Author: Selene Romanov

Title: Partners

Rating: PG (could be construed as provocative language)

Summary: Haley and Nathan are assigned to work on a history project. Let the games begin.

A/N: Thanks for all the reviews, you guys rock.

** ** ** ** ** **

** ** ** ** ** **

"Mr. Scott, eyes to the front of the class," the teacher's voice broke into Nathan's thoughts.

Nathan rolled his eyes, and listened to the teacher embellish on the importance of the past American presidents. His eyes drifted over his classmates and stopped on the sexy brunette sitting two rows over from him. She was doodling in a notebook, curling her hair around a dainty finger. I wish I was that finger. Just then, she looked straight at him.

Think only of me, Nathan Scott. Tracing her lips with a slow provocative slide of her tongue. Haley stared into Nathan's eyes.

Nathan swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. His mind suddenly blank, consumed with the vision of Haley's tongue sliding over her pink soft lips. I would love to be anything her tongue touches. He couldn't break eye contact with her. Who is she? What's her name?

"Miss James." The teacher called her name.

Haley jerked her focus from Nathan to the teacher. "Come up and get your paper." The teacher called the next name. Walking slowly, not used to stiletto sandals, Haley saw a big fat A on her paper. It pays to be beautiful and brainy, or as everyone else would say, smart and cute. Will anyone ever see me as anything more than what I've always been? Cute, cuddly Haley. Strolling back to her desk, her mind temporarily off of Nathan. Her thoughts obsessed with how she could set herself apart from the image that she had created.

"Mr. Scott." The teacher held out his paper. Nathan sighed with relief, when he saw a C+. It pays to apply yourself, he thought mockingly.

"Now class, we will be starting our term project, I will be assigning you partners." As the teacher read off a list of names. The next set of names announced set off a chain reaction.

"Nathan Scott and Haley James."

Haley looked over at Nathan. Excellent, he'll be all mine.

Nathan looked over at Haley. Haley, a beautiful name for a beautiful woman.

***

"Dude, what's up?" Tim called out to Nathan in the cafeteria.

"Not much, guess who I got paired with for the History project?" Nathan couldn't hold it back. "The sexy brunette that you guys were whistling at this morning."

"One lucky man." Tim nodded. "See you at practice after school. I got a chem. Lab to make up right now, catch you later."

Nathan sat down at his usual table, in the "right" section of the cafeteria. Surprisingly, he was alone. He let his mind wander, thinking of his home life, school life and social life.

My home life sucks, my dad's always on my back about not being a paragon of perfection on the court like he was. Mom's never home.

School's like a blur, I go to be educated, hang with friends and to be seen.

My social life is non-existent. Ever since Peyton and I broke up, three months ago, I haven't been with anyone. Maybe Haley can fill that gap. Nathan smiled in anticipation of what was to come. Haley.

****

In front of Nathan's locker, Haley stuck a piece of folded notepaper in the slits of his locker. Smiling like a she-devil. She walked away, Let the games begin. First point to Haley James.

**

Short and sweet and to the point. I didn't expect such major feedback, but I LOVE you guys for it. Let me know if you like this chapter. I have a few plans for this story. Email me to let me know of your possible ideas for the future of this story. Thanks again. R/R.