form-fitting yellow dress which accented her curves and highlighted her skin. The dress had a plunging neckline showing off just the right amount of cleavage. The dress stopped at her mid-thigh allowing for those amazing legs of hers to be displayed. The heels she was wearing made her legs appear to be longer than what they were. Her long, auburn colored hair was cascading down her back with a slight curl. Her make-up was natural with just a bit of glimmer on her eyelids, a small layer of mascara on her eyelashes, and a shiny gloss covering her lips giving her a glowing look. She looked beautiful, and Nathan found it difficult to tear his eyes away from her.
"So, Haley, how crazy is your life right now?"
"Oh gosh, crazy! But a wonderful crazy. It's taking some time adjusting to my new lifestyle, but I'm loving every minute of it. The hectic schedules and the neverending dealines are so exhilerating. I'm not a girl who's used to all of the spotlight or the glitz and glam, but it has been an easy transition. I have a wonderful group of friends and family as well as a wonderful group of eployees who have been such a great support system. I'm really loving and enjoying my new life right now." Haley answered.
"That's great. So, we did our research."
"Of course you did." Haley said with a slight laugh.
"Well, you're from Tree Hill, North Carolina, is that correct?"
"Yes, that is correct." Haley answered sensing where this question was heading.
"Well, it's quite interesting because Nathan Scott and Brooke Scott are also from Tree Hill, North Carolina."
"Yes, they are." Haley responded. Nathan listened intently waiting for more to be revealed about their sordid history.
"So, you guys are all around the same age. Did you know one another?"
"Yes, we did. Brooke and I were in the same grade. Nathan and my brother were close friends. Actually, we were all pretty close friends back then." Haley answered.
"Do you still keep in contact with them?"
"Honestly, after graduation we went our separate ways. College and life got in the way, and we lost contact with one another. I know my brother and Nathan are still good friends, but truthfully, I haven't spoken to Nathan or Brooke since I left to go to Stanford. But they are both doing very well for themselves, and I couldn't be happier for them." Haley responded carefully.
"Yes, I almost forgot that your brother is Lucas James. His novel was on the best seller's list."
"Yes, it was! I am so incredibly proud of him." Haley gushed proudly causing Nathan to smile. Lucas and Haley were always very close. It was hard to believe Lucas was a year older. Most of the time, the two acted more like twins.
"Well, maybe we should all move to Tree Hill. It seems like all of the famous people are from that city." The hostess replied as she and Haley laughed.
"Okay, well, I have one final question for you. One that many fans are dying to know the answer to. Julian Baker."
"Julian Baker. Yes, what about him?" Haley asked laughing.
"What's the story between you two? We know that you both attended Stanford at the same time. Sources says the two of you were close in college. Now, you're both here in LA. You're both in the spotlight. We've captured some close moments between the two of you. There are some photos of the two of you cuddling, holding hands, and a couple of affectionate kisses on the cheeks and foreheads. So, what's the deal?"
"Julian is my best friend." Haley said vaguely.
"Just a friend?"
"We are friends." Haley stated refusing to discard any further information.
"Okay, then. Well, that's all the time we have for today. It was such a pleasure having you here with us today. We extend our congratulations on the success with In The Zone and wish you a great deal of more success."
Nathan clicked off his television. He stared at the screen plageued by many emotions. Memories of him and Haley flooded his mind, and he was overcome with a wave of sadness. He would be lying if he said he hadn't thought about her everyday. And he would be lying if he said he didn't miss her and still love her. He knew there was a part of him that would love her until the day he died. But he would never admit that out loud to anyone. He couldn't admit that out loud to anyone. Not even his agent, Clay, knew about his past with Haley. He's a celebrity, and now, she's in the spotlight as well. The last thing either of them needed was to be thrust into the tabloids due to their sordid past. The past was the past. It was over and done with. Besides, he was the one who ended things. He's moved on, and she's moved on with Julian. He knows that much is true.
"Nathan!" Clay yelled again finally capturing the attention of his client. "What's going on?"
"Nothing. Look, let's just get this over with." Nathan said just as Julian came walking back over to them snapping his phone shut. "Look, I'm sorry, Julian. I'm ready to start over whenever you are." Nathan said begrudgingly.
"Okay, good. Let's get started." Julian said. "From the top everyone!" He yelled.
Okay, so there's the first chapter. Let me know what you guys think. I love to get feedback. Also, don't worry about Julian and Haley-this is a Naley story. I don't like to read love scenes between Nathan or Haley with anyone else. And I don't like to write them either. But I know there are questions, and answers will be revealed throughout the story. I will have another update up very soon. So anyway, I hope you like it so far. Let me know what you guys think.
