Hey guys, thank you, once again, for the reviews. They keep me motivated as I slave away on chapters. So please keep writing them. And I know you've all been waiting for more banter/sexual tension. With that in mind, enjoy the chapter (and there will be even more on the way)!

Chapter 9

"I'm sure it's nothing," Brooke assured Haley as the girls walked along the crowded street in Nassau. The ship had finally docked and the girls had decided to do some souvenir shopping.

"There's still no damn reception," Haley muttered while checking the signal bars on her phone.

"Haley, Shane most likely called you because he wanted some of his stuff back," Peyton said. "Either that or he still wants you back—which in my opinion would be pretty pathetic if he kept that whole begging thing up."

"Peyton's probably right. Besides, we're on an all expenses paid vacation and you're letting that loser suck the fun out of it," Brooke said. "Just try to enjoy yourself for now and deal with it later."

"I know. I guess I still feel guilty about the way we ended things. I just figure that if he's calling me after all that then it must be something important," Haley explained.

"Well, making yourself sick over it is not going to help anything. So calm down and relax, Tutor Girl."

"Ok," Haley sighed. She really was making herself crazy with worry over that stupid voicemail. And with her luck, it probably would turn out to be nothing important in the end. "From this moment on, I don't care."

"That's the spirit!" Peyton joked as she put her arm around her shoulders.

"But can we please do one thing?" Haley asked.

"What?" Brooke questioned.

"Can we go back on the ship and shop? All these people hassling us are making me nervous." Everywhere they went there were natives telling them to buy this or try that.
It wasn't too bad at first but now Haley was starting to feel claustrophobic.

"Sure," Brooke agreed. "Besides, we haven't even checked out the ship's stores."

"I honestly can't believe that it took you this long to go," Peyton said. "I thought you would've dragged us there Saturday."

"Well, I would have if I could find them. Those maps are so confusing," she said as she pulled out the brochure with the map on it from her purse.

"Give it to me. I'm good with directions," Haley stated. When they were back on the ship twenty minutes later, Haley led them to one of the middle floors. It looked like a wide, open atrium. Along the sides were tons of different clothing stores and souvenir shops. There were a few restaurants scattered here and there.

"Oh my God, they have Juicy Couture here!" Brooke exclaimed as she ran towards the store. Haley and Peyton laughed as they rushed to catch up with her. "Would you look at these shoes?"

"Whoa," Haley commented after she picked up a pair and looked at the price. "These heels cost $225. Are they crazy?"

"No, they're designer," Peyton answered. "Which is code for a total rip-off."

"P. Sawyer, do not say anything like that in front of me again. This is my future profession someday. My life dream. I would die happy if people would buy my clothes for this price."

"I'm not insulting your clothes. I'm just saying that it doesn't even cost half as much to make these things. They're only this expensive because of the name."

"I'm ok with that," Brooke replied. She then went to another clothing rack and began to search through it.

"There's no sense in arguing with her," Haley said while shaking her head. "She's been rich way too long."

"Oh hush," Brooke scolded. "Less talking and more shopping."

"Tigger, there's no point. I can't even afford one necklace from this place." Haley wasn't exactly poor. She had a lot of money saved up from working last summer and her shifts at the tutoring center during the semester. But she usually tried to budget herself. One of these outfits would go beyond the money she set aside each month just for shopping or other recreational activities.

"Don't worry about it. The both of you just pick out whatever you want and I'll foot the bill."

"Brooke, we can't let you do that," Haley protested.

"Yeah, if I want something bad enough, I can pay for it myself," Peyton stated.

"Nonsense. My dad's got money coming out the wazoo. Trust me, one shopping spree here won't even put a dent in his credit card."

"But…" Haley started to object again.

"No, it's my treat. If you don't want anything from here then fine. But you both will have picked out something by the end of the day and I will have paid for it. Think of it as a thank you for rearranging your busy lives to come with me on the trip. And no more 'buts.' Now shop," she ordered when she noticed them about to complain again. Haley let out a defeated sigh. There was no arguing with Brooke when she got into one of her stubborn moods like this. The girls then looked around the store some more. By the time they left, Brooke was the only one who actually bought anything. Haley hadn't really seen anything she liked.

"I can't believe you got those engagement ring hoop earrings," Peyton said.

"What? They're totally cute," Brooke said as she pulled them out of the bag and started to put them on. "And I figure that if I wear them in front of Lucas enough times, he'll eventually get the urge in a year or two to pop the question."

"Very sneaky, Tigger," Haley commented with a laugh.

"It's all about subliminal messaging," she joked.

"Oh my God, they have a music store!" Peyton suddenly exclaimed. Both Brooke and Haley smiled at one another knowingly. Peyton was a music junky. Places like that were Heaven to her. The girls then walked in and started to look around.

"See anything you like?" Haley asked while they searched.

"I already have most of these records," Peyton stated disappointed. She then looked behind the register and her jaw seemed to drop.

"What's the matter?" Brooke asked coming up to her. Haley followed Peyton's stare and saw a Fall Out Boy record in the display case. It was about $200.

"You like that?" the salesman questioned. "It was one of the first copies ever produced. It was also signed by the group."

"Peyton," Haley said nudging her. There was no response.

"Peyton," Brooke tried. Peyton shook her a little bit and that seemed to help her snap out of it.

"Oh, sorry, I seriously just zoned out on that thing," she mumbled.

"I'm assuming that it's a collector's item," Brooke stated. The guy nodded as Peyton continued to stare at it in awe. They all knew that Peyton had a little celebrity crush on Pete Wentz. She would try to deny it but it was obvious to both Brooke and Haley. They'd always bust her up about it. "Then we'll take it."

"What?!" Peyton cried. "Brooke, no way. You can't…"

"It's your present. Remember?" she prompted as the guy rang it up and packaged it safely for them. Haley smiled as she noticed how tentatively Peyton carried it out of the store. That thing was like her new baby.

"Now, Tutor Girl, it's your turn," Brooke declared. "Where do you want to go?" Haley looked around and observed her surroundings. Her eyes then landed on another clothing store called Caché. The dresses in the window were absolutely stunning. Haley led her friends into the store. She liked a few things but one dress in particular grabbed her attention. It was all the way in the back featured on one of the mannequins. It was pure white and fell a little bit past the knees. The straps started off somewhat thick at the chest but they gradually got smaller at the top. There was also another layer of straps that went around the neck like a halter. It gave the dress a V-like cut. Oh my God, it's gorgeous. And expensive, she thought as she looked at the price tag. $250. Figures.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a winner," Brooke proclaimed.

"Try it on," Peyton encouraged.

"I can't just pull it off the mannequin," Haley replied. She was afraid she'd ruin it or something.

"Excuse me, Miss," Brooke called to the saleswoman. "Do you have anymore dresses like this that my friend can try on?"

"I'm sorry. That's the last one," she stated. "But I can get it off for you." After she was done, the woman handed it to Haley and showed her to the fitting room. A few minutes later she was staring at herself in the mirror in awe. It was perfect. It hugged every crevice and curve of her body perfectly. It also showed some cleavage—but in a tasteful manner.

"Tutor Girl, let's see," Brooke called. Haley came out and showed them. Almost immediately, both Peyton and Brooke gasped.

"What do you think?" she asked nervously.

"Haley, you look amazing," Peyton complimented.

"And classy and hott," Brooke added. "You should totally wear that to dinner on Thursday night." They would be leaving early on Saturday morning so Brooke had arranged for them to have dinner at one of the ship's fancier restaurants Thursday night. Most of Friday night would be devoted to packing and making sure they were ready for the plane ride home.

"You have to get it," Peyton declared.

"It's $250," Haley informed them.

"It's yours is what it is," Brooke stated adamantly. "Go change back into your clothes and we'll buy it."

"But…"

"What did I say about 'buts'?" she replied sternly.

"Fine," Haley relented. She did love the dress. It had practically called to her on the rack. As soon as they had paid for it—and Haley and Peyton stopped thanking Brooke profusely—the girls headed back to the room. The guys were already there playing NBA Live.

"Uh oh, I see shopping bags," Lucas declared as soon as they entered the suite.

"Is there anything left for the other passengers?" Jake teased.

"Ha ha, very funny," Peyton replied sarcastically.

"We were actually pretty mild today. I only got one thing," Brooke stated. She went over and sat on Lucas' lap and moved her hair aside so he could see the earrings. "Aren't they pretty?"

"Yeah, they look great," Lucas replied. "Are those little rings hanging off of the hoop?"

"Yup, they're engagement rings."

"Oh," Lucas commented uncomfortably. Haley suppressed a laugh at his expression. If she didn't know any better, she'd say he looked a little panicked. What is it with guys and their anxiety about marriage?

"What did you get, Peyton?" Jake questioned.

"An autographed Fall Out Boy album," she answered excitedly.

"Nice," he replied.

"What about you, Hales?" Nathan asked. They all turned to her. She was going to tell them but she decided she'd make them wait.

"You'll just have to see Thursday night," she said.

"It's that bad, huh?" Nathan laughed.

"Actually, what Haley got is totally hott. You boys might not be able to handle it," Peyton mentioned.

"Really?" Lucas questioned.

"Oh yeah," Brooke agreed. "Tutor Girl will have all the guys in the place drooling."

"I doubt that but there's a first time for everything," Nathan declared. Haley rolled her eyes.

"Whatever, I'm going to go put this away," Haley stated. "Oh, and by the way, you just lost, Scott."

"What?" he asked confused. She nodded her head over to the TV screen.

"Damn it," he cursed as Haley smiled. Just then, there was a knock on their door. Brooke got up to answer it.

"Oh, hey, Grant," she greeted loudly. Haley knew she did it to warn her. The night they came back from the club, Peyton and Brooke had told her about the guys mentioning and asking about her the rest of the night. Apparently, both Peter and Grant had a thing for her. Haley quickly bolted into her room and shut the door. If he saw her, then it would be all over. She then took her dress out of the bag and hung it in her closet so it wouldn't get wrinkled or ruined. When she was done, Haley took off her shoes before flopping onto her bed and turning on the TV. She lowered the volume so no one could hear in the other room. Ooh, a "Boy Meets World" marathon is on! She had loved that show growing up. It was definitely one of her favorites.

"You took off pretty quick," Nathan stated as he stood in the doorway of the bathroom.

"What do you want?" she asked without taking her eyes away from the TV screen.

"I was just wondering where you went. I thought you would've wanted to stay and talk to your new friend."

"Please, like I would ever go with those guys," Haley scoffed.

"What? You think they're beneath you?" he questioned as he walked farther into her room. "That Grant guy is in pre-law at Harvard."

"No," she answered. "They more like creep me out." Haley didn't care what those guys were studying. She didn't want to be anywhere near them.

"I thought they were friendly," Nathan smirked.

"Well, they weren't exactly leering down your shirt now were they?" Haley retorted.

"I told you not to wear that outfit," he said.

"For the last time, there was nothing wrong with my outfit," she exclaimed while finally looking up at him.

"It was revealing."

"No, it wasn't."

"Well, apparently they seemed to think so."

"Ugh, will you just go away already. You're pissing me off."

"Why would I want to go when I'm on a roll?"

"Nathan!" Haley warned.

"Ok, fine. I'm leaving," he declared holding up is hands in a mock surrender. Just before he left, his eyes wandered over to the TV. "What are you watching?"

"Nothing," she answered.

"Hey, isn't that 'Boy Meets World'?" He loved that show. He hadn't seen it in years.

"Yes, now can you go please?" she pleaded.

"That's the episode when Corey and Shawn create a fake rock band to get girls, right?" Nathan saw Haley tear her eyes away from the TV and give him a surprised look.

"You've watched this show before?"

"Please, what kid hasn't?

"Really?"

"You seem shocked."

"I am. I always thought you would've been more of a 'Power Rangers' type guy."

"I was. But this show was still my favorite," he explained.

"Oh," Haley commented with a brief nod.

"You mind if I join you?" Nathan asked a second later. He was bored. And now Haley had gotten him in the mood to watch the show.

"Why can't you watch it in your room?"

"I could. But I don't feel like being alone."

"So you want to come in here? With me?" she questioned skeptically.

"What can I say? I'm desperate," he smirked.

"Gee, when you put it that way," Haley retorted sarcastically.

"I'm only kidding," he clarified. "So, can I join you or not?"

She bit her lip and pulled a strand of hair behind her ear before replying, "Fine. But don't try anything."

"Wouldn't dream of it." Nathan then made his way over to her bed and took a seat. Even though there was plenty of space between them, Haley still pushed over.

"I'm not going to bite, you know?" he laughed.

"Whatever. Just be quiet so I can hear," she instructed. "And take your shoes off. I don't want them on my bed." Nathan rolled his eyes as he removed his sneakers.

"Anything for you, princess," he teased. Haley gave him a wry look before returning her attention to the TV. The two sat in silence—except for the occasional laugh when appropriate—as they watched the show.

"So what did he want?" Haley asked during a commercial.

"What did who want?" Nathan questioned confused.

"Grant. He had something to tell you guys, right?"

"Oh, he invited us to check out another club with him tomorrow night," he answered.

"Ugh," Haley groaned. "I'm not going."

"You can't just stay in the room the whole time."

"Sure I can. And I will. I don't want to go with them," she whined. They'd probably ask her to dance. The last thing Haley wanted was their grimy hands all over her.

"I don't think you have a choice. He specifically asked for you."

"He did not!"

"Oh, believe me. He did."

"And who agreed to go to this?" Haley inquired.

"Grant said it was some Hollywood-themed club and Brooke got excited and said we'd all go." I'll kill her.

"Perfect," Haley mumbled. The commercial then ended and the show came back on. The two were silent again.

"Are you hungry?" Nathan suddenly asked.

"Um, maybe a little. Why?"

"I was thinking of ordering a pizza from room service."

"Yeah, that'd be good," she replied. Nathan nodded and then leaned over to grab the room phone on the nightstand. As he did this, his T-shirt rode up slightly giving Haley a glimpse of his chiseled abs. She stared at them briefly before quickly looking away. Get it together, Haley. Don't be an idiot.

"Do you have the sheet with the correct number for the kitchen?" he questioned a second later.

"Um, yeah. It should be in the drawer," she answered as she tried to get her thoughts back under control.

"It's not there," he stated after he searched for it.

"You're sure?"

"It's not brain surgery, Hales," he replied. Haley rolled her eyes.

"Let me see," she said as she crawled over to his side. She leaned over him to get a better look. He was right. It wasn't there. I could have sworn I put it in there the other day, she thought Haley then noticed a piece of paper on the floor behind the nightstand. That must be it. She leaned over further to pick it up. Meanwhile, Nathan was desperately trying to keep his cool. Haley was practically on top of him. As she bent over the edge of the bed, he got a full view of her ass and lean legs in those tiny shorts of hers. His fingers automatically itched with the urge to touch them and see if her skin was as smooth as it appeared. Shit, what the hell am I thinking? This is Haley. The same girl that I think is a stuck-up bitch. I shouldn't be having weird fantasies about her. Nathan then vigorously shook his head as he tried to get those lingering thoughts out of his mind.

"Got it!" Haley declared coming back up. "Are you ok?"

"Uh, yeah," Nathan replied.

"Why were you shaking your head like that?"

"There was a bug," he quickly lied.

"Oh," she commented as she gave him a strange look. Great, now she thinks I'm a freak and an asshole. Good job, Nathan.

"What?" he snapped as she continued to stare at him.

"Nothing," she said while returning to her previous spot on the large bed. Nathan then picked up the phone and ordered their food. All the while thinking, I'm going to murder Jake and Lucas for filling my head with crap about Haley earlier. This is all their fault. There was no way that he had a thing for her. It was impossible. They simply co-existed. That was it. And nothing would change that. Right?