A/N: Thank you for the reviews and alerts. I love writing this story so the feedback means a lot. Apologies for the long wait. This is actually the third rewrite so I hope it's sufficient. There is one final chapter and I hope to have that up in a week if not sooner. Please enjoy and review.

Chapter 14: Table for Two

Nathan fell onto his bed taking a break from packing. He sighed as he rose to his elbows taking a look around. Lucas and him had about two weeks before they needed to move out and he had no idea where he would be staying for about a month before the NBA draft. He hadn't discussed the transition period with Haley, but that was normal for him. It usually took Lucas' advice for him to consider things where Haley was concerned. The only thing he knew for sure was that wherever he stayed he wanted her to live with him.

He dragged his hand down his face. For four years he couldn't wait for this moment and now he dreaded it. He never realized the real world was so complicated. He would've loved to hide away on the basketball court a little longer, but that wasn't an option. He knew the day he had to grow up would come he just hadn't anticipated it to be such a downer. Well the packing part was actually the only downer. To add to the time constraint, he was heading to New York in three days to finalize the paperwork with Clay.

He immediately smiled thinking about the trip. He was nervous, but excited to spend three days in the city with Haley. He explained to Clay the importance of having her with him and after little hesitance Clay happily booked two round-trip flights.

"You going to help me out here or are you going to daydream all day?" Lucas asked from the doorway. It didn't surprise him that his brother had stopped packing. He knew Nathan was preoccupied with his trip and Haley.

"You're lucky I don't know where my pillow is," Nathan responded closing his eyes falling deeper into the mattress.

He was sure going to miss his brother. Lucas was moving to New York with Lindsey. There would be no more dynamic duo. Who would constantly tease him, keep in line and give him advice without solicitation?

"Come on, we don't have a lot of time. We need to finish and schedule the movers."

Nathan groaned. Hearing Lucas nag him about packing made him feel a little better about being miles away from him. Then again it had been him and Lucas for more than ten years. Sure they had their mothers, but they were always there for one another no questioned asked. Suddenly the younger brother felt sad again.

Lucas began to speak but was interrupted by a knock at the door. As he turned to make a move Haley opened the front door.

"Great," he muttered running his hand through his hair. "Now nothing is going to get done."

Haley laughed at his frustration. She took a long look around. She was glad her parents took most of her things. She was also happy she didn't have a roommate. Poor Lucas having to deal with Nathan's lazy butt. She giggled.

"Great, what's funny?" Lucas threw his hands up annoyed.

"Don't worry, Luke. I'm inheriting him soon."

Lucas smiled. He hadn't thought about that. Nathan would now be Haley's thorn in her side, but he would miss the constant teasing.

"You two realize I can hear you." Nathan opened one eye and his breath hitched seeing his girlfriend in a Duke tee shirt with his jersey number on the back. She always looked beautiful, but he felt a sense of pride seeing her don his number.

He quickly jumped off his bed and enveloped his girlfriend in a tight hug. He buried his face in the crook of her neck leaving butterfly kisses.

"Nathan," she murmured getting lost in his touch and the pleasurable sensation.

Haley gently pushed him away. She laughed hearing him grunt.

"Awe, poor baby," she said caressing his cheek.

"Did you come to help?" She didn't answer. Instead she bit her bottom lip and stared at him noticing his three-day stubble. She sighed at how sexy he looked. "Is that a yes?"

Nathan gripped her hips and brought her body flush against his. He brushed his nose against hers teasing her. He tilted his head forward hovering his mouth over hers watching as her eyes fluttered anticipating his lips on hers. She whimpered softly and fisted his shirt bringing him closer.

He laughed in response.

"I'm sorry," he whispered, "did you want something?" His forehead rested against hers. He brushed her hair off her naked shoulder lightly running his fingertips over her skin sending chills down her spine.

She shook her head in disapproval. He knew her body so well and was using it to his advantage. He wasn't playing fair at all.

"You two make me ill. Just kiss her already so you can get back to packing."

Nathan glared at his brother and Haley snaked her arm around his neck forcing his head down to hers. She captured his lips in a searing kiss gaining complete control over him. She laughed as Nathan wrapped his arms around her waist pulling her into his room and shutting the door behind them.

Lucas shook his head then chuckled. Maybe Nathan hadn't changed as much as he had thought. Rather, Haley must have brought out that high school, cocky side. He couldn't be too upset at Haley. His brother was in love and deserved every minute of it.

Nathan sat in the chair bouncing his knee up and down. He bit the side of his thumb nervously.

"Stop it," Haley said softly grabbing his wrist with one hand while the other rested on his knee halting the bouncing. "Baby, what's the matter?"

She had never seen him so anxious before. He had played on the biggest stage at the collegiate level and he didn't even blink. As they waited to see his soon-to-be agent, he was an absolute wreck. She didn't understand because he was always so confident. Yes, he stumbled a little around her, but this was his future. It was exactly what he wanted. She leaned over the side of his chair and kissed his cheek.

"I love you," she whispered into his ear earning a small, self-assured smile.

Nathan exhaled the breath he didn't realize he was holding. He took a hold of her hand and gently squeezed it. He hated waiting. He didn't even want to travel to New York. Clay had to bribe him with a round-trip flight for Haley. Clay and him had filled out paperwork through e-mail correspondence, but the final paperwork had to be done in person. The positive was having his girl with him.

Nathan loosened his black and blue tie. He wore a white dress shirt with a pair of black slacks. Clay said there would be photos taken upon Nathan signing, much like when he signed his letter of intent for Duke. He pressed his hand against his brow and rubbed hard.

"I think I have a headache."

Haley sat back in her chair and eyed him curiously.

"Nathan, are you … are you having doubts?" she asked in a hush tone.

He shifted in his seat and took in her appearance. Her hair was pulled back in a low, smooth bun and her bangs were swept to the side. She wore a simple, sheer black sleeveless dress with a black slip-like dress underneath. The dress had a small ruffle collar. They left the hotel in a hurry so he didn't have time to appreciate her beauty.

"You're beautiful, you know that?"

He brushed his hand lightly against her cheek causing her to blush. With one look at her his worries disappeared. This was exactly how it was supposed to be. He was supposed to be with her in this moment taking the next big step in his life.

"Everything is going to be all right."

He nodded in agreement. His eyes moved around the lobby watching several assistants run about and answer phones. Truthfully the meeting wasn't making him nervous. Something else bothered him.

"Nathan Scott!" Clay enthusiastically said finally exiting his office.

Nathan smiled and grabbed Haley's hand as he rose to his feet. He froze seeing his agent open his arms wide expecting a hug.

"Come on, Nate." Clay forced Nathan into a brotherly hug and laughed as he slowly and awkwardly patted Clay on the back.

"This must be Haley. I've heard a lot about you." He surprised Haley by pulling her into a hug as well.

Haley didn't know what to make of the agent. He wasn't at all what she pictured although Nathan mentioned him being slightly quirky, but she could tell Clay Evans was laidback. She wanted to laugh at his crooked smile and arched brow because she found it endearing, but she could tell Nathan found it annoying. She interlocked her hand with Nathan's and felt him relax.

"Well let's step inside my office." Clay stepped aside and let the couple enter.

Clay tilted his head studying the red head across from him. Haley offered him a weak smile uncertain how to react to the gentleman, who insisted on staring at her. While Nathan read through the final paperwork, she wondered how Clay convinced her boyfriend to sign with him. It wasn't that she didn't like the man. His personality just wasn't what she expected. She thought Clay's personality would clash a little with Nathan's.

"All right, are we taking pictures?"

The older gentleman smirked at the young man as he leaned back in his chair placing his hands behind his head. He swiveled the chair to face the huge window.

"Are you sure about this Nathan?" He crossed his right leg over his left.

"Are you sure you want me to be your first client?" Nathan rested his elbows on his knees and Haley began rubbing her hand over his back.

Silence filled the office. Clay turned the chair slowly to face the couple. Nathan's gaze held on his might-be agent. The corners of Clay's mouth turned slowly up and Nathan laughed heartily.

Haley sat up straight dropping her hand from Nathan's back. She furrowed her brow as now the two men were laughing loudly. At first she didn't understand their laughter. She looked between the two of them. It appeared that they had already formed a bond. A slow smile stretched across her face.

Nathan squeezed Haley's knee and leaned over giving her a kiss on the cheek.

"Before we seal this, I just have one question." Clay held up his index finger. "How in the world did you convince this girl to be your girlfriend?"

Nathan's jaw hardened as he glared at Clay sending him a silent warning. He knew his almost agent was joking, but he didn't appreciate it. He already had his own personal mocker – his brother.

"I'm not doing anything." Clay raised his hands in surrender.

Haley couldn't help it. She laughed loudly and was now on the receiving end of a glare from Nathan. She mouthed a sorry as she batted her eyelashes.

"Don't encourage him, Hales."

He took her hand in his and stood up. Clay followed. He shook his head at his client as he led the way out of the office.

Haley understood the men's relationship now. Clay balanced Nathan out. Nathan tended to be serious about basketball and Clay simply lightened him up. She had a feeling these two would get along just fine, much like him and Lucas. Nathan needed someone to give him a good swift kick in the butt, metaphorically speaking.

Nathan led Haley through the stream of people crossing the busy New York street. The couple was able to spend some of the day sightseeing, and now made their way to a restaurant for a casual meeting with Clay.

Haley wore a pale yellow sundress with white, embroidered flowers along the skirt since the weather was a comfortable seventy-five degrees. Nathan wore a pair of dark jeans with a grey dress shirt. He had rolled up the sleeves to the middle of his forearm.

Nathan stopped in front of the restaurant and gently squeezed Haley's hand noticing her hesitation.

"What's wrong, baby?"

She bit her bottom lip and shrugged her shoulders. Her gaze darted around their surroundings. The sound of car horns resonated in her head as she took in the environment.

"Hales," he said brushing her bangs out of her face.

"What do you think about New York? Is there a chance you'll … we'll end up here?"

Nathan smiled at her curiously. She appeared child-like with her wide-eyed expression. He had noticed her observing the city. She was trying to find something she loved about the place. He knew she wanted to be happy anywhere he ended up. However, she kept forgetting the actual city wasn't all that important.

"What are you thinking?" He lightly tapped the side of her head causing her to laugh.

"It's just terribly busy here."

She laughed when he furrowed his brow then she playfully hit him. The more she saw of New York the more she thought it didn't quite fit them. She often shied away from large crowds. Sure she hung around athletes at big victory parties, but within the large group was always a smaller clique. She appreciated her close-knit group and New York was overwhelming.

"They don't call it the city that never sleeps for no reason."

He moved them out of the way of the foot traffic and gently kissed her. He leaned his forehead against hers and smiled widely.

"I think New York suits us well. We'll be good wherever we end up. Remember, home is where you are." He placed her hand over his heart. "Home is here." She blushed and he picked up her hand kissing her palm.

Clay smiled crookedly at the couple. Over the past month, Nathan had spoken to Clay frequently and the two had gotten to know each other better. When Nathan explained to him about Haley, Clay had been extremely interested in their relationship. He expressed concerned in a big brother way. Nathan reassured Clay that Haley was the real deal and that no decision would be made without consulting her. So if Haley wasn't comfortable with his prospects then Clay would have his work cutout for him. He thought young love was cute, and though he had been reassured about their relationship he was still a little worried about the decision making, but after seeing the two of them together yesterday he understood.

"So?" Nathan muttered. So far all his agent had done was eat and stare at them.

"I thought we were already pass this awkward 'I don't know you' phase?" Nathan gave him a pointed look. "I mean there's no need to beat around the bush, Nate."

"Clay, be serious, would you?"

"I'm a great guy, Nate, you just need to have a little faith. I bet Haley here is a good judge of character. Am I right?" He raised his brow at the red head and Nathan rolled his eyes annoyed.

Haley nodded and stole a glance at Nathan. Silently telling him to be patient with Clay. She giggled at their exchange. It was quite clear that Clay got under Nathan's skin. Clay would definitely keep Nathan on his toes especially during the NBA season. Her boyfriend could get rather intense while in season and with her more than likely miles away, Clay would be right at his side keeping him grounded.

Nathan inhaled deeply realizing his agent was pushing his buttons. Clay explained that the two of them would be spending a lot of time together especially the first couple of months so Nathan had to get used to his personality. For the most part he had, but there were still little things about his agent that grated on his nerves.

"Are we going to talk business or are you going to stare at my girlfriend all day?" Nathan draped his arm around Haley's shoulders bringing her closer to his side. He couldn't believe he still had a jealous streak in him.

"You see this is what I was talking about. I'm just testing you. We are going to be best friends by the middle of your rookie year. I'm just preparing you." He winked at Nathan and Haley stifled her laugh.

"Great," the raven-haired young man muttered. "Can we discuss business?" He took a hold of Haley's hand and interlocked his fingers with hers.

Clay cleared his throat finally deciding to talk about Nathan's prospects.

"There was a reason why this was causal. Relax." Clay pulled out his portfolio and opened it. He scanned his notes. "You'll definitely go in the first round, no question."

"But?" Haley questioned. She squeezed Nathan's hand waiting for Clay's possible bad news.

"It's just a matter of what the teams needs are. Now you were a mainly a shooting guard at Duke, but in the NBA, you may have to move to point. There's some discussion about that among the first ten picks. What do you say?"

Nathan leaned his head against the back of the booth. He hadn't thought about that. His height was a bit of a disadvantage for a shooting guard. He had played point occasionally at Duke and also in high school.

"I guess I'll be training hard as a point guard for the next month. You want to help?" he asked Haley. He bought her hand up and kissed it. They stared adoringly at each other.

"Ew you don't think you could hold back on the sexual tension?" Clay cocked his eyebrow at Nathan.

"You said this was a causal meeting." Nathan smirked.

Haley felt her cheeks go warm. Nathan was playing along with Clay now.

"Anyway, there's a real good chance you'll go eighth, ninth or tenth."

"So he could be a Bobcat?" Haley beamed. She adored Tree Hill and to be so close in Charlotte would be ideal.

"Or a Piston or a Buck. As we get closer to the draft I'll have a better idea of which direction those teams are going. As of now, there is a lot in the air, and trades could always happen on draft night. Where is it you want to go?'

Nathan stole a glance at Haley. He could read her mind. He knew she wanted to stay in North Carolina.

"Charlotte," they both said causing Clay to laugh.

"You two are sickening and cheesy. I'll see what I can find out. In the meantime workout, stay in shape."

"Oh don't worry, I'll whip his butt into shape," Haley remarked playfully winking at the brown-haired man.

"I really like her, Nate. You should consider keeping her."

"Gee thanks, I was hoping you would approve," Nathan shot back rolling his eyes.

Haley leaned back and laughed. She was going to miss Lucas terribly, but Clay would be a nice second best in the friend department. She was absolutely happy with how everything appeared to be falling into place for Nathan. She couldn't remember the last time she felt a hundred percent ready to move onto the phase in her life. She had been pretty excited about Duke, but moving forward with Nathan had brought her a different kind of happiness.

A day later, Nathan and Haley returned to Tree Hill. Nathan had promised his mother to visit after their trip so they made the drive. After seeing his mother they took a short drive and now stood on the edge of the River Court holding hands staring at the outside court.

"It's so beautiful here." Haley's hair blew across her face and she tucked it behind her ear. She wore a royal blue sundress with a red belt.

"It is," Nathan agreed staring at her. He would always have a best view regardless of where they were. Haley was the epitome of beautiful. Again he had to wonder how he got so lucky. What did he do to deserve such a wonderful, young woman? He was once a jerk, an overly cocky teenager, who didn't give a damn about anything other than putting a ball threw a hoop. How had he become this young man so deserving of Haley?

Realizing his gaze held on her, Haley immediately blushed and playfully shoved him. He looked absolutely gorgeous in his red polo and dark jeans. She could stare at him all day and never get bored. What happened to her? She was this geeky, clumsy teenager, who didn't care for relationships, much less boys. She wouldn't dare bat an eyelash or fake laugh to be noticed. If anyone were to ask her how she wound up here head over heels in love with none other than an athlete, she wouldn't have an answer. Was she honestly this deserving of Nathan?

Nathan tilted his head and smirked at her. He walked over to the table pulling out a black sharpie. He removed the cap from the marker.

"What are you doing?" Haley tried her best to peek over his shoulder, but her height didn't help.

He moved the marker against the tabletop shifting his body as he felt his girlfriend stalking closer.

"Can I get some space here?" He nudged her back gently with his left side.

"I've never heard you complain before," she purred. Her fingertips lightly danced over his shoulder.

He smirked. He would never tire of her. How could he? She was adorable. He felt her step back and he returned his focus to the table and began writing. His smile grew wider as he completed his task. He stood up straight admiring his handiwork for a second.

Haley put her hands on his biceps and again tried to look over his shoulder at the table causing him to laugh loudly. He turned around and placed his hands on her face. He licked his lips before kissing her tenderly. He felt her puddle against him when he deepened the kiss.

She moaned softly placing her hand on his muscular chest. The last few days had been magical. She knew it wasn't the most opportune time for them to get away, but she loved the alone time. They broke apart needing air.

"Wow," she said breathlessly.

Nathan moved out of her way so she could finally see what he wrote.

"Huh?" she said confused. Her fingers ran over the words that resided under their initials. "Always and forever," she muttered.

Her fingers continued tracing the letters still not understanding. She turned around and gasped seeing Nathan on one knee.

"Nath-Nathan," she stuttered with tears stinging the corners of her eyes.

He nervously chuckled watching her bend her knees as if she were going to kneel in front of him, and she almost did. Instead she stopped seeing a platinum band with a solitaire, princess cut diamond in between Nathan's thumb and forefinger. He took her left hand in his right hand.

"Wha-what are you doing?" She trembled as she tried to hold back her tears of joy.

"I … uh … I love you and no matter what happens next. The one thing I am sure of is that I want to spend the rest of my life with you. I want to share my life with you."

A tear escaped her eye.

"Oh Nathan," she whispered not trusting her voice.

"Until you I honestly didn't realize I truly wasn't living. You made me realize basketball is secondary to everything else. You're my always and forever. At least I want you to be my always and forever. Will you, Haley James, marry me?"