Chapter 26
Haley's POV
I woke up today and felt that for the first time in my life everything felt right. I've lived to feel and reach this moment. To be able to wake up and know that I am loved by none other than the man I loved. I felt his strong arms around me, and I laid my head on his chest reveling in his scent. After a few minutes, I could hear my phone ringing but it was muffled by the things inside my bag. I reached down on the floor and took it.
I tried to talk softly, Peyton's voice was filled with hysteria. Apparently the media were in a frenzy trying to get information about me and Nathan. I told her calmly that I will handle everything and that she didn't have to worry.
"How can you say that?" she whined
"Peyt, it's really okay. I can handle anything that comes my way, no matter what they do."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes"
She finally gave up and let the conversation rest. I turned my cellphone off hoping to get back in Nathan's arms. Thankfully, he still hasn't woken up. I rested my head on his chest again when I felt him tighten his hold on me.
"Good morning…." He said as he looked down at me. He lifted my chin up and kissed me softly on the lips.
"Ewww…gross. We haven't brushed our teeth yet." I cringed. I must have been really convincing because he looked a bit hurt. I laughed at him and kissed him passionately.
It was awhile before we talked again. He asked me about my plans for the day and I told him I had a board meeting at three o' clock.
"Aww…shit! I have to fly back for the board meeting… What was I thinking!"
"You're going to New York today?"
"Yeah…my flight leaves at 10:00. Oh god! It's already 8:30"
"Wait…calm done babe. It's still early, I can drive you to the airport before 10. We have time for breakfast right?"
"Um…I don't think so. I need to make a lot of calls. God what was I thinking turning off my damn phone!"
I turned my phone again only to hear it ring all of a sudden. It was my secretary reminding me about the meeting and everything else. She even hinted that I must come up with an explanation as to what happened last night.
I knew that the board would indeed demand an explanation. They would also demand to have a press conference which I must say the worst part of my job.
Normally, I would just have let the gossip die down but this was too controversial. Adding the fact that Nathan is a hot and popular basketball player the press will indeed go crazy.
I must have spaced out again because I saw Nathan's hands waving in front of my face.
"I'm sorry…"
He smiled and hugged me once again. "So…about last night.. I was wondering if you'd considering marrying me next weekend?"
"Why the rush Nathan?"
"I just want to be with you and I want to do everything over again…only this time I'll do everything right."
He kissed me once more…. I was so caught up with him I barely realized that someone was watching at the door.
"Hey little sis"
"Taylor…." I was shocked. My jaw dropped on the floor. This was so unexpected and….
"I see you're still hung up on my boy toy here" She said moving towards Nathan.
"I'm not yours Taylor…. I never was" Nathan said. I could hear his voice dripping with anger and disgust.
I could see that Taylor was high again. She's been taking drugs ever since her husband cheated on her on a much younger woman. I really felt sorry for her but I was kinda pissed off with what she said to Nathan. I let it pass and ushered Taylor the next available bedroom.
"She's pretty wasted isn't she?"
"Yeah, I've been trying to get her into rehab… but well…"
"I'm sorry"
"I am too" I took his hands and led him out of the room. I didn't want to talk about what had just happened. I was still too sad and tired with dealing with Taylor.
"Hey at least smile for me…"
I gave him a fake and cheery smile. He didn't buy it…he knew that I was hurting and he tried his best to distract me. I tried to smile… I really did but I had so much to do.
I called Peyton and told her about what happened. I also told her that she'd be handling the board meeting alone. I wasn't gonna make it.
I also called Taylor's husband to let him know she's here but he wasn't answering his phone. I sighed. What a great day this was turning out to be.
I really didn't want to talk to anyone so I asked Nathan to leave. I knew I was shutting him out but… I felt like he wouldn't understand what I was going through.
So I called the only person I knew would understand.
"Chris?"
