A.N Time for another update. A big thankyou for the reviews that I have recieved so far. As you probably noticed at the end of the last chapter I tried something a bit new and added some spoilers at the end of it. Let me know whether you like to have little hints about what the next chapter holds or not. If you do then I'll continue to give you spoilers but obviously if you prefer not to know then I won't put them in. Hope you all enjoy this chapter. There's plenty more where this one came from.

heather dawn I was very glad to get a review from you again I was a bit worried that you'd lost interest in the story. As far as Nathan being oblivious well what can I say he's a guy. Thats the way it is for about 95 per cent of them. Just joking. Anyway yes Nathan is not allowing himself to see what is right in front of him probably because he might actually have to admit that that makes his whole revenge plot wrong. Well I guess your wait is over with finding out exactly what mode of transport Haley will be taking to dinner at Deb's. I wasn't sure about whether to include spoilers but after having a comment made about them in the first review for the chapter its given me incentive to possibly continue them. Thanks for the words of encouragment to keep going with the story too it really means a lot when someone takes the time to tell you that they enjoy what you are doing. Anyway thanx for the review. Hope you enjoy this chapter too.

Cap'n Keira Sparrow I know at this stage Haley seems to be on the recieving end of a lot of shit but I can promise you that she is going to start to fight back and it will have some very interesting results. But for the moment she definitely still deserves our sympathy. Poor girl just really can't take a trick at the moment. Glad you liked that chapter.

unfolddream I promise I will try and find a way to work in more of the Jason/Kelly saga. Thanx for the review.

TinyDancer7 I'm glad that you enjoyed having some more of the Jason/ Kelly story and I will somehow continue to work their story into this one. They are actually quite a useful tool to remind Haley of what things were like in the early days between her and Nathan but of course Nathan being a guy is not really picking up on the similarities just yet. I can assure you that Deb's involvement in the story is going to add some whole new dramas to Haley's life. This dinner party just being the first of them and lets face it Nathan is going to use any ammunition he can. Thanx for the long review I really appreciate it.

MeSpikeAndAngelinA3sum Well at least I know I can always rely on you for a very enthusiastic review. I'm glad you're enjoying this story so much. When I first wrote about Kelly and Jason I honestly only intended for it to be a one off deal and that would be it. They were more just going to be used to remind Haley of how things were between her and Nathan at that age. I never dreamed that they would become such a phenomenon all on their own. Now it seems I have to find ways to incorporate them further into this story because they have become popular in their own right. Anyway thanx for the review as always.

doodlebah Yay one of my lost reviewers has returned. I thought you must not be enjoying the story anymore when I hadn't heard from you for such a long time. Needless to say I was glad to get your review. I can now relax a bit knowing it was just a case of school getting in the way. I'm glad you enjoyed the last few chapters and I can assure you with what I have planned its only going to get better from here. Thanx for reviewing and I hope things get a little less hectic at school for you.

HipHopper92 Thanx for the review it was great to get one from someone new. I hope you continue to enjoy the story and let me know what you think. If you haven't done so already check out my other Naley stories. I'd love to hear what you think about them too.

Chapter Ten

Haley woke up the next morning and for a moment had to stop and think why she was filled with such dread for the day that lay ahead.

It all came rushing back to her in a hurry and she buried her head beneath the pillows of her bed.

This is the stuff nightmares are made of.

Glancing at the clock beside her bed she found that despite her trepidation she had actually managed to sleep quite well as it was almost eleven o'clock.

Briefly she considered attempting to go back to sleep but something was nagging at her conscience and she knew there was some reason that she really needed to get up now.

Suddenly it all came back to her and she realised that she was actually supposed to be meeting Brooke in just over half an hour for lunch.

She jumped out of bed and rushed around getting ready.

Remembering Brooke's reaction to the clothing she had worn the other night she deliberately pulled out one of her better outfits for their meeting.

Having a record quick shower she shimmied herself into the short black skirt and pulled the red tank top off the hanger quickly pulling it over her head.

As usual she kept her makeup use to a minimum and left her hair down around her shoulders.

Glancing at her watch she realised that if she didn't leave right then she was going to be late

Arriving at the café they had agreed upon ten minutes later she found Brooke had not yet arrived and mentally chastised herself for rushing around the way she had.

Brooke had never exactly been known for her punctuality as Haley now remembered and apparently nothing had changed.

Going inside she ordered herself a drink and sat down to wait.

From the booth that she had chosen she had a good view of the door but was tucked away where no one could necessarily see her unless they were specifically looking for her.

Hearing the bell over the door jangle she looked up to find a very familiar face making his way towards the counter.

Surprised at seeing Lucas again after so long she immediately stood up to wave him over.

She hadn't realised that he was still in Tree Hill and although they had never been extremely close in High School Haley was still glad to see him.

She had gotten to know him reasonably well due to the fact that he was Nathan's brother and could see no harm in passing some time catching up on old times with him while she waited for Brooke to arrive.

Before she could wave him over though the sight of Nathan stepping up to the counter beside Lucas halted her.

She froze hoping that neither one of them would spot her.

"Tutor Girl" Brooke greeted her cheerfully and loudly from near the door.

Haley cringed as Brooke's voice carried clearly to the two men standing at the counter.

She saw Nathan's head immediately whip around at the sound of Brooke's voice and start scanning the occupied booths and tables looking for her.

"Damn it." Haley muttered to herself as she saw his eyes come to rest on her.

Brooke flopped down onto the bench opposite her as she watched Nathan nudge Lucas and gesture in the direction of the two women.

As she watched Lucas nodded his head in apparent agreement and pointed the booth out to the waitress who had taken their order.

Oh please don't tell me they actually intend to join us for lunch.

She heard Brooke's excited squeal as she noticed the two men and proceeded to call them over.

"Broody, Nate get over here.

Come and join us."

Haley looked to the ceiling and vented her fury to whatever higher power existed.

"What did I ever do to you?" she cursed under her breath.

Lucas slid into the booth beside Brooke and smiled first at her before turning his attention towards Haley.

Haley meanwhile was doing her best to pretend that she wasn't even aware of Nathan sitting beside her with his leg pressing against her and his arm automatically coming up to rest along the back of the booth behind her.

Moments later she realised that this had perhaps been a mistake as Nathan obviously felt a need to make sure she was very aware of his presence.

He removed his arm from its resting place lightly rubbing his fingers across the nape of her neck as he did so before he casually placed his hand under the table, ostensibly to allow it to rest on his own knee but in actual fact placing it on Haley's bare thigh.

As casually as she could she took her own hand away from the bench top where it had been resting and placed it over his attempting to prise his warm fingers away from her exposed flesh as covertly as possible.

Brooke and Lucas however were completely oblivious to the happenings on the opposite side of the booth as they chatted away and caught up on each other's lives.

Haley tried to interrupt but they carried on as if she had never spoken.

Nathan bent his head close to her ear keeping his voice low so that only she would hear.

"We really have to stop meeting like this Hales.

There's only so much temptation a man can take."

Hearing this Haley whirled around to face him anger emanating from every pore.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" she hissed at him

"I haven't done anything to tempt you."

Nathan gave her a disbelieving look.

"Oh really so what do you call this little number then?" he asked indicating her outfit.

"Well for starters Nathan I had no idea that I would be seeing you and for another thing what I choose to wear is my own business.

I certainly don't plan my outfits around what you will think of them."

Nathan's look clearly said that he thought she was lying.

"Nice try Hales but why else did you get Brooke to invite us to lunch?"

Haley shot a look across the table to where Brooke and Lucas sat so obviously engrossed in their conversation.

No it's not possible she told herself not even Brooke would possibly pull something like this.

Although the more she thought about it the more it made sense, her excitement over their possible reunion the other night, her incurable penchant for matchmaking and now it seemed she was doing everything in her power to avoid looking at her.

"I did no such thing." She protested vehemently.

But she could tell with just one brief look into Nathan's eyes that he didn't believe a word she was saying.

"Come off it Hales it's obvious you've finally come to your senses and decided its time to give things between us another chance."

As he spoke his fingers moved rhythmically against her thigh and with shock she realised that her hand was still resting on top of his.

She immediately pulled back hoping that by some small miracle he had somehow managed to be completely unaware of it.

Risking a sideways glance at him a moment later though she knew her hope had been in vain as she witnessed that trademark smirk in full flight on his face.

Across the table Brooke took advantage of Haley's momentary preoccupation to look across at the two former lovers.

Nudging Lucas excitedly she somehow managed to keep her voice low as she leaned over and whispered to him.

"See I told you this would work."

"Brooke what makes you so sure this is working I mean they're hardly declaring their undying love for each other over there."

Brooke shook her head at him in disappointment.

"Broody, Broody, Broody you should know by now that you should never doubt me when I tell you something.

Look at the way they are looking at each other they're totally engrossed in each other."

"Yeah except for one small problem that being that Haley looks like she's about ready to commit murder.

Oh and now that I think of it there is one other small flaw in your plan.

How are you going to explain the way we've been chatting to each other like we haven't seen each other in yearsall this time when she finds out that we're actually married?"

Brooke looked momentarily crestfallen as Lucas found obvious flaws in her supposedly perfect plan.

"Don't worry about it baby I'm sure it will be fine." She told him with her customary optimism.

Haley knew she had to escape it was too much for her to handle being this close to Nathan once again and it was making it impossible to think straight.

"Can you excuse me for a moment?" she asked him.

"I think I should go and order some lunch."

She used the first excuse she could think of although food was the last thing on her mind at that moment.

"Oh Hales while you're up there," Brooke broke in having apparently finally noticed someone other than Lucas "can you order me a chicken salad and a bottle of mineral water?"

Haley considered telling Brooke that she had to come and order her own lunch but she knew that she would sound completely juvenile so swallowed the response that had risen up in her throat and instead agreed amicably.

"Nathan can you please move so I can get out?"

"I'm sure you can squeeze past me Hales."

Haley gave him her best murderous glare but he remained where he was completely unfazed by the venom that was seemingly shooting out of her eyeballs in his direction.

"Fine," she huffed "if that's the way you want it."

She stood angrily grabbing her purse and keeping her back to him shestarted to squeeze past him.

Unfortunately for Haley the last occupants of the booth had spilt some of their meal on the floor and nobody had bothered to clean it up so just as she was almost past him she felt her foot start to slip uncontrollably out from under her and found herself toppling backwards into Nathan's lap.

She sat there stunned for a moment before trying to find her feet once again but Nathan's arm came around her waist holding her in place.

"See Hales you keep telling me that you're over me with your words but your actions tell me a totally different story."

She wriggled around in his grasp trying to free herself from his lap but he continued to hold her effortlessly in place.

"Uh uh," he told her "not so fast."

"Don't I at least get a thank-you for catching you?"

Haley looked up to see Brooke and Lucas watching them.

Lucas looked slightly incredulous with the whole situation whereas Brooke was watching with rapt attention obviously enthralled with the scene playing out opposite her.

Haley literally squirmed uncomfortably under their gaze and Nathan once again spoke into her ear.

"Ooh keep that up I like it."

"You are such a pig." She hissed at him.

"Let go of me right now."

"You don't really want me to do that Haley."

"Of course I do now just let go."

Tightening his grip on her fractionally he actually had the audacity to laugh at her struggles and the way her temper was obviously flaring.

"Sure Haley I believe you," he said mockingly.

"Now I'll be only too happy to let you go but first I want to hear you ask me nicely."

That was the absolute last thing that Haley wanted to do at that moment but she knew Nathan well enough to know that he would gladly keep her there all day if she didn't do as he asked.

Gritting her teeth she glared at him.

"Nathan," she ground out "will you please let me go now?"

"Sure gorgeous," he answered nonchalantly "all you had to do was ask."

He released her then but could not resist pinching her lightly on the ass as she stood and moved away.

Walking to the counter she had to use every ounce of her self control not to pick up a drink from one of the nearby tables and pour it over Nathan's head but somehow she resisted the urge.

She stood at the counter reading over the menu several times giving her temper time to cool before she would be forced to return to the table.

Finally she ordered Brooke's salad and a toasted sandwich for herself.

It was going to be all she could do to choke that down while Nathan sat beside her.

As she returned to the table she saw that Nathan was chatting on his cell phone.

She really didn't want to have to go through the ordeal of trying to squeeze past him again but knew she did not have much choice.

To her surprise though as she approached she saw Nathan smiling broadly at something being said to him on the other end of the phone, he looked up and saw her and then without being asked simply stood and allowed her to get into the booth before he once again slid in beside her.

She couldn't help but wonder what had happened to seemingly make him decide to pass up another opportunity to mess with her and pondered the identity of the caller that he appeared to be getting so much pleasure out of talking to.

Oh God what if it's his girlfriend? although she couldn't quite work out why the idea of that should bother her so much.

The rest of their lunch passed in a state of tension that even Brooke couldn't help but be aware of despite her constant optimism.

When they had all finally finished eating Nathan apparently decided that he had tortured her enough for one day and suggested to Lucas that they leave.

Lucas readily agreed and Haley felt some of stress start to lift until Nathan turned back to her with one last parting comment.

"I'll see you at dinner tonight Hales."

Haley felt her stress levels skyrocket just at the mere mention of the words 'dinner' and 'tonight'.

She wished she could tell him that he would not be seeing her because there was no way that she could bear another night in his company but she simply couldn't let Deb down like that.

So she looked at Nathan and with all the enthusiasm of someone who's just been told the worlds going to end in a few short hours she concurred.

"Yeah I'll see you there."

Haley collapsed back into the booth as soon as they left playing disinterestedly with the half ofher sandwich that remained uneaten on her plate.

Brooke turned to her with her usual enthusiasm and told her that she had booked them both in for an afternoon of pampering at the local beauty salon and after that they were going shopping.

Haley looked at her and seriously wanted to ask her just what the hell she had thought she was doing setting her and Nathan up the way she had at lunch.

But she could see just looking into her eyes that she was genuinely excited about trying to get the two of them back together.

She resolved to have a nice, casual chat with her that afternoon and explain what her situation had become.

She would tell her about Josh and then Brooke would realise that her matchmaking attempts were unwanted and she would back off.

Poor Haley was about to find out that Brooke was not such an easy person to use such basic logic with because when Brooke set her mind to something she worked with a set of rules that was all her own.

Standing in front of Brooke a few hours later in a cute skirt and top combo she spun slowly allowing Brooke to properly judge the outfit she had chosen.

"I like it Tutor Girl that's definitely a winner.

I'm sure Nathan will like it too."

Haley looked at herself critically in the mirror.

Would Nathan really like the way she looked?

She had to admit it was different to her usual less is more approach that she took.

Brooke had talked her into getting her hair cut a little shorter so that it now seemed sleeker and framed her face perfectly.

She had also allowed herself to be talked into having her make-up done professionally so that looking at herself in the mirror now she almost couldn't recognise herself as the same person who had stepped out her front door a bit over four hours ago.

"You are going to knock his socks off Tutor Girl."

Haley had tried explaining to Brooke while they were having their nails done about her relationship with Josh and how that meant that she no longer had any interest in rekindling her relationship with Nathan but to her surprise Brooke already knew all about it.

However knowing about it and letting it stop her were two completely opposite concepts to Brooke and so she had brushed off her relationship with Josh in much the same way Nathan had.

Telling her that as she and Josh had put their engagement on hold that meant that this was perfect timing to see whether there was any chance that she and Nathan could make a go of things again.

Haley sighed as she walked up to the register to pay for her new clothes.

Things really hadn't gone the way she had hoped they would with Brooke.

Instead of gaining an ally in fighting her feelings for Nathan she had actually found that Brooke was completely on Nathan's side and wanted nothing more than to see the two of them back together.

As they left the store a few minutes later Brooke hugged her in farewell.

"Don't worry Tutor Girl these things happen for a reason and its pretty obvious to me that the reason for all this is that you and Nathan are meant to be together."

Haley shook her head in protest of Brooke's words.

"No Brooke you're wrong.

Nathan and I were over a long time ago.

My future is with Josh."

Brooke looked at her intently for a moment and it seemed to Haley that she was almost peering into her soul.

"If that's what you need to tell yourself Tutor Girl but I'm not so sure."

Giving her one last hug Brooke climbed into her car and left Haley to her thoughts.

Looking at her watch she realised that she needed to get a move on if she was going to get to Deb's on time.

She piled her shopping bags into the back of her car and drove off towards her house.

An hour later she was ready to go.

She had retouched her makeup and changed into her new outfit telling herself the whole time that she was not wearing it because Brooke had said Nathan would like it.

Taking one last glance into the mirror she picked up her keys and purse heading out the door.

She stopped dead in the drive though as she saw an unfamiliar vehicle parked behind her.

Who do I know that owns a motor bike? she thought.

To her horror she saw Nathan sitting astride it.

She crossed her arms over her chest defensively before walking over to him.

"What are you doing here Nathan?"

"Well I thought since we were both going to the same place I may as well pick you up.

No point in taking your car when I can give you a lift now is there?"

Haley was forming an argument but just as she was about to speak Nathan interrupted.

"Don't bother arguing Haley.

I said you're going to ride with me and that's exactly what you're going to do."

Haley stamped her foot in frustration but she knew she didn't really have a choice unless she intended to walk to Deb's.

There was no way Nathan was going to allow her to use her car.

Without another word she stomped over to where he sat holding out her hand for the other helmet.

Climbing on she felt her skirt ride up on her thigh slightly.

Looking up she saw Nathan watching her.

"Nice outfit Hales.

Nice to see you went to some trouble for me?"

Spoilers for Chapter Eleven: Extra dinner guests give Haley a surprise. Deb gets some good news. Haley pays a visit to Nathan's bedroom.