Author's Note: Thank you all for your reviews. I hope you enjoy this chapter and Timeless is coming up in a day or so. I want to ofcourse thank my Southern love Maggie who "Maggifies" my stories brilliantly. I'd be lost without you. I also want to dedicate this to my loves in the Superclique, you guys crack me up nonstop. I love y'all and "Here's to sex with Uncle Coop!"
Chapter Three "Everything In Transit"
The sounds of the booming bass shook Haley out of her much needed beauty rest. Groggily she sat up, trying to figure out where the sound was coming from, until it dawned on her that there was only one person who could annoy her this much from a completely different room.
"Ugh, I'm going to kick his ass," she fumed as she threw on a short aqua satin robe and stormed towards the deafening sound..
As she made her way from the master suite, her anger grew. Everywhere she looked, he had added something: from his basketball trophies to plasma screen televisions in every room of the house, including all bathrooms. They all taunted her.
After all was said and done, the newlyweds agreed to make her three-point-five-million dollar Malibu beach house their "main" home for the next six months. It had taken a lot of negotiating, and the only way Nathan finally caved was her agreeing to attend at least five away games in addition to every home game. She loathed basketball, but the thought of moving into his bachelor pad made it the lesser of two evils.
She saw him the moment that she stepped out onto her fabulous ocean-view deck. The usually tasteful décor was taken over by masculine additions. Weights were scattered about everywhere and the music was obscenely loud. It was six in the morning and he was working on what he loved most...himself.
Walking out the French doors, she found the remote to the stereo system, clicking it off immediately.
Nathan turned to face her clearly annoyed. "What the hell did you do that for?"
Crossing her arms indignantly over her chest, she stared at him hard, "Do you have any idea what time it is?"
"Way too early for you to be a bitch." He threw out as he wiped the sweat from his forehead with a towel.
" Bite me," she hissed. "You are such an asshole. You've lived here for three days and have taken over everything. I have one week to learn an entire script and I need my sleep."
Nathan rolled his eyes. "Listen, this technically is my house too and just because your ass is too lazy to appreciate how good morning workouts can be, don't punish me."
"I don't give a damn what you do with your mornings, just please stop blaring you rap music as you do it. " She huffed and turned on her heels to go back inside and far away from him.
Nathan turned the music back on, but this time decidedly at a lower volume. If it would stop her from bitching about every little thing, he didn't mind. Contrary to her belief, he wasn't stupid and he knew when to pick his battles.
As soon as Haley entered her massive kitchen, her phone rang and she knew who it was without question. It was her mother, whom two nights ago had called crying asking how could she have gotten married without her family. After she had calmed down, she grilled Haley on everything. Not being able to fess up to making the biggest mistake of her life, Haley did something she knew she would regret, she lied. Instead of the embarrassing truth, she told her mother they had met two weeks ago, fallen in love, and eloped. Typically no parent would buy that story, but her family was far from typical. Both sets of her grandparents eloped after only knowing each other for a few weeks, as did her own parents and two of her aunts. Her other aunts had married their high school sweethearts, and all sets were still as in love as when they first met. It astounded her that in this day and age, they all had managed to do the impossible and stay married.
Being an only child and one of only two granddaughters, the entire James clan had put Haley on a pedestal, and at times it was daunting. Her greatest fear in life was seeing disappointment in their eyes when they looked at her. It was crazy she knew, because they would support her no matter what, but still she fought to stay on that pedestal. She didn't know who she was without being everything to everyone. In high school, she was class valedictorian along with being a cheerleader. Dropping out of college was the scariest time of her life, but even then, she fought so hard and struck it big in no time at all. To her there was no other option but success.
Even with all her professional success and still being only twenty-four, her family constantly questioned her personal life. Wondering whom, if anyone, she was seeing and if she wasn't dating, wondering why not. She adored every member of her family, but they were exhausting. The longest relationship she had was with her high school boyfriend. They dated three years solid until she graduated and went to the University of Texas. There she partied and enjoyed being single and now that she was a celebrity, she had to be selective whom she spent time with. Now it wasn't just her family watching her every move, it was the entire world.
Taking a deep breath, she picked her the living room phone. "Hey Mommy."
"Hello, Babygirl. How did you know it was me!" Lydia James chirped out excitedly.
"Because, only you would call me at this ungodly hour."
"Touché my dear."
Haley knew something was up. "Mom, why are you so happy?"
"So suspicious aren't you? Anyway, guess what?"
"What?"
"Your aunts and I are throwing you a huge wedding reception at the ranch. The Oak and Magnolia trees are in full bloom, it's going to be gorgeous," Lydia mused more to herself than to Haley.
"I don't know if that's such a good idea mom..." Haley tried, but it was obvious to her already that she was fighting a losing battle.
"Honey, we need to meet this husband of yours whether you like it or not. Now, of course we're going to do it in style with the best southern hospitality."
Haley smiled at her mother's sugary sweet tone. She knew it was a warning, and that she better agree to her mother's plan before her tone went the other direction and all traces of the sweet southern lady were gone. "Of course we'll be there mom. Nathan is in the off-season still so I'm sure it's not a problem."
"Oh I know it isn't, because if it was your aunts and I would have to adjust that attitude." Lydia spoke with conviction.
Haley laughed, she adored her family. There was never a dull moment and Nathan was about to walk into the lion's den. She was going to enjoy every minute of this reception. Her family was fiercely protective and if he even showed the slightest intention of treating her badly, the claws would come out.
"Mom, I have to go, but tell everyone I love them. I miss y'all so much."
"We miss you too, Babygirl. Tell Nathan hi, and remember we like surprise attacks, so no warning him on how to act around us." Lydia reminded her.
A devious smirk played on Haley's lips. "Don't worry mom. There wouldn't be any fun in that."
"That's my girl. Love you to pieces, bye."
Haley hung up and suddenly felt a lot better. Lying to her family would kill her, but Nathan being grilled by each and every one of them would at least highly entertain her.
"Get your slow ass down here!" Nathan yelled up the sprawling staircase to his wife. She was taking too damn long, and he was getting aggravated.
The yell died on his lips as he saw her appear out of her master bedroom seconds later. She was so goddamn beautiful. Today she was wearing soft,yellow Calvin Klein strapless sundress that flowed down her hips effortlessly. With the right gust of wind, she'd dethrone Marilyn Monroe in a heartbeat. Her hair was pulled up in a sleek ponytail, exposing her slender, creamy neck, which in itself was enough to send jolts to his lower region. He could spend hours on her neck alone, and he knew she would enjoy every second of it. Lowering his eyes, he finally landed on her incredible legs. They were so feminine yet so toned and when he touched them, they felt like silk. Having them wrapped around his body while he was deep inside her was a memory he'd take to the grave.
He couldn't say he'd ever dated someone her height, but he was discovering that her petite body turned him on more than any supermodel he'd ever dated. Having her tiny body nestled in his arms made him feel even taller and stronger than he was. It seemed they fit together with such ease, as if their bodies were made only for one another. Together with his height and her lack thereof, they balanced each other out perfectly.
He'd never tell her this, but while she was sleeping after they had gotten married, he just held her hand in his, amazed at how tiny and delicate it looked. Normally, he hated holding hands with any girl but that night, he fell asleep with his arms wrapped around her and her hand encased in his. This tiny girl, with curves that could kill, did more for him than anyone else he'd ever been with. He figured the old saying was true; amazing things come in small packages. It was too bad that as soon as she opened her mouth, all endearing thoughts of her seem to vanish instantly. Maybe if she was a mute, they could actually be happy? He pondered the question in his mind as a small chuckle escaped from his mouth at the thought.
Haley face twisted into a scowl as she descended the stairs and walked rather unenthusiastically to her husband. "What are you laughing at?"
"Nothing, just reminding myself why this could never work." He winked at her while grabbing his car keys.
"No shit, Sherlock," she dead panned and followed him out to the Hummer.
Nathan watched in amusement as she opened the abnormally high car door, confusion marring her delicate features.
"Need a lift?"
Turning around, she scoffed and to his amazement rolled down the car window lifting herself from it into the vehicle.
He let out a clearly impressed whistle. "Pretty smart, James."
"I'm from Texas, I had to learn how to get into a million jacked-up trucks and SUVS." She grinned at him as she checked to make sure her Christian Louboutin ivory, linen wedges hadn't gotten scuffed.
"I guess I need to remember where you're from for this People interview we're going to."
"You think?" She sarcastically remarked.
Nathan bit his bottom lip in an attempt to control his temper. "Just give me the basics, James."
Looking out the window she groaned, but relented. They had to do this. "Of course you know I grew up in Texas, an only chil..."
"I know all that shit, we need more private shit."
Haley looked at him questioningly. "How do you know anything about me?"
"I read all the men's magazines, besides, every girl I dated in the last couple years has gone on and on about you, how they want your accent and all that crap."
"I'm surprised you paid attention."
"Don't flatter yourself, it just got repeated so many damn times I couldn't forget it even if I wanted too. Apparently, you have just as many female fans as you do males."
Haley turned to gaze out the window. "Well, I googled you last night, so I know the basics too."
Nathan glanced at her. "Well, aren't you resourceful."
"I was a tutor in high school." She smiled proudly.
Nathan looked at her confused. "I thought you were a cheerleader."
Haley whipped her head around offended. "What, cheerleaders can't be smart and helpful?"
He help up his hands from the wheel defensively. "Damn, calm down, it just struck me as unusual."
"Just so you know, I had been a tutor since junior high and only became a cheerleader in high school at my best friend's request. I found out I really enjoyed it though, so I did both. Just because I was popular, didn't mean I didn't want to be nice and help people out too. Not all popular people had to be jerks."
Now it was his turn to be offended. "What you think I was, some asshole that bullied everyone?"
"As a matter of fact, I do."
As he tried to think of any example to prove her wrong, but it became abundantly clear to him he couldn't. "I guess you're right. It was always Lucas whom everyone liked, including the losers. He was just nice to everyone."
Haley wanted to say something cruel, but she could tell from the look on his face that it bothered him. Maybe he did have a conscience.
"Look, let's just get back to what we need to do."
He nodded, signaling her to continue.
"Alright, my favorite color is purple, my favorite holiday is Christmas, family is everything to me, I love thunderstorms, and I could read for hours. My top authors are Steinbeck, Hemingway, and James Patterson for mysteries. I love going dancing, but hate the club scene usually. I dance to escape sometimes, but if I go a lot I get so bored. I only like college sports, but if you asked me the rules I couldn't tell you." She laughed lightly.
Nathan turned off the radio completely trying to absorb all the information she was quickly throwing out. "I think I got all that. Tell me a secret no one else could know." He asked her, secretly wanting to know more than the stuff he could find on some website or something.
Haley blinked surprised, bristling at the suggestion. "I'm not telling you anything."
"If I'm supposed to be your loving husband I should know everything about you," he argued.
Taking a breath, she faced him again. "Alright, but you only reveal this if we're in a tough place and you have to tell me something about you in return. Deal?"
He smiled. "Deal."
Thinking, she finally came to one that wasn't just a secret, but also one of her fears. "I like to sing."
Looking over, he raised an eyebrow. "Like in the shower, sing?"
"No, like really sing."
"Are you any good?"
She shrugged. "I think I am, but who knows."
"You mean you're an actress and you're afraid to sing?"
Sighing she gazed at the traffic, wishing it would miraculously part and they could reach their destination quicker in order to avoid finishing this conversation. Opening herself up to Nathan Scott was not something she wanted to prolong.
"You don't get it. Acting is becoming someone else entirely, I can loose myself in the character I'm playing. Singing however; is just me. If I sing I have no character to hide behind..." her voice trailed off softly.
Nathan wasn't sure how to respond to something so genuine coming out of her mouth. "Well, I guess I know what you mean. It's like I'm another person once I step on the court. I could of had the day from hell, but it all disappears when it's game time."
Haley nodded I understanding. "Now it's your turn."
"Fine" he said, but hesitated briefly. "I'm afraid of the dark." It came out as almost a whisper, and Haley couldn't help but burst out laughing. It was hilarious that someone who talked as much shit as he did could be afraid of something so juvenile.
"Are you serious?" she chuckled, unable to contain herself.
He glared at her. "It's not funny. Luke used to scare the shit out of me when we were little. He'd hide in my closet and when it was pitch dark, he would jump out wearing some freaky-ass mask. You laugh, but that will scar you for life."
Haley smiled at the thought of a young Nathan running into his mother's arms after such a traumatic event. It made him seem just a tad more vulnerable in her eyes, a quality she hadn't seen in him yet.
Nathan saw a genuine smile grace her lips and he couldn't help but be proud it may have something to do with him.
After catching each other stealing glances, neither spoke a word the rest of the way. Both were too unnerved by having a meaningful conversation with the other.
After helping Haley down from the Hummer, Nathan took her hand in his and walked up the front steps of The Ivy. If you wanted to be seen and make a statement, this was the place to do it. Paparazzi were always camped out at the unassuming bistro where celebs were spotted day in and day out. This was not the place to go for privacy and that was the exact reason they had chosen it. They needed to make the world believe in their union and both agreed this was the best start. Inviting a reporter from People magazine was just killing two birds with one stone.
"Haley, Nathan, it's so good to meet you. I'm Clark Travers and I'll be conducting the interview." He shook Nathan's hand and kissed Haley's cheek.
Nathan sat next to Haley at the outdoor table and wrapped an arm around her shoulders, a move that was clearly appreciated as camera flashes went off in every direction. He felt her tense for a second, but she quickly relaxed and plastered on her famous smile.
Clark switched on his tape recorder and flipped open his notebook. "So, I guess the question is 'how did this happen?' I mean were you two secretly seeing each other, or are the rumors true that you too met and married the same night?"
Haley took the reigns, she could do this, after all she was an actress. "Well, to be honest , we didn't know each other that long, but I can tell you we were involved before that night."
Clark looked perplexed. "I'm just wondering how that's possible with you just wrapping up your latest film in England days prior, and Mr. Scott here in the National Championship and before that, the playoffs. Those schedules hardly leave time for romance."
Haley smiled politely, he was not going to shake her. "I never said we we're never busy, Mr., Travers, I just said we knew each other. We met the month prior at a mutual friend's party and the next day Nathan called me and just never stopped."
Clark nodded, amused by her explanation. "So this was a kind of long distance courtship, you could say."
It was Nathan's turn now. "You could say that. My coach would kill me if he knew how many all-nighters I spent on my cell with her." He joked and right on cue Haley giggled.
"Sounds pretty great. So, what prompted the proposal?" Travers continued.
Nathan smiled sweetly at Haley and locked eyes with her before turning back to the reporter. "Now that was spontaneous. We just went there to finally spend some much needed time together and I just looked at her and blurted it out."
Travers looked at Haley. "So did you expect it all?"
"It threw me completely off guard, but when I looked at him the only answer I could come to was, yes." She kissed the corner of Nathan's mouth, to which Travers quickly began writing. She knew he was adding their actions to this article along with their words.
"So, Nathan, your exploits off the court are legendary. What made you want to suddenly take yourself out of the game, so to speak,"
Nathan shifted uncomfortably and couldn't believe this guy was going there. He just had to stay calm, as Lucas and Chris both warned him. "Look, I'm the first to admit I never was one to want to commit, but that was because I never found someone that made me want to try. I've always known what I want and don't want in life, and I never apologize for it. Just because I never tried to make it work with any other girl, doesn't mean I'm a player, it just means I knew right off the bat they weren't right for me."
Clark looked surprised, he couldn't believe how much sense Nathan Scott had just made. This story was going to be gold.
"Do you mind if I ask if you two ever made it to the bedroom?" Travers winked conspiratorially at Nathan, acting as if they were old pals.
Haley blushed slightly at the memory of the nationally televised elevator incident while Nathan smirked. "Yes we did, but the detours were definitely entertaining."
"I'm sure they were." Travers mused.
Haley still couldn't believe the world knew about her exploits. She wasn't one to be ashamed of anything, but her sex life on display was humiliating. She was actually fortunate Nathan was here to field those questions.
Clark paused so they could order a drink before continuing.
"Now, Haley, you've been known to date the boy-next-door types. Men who are much more artistic, subdued, and in your field of work. What made you, not only fall for, but marry a very popular NBA star? One whom you don't outwardly seem to have a lot in common with, except for being two of the hottest celebrities right now."
Haley took a sip of her ice tea trying to buy herself some time. In truth, she'd been asking her the same question since she first met Nathan on the plane. She still couldn't believe how forward she'd been with him. Normally, she'd blame it on the alcohol but she could handle her liquor. It was something else, something she couldn't control, almost primal. It was like she literally needed him inside of her from the first moment their eyes met. In all the guys she had dated, that had never happened. It wasn't just lust either, because just lying next to him that night in-between trysts, felt so right. Sometimes it terrified her to think what it meant, but instead of deciphering it, she ignored it. To her, denial was a very comfy place to settle in for now.
Putting her glass down she leaned into Nathan. "All I can say, is that maybe I was just the opposite of Nathan. I had tried with so many guys, even when it didn't feel right. I figured love could come with time and it never did. So, unlike Nathan, who ended things quick with his ex's, I dragged them on. I never felt with them what I felt so quickly with Nathan. I don't think we can even explain it if we tried. Only someone that has experienced the same thing could grasp the difference. I believe, now, that love is a balance and that's what we have."
Nathan was shocked at how effortlessly the words seemed to come to her. Either there was some truth to it, or she was indeed one hell of an actress.
An hour later...
"Get your hand off my ass!" Haley screeched as they reached her front door.
"What? It's for appearances babe." He smirked and pinched her ass before sliding his habd back up to her lower back.
"Unless they're in a freaking helicopter, I think we're good." She shoved him away from her.
"Why are you so damn mad?" Nathan followed her into the house.
Haley threw her purse on a nearby table and collapsed on her burgundy, suede couch. "Are you kidding me? You started groping me and forced me to make out with you in the parking lot."
He laughed and flopped down on a coordinating sofa opposite her. "Don't act like you weren't enjoying it. You certainly helped put on a great show."
She huffed and closed her eyes, desperately trying to ward off the oncoming migraine she knew was coming. "I'm a damn good actress, I can fake anything."
"Bullshit." Nathan challenged her.
Haley heard the doorbell ring and knew Lucas had arrived. Nathan had given him the security gate code earlier and invited him to dinner to help smooth the awkwardness between he and Haley.
An idea suddenly popped into her head and she knew just who could be her partner in crime. "Perfect timing," she announced, hopping up to answer the door.
Lucas looked up to see a way too cheery Haley swing open the door.
"Um, Hales is my brother still alive?" He half-joked, who knew with those two.
Haley grinned and pushed him outside with her. "Unfortunately, yes, but do you want to mess with his head?"
Lucas' eyes lit up at the suggestion. "I'm always up for that."
Haley clapped her hands together. "Yay, now just follow my lead."
She took his hand and led him into the living room.
Nathan looked up slightly confused at why Haley looked so damn proud of herself, but shrugged it off as he bumped fists with Lucas as he passed by.
"So, I need some air. I'm heading to the indoor pool, if anyone needs me." She made a point to look at Lucas who caught on.
Nathan shrugged indifferently. "Whatever"
As Haley walked away, Lucas stood. "Hey Haley?"
"Yeah."
"Does that pool have a Jacuzzi, because my back has really been acting up lately." He pulled an excuse out of his ass.
Nathan looked up at that. "Since when?"
"Since the finals when I took that fall."
Nathan was about to argue when Haley stepped in. "Just come with me, you can wear the basketball shorts you have on."
Lucas wrapped an arm around her shoulder. "Lead the way, gorgeous."
"Gorgeous?" Nathan repeated once they were out of earshot. He tried to close his eyes again, but all he was picturing was Lucas' arm around Haley and them alone in a Jacuzzi.
Lucas slid into the bubbling Jacuzzi and blew out a satisfactory whistle when Haley emerged in a sky blue string-bikini that left very little to the imagination. Luckily, he could fill in the blanks.
"You like," Haley twirled, letting him see every angle.
"If I like it anymore, I won't have to act." Lucas smirked.
Haley laughed s she slid in next to him. "Damn, apparently that smirk is genetic."
Lucas splashed some water playfully at her when he spotted a shadow in the back entryway. "Showtime." He spoke conspiratorially to Haley.
Haley followed his line of site and a wicked smile graced her usually angelic face.
Leaning across Lucas, she turned off the jets to make it more quiet.
"How's you back feeling?" Her voice echoed off the walls of the room.
Lucas groaned dramatically. "It could be better."
"Let me help you with that." She grinned and turned Lucas around so she could have access to his bare back and shoulders. Slowly she began to rub.
"God...Haley," Lucas moaned.
Nathan couldn't believe his prick of a brother. What the hell was he up to?
"I think I know of a better way to relax you." Haley's sultry voice floated through the air, hinting at something a lot less innocent.
Pushing a smiling Lucas back to a sitting position, she straddled his lap.
Lucas pulled her into what appeared to be a deep kiss, but what Nathan couldn't see is no tongues ever mingled.
"WHAT THE FUCK?" Nathan's voice boomed as his blood boiled.
Lucas tensed, but Haley wasn't backing down. She pushed her breasts up to Lucas's face and let out a loud moan completely ignoring a quickly advancing Nathan.
Nathan couldn't believe what he was seeing, they were going at it right in front of him.
"GET THE FUCK OFF HER! SHE'S MY WIFE!" He leaned down and jerked them apart.
Haley and Lucas busted out laughing, angering Nathan more and more by the second.
Blowing a kiss to Lucas, Haley stepped out of the Jacuzzi knowing Nathan's eyes were all over her, this time filled with a mixture of anger and lust.
Walking away she paused at the entryway and turned her head back to Nathan. "Apparently, I can act." She winked at Lucas and sauntered the rest of the way out.
Nathan yanked Lucas out of the water. "Man, you better start explaining."
Lucas laughed and walked over to retrieve a towel. "Dude, it was all a damn act. She got you so good."
Rationally, Nathan knew she had gotten him, but that didn't hinder the jealously still running through his veins.
"Whatever, just keep your hands off her." He threatened.
Lucas shook his head. "I'm not after her, don't worry. Damn, I've never seen you this high strung over a girl."
All Lucas was doing was pissing him off more. "Just get the hell out, Luke, and before you start to say your not after her, make sure your dick isn't telling a different story." Nathan bit out before storming off.
Looking down Lucas groaned. "Shit!... Dude it had a mind of it's own!" He tried to yell after his brother, but it was too late.
Sighing, he threw back on his clothes and figured he'd head on home. He came here to shoot hoops with Nate, but pissing him off was much more enjoyable. He liked Haley a lot and he could tell this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. Under any other circumstance he would go after her-what guy wouldn't- but he wasn't an idiot. Even a blind man could see something beyond anyone's grasp was brewing between her and his brother., and whether they liked it or not, their lives would never be the same.
