Twenty Eight

Nathan slowed his motorcycle down as he entered the parking lot of an old bar a few towns over. He glanced around the parking lot and noticed only three old beat up trucks and one nice BMW. He parked closer to the old beat up building. The small sign Bucks Bar & Grill was right above the door.

Talking off his helmet he glanced around once again making sure that no one was watching him. It was a nervous habit of his. It had always been this way since he was younger. Living the life that he did, you couldn't help but always be worried that someone was following you. When he had first moved to Seattle he had been so paranoid. He had relaxed for a while but now that Haley had started looking into his family he had been freaking out lately. He didn't know what she'd fine or who she'd tell.

His guard was up, like always. He'd never let his guard down here. It just wasn't going to happen. He was smarter than that.

The sun was beating down on him hard. Reaching his hand up, he swiped the sweat off of his face before placing his helmet on the seat of his bike. He then pushed his hand under his leather jacket and felt his gun. He always felt better when he had his gun with him. He rarely left his apartment without it. It just wasn't safe. He wanted to be prepared for anything. He needed to be.

Nathan strolled into the bar and his eyes quickly adjusted to the dimly lit bar. A cloud of smoke hung in the air and he noticed a table with three guys laughing loudly. He ignored the three hairy men with trucker hats as he made his way towards the one pool table the bar held. Whiny music played softly in the background.

"You've been waiting long?"

Clay took a swig of his beer before smiling. "Nah, not that long. Christy has been keeping me company." Clay pointed to the brunette behind the bar.

Nathan took his time checking the girl out. She was good looking and he wondered what she was doing stuck working in this stupid old bar in the middle of the day. He hadn't seen her here before. Then again it's not like he was here everyday.

This was the place that he and Clay usually met up at. It was a lot safer here than in the city. It was just better to keep out of sight.

"Well, that was nice of her," Nathan grinned as he openly let his eyes roam her nice fit body. Christy smiled before leaning over the bar. Nathan couldn't help but notice that her breasts were practically spilling out over her low cut V neck shirt. He could only chuckle as Clay's grin widened at the sight of them. It took a few minutes for Clay to look away.

"Your hairs short again!"

"Yep." Nathan muttered as he ran his fingers through his hair. "I like it."

"Pretty," Clay retorted.

Nathan smirked. "Nice Bemmer outside."

"It is," Clay agreed.

"Uh, where did you get it?"

"I…borrowed it," Clay grinned wickedly.

"Right," Nathan muttered before shaking his head.

"I'm gonna return it," Clay stated seconds later. "It's for an old buddy of mine. He's out of town. He won't mind."

Nathan continued to shake his head as Clay grinned.

"Can I get you anything?"

"A beer would be nice."

Nathan walked closer and reached for the beer that she held out for him. He heard Clay chuckling and he rolled his eyes before walking back towards the pool table. He set his beer down and then took off his leather jacket.

"Shall we play?" Clay muttered.

Without answering, Nathan picked out a pool stick as Clay started getting the balls set on the table. Nathan's eyes shot to the door a few times as he waited.

"Relax," Clay instructed.

Nathan rolled his eyes. "Whatever. Easy for you to say."

"I feel like you're hiding our relationship," Clay teased.

"Shut up, dude."

"Just relax, Nathan. We're over an hour away from Seattle. Nobody knows we're here. I don't remember you being this paranoid."

"Just start the game."

"Fine."

Nathan stood back and watched as Clay started playing the game. He couldn't help but feel nervous whenever he met up with Clay. He didn't see that changing anytime soon.

"How was your flight?"

"Good," Clay grinned. "I was sitting next to this girl."

"Ah." He didn't need to hear anymore.

Clay smirked happily before shrugging. "She was hot. We talked. She's –"

"You talked? Am I supposed to believe that? This is you we're talking about here. I'm not stupid, Clay. I know you. Do I need to bring up the first day we met?"

Clay chuckled loudly. "So I was late, big deal."

"You were in the restroom with that blonde. Everyone saw the two of you come out together! I was…impressed."

"Damn straight! If a girl pulls up into a restroom you go with it."

"I can't argue with that," Nathan chuckled softly. A flash of Haley pulling him into the ladies room at the art gallery entered his mind. The memory was still so vivid. He still couldn't believe that happened. That was just so unlike Haley. Never in a million years would he have thought that would've happened like that. It had all been such a surprise. He still couldn't get over it.

"That's all I'm saying."

"So, how are things since we last talked?"

"Oh, you know the same. Stressful. It doesn't help matters that I took the time out of my busy schedule to come and see you. Your dad wasn't too happy about that."

Nathan rolled his eyes.

"Unlike you I don't keep our relationship a secret," Clay teased with an amused grin.

Nathan chuckled. "You really want me to tell people about our relationship? Because I gotta say, man, that would raise a lot of questions at work."

"I'll bet," Clay grinned.

"Yeah," Nathan muttered. "Dude, you're totally acting gay."

Nathan could think of one person in particular that would freak if she knew. He hoped that she'd never find out and if she did he hoped that he was long gone by the time she did. He took a long swig of his beer at that thought.

"You wish!"

"No, you wish! I'm way out of your league, Evans."

Clay rolled his eyes. "So how's the whole thing going with your partner?"

Nathan started choking as a little beer flew out of his mouth. It took him a second to recover.

"What thing?" There was just no way that Clay knew about him and Haley sleeping together. He couldn't tell Clay or anyone else. He didn't want anyone to know.

"You ok?" Clay chuckled.

"Fine. What thing?"

"You know, her looking into your family." Clay sent him a duh look.

"Oh," Nathan sighed in relief and hoped that Clay hadn't noticed. "I'm pretty sure she stopped."

"What makes you so sure?"

"Trust me, man. I took care of it."

"You sure?"

"Um, yeah. She's been pretty busy lately. She's helping plan her brother's wedding," Nathan muttered lamely. It was the truth. Haley was helping her mother and Peyton plan the wedding.

"Well that's good to know. Is that the boy who was adopted?"

Nathan nodded. "Yep."

"That sucks about his parents."

"Yeah, it does."

"And I'm glad that Agent James isn't digging around anymore."

"Yeah, big relief." Nathan glanced away from Clay hoping that he couldn't read his mind. The truth was that he didn't know if Haley had actually stopped looking into his family. Haley usually didn't let things go that easily. He and Brooke couldn't always be with her.

What was she doing then?

Nathan didn't really know. A part of him knew that she was still probably looking into the case. He just didn't know what to do about it. He also didn't know why he felt the need to lie to Clay about it. Clay really wouldn't care. But Nathan was worried that Clay would slip up and tell someone else. He just couldn't have that.

"I was looking at some pictures the other day of her," Clay murmured. "So sexy."

"What?"

Nathan felt his body tense at Clay's words. If Clay was looking at pictures of Haley then that meant that he was looking into Haley. "I told you I had her under control."

"Still, I was just doing my homework. We've all got someone to answer to, Nathan. I'm just doing my job."

"She has nothing to do with your job," Nathan spit out.

"For now."

"Never," Nathan fired back. "Don't forget who you're dealing with. She has nothing to do with this. Back off!"

Nathan didn't know what was wrong with him to blow up at Clay like he did. He didn't even know where that came from. His heart was slamming against his chest and his breathing was rapid. He fought the urge to hit Clay for making him so angry over nothing.

Out of the corner of his eye he noticed the old hairy guys with trucker hats turn to look at them. Clay noticed as well and he took a few steps closer to Nathan as he lowered his voice.

"You say that now but if she keeps digging, what do you think will happen? She'll have Tree Hill swarmed with cops and then guess what'll happen next?"

Nathan shook his head. "It won't come to that. Trust me."

"I really hope that it won't," Clay muttered. "And I win. You actually used to be good at this game. What happened?"

"Screw you. I wasn't even paying attention."

Nathan glanced down at the pool table and noticed that Clay had just beaten him. He hadn't even been paying attention to the game. He couldn't believe that Clay would look into Haley without even talking to him about it. It was unsettling. He knew how to do his job. He knew what was at stake here. He wasn't stupid.

"Well, look who's here?" Clay chuckled.

Nathan's eyes flew to the door and noticed Brooke walk inside before looking around. Her eyes landed on the two of them before she smiled and started walking towards them. Nathan shook his head and clenched his fists. What was she doing here?

And why was that dress she was wearing so short? All he wanted to do was yell at her and tell her to go change into something else but he held it in. He had to keep reminding himself that Brooke was a grown woman and not his baby sister anymore. He just couldn't help how he felt seeing her that way. He was sure that he always would.

"Brooklyn," Clay grinned. "You're still stunning."

"Watch your fucking eyes, Evans!" Nathan rolled his eyes when Clay flipped him off. There was no way that he was listening to this shit.

"Clayton Evans," Brooke beamed as she placed her hands on her hips before tilting her head to the side to get a good look at him. "Nathan told me you were visiting and I just had to see for myself. Look at you."

Brooke took in the sight of him. Like always he was in a suit and he was sexier than ever. She hugged him with a smile and ignored the glare her brother was sending the two of them. Nathan was an overbearing, insanely protective pain in the ass.

"Don't you have a boyfriend?" Nathan gritted out as they let go of each other.

Brooke rolled her eyes. "I do."

"The Boy Scout, right?" Clay chuckled. "Your dad might have mentioned it."

"Figures," Nathan muttered. "You're such a daddy's girl." Of course Brooke would tell their dad that she was dating Lucas. And of course their dad would be ok with it because Brooke probably sweet talked him until she got her way. She had always been that way. She just had to get her way.

"Yep," Brooke agreed. She wasn't ashamed.

"He always did give you whatever you wanted."

"That's because he loves me," Brooke declared. "He had no problem with me dating Luke."

"He's the one partnered with the James boy?"

"That's him."

"You always did like the pretty boy types," Clay murmured.

Brooke rolled her eyes. "You're just mad that my dad and my brother wouldn't let me date you."

"True," Clay grinned.

"Enough with this shit," Nathan ground out. "I won't stand here while you two flirt again."

"Why don't you leave that goody goody and be with a bad boy like me?" Clay teased with a bright smile.

"I would except that I come from a family with nothing but bad boys, so I know what you're all about. It's a shame. We would've been good together." Brooke reached out and touched his arm.

"Real good," Clay agreed.

"We'd look real good together, too."

"Damn straight! How about a kiss?" They started to lean into each other.

"Ok, now you're just trying to piss me off," Nathan stated with a glare. He was a second away from beating Clay's ass.

They both moved away from each other laughing.

"You make it so easy," Clay chuckled. "I wouldn't disrespect your dad like that."

"Scared?" Nathan retorted.

Clay grinned. "Shaking in my boots."

"I'd beat your scrawny ass."

"You could try."

"I'd end you, Evans."

"Stop the both of you," Brooke ordered. "We were just messing around."

Clay took a swig of his beer. "So how was Barcelona?"

"Simply amazing," Brooke beamed.

Nathan blocked the two of them out as Brooke started talking once again. He didn't need to hear that shit once again. If you asked him she should still be there. He loved her being here but it was too dangerous. All her being here did was stress him out.

Nathan placed his pool stick down before finishing off his beer. It took a while for Brooke to finish talking about herself.

"Well tell me all about what's been up with you, Clay Evans, bad boy extraordinaire!"

Nathan leaned against the wall as he listened to Clay describe what was going on in his life. He found himself actually happy for his friend. Clay seemed really happy. Once Brooke started talking about Lucas he tuned them out. He definitely didn't need to hear that shit. He had enough on his mind to deal with. Haley would be leaving for Austin in two days and she'd be gone for two whole weeks.

Nathan didn't know what he'd do with himself with her gone. He'd probably finally be able to relax and not worry while she was gone. It might be actually kind of nice to not have her here. His life could go back to the way it was before she came into it. Once she was gone and out of Seattle he wouldn't have to think about her at all. He liked that thought very much. He didn't want to think about her.

He wasn't going to think about her.

Nathan realized that he needed a break from her. Since he had found out that she was looking into his family his world had been turned upside down and all he could think about was her. He needed her out of his head. He needed things to be normal again. All he wanted to do was go back to a time when all he wanted to do was get her all riled up, unlike now when all he could think about was being with her again. He was sure that once his job was done here he wouldn't feel that way anymore. He was sure of it.


Haley made sure that her apartment was clean and everything was off before she headed for the front door. Lifting her suitcase off the ground, she made her way out of her apartment and towards the elevator.

The ride wasn't that long and before she knew it she was home.

Her family estate was in view and she smiled. She reached the front gate before punching in the code. She watched as the gate slowly opened and she drove slowly inside. She made her way up the circular driveway before parking her car behind her mother's. Then she grabbed her suitcase and headed inside.

She dropped her suitcase by the door before heading towards the living room. The house was surprisingly quiet. She knew that it was early in the morning but her parents usually were early birds. They weren't anywhere in sight and she figured that they slept late because their flight wasn't until later that day.

The huge Christmas tree had her smiling. Even though they weren't even gonna be here for Christmas her mother still insisted that they put it up. It was filled with silver and red decorations. At the top of the tree was a huge silver angel. Under the tree were red and silver boxes. She smiled at the sight of the presents.

Her parents still bought them presents like they were still five years old.

After taking in the sight of the beautiful tree and the rest of the Christmas decorations around the house she slowly went up to her room. She fell on her bed instantly and yawned. She had woken up extra early this morning to clean her apartment and finish packing.

She didn't know why.

Lucas would probably have the whole apartment destroyed by the time she got home. That was her last thought before she drifted off to sleep.

Haley's eyes fluttered open and she glanced at the clock next to her. It was late in the afternoon and she yawned once again as she sat up. She hadn't meant to sleep for that long. She dragged herself out of bed before straightening her blouse. Glancing at the mirror above her dresser, she quickly fixed her hair before making her way downstairs.

She heard laughing in the kitchen and headed the way. Halfway there the smell of Mac and Cheese hit her and she started walking faster. She found Peyton and Julian sitting on stools by the island and her mother across from them by the stove.

"When did you start sleeping late?" Julian teased.

"Leave you sister alone," Lydia scolded with a small smile.

Haley laughed before pushing her hair behind her ears. "I drove here this morning and fell asleep. I hadn't realized how tired I was."

"Late night?" Peyton wondered.

"Not really," Haley muttered. She remembered spending the night hanging out with Lucas and exchanging gifts with him since she wouldn't be seeing him until the New Years Eve ball her mother always had for Charity. She was going to miss him but she couldn't wait to get to Austin.

Haley glanced at Julian and noticed him shoving food into his mouth. She glanced at his plate and noticed it was filled with eggs, bacon, toast, pancakes, and grits. She started laughing softly to herself when she noticed the look on Peyton's face as she watched him eat.

"Please tell me that you didn't make Mom cook you breakfast this late."

"It's no big deal," Lydia smiled at him.

Julian stuck out his tongue. "She asked what I wanted."

"You're such a Momma's boy," Peyton declared.

"You got that right," Haley giggled as she took a seat.

"I swear anytime that boy is hungry for something he always comes running home for his mommy to fix it."

"Well, I'm glad," Lydia smiled. "Anything for my boy."

"Thanks, Mom," Julian grinned happily before glancing at the girls.

"Where's dad?"

"In his office," Lydia muttered seconds later.

Her mother didn't seem too happy about that but she didn't say anything else.

"Speaking of spoiled," Julian muttered as Lydia placed a bowl of Mac and Cheese in front of each girl.

"You're the best," Haley stated happily before she started eating her favorite food. Her mother was too good for them. Her mom always seemed to know exactly what she wanted. She really was the best mother.

"This is really good."

Haley finished in record time before pushing her bowl away.

"Is Tay here yet?"

"She had some last minute photo shoot to do so she's just gonna meet us there in a few days."

Haley shook her head before glancing at Julian. They both were thinking the same thing. Sure it was fine if Taylor was a few days late but if it had been either of them busy with work then it would've been out of the question. Taylor always got away with everything.

"Did you guys say goodbye to your friends?"

"Yep."

"Yeah," Haley muttered. Well she had said goodbye to Lucas and Brooke last night when they all exchanged gifts. And she told most of the guys goodbye yesterday morning at work. She hadn't seen Nathan though. Not since the other night when they went to dinner with Brooke and Lucas. It's not like she need to say goodbye to him.

It wasn't even a big deal.

She'd see him again and she was sure he'd still be the pain in the ass partner he'd always been. No, she decided. They didn't need to see each other before she left. She needed time to think about things. She was still confused.

Haley's mind had been so clouded lately. She needed to take a step back and think.

Haley left the kitchen as they started talking about the wedding. She needed a break from wedding planning. It had been all they had been talking about lately. She made her way up the spiral staircase and towards her father's office.

Haley knocked on the door softly before pushing it open.

Her father looked up smiling before taking off his reading glasses.

"Hey, baby girl."

"Dad," Haley smiled as she took a seat across from his desk. "What're you working on?"

"Just looking over a few files before we leave."

Haley nodded. "I don't think Mom's happy about you working today."

"I know," Jimmy sighed. "But I've got to get this done before we leave."

"Yeah, I know."

"I'm almost done."

Jimmy went back to work and she took a deep breath.

"I actually wanted to talk to you about something."

Jimmy looked up. "What is it, sweetheart?"

Haley had been wanting to talk to him about Nathan's file for a while. She didn't understand why even he couldn't look at it. It didn't make any sense and it had been driving her insane. She didn't know what to do or what to think.

"Uh…why are some files classified?"

"You know why."

"No, I mean, an agent's file."

"Who are you talking about?"

"No one," Haley rushed out. "I'm just wondering. Say that you wanted to look at someone's file. You should be able to do that because you're the boss at the office. You're in charge of us."

"Well yeah."

"But what if that person's file was classified so that even you couldn't even look at it?"

"Well…" he scratched the side of his head. "I never had that happen before but if it did, I don't know. I'd say that someone didn't want anyone to find out what's in that person's file. It could be anything. Is there something you're not telling me?"

"No," Haley muttered seconds later. She was hoping that he'd have a better answer than that. "I just don't understand why a person's file would be classified."

"It really could be anything."

"Yeah."

It could, she thought. But she didn't know what it was.

"Well I need to finish this up before your mother blows a gasket."

Haley laughed before leaving his office. She found everyone in the living room. Peyton and Julian were fighting on the sofa. Julian was tickling Peyton and Peyton was trying to push him away. Their mother seemed to be on the phone with someone. She took a seat and laughed at her brother and Peyton.

"Stop it!"

"Never."

"Hales, make him stop," Peyton laughed.

"Not until you take it back," Julian declared.

Haley glanced at them curiously. "What's this all about?"

"She said that Hugh Jackman was the sexiest man alive."

"He is," Haley agreed.

"Ha!"

"Maybe second sexiest," Julian stated smugly. "Behind me!"

"Puh-lease."

"Whatever, you're my sister. But my future wife has to agree with me."

"N-Never."

"Oh, honey, just agree with him," Lydia said as she pulled the phone away from her ear.

"Listen to her."

"You wish."

"I'm never gonna stop," Julian declared.

"Ha-ley," Peyton whined. "Help!"

Haley stayed seated. She wasn't getting in the middle of it. She wasn't. Last time she accidentally got elbowed in the face and had a bruise for weeks. That so wasn't happening again. It wasn't any of her business.

"What are Keith and Karen doing this year for Christmas?"

"I think going to Keith's parents place."

"That's nice."

"Yeah."

"What about Nate and Brooke?"

Haley held in her breath for second. "Not really sure."

"Oh, well I hope that they won't be alone."

"Yeah," Haley muttered absentmindedly. It's not like she knew. Brooke and Nathan really never talked about their family. She didn't even know if they had a family. Brooke had told her that their mother had died in a car crash. That's about all she knew.

"Julian!" Peyton laughed loudly.

Haley heard a loud noise and noticed that the two of them had fell off of the sofa. She started laughing along with her mother as she watched them. They were so cute and in love even after all these years together.

Haley felt a longing in her chest as she watched them. She didn't know where it came from but it was there. She couldn't help but want what they had. Even when she had been with Reese things hadn't been like that between them. They hardly ever laughed or played around like Julian and Peyton did. It was never really right with Reese no matter how much she thought she loved him.

Maybe she hadn't loved him at all. She didn't really know. Reese was the only guy she had ever felt that way about. But what if it hadn't been real? She hadn't cared about Reese as strongly as Peyton had care about Julian. Maybe it wasn't love. Maybe she just had been caught up in the moment and just wanted to be with someone.

Haley just didn't know what to make of her time with Reese now.

She was glad she was over him. She'd never let something like that happen again to her. Next time she'd be guarded and ready. She wasn't going to let another man break her. She wouldn't give them the power. She'd be smart next time around. She'd be ready.

As she thought about her time with Reese she found herself walking in the backyard with her jacket on. When she put her hands inside she felt the small box and the folded up envelope inside. She didn't know why she even brought it with her in the first place. She should have just left it home.

Haley knew that they were leaving soon but she needed some fresh air. She walked down the trail that led through the beautiful colorful garden. She reached the huge white gazebo minutes later. She glanced up at the sky. It was a really beautiful day.

A part of her felt like following the trail that she and Julian made when they were younger that led to the back of the estate. It led to the huge tree house that they built with Lucas when they were younger.

They had some fun times back then.

A part of her missed being that young and innocent. Things were so different back then. They didn't have a care in the world. All that seemed to matter was that they got to run around and have fun. Those were the days.

Haley smiled at her childhood memories. It was minutes later when she heard footsteps coming towards her. She jumped before glancing over her shoulder. The sight of Nathan walking towards her had her hands shaking. He was dressed in his usual faded jeans, grey t-shirt, and black leather jacket.

"What are you uh, doing here?" Haley asked confused.

Nathan reached the inside of the gazebo and stuffed his hands in his pockets. "Uh, Luke and Brooke wanted to see everyone again before you left. They're inside. I tagged along. I didn't really have anything better to do."

"Oh."

"And I wanted to say goodbye to you too before you left," Nathan added.

Oh, she thought. Oh. She hadn't been expecting this. She felt her palms sweating. She wasn't supposed to see him until she got back home. She hadn't been ready for this.

"I haven't seen you in a few days," Nathan pointed out.

"I've been busy," Haley muttered hoarsely.

"I figured," Nathan smiled halfheartedly. "You're not avoiding me, are you?"

Haley could feel heat on her neck and she prayed that it wouldn't move to her cheeks. It was suddenly very, very hot.

"Um, no," Haley breathed. "I mean, why would I be?"

"You tell me?"

"I haven't," Haley lied. "I've just been…busy."

"Anyway," Nathan muttered unconvinced. "I actually wanted to give you your Christmas present before you left."

"You got me something?"

Nathan never bought her anything before. What was happening? She felt her heart beating rapidly in her chest.

"Yeah," Nathan shrugged. "It's no big deal. It's just…I saw this and thought of you so I figured…" he pulled out the small blue Tiffany box with the white ribbon around it. He held it out on his palm. She glanced at the box for a few minutes before looking at him once again.

"You didn't have to get me anything," Haley said quietly.

"It's really not a big deal," Nathan muttered before holding his hand out closer to her.

Haley took the box hesitantly before reaching in her pocket and pulling out the small box and the folded up envelope. She shoved both of them into his hand before taking a step back and sitting on the white bench. She took a few breaths before glancing up at him.

"Well open it," Haley muttered.

Haley watched as he smiled crookedly at her before opening the envelope first. Then his eyes got huge as he pulled out the ticket before he glanced at her.

"Seahawks tickets," Nathan grinned as he glanced at it.

"I uh, I got Julian and Luke one too so that you could all go together."

"Thanks!"

"Open the other one," Haley muttered hoarsely. She tired to ignore the huge smile on his face as he continued gazing at the ticket. It really wasn't a big deal, he had said so himself. It wasn't a big deal. Was it?

"Ok." Haley watched as he stuffed the ticket into his pocket before opening the small box with white wrapping paper. He pulled off the wrapping paper before lifting the lid. Seconds later he lifted the silver chain with a cross hanging from it.

After she and Brooke went shopping she had decided to go back and get it. It really wasn't a big deal. She just felt like she should get him something. She didn't know why she felt that way. It was stupid.

"Wow," Nathan muttered. "Thanks, Haley. This is great."

"You don't have to wear it or anything. I just –"

"No, I want to. This is really great."

Haley sat there numbly as he placed the chain around his neck. Once he was done he stuffed the box into his pocket before smiling at her. She glanced away before looking at the small Tiffany box in her hands. She didn't want to open it in front of him. It was stupid, she knew.

"Haley!"

Haley stood up quickly and glanced towards the house. Julian had his head sticking out and looking at them. She felt her cheeks flame up and she quickly wrapped her hand around the small box even though they were too far for him to see it.

"Yeah?" Haley shouted back nervously.

"We've leaving! The car is here."

"Ok, give me a minute," Haley shouted. Julian closed the door seconds later and she turned nervously towards Nathan.

"So…?"

"I've gotta go," Haley breathed as she pointed towards the house.

Nathan chuckled. "C'mon, Haley. Open it. They can wait a few minutes."

Haley nodded nervously as he walked a little closer to her. This was just so stupid. They hated each other. This shouldn't be happening. And why the hell did she suddenly feel so nervous? It didn't make any sense. She really needed to get away. Her mind was so clouded. She couldn't even think straight.

Haley opened it slowly. Once the lid was off she noticed sterling silver charm bracelet. One single heart was hanging on it with the word Beauty scribbled across. She let out the breath that she hadn't realized she was holding in. It was beautiful. Perfect.

"You like it?"

Haley nodded numbly. She didn't know what to do, say. This was too much. It must have cost him a lot of money. Maybe he bought it with the money in the briefcase, a voice in her head taunted. She blocked that voice out quickly. She didn't want to think about it.

"Let me put it on you," Nathan muttered as he pulled it out. He took hold of her wrist a second later. She stood there frozen as he placed the charm bracelet on her. Once it was secure around her wrist his fingers trailed to her open palm and he rubbed his fingers soothingly over it.

Haley didn't know what was happening.

"You really like it?"

"I love it," Haley muttered hoarsely.

"Really?" Haley gazed up at him and noticed the huge grin on his face. It was like he was genuinely happy that she liked it. She was sure she was reading his expression wrong. This just wasn't him. Not at all.

"Haley!"

Haley jumped away from him so quickly at the sound of Julian's voice. It was as if he burned her. She glanced over her shoulder praying that Julian hadn't seen them this close together.

"Let's go now! The car is waiting and Mom won't shut up!"

"I'm coming," Haley shouted back. Once Julian was gone she turned once again hesitantly towards Nathan.

As she turned she felt his hand on her arm as he pulled her closer before pressing his lips softly to hers. As he kissed her she felt her mind cloud up even more until just about everything was gone. She felt warmth surround her. It started off slowly before sweeping through her like a tidal wave. She didn't know what to make of what she was feeling. Maybe she was getting sick?

Haley felt the heat rise in her.

It pulled her in forcefully as he kissed her deeper. Then before she knew it they were kissing franticly, both breathing hard, and holding each other. She didn't even think about what would happen if someone came out and noticed them. She was too caught up in the moment to think of anything else. When she felt his hand touch the bare skin of her stomach she shivered. His hand slid fully under her blouse before rubbing soft circles into her skin.

"I was waiting for you to call last night," Nathan murmured against her lips.

Haley's eyes fluttered open for a second before they snapped shut. Her knees felt weak and she was thankful that Nathan was holding onto her. When he pushed their bodies together a second later she couldn't help but moan.

"I really wish you had called," Nathan added huskily a second later. He ended the kiss hesitantly and she knew that he didn't want to stop. She didn't want to stop either. She wanted him to push her up against the pillar on the side of them and she wanted him to take her. She felt her cheeks flame up more. His hands fell from her waist and she let hers fall off his shoulders. Before her eyes could flutter open she felt him kiss her softly twice. They were both breathing hard as he pulled fully away.

"I guess I'll see you when you get back."

Haley couldn't find her voice.

"I bought a ticket to that charity ball from your mother. I'm sure I'll see you there. Have fun on your trip."

Before she could respond he was walking away from her and she stood there watching him go. She felt the weight of the charm bracelet on her wrist and glanced at it. At the sight of it she could feel her heart leaping out of her chest and that warm gooey feeling return. When she glanced back up he was gone and she didn't know why suddenly there was a part of her that was sad about that.

She didn't get to think about it for long though. The sight of Julian with his arms up in the air had her walking towards him quickly. Her mother was going to be pissed for making them wait for so long.