The next morning when Haley opened her eyes she was relieved to find that she was alone. The truth was that even though they didn't make love they still crossed the line that laid between them all these years. She laid there as long as she could trying to pull herself together enough so that when she did see him she didn't freak.

After a few minutes she got out of bed and made her way to their adjoining bathroom that she hadn't noticed the night before to wash her face and teeth. When she was through she followed the sound of whatever Saturday morning cartoon that blared on the television on the floor below her. She walked into the hallway and up to the black railing that stretched from one wall to the other of the second floor.

She leaned over it as she looked down at the shirtless black boxer clad blonde knawing on a bagel. Lucas was so consumed watching the show that he didn't notice her right away and Haley was grateful. She contented herself by studying him in a way that was until yesterday completely foreign to her. "Crossaint?" he questioned holding up the platter of pastries to her.

It embarassed her that he had caught her leering at him like that "No thanx" she blushed clearing her throat. Then she descended the stairs and made her way over to the plush white leather sectional. "I just don't get why they call this breakfast continental everything seems pretty american to me" he stated causing Haley to chuckle.

"You're kidding right?" she asked taking a seat next to him grabbing the remote from the coffee table "Yes I am" He said staring into Haley's eyes "I know you're trying to figure things out but I just don't want things to be weird between us. You're not on a time limit Hales we can talk about whatever you'd like when your ready ok?" Lucas asked placing his hand on hers.

Haley smiled and nodded nervously but breathed an internal sigh of relief. "Now that that's out the way I have plans that I intend for us to follow through with today".

The rest of the day was spent taking in all that NYC had to offer from shopping to hot dogs and everything else in between. She couldn't have asked for a better day it was almost as if the night before never happened. It was only a few moments that reminded her like when his hand brushed hers as they were walking through Times Square or when he guided her into a store by touching her lower back.

The last stop of the day was Central Park which he was very excited to show her. "You really love it here don't you?" she asked as she began feeding the birds that had gathered near the bench where they sat. "Yes I do it's so different from Tree Hill you can be anyone you want here. You're not in a fish bowl where you are being judged by an entire town".

"I'm happy for you I always knew you were meant for things bigger than Tree Hill" she smiled turning her attention back to him. "Thanx" Lucas replied moving a stray strand of hair from her face and placing it behind her ear. Haley froze in response she wasn't trying to ignore their chemistry but she wasn't trying to delve into it either. "Let's head back it's getting late" he stated sensing her anxiety. "ok" she replied not trusting herself to say much else.

Later when they entered the suite Haley made a bee line for her room mumbling an excuse about having to use to the bathroom. Once she was safely behind her door she chastised herself for acting like a grade schooler. She knew that she wouldn't be able to hide from him all night but she would try for now.

After a few minutes lying on her bed she decided a shower would be a good idea and headed to the closet to gather her things. Maybe a shower would cleanse her of all the flash backs she was having all of a sudden of last night. She slipped out of her blue jean frayed mini,white A&F logo shirt and bra and panties. Then she threw on her pink and white polks dot robe that sat just above her knees and walked into the bathroom.

It had stark white tiles and had a huge whirlpool tub on the right side and next to that a standing shower with a glass door. Haley stood there a moment weighing her options before she chose the shower. She turned the knob and waited for the water to heat up before stepping under the spray. When she did it was like heaven her body bended to the warmth of the water making her conclude that this really was what she needed.

All of a sudden there was a knock at the door startling her and causing her to cover her womanly parts. "Did you die in there?" she heard Lucas shout through the door. "I'm showering but I'm sure you know that" She said raising her voice slightly so that he could hear her and praying he wouldn't open the door.
"True but you said you were just going to use the bathroom and there's only one in here if you hadn't noticed and I may or may not need to use it" He hollered back.

Haley heart jumped in to her throat afraid that he'd just walk in on her. She knew that wasn't his style but if he had to go badly enough who wouldn't? "Just give me a sec. i'll get out ok?" Haley asked. "You dont have to do that. I don't need to do anything I was just saying" Lucas replied laughing.

"Argh I forgot how much of an bonehead you could be!" Haley yelled back at him "hey watch that tone this bone head could easily open this door that I'm pretty sure isn't locked ..." He trailed off "But I'm not going to do that " he finished.

Haley could feel fear but also excitement as she heard him turn the knob then stop when he finished his statement. "I'll be out in a minute anyway alright?" she asked changing the subject just wanting some room to think. "yeah sure take all the time you need" he replied before she heard his footsteps retreating. Haley stepped back under the spray hands still covering herself her body aching in response to his taunt. She knew that she shouldn't keep denying to herself that she wanted him so she didn't.

Haley exited the bathroom a few minutes later and was startled to find Lucas there waiting for her. He sat on the edge of the queen sized mattress looking at a picture on her key chain which she left on the bedside table. His back was to the door but even so she could tell he felt her there. He acknowledged it with a slight turn of his head but nothing else.

" Argh! you could've told me I'd regret those bangs one day" she laughed referring to her hair style in the picture. "I remember this it's from that project that we did senior year" Lucas said holding the picture up to the light. "Yeah Skillz made into a key chain for me and himself he said it's so that he can keep me and his godson close" Haley explained smiling at the memory.

"Well I see nothing wrong with it you look beautiful even happy!" he replied jokingly turning to face her and rest his left leg on the bed. "Happy? "Haley questioned as she came lay across the bottom of the white comforter with black flower outlines that covered the bed. " I was young in love and had my whole life in front of me of course I was happy" she said rolling on to her side to look up at him.

"And you still do" He said seriously leaning forward. Haley felt a little breeze when he got closer and looked to down to where her robe had fallen open. She let out a little gasp and closed it quickly even though she was sure nothing but a little cleavage was seen.

Lucas smirked before he leaned back to survey her more."how can you do that?" Haley asked after sitting up and tightening the belt on her robe. "Do what?" Lucas asked calmly." Act like this doesn't phase you? "

"Because these feelings aren't new to me Hales. I've had almost our entire relationship to get a handle on them". he replied