Haley nervously got off the plane, happy to be back on solid ground. When she didn't spot Nathan she instantly became worried until she recognized a dozing figure in the corner. "Hey, you're supposed to be waiting for me. Not catching up on your sleep," Haley said as she tapped the front part of his hat.
Immediately Nathan woke up and looking up he smiled brightly. Engulfing her in a large hug he responded, "Sorry, Coach was on our asses for the last game and kept us up almost all night because of his damn lecture. Besides your flight got delayed three times, what was I supposed to do?"
"Buy a magazine and stay awake of course," she answered him before tugging on his arm to follow her to another section of the airport. "Now come on, I need your strong self to get my bags for me."
Heaving Nathan finally pulled the suitcase off the conveyor belt and wheeled it to where Haley was waiting for him. "What are you carrying around? Bricks?"
She looked up from the paperwork in her hands and glared at him. "Please, you know Peyton's stuff always weighs three times that and Brooke's a lot worse, too." Carefully Haley placed the papers back into her carry on and pulled him in another direction. "Now we have to go get my rental car, since I won't be traveling in style like you."
"Like anyone would ever call that damn bus style," Nathan whined but nonetheless followed after her insistent pressure on his arm.
Finally, after the lady had trouble for about thirty minutes just to find the reservation, Nathan was driving Haley to her hotel. "Sorry, but the Coach thinks you'll distract me if we're in the same hotel," he explained while smiling suggestively at her.
"The only way you'll be distracted is if you distract yourself." Suddenly Nathan made a sharp turn onto a gravel road and pulled up to one of the most elaborate hotels that would make a multi-millionaire jealous. "Wow, Nate, I asked you to find me a nice hotel, not build me a dreamland."
Nathan turned back from the valet and asking him to get someone to handle the bags. "Nothing but the best for my Haley. Come on," he said taking her hand and leading her inside.
Haley went up to the concierge with Nathan following slowly behind her. "Hi, I have reservations for a room under Haley James."
The man looked at the computer for a moment and then stared at her suspiciously. "I'm sorr–," he began before being unceremoniously cut off by Nathan.
"Oh, my mistake. Did she say Haley James? It's Haley Scott," he said while ignoring Haley's protests at cutting off the man.
Haley glared at him, realizing the name he had given. "What do you think you're doing?"
He stared innocently back down at her, "Well, I thought that you might want to get used to the name change? It's going to happen eventually."
"Here, you are Mrs. Scott. Room 1014 on the tenth floor. Should I send someone with your bags?" the man interrupted their conversation, misinterpreting Nathan's interjection.
"They're in the silver Lexus." Haley smiled tightly at him before taking the key card and dragging Nathan to the elevator. As soon as the doors closed behind him, she pushed him in the corner and scowled at him. "Why did you do that? He could have recognized you. And plus now he thinks we're married."
"Aw, come on, Hales. Is that such a bad thing?" he questioned grabbing her arms and pulling her close. "I meant that he thinks we're married. Now no one's going to question any strange noises coming from your room."
"Yeah, my room. You still have to go back to your hotel at night," she said walking away from him as the elevator stopped and allowed her access to the hallway. Nathan pouted at that fact before leaving the elevator and going after Haley.
Nathan grinned at Haley's stunned silence once she saw the interior of her room. "So how are you planning for tomorrow?" he asked nonchalantly ignoring the blatant grandeur of the room. Haley smacked him on the arm for not being as impressed as her and he continued talking, "Seriously, though you are coming to the game, right? Coach already arranged a spot for you in the VIP section."
"Of course, I'm going to the game. You think I flew all the way out here just to see you?" Haley laughed at Nathan's mock hurt expression. "Plus, you have that conference almost right after. And I have to make sure you handle that right."
"Please, I have been doing this for almost three years. I think I know how to handle the media," Nathan responded arrogantly, turning on the TV.
There was a knock on the door and someone outside announced, "Bellboy."
Haley grabbed Nathan and shoved him into the bathroom before answering the door, "Hi. Thanks for bringing that up."
"Here you are, Mrs. Scott. Is it just the one? Because I thought I heard two voices in here," he asked suspiciously handing over her suitcase.
"No, it's just the TV. Thanks again," she replied nervously before tipping him as he escaped out the door.
"It does have a nice ring to it though. Haley Scott," Nathan thought out loud, surprising her by wrapping his arms around her waist. Just as suddenly he picked her up off the ground and carried her to the bed.
"While I'm sure you would love to stay, Nate, you have a game tomorrow and I'm not about to get your coach mad," she managed to say in between his kisses.
"Damn, Hales, talk about a mood killer. Coach," he repeated, shuddering. "But you're right, I have to go. Don't forget game starts at nine. But you'll need to be there early to park."
"What? I can sit in the VIP section but you can't get someone to park my car for me," Haley teased him, enjoying watching him trying to stall.
"Real funny. I'd send you a limo but I honestly doubt you wouldn't appreciate it. Now I have a surprise dinner for you, even though I can't be here," Nathan said lingering near the door.
"Really? You cooked? Are you sure you want me to eat this? Food poisoning can be considered murder."
Nathan glared at her before sarcastically responding, "You're just a laugh riot today. Of course, I didn't make it. I wouldn't feed my father food that I've cooked. Wait, yes I would," he grinned at the thought and Haley didn't feel the need to reprimand him for disrespecting his parent. "I didn't make it but it is special for you. Jake and Jenny are going to deliver it since Jenny is intent on seeing her Aunt Hawey," he teased in a baby voice, " and Jake hasn't seen you in a while."
"Aw, I miss them. Jake never should have moved out here," Haley responded getting up to say goodbye.
"Don't get sappy on me now. I almost escaped," he said leaning over to give her a quick kiss, "Bye. I'll see you bright and early tomorrow."
Haley closed the door behind him and leaned against it, feeling so much like a teenager.