Warning: M rating for the last scene of the chapter. If you think this warrants the whole story needing to be rated "M", let me know.

(Sorry if you have received multiples alerts about Chapter 10 - there have been some bugs in the system, which I hope have been fixed!)

I know I've been posting every few days, and you're probably wondering if/when I'll run out of steam. The reason I'm posting so quickly is simply because the big international move is coming up soon, and I think I may be able to get the story finished before I move. If I don't, then it's going to be a couple of months without updates, and I don't want to disappoint you guys since you've been so supportive of this story.

Anyways, here's Chapter 10:

Ronald was currently putting Nathan through his paces on the aqua treadmill. Nathan had down this particular exercise several times now, and he was becoming more experienced and relaxed with the process. He had to admit that being in the pool and exercising was a little embarrassing at first, but he realised that this was the best way to get back on that damned court with the Bobcats.

"OK, Mr Scott, that's it for today. Congratulations – you just scored yourself a new personal best."

He couldn't help it, he smiled greatly at hearing that. So far, so good.

"Thanks Ronald. That felt so much better today." He climbed out of the pool and grabbed the towel on the nearby bench.

"So, ah, Ronald, do you know if Haley James is in her office today?"

"I'm sorry, Mr Scott, I wouldn't know that. I've been giving all progress reports to Haley's colleague, Carly. Do you want me to take you up to Carly's section and you can talk to her?"

"Yeah, that'd be great Ronald. Just give me ten minutes to shower and change."

*****

Carly was on the phone, and typing something on her computer, nodding every so often and then writing something down. She saw Ronald waiting nearby and waved him over. As he approached with Nathan, she managed to say her goodbyes on the phone and turned her attention to the two men.

"Hi there. How'd it go today?"

"Nathan did really well Carly. Personal best today in fact. Here's the report." Ronald left the paperwork on her desk, before turning to leave, "Actually, Nathan wanted to talk to Haley, and I said you'd be the best person to know where she is. See you at the next appointment, Nathan." He patted Nathan on the shoulder before walking off.

"Hi Carly, I don't suppose you know if Haley's in today?"

"Actually, she's not. Can I leave her a message?"

Nathan looked slightly worried for some reason. "Is she OK, Carly?"

"I think so. All I know is she had some sort of personal emergency come up and she headed home."

"Her home here in Charlotte?"

"No, she drove to Tree Hill. Do you know where that is?"

He stood there looking even more worried. "Yeah, yeah I do. It's home for me too."

"Really?"

"Do you know when she's due back?"

"No – I think she's gone for at least a week."

"What about a home phone number for her?"

"Sorry, I don't have any of that. I haven't had to contact her, but I would just call her cell, I guess."

"Thanks Carly."

With that, Nathan moved a quickly as possible to his car and headed home. On the way there, he dialled Lucas, but he couldn't seem to get through. He then tried Haley's phone – no answer. He kept trying both numbers until he reached his house. He raced inside and headed straight for his bedroom, grabbing clothes out of his dresser and wardrobe and stuffing them into the nearest duffel bag. He figured he had another four hours of driving, which meant four hours of trying to call Lucas and Haley.

****

Nathan drove as fast as legally possible, overtaking several cars in quick succession. He took a break from dialling Lucas and Haley, and instead dialled Clay's number.

"Clay Evans."

"Clay, it's Nathan. Listen, I need a favour. I'm on my way to Tree Hill –"

"Is everything OK, Nate? You're supposed to have therapy today aren't you?"

"Yeah, it was first thing this morning. Anyway, I need the rest of my medical appointments cleared for a few days, as well as any team meetings. Can you do that for me?"

"Ah, yeah sure. Nate, what's going on?"

"Nothing, I just need to sort out some urgent matters back home."

"OK, when you do think you'll be back?"

"I don't know. I'll call you when I have a better idea. Probably just a couple of days.

"OK, no problems. Just let me know if you need my help with anything."

"Actually, there is one more thing: I need you to call this girl, Rachel. I'll text through her number later, but we were supposed to meet at 2.30pm today. She's going to go ballistic, but just tell her I had an emergency and I'll call her later. Whatever you do, don't tell her I'm heading to Tree Hill. Things are going to be interesting enough without her there."

"Yeah, sure no problem. Don't worry about a thing, I'll get it sorted out. Good luck with everything."

Thanks. Talk to you later."

Nathan hung up and looked at the time – he figured he had about another two hours' drive before he reached Tree Hill and Haley. He had no idea what he would do or say when he saw her, but he just hoped she was ok, and that nothing serious had happened.

"Brooke! I cannot wear that and say that. As much as you've changed, you've also stayed the same."

"You say it like it's a bad thing, Haley" Brooked smiled as she threw clothing at Haley.

"Stop it, Brooke. Listen, not all of the world's problems can be fixed with a dirty mouth and crotchless panties. That is not going to achieve anything."

"I beg to differ Haley. You might just end up having the sluttiest sex and most intense orgasms of your life."

"Yeah, like that'd be tough to achieve."

"Oh really, do tell."

"Ah, no thanks. Look, if I go back to Charlotte and talk to Nathan, I don't want it to end up like some bad porno. If he and I talk this through and get us back on track, I want things to progress naturally."

"That's too many "ifs", Hales. Listen, I'm not trying to force any approach onto you. You gotta go do what you gotta do, OK? But do me one favour and at least wear matching underwear, please?"

Laughing at the face Brooke was currently sporting – one mixed with begging and anticipation, Haley nodded and gave her a warm hug.

They had not been the closest of friends in high school, but they spoke a fair bit when Brooke had started dating Lucas. No deep and meaningful conversations, but it was still friendly, girly chit-chat; mostly Brooke recommending hair styles and clothing tips for Haley. When Brooke and Lucas broke up, the two girls spoke occasionally, but they both knew Lucas was the reason they had originally started interacting.

Brooke, today, still had a bubbly personality and was certainly vivacious, but it had been toned down by her years of living, studying and working in New York. She could still create drama out of nothing, but every so often she would deliver pearls of wisdom that would have most people wondering where the old Brooke went.

"So listen Brooke, I'm actually thinking about heading back to Charlotte tomorrow. I don't know if you and Luke have anything planned, but I thought we might be able to grab some dinner tonight, y'know, kind of a "see ya back in Charlotte" farewell?"

"Hales, I'm on it. Don't you worry about a single thing. I'll get it organised, and we'll come to your place. I'll call Jake and Peyton and see if they're free?"

"Oh, absolutely. Remember, I'm staying at Marion's place. I'd hate for you to pitch up to my old house and surprise the Turners."

"Oh, ok. Thanks for the heads up - I almost forgot! So, we'll see you around 7.00pm, then?"

"Perfect, thanks again for the advice Brooke."

"Anytime sweetie."

Haley headed back to pack and get ready for dinner. Her family home had been sold upon her graduating from high school, and her parents cashed in and bought an RV to travel around the country. Their departure from Tree Hill gave Haley no real reason to return home for visits, however her family had formed close relationships while living in Tree Hill and Marion was one such friend. Marion was a collector and re-seller of crafts and antiques, and she sourced said items from all across the country. She was often away weeks at a time, so when Haley called to see if she would be available for a visit, Marion informed her that she was away in Georgia, but that Haley was free to stay in her house while she was gone. She'd known Haley long enough to know there was more going on with Haley than her just wanting to visit Tree Hill.

After finishing her packing, Haley took a shower and laid her clothes out for dinner. Still in her robe, she sat down on the bed and rubbed her tired eyes. Looking at the time, she gave herself an hour or so to take a nap before getting ready for dinner.

Normally, Nathan's first port of call in Tree Hill was at his mother's house, but not today. He need to speak to Haley first, and until that happened, Deb was going to have to wait. On this visit, he figured his first stop would be to Lucas. Turning the corner into Riverview Drive, Nathan pulled up in front of the pale yellow house which sat on the corner. He hoped to God that Lucas would fill in a few missing blanks and tell him where Haley was.

Inside, Brooke and Lucas were sitting down in the living room, enjoying a glass of wine and chatting about Tree Hill. They were laughing about one of the million crazy things Tim Smith supposedly did, when they heard a knock at the door.

"Don't get up, Luke, I've got it." Brooke placed her glass on the table and opened the door.

"Nathan! How are you? What are you doing here?" she couldn't stop all the questions spewing out. She reached out to hug him, and he barely hugged her as he walked into the house.

"I'm good Brooke, how are you?"

"Fine", she shrugged, looking at Lucas with wide eyes.

Lucas hopped up from the wooden floors and went over to greet his brother. He quickly exchanged glances with Brooke, before offering Nathan a seat. Brooke stood before them both and offered to get them a drink, hinting at coffee, so that she could leave the room for a while. Both brothers nodded at her offer, and she left the room quickly to start making their coffee. Along the way, she diverted to Lucas's room and grabbed her cell, dialling Haley's number as quickly as possible. Remembering that Haley was most likely not answering her phone, she hung up and went back to the living room.

"Umm, Luke, can I borrow you for just a quick second please? I just need you to point me in the right direction of a few things here."

"Yeah, sure. Nate, just give me a second, OK?"

Lucas walked down but Brooked grabbed him and dragged him into his bedroom.

"Luke!" she waved her arms around maniacally.

"I know, calm down Brooke."

"I tried to call Haley, but I forgot she's got the whole "no answering phone" thingy this week", Brooke whispered, using finger quotes and putting her hands on her hips. "Have you got the number for Marion's? I really think we should give her a heads up on Nathan being here." At this point, Brooke started to fan herself with her hand. The inner-drama queen was starting to emerge.

"OK, ok. Deep breaths, Brooke. I think my mom might have it in the phone book beside the phone in the kitchen. If it's not there, don't worry – we'll still find a way to call her."

They both snuck out of the room and into the kitchen, Lucas helping to get a few things out for the coffee before returning to Nathan in the living room.

"Everything OK, man?"

"Yeah, Brooke just needed a hand finding where everything was kept. So this is a surprise."

"Yeah, it is. I suppose you know about Haley being in Tree Hill?"

Lucas studied Nathan for a moment before giving his response. His brother looked calm, and that was a pleasant surprise to Lucas. Usually Nathan was so hot headed and impossible to reason with.

"Yeah, actually. I did know she was here."

"How is she, Luke?" his face changed from hopeful to concerned in a split second.

"She's good man. She just needed to get out of Charlotte and breathe. I think she might be glad to see you, too."

"Really?"

"Yeah, I think so."

"Do you know how I can reach her? I really want to see her, and make sure things are OK."

"I'll go check and see if the number is in mom's address book. She's house sitting for a family friend. If it's not there, we can drive over together."

"Thanks, man."

Luke walked past Brooke, who carrying a tray out with coffee and condiments. She set it down on the coffee table and placed the mug near Nathan.

"So…" Brooke began.

"So" Nathan returned.

"OK, not that I know anything, but I think you coming here was a wise move."

"And why do you say that, Brooke?"

"Just is. But it was also a good idea for Haley to come here too, y'know? She needed it."

Nathan regarded her as he took a sip of coffee and sat back in the seat, letting everything sink in. Neither Lucas or Brooke told him it was a mistake to come here, and he hoped to God that Haley would feel the same way when he saw her.

Nathan put the mug back down when Lucas came back in. He looked at him in anticipation of a phone number, but Lucas was already shaking his head.

"Sorry, man. I don't have Marion's number, but I do know where she lives. I know I said I would drive over there with you, but maybe you should go on your own. Y'know, talk to her without a third party in the way."

"Thanks, Luke."

Lucas handed Nathan some paper with the address on it, and Nathan nodded as he read it aloud. He knew where this was – Tree Hill wasn't that small, but it was fairly easy to navigate around. It would only take him five minutes to drive there.

"Listen, Nate. I don't know exactly how to say this, but…I'm really impressed with how you're handling all of this. Don't take offence, but if this had been a year ago, heck, even a few months ago, you would have been completely unreasonable and demanding. This version of you – the calmer, more patience version – this is the version of you that is going to be successful, no matter what happens."

Nathan smiled at the comment from Lucas. Since graduating from high school, their relationship had been solid, and they treated each other with respect. They still had the odd disagreement, but it was always quickly resolved. Lucas, however, always noted that Nathan never formed closed relationships with women, and had little time for the notion of "romance". To some, he may have come across as a womaniser, but as long as the relationship remained strong between the two brothers, Lucas rarely interfered in Nathan's life. Until now.

Nathan thanked Luke again and headed out to his car. Lucas and Brooked watched from the doorway, as Nathan drove off. Lucas put his arm around Brooke's shoulders and led her back inside.

"Luke, what are we going to do? I wanted to contact Haley to let her know he was here, and he's just going to show up and surprise her. She's going to kill us."

"Maybe not. Maybe this is exactly what they both need right now."

["M" rated section]

A short burst of knocking, followed by the doorbell, startled Haley from her sleep. Sitting bolt upright, she ran a hand through her hair and looked at the clock on the bedside table. She hadn't overslept, which was a good thing, but a visitor was the last thing she needed right now, as she needed to get ready for dinner with everyone.

Hopping up from the bed, she tightened her robe and walked downstairs to the front door. The visitor rang the doorbell again, and Haley muttered to herself about impatience as she reached for doorknob. She left the safety latch on, and opened the door as far as the chain would allow.

"Yes, can I help –"

"Hi"

"Nathan! What the hell are you doing here? How did you find me?"

"Can I come in? Please?"

Haley stayed rooted to her spot, completely taken aback by Nathan's presence. She shook her head in disbelief as she closed the door, undid the latch, and re-opened the door. She watched as a small smile formed on Nathan's face, and she motioned for him to come in.

As he walked in, he noticed she was wearing a small robe, and wasn't sure if he had had come over at a bad time.

"Sorry if I've interrupted anything."

"No, not really. I was just taking a nap. I have dinner plans tonight."

"Oh, I'm sorry. I just…" Nathan took a sharp breath as he sat down on the sofa. Haley could see he was struggling to say something, and joined him on the sofa.

"Nathan, what are you doing here?"

"I came to see you to make sure you were OK. I had an appointment at the hospital, and I asked Ronald if you were in today. Y'know, we hadn't spoken since Dr Perry's appointment, and I didn't want to bother you, so I have been going to my therapy appointments at the hospital and just giving you some space. I had no idea you weren't there. Anyway, Ronald took me up to see Carly and she told me you left for some sort of emergency or something. I got worried." He shrugged his shoulders in a "so sue me" kind of way, before looking down at his hands which were resting on his knees.

Haley watched closely as he explained what led him back to Tree Hill. Something about him seemed different, less hot-headed. She turned further around so that she was facing him more directly.

"Nathan, I don't know what to say. I came home because I was a little scared, a little overwhelmed by how fast things were happening. Well, to me it was fast, anyway. One of my last memories of you is from high school, and I swear you had kissed three girls in one day!" they both laughed a little at the thought before she continued, "You have every right to be a different person, and you also have every right to stay the same. I just didn't know who I was dealing with. Since high school and college, you've become this celebrity, and people have this notion of you, that I admit buying into. I kinda got sucked into all, and I just didn't know how to deal with the situation. I didn't know if you liked me for the moment, or you liked me as something beyond a one-night stand."

"Haley, how could you think –"

"Nathan, please. I'm not proud of making assumptions like I have. I'm not usually like that, and I think I just got scared about the prospect of entering into a relationship with you. I mean, I know we went to high school together, but we never took the time to get to know each other, until now. I'm…I'm sorry."

"I'm sorry too. I showed you no respect for your job or your position when you tried to explain the ethics situation at the hospital. I was too bullish to see any other side to the situation except my own."

Haley reached out and grabbed his hands, giving him a reassuring look.

"We are quite the pair, aren't we?"

"We most certainly are."

"So, Nathan. What do we do now? I mean, this just seemed too easy to forgive and forget. Don't get me wrong, we certainly needed to, but I'm just curious where this leaves us now."

"Here's the thing, Hales; my feelings for you haven't changed. I still care about you and I think there's something here between us -"

"Me too."

"But, I think you're right about work. If this is meant to become something major, then I don't think a few more weeks of waiting are going to be any problem. I want to keep things separate too, and not blur any lines."

"Who are you, and what have you done with Nathan Scott?" she joked, and they both smiled at that. Nathan inched closer to her and they interlaced their hands again while staring at each other.

"I mean it, Hales. We can work this out."

Haley sat there, looking at Nathan, his eyes full of sincerity, and she had never wanted someone so badly before. Leaning forward, she placed a hand on his jaw line and kissed him gently. She pulled away and blushed at her actions.

"Nathan, I'm glad that we're on the same page and we have intentions to pick this up in a couple of weeks, but what if I ask to be re-assigned? That way we can be together now, without any conflict of interest?"

"Is that what you want?"

"Ha ha, loaded question. But yes, I'm sitting here right now, wanting nothing more than to be with you – and maybe it's a simple as me getting re-assigned from your case."

"Dr Perry says you're the best therapist at the hospital. He only wants the best people treating me. What are you going to tell him?"

She looked away for a moment, before considering her response.

"Do you want me to keep treating you?"

"I want the best there is, too. But I also want you."

Haley and Nathan then both inched closer, and Nathan cupped Haley's face before kissing her softly. He continued kissing her as her hands grabbed his shoulders, then wrapped around his neck and spiking through his hair. Their kisses were increasing in heat and desire, and their tongues were tasting each other.

Nathan moved a hand down from her face, and traced the "v" of where her robe covered her chest. Further down he traced, over the knot in the tie, down over stomach, and again over the "^" of where the robe separated over her thighs. He touched her skin, which was warm and inviting, and his hand ran under the robe and up along her thighs. Heat radiated from Haley as Nathan's hand explored further, and he soon realised that she was completely naked under the robe.

He broke the kiss for a moment to look in her eyes, and all he saw was pure, unadulterated lust. She smiled back at him, and in that moment, he knew he had to have her completely. His hand was still under her robe, and he ran it around the outside of her thigh and cupped her backside, rubbing back and forth in small motions.

Haley's heart beat was increasing at the touch of Nathan's hands, and she reached for the hem of his shirt, lifting it up and over his head. Once it was discarded to the floor, she closed the distance again and began kissing him with everything she had. Her hands roamed his body, and she loved the feel of his muscles under her touch. His skin was smooth, but the muscles to taut and tight, and only the slight flinch of them was felt as she ran her fingers over his abs.

Nathan moved both hands to Haley's waist, and picked her up from the sofa, and gently lifted her to his lap, her legs either side of him. She was now more open to him, and the rope separated further across her legs. He could see her more exposed now, and reached up high, just above the knotted tie of the robe, and separated the robe completely – she was now naked to his eyes and he could see how turned on she was by the diamond hard nipples his hands itched to touch.

Haley leaned down to kiss him again, and his hands cupped her breasts, his thumbs gently rolling over her nipples. Her back arched, pushing her further into his chest, and he moved his hands away to feel skin on skin. Haley then traced over Nathan's abs again, and went straight for the button and zipper on his pants. Her hand reached inside and she dragged the back of her hand against his erection. Nathan moved slowly against her hand, and with a flick of her wrist, she was gently stroking him as she rose up and down in time with her hand movements.

Nathan kicked off his shoes, and pushed his pants the rest of the way off, leaving him completely naked, with a similarly naked Haley hovering over him on the sofa, save for the robe which was now practically falling off. Nathan moved to the knotted tie, and slowly undid it, letting it fall to her sides as he then pushed the garment off her shoulders and letting is slide to the ground.

His hands went back to her ass, cupping her and bringing her closer to him. It was impossible to feel close enough, and with Haley's hand still stroking him up and down, the sensation was almost becoming too much. Nathan placed a hand over hers to still her movements, but she was still able to move her hand up and down despite his best attempts to stop her. She pulled back a little and had nothing but mischief in her eyes, and Nathan smirked back at her. He removed his hand from hers, and drew lazy patterns on the top of her thighs as he inched closer to her hot, wet heat. Running his index finger around in circles, he dragged it slowly to her clit and pushed gently on the bud. Haley lolled her head back at the sensation, as Nathan continued repeating the action. It was Haley's turn to remove her hand from his erection, and place it over his, stilling his movements. She inched his hand ever-so lower and Nathan inserted a finger slowly, loving the velvety feeling of her surrounding him. He allowed himself a few more moments of pleasuring her before it became too much for him, and then he removed his finger and traced slowly around her clit again. The sensations rattled through Haley, and she kissed him hungrily.

Pulling back, Nathan kept an arm around her as he leaned forward to pick up his pants, and asked Haley to remove the condom in his wallet. Tearing it open, Haley slowly sheathed him, and Nathan closed his eyes at the feeling. Again, Haley stroked him a few times as she lowered herself on him, and when he was fully inside her, they both stared at each other for what seemed like forever. Lust, desire, want, need, all played out on their faces, as Haley began a rhythmic movement up and down, starting slow and building gradually. They kissed again and again, nipping at each other necks, shoulders and anywhere they could reach. Nathan was the first to feel his release, and his body shuddered and intensified as Haley kept riding him until she reached her orgasm. They both still moved together until the sensations had fully coursed through them, and when it finished, they held each other close, kissing again gently and softly until pulling away and resting their foreheads against the other.

"I have wanted to make love to you ever since you walked into my house for therapy."

Haley smiled at Nathan and cupped his face.

"Oh, really? Is that so? I must admit, you're the sexiest patient I've ever seen….naked!" Nathan laughed at her, and smacked her gently on her backside.

"So, I don't think we actually sorted out what we're going to do when we get back to Charlotte."

Haley nodded and put her hands on his shoulders.

"I want to keep treating you, and I want to be with you, Nathan. But I don't think it's anyone's business if we keep it to ourselves. I'm willing to risk it for us. So, we go back to Charlotte together, and we keep "us" quiet. Until you're healed, what we have is just for us."

There were no looks of ecstasy on their faces – just a realisation that they had a made a risky choice if anyone at the hospital found out. They stared at each other longingly, both wishing they never had to leave Tree Hill.

xx