It had been nothing short of an eventful day. The plane had taken off at six in the morning and they would be at their destination within a few hours.

"Are you nervous?" Nathan asked. "It's okay if you are. I know I was the first time I flew."

"I'm okay", Haley lied.

She tried to relax but her heart began to thump wildly as the aircraft began taxiing down the runway. It picked up the needed speed then lifted off into the air. Haley gasped and reached for the elbow rest.

"You okay?" Nathan smiled.

"Yeah. Um, is everything, you know, okay? I mean, is it supposed to feel like this?"

"Yeah, it's fine. This is actually a pretty smooth take off."

She relaxed but he kept a careful eye on her especially when the airplane hit some rough air and experienced some turbulence. He gave her a reassuring smile but just the same protectively draped his hand over her trembling arm.

The kids arrived at the hotel in Orlando, Florida. Just their luck the Ritz Carlton hotel had been overbooked and due to Nathan's last minute planning, there was no extra room available for Haley. Rather than rearrange things and stick in her in a room in another hotel across town, it was decided that Haley would stay in the room Nathan. It certainly was spacious enough and she could have the bed while he bunked on the suite's sofa.

"Hey, Hales, you almost ready?" Nathan asked. "I don't mean to rush you but we have to head over to the arena."

She smiled and emerged from the door. "Sorry", she apologized sweetly. "I hope I didn't make you late or anything."

Nathan literally gasped at the sight before him. He had always thought Haley was attractive enough in a simple and natural sort of way but the young woman standing before him was simply breathtaking. Her short auburn brownish hair had been neatly cut and styled. Her make up had been applied perfectly and complimented her newly tanned skin, courtesy of being able to lay out by Nathan's pool. She was dressed in a simple ivory tank top, jeans and sandals. Even dressed down, she was a knock out.

"Is something wrong, Nate?"

"Huh? No, um, you...you look great", he smiled.

She accompanied him to the arena where she was given a backstage all access passes. It was a wild and incredible scene in the back with all the players and everyone looked so busy as they hustled to prepare for the game. Haley could not believe that she was just a few feet away from NBA Superstars she had spent years watching on TV.

"You alright?" Nathan asked.

God, he looked so handsome and sexy in his Bobcats warm up suit

"Everybody keeps staring at me."

"Don't worry about it. They're probably staring at me. If they are looking at you, it's just because you look pretty."

Haley smiled as some female fans who had managed to get backstage requested autographs and pictures with Nathan and other players. It was so cool to see just how much impact he had on people and the simple yet wonderful ability to bring a smile to someone's face. It was a little uncomfortable the stares she received from some of the girls who saw her with him but for the most part it was nice. A half hour later it was time for Nathan to play. Haley nervously played with her hands as she watched from the box seats in a VIP room reserved especially for players' wives and families. Nathan was so handsome and sexy and she had always loved watching him on the court. It didn't matter if he was a cocky 16 year old showing off at the docks or a strapping man of 22 playing professional ball in front of a sold out arena. He had always been something else to look at. It totally warmed her heart to see the reaction that he received from the crowd. She watched the game closely with excitement and concern, cheering for every sunk basket and praying with every missed shot and the few times Nathan took a tumble to the court floor. Haley breathed a huge sigh of relief when it was over and he was safe, the Charlotte Bobcats defeating the Orlando Magic by 7 points.

"Did you see?" Nathan asked out of breath as he bounded towards her in the back, sweaty but delighted at scoring 31 of the Bobcats' 103 points.

"Yeah and it was awesome! Congratulations!"

He grinned and swooped her up in his arms, both of them grinning as he twirled her around.

"I hope you weren't too bored with all this basketball business while I was working."

"No, not all. This is a cool job. It's like it's not even work."

"Well, my work is done. I'm gonna go hop in the shower and we can get out of here. The whole team is gonna get together afterwards for dinner back at the hotel. You up for it?"

"Sounds great as long as they have macaroni and cheese", she grinned, referring to her favorite food.

"I think we can accommodate you. But you better not have too much mac and cheese tonight, girl. I have a big surprise for you."

"Surprise? What kind of surprise?" Haley grinned. "Nate, what are you up to?"

"You'll see. Besides if I told you, then it wouldn't be a surprise now would it? Let's just say we have a huge day ahead of us tomorrow", he winked as he disappeared into the locker room.

Haley breathless and deliriously happy sank back against the wall. The day had been unreal and she was having the time of her life. The funny thing was it had nothing to do with the first class flight, fancy hotel room and expensive food. It was all Nathan Scott. They could have spent the day digging ditches and it would have made Haley no difference. There was just something about being in his presence, having him smile at her. Yes it was all about Nathan...it always had been.