Thanks so much for the reviews, I really appreciate them. I am so sorry it has taken me like a month to finish this, but I can promise it won't happen again. This chapters pretty short, but I should have the next one up soon cause I am working on it right now. Without school and the holiday stress I should have this story done in about a week and then be able to get to my other stories.

Second Time Around
Chapter 16

As Haley stepped into her hotel room she couldn't wipe of the huge smile that spread across her face thinking of Nathan. She was expecting Jake to be banging on her door demanding the details, but as she looked at the clock noticing it was well past one o'clock in the morning she knew he was fast asleep with his wife and daughter. She walked into the bedroom and changed into a tank top and pajama pants before climbing under the covers. Sleep soon overtook her and her dreams lead to Nathan.

After being woken up by the annoying wake-up call she had requested when she first arrived, she got up and changed into shorts and a sports bra. She grabbed her keys and ponytail holder before leaving the hotel. She drove to the beach and started on her run following the same path she took on her last run. Her thoughts began to lead to he events of last night. They had given her hope that her and Nathan would be able to get through everything together, but she still had her doubts. She still didn't know what the future held. Would her and Nathan have a serious relationship where they both completely loved and trusted each other? Would it lead to happiness and marriage and a family, or just another heartache?

"It still blows me out of the water the Miss Haley James is running."

"Hey. How long have you been running next to me?"

"For a couple of minutes. You looked deep in thought so I didn't want to interrupt you. But then you got that look you get when you start questioning things, so I figured I would save you from yourself."

"How noble. My own knight in shinning armor. I usually listen to music or talk with my roommates when we run, but I forgot my iPod in the room so I was just thinking."

"About what?"

Haley didn't want to share her doubts with Nathan. She knows they need to start this new relationship on trust, but she couldn't tell him. It was as if she said her doubts out loud it made them more real or there was a greater chance of them happening. "Just some stuff with the magazine."

"Okay. So, what did you want to do today?"

"Um…haven't figured it out yet cause I just woke up a little bit ago. After I'm done running give me time to go back to my hotel and shower and get ready, then I'll call you."

"Sure. I gotta head back to my beach house to make some calls since I'm not going into the office today, but I'll talk to you later?"

"Yup. Bye Nate."

"Bye Hales." Haley continued running along the beach while Nathan turned around and headed back to the beach house. After finishing, Haley went back to the hotel and got ready. She put on a pair of jeans and a dark brown V-neck lace cami with a pair of brown stiletto boots. She grabbed her phone to call Nathan, but after realizing that she never got his number, she picked up her purse and keys and headed out the door.

"Hey Hales. Where are you going?" Haley turned around to find Jake walking up to her.

"Out."

"Out where and with who?"

"I dunno yet and Nathan."

"So I take it your date went well last night."

"Yup. I was shocked when you didn't break my door down demanding for answers when I came in."

"Yeah, every time I would walk near the window Peyton would yell at me to leave you alone. But now that she's not hear, what happened?"

"I went to his beach house and we took a walk on the beach and just hung out and watched a movie. You know your getting really girly with all this asking for details you've been doing."

"Yeah, I just don't want to see him break your heart again. I know you can take care of yourself Hales, but I still worry sometimes."

"I didn't forget what he did to me Jake, but I also didn't forget how much I loved him. But I promise I am being careful. And hey, if he breaks my heart again, you can break him. Deal?"

"Deal. So what are you doing today?"

"I was just on my way out to go to Nathan's beach house, and from there I am not really sure yet."

"Okay. Have fun."

"You too Jake." Jake walked back to his room while Haley walked towards the elevator and headed to the beach house.

Nathan answered the door in just a pair of khaki cargo shorts leaving is chiseled chest in open view, a sight that did not go unnoticed by Haley. "Hey. I thought you were going to call."

"Yeah, …um, I was, but then I realized that I didn't have your number so I just came over here. I hope you don't mind."

"No, I was just getting ready. So what are we doing today?"

"I wanted to stop by the music store while I was in town to get some stuff and then I don't care. We could go catch a movie and dinner or something. Is that okay with you?"

"Yeah let me just finish getting ready." Haley nodded her head and sat down at his kitchen table while he went back to get ready. He emerged a few minutes later with a black polo and white Nikes on. "I'm ready. Do you want me to drive today?"

"Sure." Haley followed Nathan into his garage and they got into his black H2.

-Leigh