Nathan came home to a dimly lit house. His entire placed smelled of vanilla and was illuminated in soft candlelight. His blue eyes wandered over to the dining room table where Haley was sitting quietly.

"I made dinner", she said softly.

"Thanks. Um, you didn't have to do that, Hales."

He dropped his bags and walked over to where she was. On the table was his plate already prepared. It consisted of chicken, steamed rice, mashed potatoes, homemade dinner rolls and a fresh cherry pie for dessert.

"I know...I wanted to. I wanted to do something nice for you. I hope you like it."

"It's, uh, nice. Thank you very much. It's sweet. You didn't have to go through all this trouble."

"It was no trouble", she responded as she pulled out his chair. "Welcome home."

She wrapped her arms around his neck and went to place a kiss on his lips. Last minute he turned and she kissed his cheek instead. Clearing her throat, she nervously joined him at the table where for the most part they ate in silence.

"You cooked supper, Hales. Don't worry about the dishes, I'll get them tomorrow. I'm kind of tired anyway. I'm gonna turn in."

"Did you have a good game?"

"Yeah. We won and that's the most important thing. My stats were pretty decent. 26 points, 14 rebounds, 5 assists. We always have a pretty good game when we play the Hornets. They're pretty cool guys."

"That's cool", Haley nodded and squirmed slightly in the awkward silence that followed.

"Well, thanks again, Haley. I really appreciate it. Home cooked meals like that don't come around too often on the road. It was delicious. Um, I guess I'll see you in the morning or whatever."

"Okay...uh, Nathan?"

"Yeah?" he answered, avoiding her eyes.

"Can you...can I...um, I missed you while you were gone. Will you hold me tonight?"

He fought the urge to say no even though every part of him was screaming it internally. God knew he didn't want to but he couldn't stand for her to hurt anymore either. Nathan could only nod as she followed him to his bedroom. He undressed and climbed in while she changed in the master bath. He prayed he'd be able to get through the night. Of course there had been other women in his life besides Peyton, even after he had moved in to the house. But there had been no other woman in his bed physically. That had always been the one place reserved specifically for Peyton.

Haley slid in under the sheets and snuggled up to Nathan's warmth. He always made her feel so happy and safe. He draped an arm around her but it would be a few fitful hours before sleep would ensue. He had a million things on his mind. Just inches away, Haley lay awake as well. She was once again in Nathan's arms but she wasn't stupid. Her womanly sixth sense could tell that things were just different.

The next morning Haley rolled over to an empty space behind her. There was a note posted to the fridge that read, "Gone to the gym. Be back soon." Sighing, she made her a fruit and cereal breakfast and went about feeding the dogs. After a shower and a couple of talk shows, Nathan returned home.

"Hey, how was your work out?"

"Good. I'm sore as hell and a little worn out. I'm gonna go hop in the shower."

"Want some company?" her mouth asked about ten miles ahead of her brain.

"Um, I'm just gonna be in and out real quick."

It was his polite way of saying no.

"Okay. I already took one anyway. Want to go to Raleigh afterwards? You know, get out of the house and everything."

"We'll see."

"Oh. And your mom called. Something about us having dinner over there tonight..."

"There is no us, Haley", Nathan blurted out.

The look of hurt and bewilderment in her eyes hit him like a punch to the gut.

"Nathan, I..."

"Listen. We have to talk. Look, I really care about you Haley and I think you know that. You are a wonderful person and friend and I just want to help you. I'll do anything in the world for you and you can crash here as long as you need but we are just friends."

"But..."

"The other night was a mistake. I'm sorry. I feel like a real prick because I took advantage of your vulnerability. That's not right and God knows I'm ashamed of myself for it but..."

"Nathan..."

"You are a wonderful girl, Hales. A sweet and special girl but we can't be together like this, not now, not the way you want it."

"I love you", she said through fresh tears.

"Don't say that. Oh God, please don't say that to me."

"But I do, Nathan. I always have", she cried, trying to wrap her arms around him as he pulled away.

"Haley, please. I can't, okay? I'm sorry I hurt you or misled you but...I can't, okay? I...I just don't love you."