We're still on for tonight, right?
Haley read the text message from her boyfriend and instantly smiled. She and Nathan had been officially dating for over a month— both recently admitting how it's the happiest they've felt in a long time. Even from the first day they'd met, she was amazed by how natural it was to talk to him; their first few dates —and evolving relationship- were no different. He was kind and romantic, funny and charming, understanding and thoughtful. Last week, a bouquet of white lilies were waiting for her in her classroom, next to a handwritten note that said "I'm so glad we met. Thinking of you always. -Nathan." The gesture had her smiling the entire day, even after a heated argument with a student's parent.
Whether they'd go to dinner, or cuddle up and watch a movie together, time with Nathan was always special. Even more importantly, he'd been incredible with Emma— something Haley secretly worried about when she'd previously thought of dating. With Nathan, that clearly would never be an issue. Already, he'd proven his trust and affection for her daughter— and vice versa. Emma thought the world of him; the two quickly developed an easy and natural friendship. When Haley had parent-teacher conferences late into the evening earlier in the week, Nathan had come over to watch Emma. The two of them cooked dinner and had it waiting for her when she arrived home. It was the moment Haley knew Nathan would be in her life for a long time.
Pulled from her thoughts, she texted a quick reply to him. "Yes! Can't wait."
In under a minute, her phone vibrated again and she read his response.
"Really looking forward to it." He added a kiss-face emoji. Her pulse rivaled the speed of a hummingbird's wings. As eager as she was, there was no denying the fraying of her nerves in anticipation of the evening. When Nathan invited Haley to his beach house with the allure of dinner and wine, it was implied she'd be spending the night— a first in their relationship. Of course, he'd never pressure her and would be more than understanding if she decided to go home after dessert, but Haley wanted to take the next step with him— wanted it every time they kissed. She just needed to mentally prepare herself before the night…
With her phone still in her hand, and before she could talk herself out of it, Haley dialed her best friend's number.
"Hey, tutor-girl. What's up?"
"Hey," Haley cleared her throat and stared out of her kitchen window, gnawing at the edge of her lip. Emma was practicing bouncing the basketball Nathan had given her. The ball was too big for her hands. "Do you think you can watch Emma for the night? My babysitter is sick."
"Of course," Brooke Davis rasped. "What time?"
"Uh, like 6? And I can pick her up tomorrow morning around 9?" Haley winced. She knew she sounded like a nervous, gawky teenager asking her parents to go to a party.
"Tomorrow morning, huh?" The teasing lilt in Brooke's voice caused Haley's skin to flush. She knew her friend wouldn't miss the opportunity to take this information and run with it. "I take it things with beach-boy are going well, then."
Even embarrassed, Haley couldn't suppress the smitten grin. Fortunately for her, Brooke couldn't see it. "You could say that."
"That's exciting! I'm happy for you, Hales."
"Thank you."
"How are you feeling? You sound nervous."
Haley groaned. There was no hiding anything from Brooke Davis.
"Honestly, Brooke? I'm kind of freakin' out. This is going to be our first night together— the first time I'm sleeping with someone since…" Haley's words trailed. Brooke already knew this. She felt ridiculous for feeling so anxious. Obviously she'd had sex before. She wasn't even this nervous for her actual first time. But, it'd been a long time since she'd been with someone and her friends often teased she may as well have been a virgin again. "Ugh," she sighed, "I don't know what to do."
Brooke's raspy chuckles filled her ear, "Do we need to have the sex talk, Haley James?"
She rolled her eyes but was thankful for the playful banter. It helped to ease the edge.
"I feel ridiculous!"
"Look, it's totally normal. Like you said, this is your first time in a long time. It's natural to have some anxiety, especially since everything is still so new with him."
"It's just, I really like him, Brooke. Like, a lot. I don't want to mess this up."
"You won't, Hales. From what you've told me, he seems to really like you too."
Haley's teeth sank lower onto the edge of her lip, "what if it changes things? I don't know if I'm ready for him to see me in the morning when my hair is a mess in the morning, or if I'll have the time to fix my makeup. . . and, oh my God, I don't have anything sexy to wear to bed."
"Breathe," Brooke encouraged. "One worry at a time. You don't have to sleep with him if you're not ready yet."
"I know, but I really, really, really," she put a strong emphasis on the last 'really', "want to. Seriously Brooke, every time he kisses me, I'm ready to rip his clothes off. I don't think I've ever felt this way before."
"Does he know you're spending the night, or are you going to just spring it on him?"
Haley's lips tilted into a grin. "I think he knows. He was so nervous and cute when he asked if he could cook me breakfast too. He was fumbling on the words. Usually he's so cool and confident but was like, 'you know, if you want, I can make you pancakes in the morning, but only if you want to stay over. You don't have to,' and obviously I was like, 'hell yes I want to stay over'."
Brooke laughed, "you horny bitch!"
"Brooke!" Haley admonished with her own loud laugh.
"Well, it sounds like he's just as nervous as you then. I promise, you have nothing to worry about. I for one can't wait to hear about it. I bet he's huge and you're gonna have the hottest, most explosive sex ever."
Haley flushed bright red and glanced at Emma again, thankful she was outside and not within earshot of the conversation. "I'm about to hang up on you."
"Oh come on! You know I'm right. That boy is damn fine and I'm willing to bet you've already got an idea of just how big he is."
She laughed, "I'm not telling you a word."
"Come on," Brooke whined. "I'm your best friend!"
"That is private and personal information!"
"Just tell me if you've felt it."
"Fine. Yes. Almost every time we kiss," now that Haley started, she was unable to stop. "I was sitting on his lap the other night, things got heated, and let's just say, I have no idea why I didn't just do him right there on the couch."
Brooke squealed with delight. Haley nearly went deaf from the sound.
"Oh my God!"
"Happy now?"
"I'll be even happier when you tell me all the dirty details tomorrow morning."
Haley laughed, "I'll see you later Brooke. Thanks for watching Emma."
"Anything for you my friend- especially if it means you're finally getting laid."
"Goodbye!" She laughed again and clicked the phone call off. She knew Brooke would have the ability to help her feel confident again. Now, Haley was counting the seconds until she could see Nathan.
. . .
Emma was over the moon with excitement when Haley told her she was having a sleepover with Aunt Brooke, which helped ease any further worry she had about leaving her daughter for the night. It was rare the mother-daughter duo were ever apart, especially for an entire night, but Brooke and Emma loved their special girl time together. Haley was sure she'd later receive a bunch of photos from a fashion show and make-over.
"I have something for you," Brooke whispered, handing Haley a small, silver bag before she left. "I think it'll help ease your worries."
Haley laughed and nearly opened the bag, her curiosity piqued.
"Wait 'til you're in the car," Brooke warned, reaching out to stop Haley.
"What is it?"
"Wear it tonight. Trust me."
"Ok," she grinned, "thanks."
"You have nothing to worry about," Brooke winked. "And remember, I want all the details."
Haley rolled her eyes, "whatever you say, Davis."
She held out her left hand where her large engagement ring shone, "don't forget, pretty soon it'll be Baker."
Haley smiled, "Is Julian still in Utah?"
"Yup," the fashion designer drawled sadly, "which is why I'm glad you're getting some tonight because it's been over a month for me and I'm having major withdrawals."
"When is he coming home?"
"Two more weeks, but I may surprise him sooner. I can't go another day without—,"
"Little ears in the room," Haley warned, even though Emma was busy digging through a pile of Brooke's clothes.
"Yeah, yeah, I know. Now go and have fun. Don't do anything I wouldn't do…"
"That's a short list," Haley teased.
"Exactly," Haley had just enough time to call out to Emma before Brooke shut the door behind her. When she got to her car, she opened the bag and, for the third time that day, turned the brightest shade of red. Inside was a silky white negligee with a lot of lace. It looked small and tight, with built in cups for her breasts— the rest was fairly see-through and probably left little to the imagination. At least Haley now had something sexy to wear to sleep… she'd have to find time to fix her hair and brush her teeth before he woke up, but she'd worry about that later. Right now, she needed to get to Nathan's beach house. There was no more time to waste.
. . .
"More wine?" Nathan asked, leaning over to fill Haley's now empty glass.
"Yes. Please."
The wine helped take the edge away, but the anxiety was getting noisier the more the night wore on. Nathan had been, of course, nothing short of amazing. Still, the fear that she wouldn't be enough for him lingered in the back of her mind. He was so sexy and confident in everything he did. Even now, as he tipped the merlot into her glass, he looked absolutely delicious. Dressed in a tight fitting t-shirt and cardigan, with his raven black hair mussed in a purposeful way, had Haley turned on more than she ever thought possible. His sleeves were rolled just enough so she could see the veins bulging in his forearms. The long, slender fingers wrapped around the bottle had Haley shifting in her seat. Suddenly, she couldn't stop thinking of sex. She was seconds away from lunging over the table and ripping his pants off, but that wouldn't be very flattering for their first time.
When the rest of the wine was poured, she immediately grabbed hold of the glass and gulped a long, hard sip. She had to calm down. Nathan watched with a playful grin. "Rough day?"
"What? Oh, no, I uh, this wine is just really good."
Nathan nodded and looked down at the bottle, "yeah, it is. I knew you liked Merlot, I just didn't know which brand so grabbed the first one I could find. Glad you like it."
His words made her heart flutter faster, "you're sweet. Thank you."
"I only had one glass. I could drive you home later if you need."
Haley cocked an eyebrow and feigned confidence, "getting rid of me already, Scott?"
"No, I just, I mean…" he cleared his throat, "I don't know if you have to be home by a certain time to relieve the babysitter."
"Oh, that's not a problem. Emma is sleeping at Brooke's tonight. Besides…" she drawled and stared him directly in his stormy blue eyes, "I thought you're making me breakfast in the morning."
His confidence returned in an instant. A full-blown smirk spread over his lips. "I plan on it, Hales."
They traded soft smiles and she shifted again, turning serious. "Thank you for being so considerate with me and Emma. I really appreciate everything you do for us, Nathan. You've been so amazing."
He reached over the table and took a hold of her hand, still smiling, "you're both so special. You deserve to be treated right."
"Thank you," she leaned over and kissed him softly; feeling his grin against her lips. This man came into their lives so unexpectedly, but now she couldn't imagine a life without him in it.
"Anyone ever tell you you're kinda pretty, Haley James?" He asked after they pulled away.
Her lower lip, still tingling, tucked under her teeth, "my boyfriend tells me all the time. Soon enough, my head won't be able to fit through the door."
Nathan chuckled, "he sounds like a cool guy. Would love to meet him."
"Hmm," Haley agreed with a coy grin, "I don't think he'd like you."
He feigned shock with a cocked jaw, "Everybody likes Nathan Scott."
"Everyone, really?" She taunted in a teasing drawl. "I guess I should be jealous, huh?"
"Probably," he shrugged, "but lucky for you, you're the only person I like."
"'Shame I don't like you back."
Nathan stuck his tongue out, "I don't like this game anymore, you goof."
Haley giggled and slowly got up from her chair to walk over to where he was sitting. He scooted away from the table to allow space for her. She wrapped her arms around his neck and dropped her legs on either side of his waist.
"Need me to kiss you so you'll feel better?"
"Yes," he smirked after pouting playfully, "definitely."
Haley gladly obliged and leaned down to draw his lips into a long, slow kiss. She felt his arms wrap around her waist, pulling her tightly against him. No space could fit between them. Nathan's hands slowly wandered south, massaging the cups of her ass, clad in dark jeans.
"Mhmm," she moaned, coaxing the exploration. He squeezed her softly as she nipped at his lower lip. Their bodies were on fire. Haley's hips bucked when his mouth found the sweet spot below her jaw and started sucking. Sure enough, she felt him poking her through their jeans.
"You feel so good," Nathan mumbled, his words sending a vibration through her heated core.
"So do you," she whispered.
Their lips met again. Tongues too. Haley's palms rubbed circles across the plains of Nathan's sculpted chest.
"Let's go to your room," she said, nearly breathless. Through half-hooded eyes, she could see his bright blue irises darken to a shade of navy.
"Are you sure?" He paused and kissed her cheek, slowing down in case she had a change of heart.
"I need you, Nathan."
It was all he needed to hear. He stood up, her legs still wrapped around his waist as he all but carried her to his bedroom. Though their kisses were heated and full of fire in the kitchen, his hands slowed once they reached his bed. He laid her gently against the mattress, shedding his shirt and cardigan— defined abs now on full display. Haley heard her breath hitch when he leaned down and began exploring the smooth skin beneath her shirt. She encouraged him with another moan and pulled away from his lips to help him remove her top.
The rest of their clothes soon followed, and their bodies melded together in the dark like two drops of paint, forever imprinted on a canvas that can never be pulled apart.
It was everything Haley imagined and more. Nathan's touch was soft and tender; his lips against her skin, lapping and languishing every inch as if she were the last drop of honey left on earth. He savored her, licked her and loved her. Gentle and slow, though firm and fast when it was needed. She threw her head back in a first, second, third climax. One wave after another, she never wanted to reach the shore.
Haley's loud and breathless moans urged him further. Their fingers intertwined on either side of her head as she thrashed against his pillow. He hoped her scent would linger on his sheets forever.
"Everything with you just keeps getting better and better, doesn't it?" Nathan asked as he laid next to her, their hands and legs still tangled together. Neither were able to stop smiling.
"I was just thinking the same about you, mister," her fingers gently tapped his chest.
"And that was just the beginning," he smirked.
"Lord help me if that's true," her laughter filled the room like music.
Their love making was easy, explosive, and absolutely perfect, but now that they were starting to settle in, Haley's nerves returned with full force. She couldn't stop the train of fear-filled thoughts derailing her brain of bliss. What if he was repulsed by her in the morning? She was sure her hair was currently a mess… especially by how many times he'd run his hands through it. She had to find a way to sneak into the bathroom and 'fix' herself without making it obvious.
"I'm just going to use the bathroom real quick," she said and popped a quick kiss on his lips, "be right back."
"Okay," Nathan smiled lazily, his eyes drooping, "don't be too long."
She hurried out of the room to grab her purse and the little bag with the lingerie inside of it before dashing back to the bathroom to change. When she looked in the mirror, she grimaced slightly. Her hair, which was previously curled in loose waves, was messy and flat like a birds nest. Her eyeliner and mascara were also smeared across her face from sweat and clenching her eyes so many times. Not a good look.
Quickly, she wiped her face with a napkin and water, retouched her make-up so she wouldn't look dead in the morning, and brushed her hair with her fingers. It wasn't perfect, but better than her previous state. Then, she changed into the lingerie and spritzed herself with a dab of perfume. Satisfied with the final appearance, Haley shut the light and found her way back to Nathan's bed. When he felt the mattress shift, his eyes opened and drank her in.
Her curves, which his hands would never grow tired of touching and eyes would never tire of seeing, were dressed in a form fitting silky and lace negligee, showing off Haley's ample cleavage. Her pink, pointed nipples strained against the lace. He could see right through the material and it and had him wanting to reach out and take them into his mouth again.
"I just wanted to change into my pajamas," she said quietly, sensing him staring.
"Damn. Never knew pajamas could be so sexy."
She chuckled and slid under the covers, trying to ignore just how uncomfortable said pajamas actually were. The lace was scratchy and the bodice was tight against her ribs. She turned and shifted, hoping it would fix the feeling, but only worsened the more she moved. It would be a long night.
"You wore me out, Hales," Nathan yawned quietly and turned to rest his arm on her hip, "goodnight, beautiful. Sleep well."
She felt him kiss the back of her head and smile. The numbers on his alarm clock stared, tauntingly, at her. 1:25 in the morning. Haley wished she brought different pajamas. The negligee, as sexy as she felt in it, was not comfortable attire for sleeping. She probably could have slept naked, but something about Nathan seeing her body— stomach and legs painted with stretch marks— in the morning light made her uneasy. Her real pajamas weren't sexy either- usually, she slept in a ratty t-shirt and old shorts or pants. The last thing she wanted was for her sexier than hell boyfriend to see her looking frumpy and disheveled in the morning.
Five minutes. Ten minutes. Twenty minutes. Time kept passing. Haley couldn't fall asleep. She shifted and turned, tossed, and flopped. The material was so tight, it was becoming unbearable. She almost texted Brooke but thought better of it. She'd just have to suck it up.
"Hales," Nathan's deep, grainy voice tore through the quiet night. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah," she whispered, "I'm sorry if I woke you."
He sat up slightly and looked down at her face with worried eyes, "are you sure? Are you comfortable? Do you need anything? Are you having regrets?"
His tone was panicked. Haley felt terrible for making him worry. He thought it was because of him.
"I'm so sorry," he rushed out, "I really hope I didn't do anything to upset you or make you uncomfortable—,"
"Oh, no, Nathan. You didn't do anything wrong, I promise," Haley sat up and rubbed a soothing circle on his cheek. "Don't worry."
She watched him relax visibly under his touch. "You kept tossing and turning. I was so worried you were going to say you wanted to go home…"
"No, never," Haley gave him a comforting smile, "tonight was incredible. You are incredible."
"So what's wrong?"
"Honestly?" Haley sighed, "this nightgown is extremely uncomfortable."
"So take it off," Nathan shrugged then smirked, "I surely wouldn't mind."
She blushed, "I know, but you said it was sexy."
"Hales, you could be wearing a paper bag and you'd still be sexy. I don't care what you wear to bed, I just want you to be here and to feel comfortable."
His words were like Xanax, instantly calming her. "I guess I just wanted to impress you…" She felt so silly now.
"Oh, Hales," Nathan tucked a piece of hair behind her ear and kissed her forehead, "you already impress me, with or without lingerie. I'm flattered that you would wear this for me, and you do look great in it, but if it's not comfortable, you don't need to. You never have to worry about things like that. You're beautiful no matter what."
Haley breathed a sigh of relief, "I know this is going to sound ridiculous, but I was so worried about spending the night— not because of sex, but because of waking up and looking different. It's scary for me. I haven't woken up next to someone in years, and I just, I let my insecurities get the best of me."
Nathan nodded and gave her hand a reassuring squeeze, "I understand. It's kind of scary for me too. I'm not used to someone being in my bed either, especially a woman who I have really strong feelings for— but Haley, I promise you, you'll always take my breath away, no matter what you look like or what you wear. I don't care about make up and hair or fancy lingerie. I only care about you."
"Thank you," she blinked, trying to hide her tears, "I really needed to hear that."
"You looked so sexy with your hair all mussed up after sex," he smirked, "I liked it."
Haley laughed, "yeah, sure."
"I'm serious, you looked sexy as hell— especially when you were rolling around beneath me."
"You're embarrassing me on purpose, aren't you?"
"No, never," Nathan chuckled, "You want to know a secret?"
She nodded.
"I was scared I would fart in my sleep."
Haley giggled, "seriously?"
"Yes, don't laugh!"
"I'm sorry," she continued giggling, "but that's funny."
He scowled playfully, "I didn't want to repulse you. It's an honest fear of mine."
"Aww," Haley kissed his cute pout folded over his lips, "you wouldn't have repulsed me. You're way too sexy for that."
"That's what you say now," he mumbled. "Just you wait 'til it happens."
"I'll deal with it," she said, "thank you for sharing that with me. I feel better."
"You're welcome," he said as he untangled himself from her body reluctantly.
"Where are you going?"
"Getting you a t-shirt to wear. I don't want my girl to feel uncomfortable."
Haley's lips curved into a crescent moon, "thank you."
He rooted around in one of his dresser drawers and smiled triumphantly when he pulled out a blue t-shirt with the words Duke Basketball written on the front, and the number 23 on the back.
"Here you go. This was my lucky t-shirt from college."
"I'm honored, thank you." She stood from the bed and practically tore the negligee from her body, freeing herself from the constraints of the material, then slid his shirt over her neck. It fell just past her thighs and the cotton was so comfortable.
"Holy shit," Nathan swore, "now that, is the sexiest thing you can ever wear."
Haley laughed, "I like this. I may have to keep it."
"You can literally keep every shirt I own, Haley. They will always look better on you anyway."
"Oh yeah?"
"Definitely," he smirked and gently pushed her back onto the bed, "plus, it gives me easy access to do this…" his hands snaked beneath the shirt and cupped her breasts. He smirked when Haley squealed eagerly.
She had nothing to worry about. Nathan spent the rest of the night reminding her just how sexy she was.