A.N Wow that last chapter seems to have been a hit with you all. I was so impressed with the reviews that I got especially those who took the time to write some longer ones. I love getting long reviews but lets face it reviews of any shape or size are always welcome. I think I've started getting a little carried away with some of my responses to my reviews but I figure if you guys can take the time to write such extensive reviews the least I can do is respond to them in full. This story is shaping up to be quite a bit longer than what my others have been so I hope you guys are prepared to stick with me for the long haul. Enjoy the latest chapter and tell me what you think.

MeSpikeAndAngelinA3sum So I take it you enjoyed the events of chapter eleven. Yeah well I thought it was time for some major Naley action but I couldn't let things go too far too soon when I have so much more planned for this story and the two of them. I agree that Deb did ruin things by interrupting but I guess she is also the reason that Haley was there in the first place so she made that little interlude possible in some respects so we better not hate her too much. I am having so much fun writing Nathan's devious side in this story so I'm glad that you're enjoying it as well.

heather dawn Ok first off with that spoiler yes Nathan will attempt to save the day in this chapter but lets face it the way I write him at the moment he will only be doing it because it's going to benefit him in some way. Hope you enjoy the latest scenario. Seems like that bedroom scene was a bit of a hit with most of my reviewers although as I said before I thought it was definitely time to include some more Naley action and don't worry it's going to keep coming. Can't imagine Nathan is going to ease off the pressure on her now can you? Not when he came so close to getting what he wanted in that last chapter. I do kind of agree that Haley is letting herself be walked over a bit with her whole attitude of not wanting to upset anyone but it does allow me to exploit certain situations as you will see in the following chapters so I hope its not bothering you too much. I actually owe you a bit of a thankyou about the motor bike scene because I hadn't intended to actually mention it again until I recieved your last review.So thanks for the inspiration. As for your question about my background I'm actually Australian but I'm currently living in the UK so as much travelling as I have done recently none of it has actually helped me get an understanding of American schools. Well this has turned into a mammoth reply but I really appreciated your long review and wanted to make sure I covered it all.

kaos2405 Ok well first off I hope you have survived your death threats due to your story. Now onto your review. I was completely blown away by it. To compare me to Gooseless is beyond belief and extremely flattering because I don't believe that I have even half the talent that she does. Her story is beyond amazing and I can't believe that you think I'm anywhere near the same league. Thankyou so much for that it really made my day. I'm glad that you are getting a laugh out of Haley and Nathan's interactions because that is kind of what I have been going for with Nathan's attitude and well as for poor Haley if you don't laugh you'll probably cry. Poor girl doesn't seem to know which way is up anymore. I'm glad you enjoy my attempts at sex scenes. Anyway keep reviewing I love finding out what you think of each chapter.

hesfadedme Thanx I'm glad you enjoyed it. Would love to hear what it is about the story that you are enjoying in your next review.

Naley4eva It always makes my day when I find out I have a new reviewer who enjoys my story. It was great to get a review from you and I hope to hear more from you in the future.

unfolddream I was very happy to hear that you enjoyed this chapter too. The line about the 'first time' was just begging to be used and it just struck me as such a Nathan thing to say at least Nathan the way he is in this story. Thanx for the review. I'm really enjoying your story too. I hope you post another one soon.

Cap'n Keira Sparrow Thanx glad you liked it.

cherrymfzb Hey Kat, well what can I say. Your reviews never fail to bring a smile to my face. I am basically trying to make Nathan into a bit of an opportunist in this story and what sort of opportunist would he be if he didn't take advantage of Haley's friendship with Deb and of course finding Haley in his bedroom. Well that was just too good an opportunity for our Nathan to pass up. You know me I can never resist adding a bit of sex to my stories. It would have been very remiss of me not to thank you for your info on schools in america. I would have been lost without it. Sorry to hear that things have been so busy for you lately I guess I can hold off a little longer for updates on your stories. LOL. It makes the fact that you have taken the time out to read and review my updates even more special. Hope you enjoy this chapter too and I'll look forward to hearing your thoughts.

hilaryhilary Hi Hilary, it was great to get a review from you again. I'm so glad that you're enjoying this story and its great to get reviews from you. I'm glad you've picked up on the darker undertones becoming apparent in this story because I can assure you that there will be plenty more of them. But I will still try to keep some of the light hearted flirting into it too. Stories cannot all just be doom and gloom or at least mine usually aren't. Hope you enjoy this chapter too.

Kate I'm so thrilled to have another new reviewer. Thanx so much for your comments on my story thus far. Unfortunately there is not a lot of Naley action in this chapter but I can assure you that this chapter lays the groundwork for some major action between them in the chapters to follow this one. I hope you keep reviewing and letting me know what you think.

TinyDancer7 Just as I was starting to fret you're back with a review. It seems its a busy time of year for everyone at the moment so I understand about how much you've had on your plate. I'm just glad to hear from you again and know that you are still enjoying the story. I'm glad you liked the idea of putting Nathan on a bike it was just one of those things that popped into my head as I was sitting here typing away one day and it just seemed to fit. I've always liked a man on a motorbike. Good to know you enjoyed the bedroom scene it seemed that it was definitely time to slip in some more Naley action and they are very easy characters to write sex scenes for. I think Haley is in a bit of a state of denial at the moment she doesn't want to admit to herself just how much in love she and Nathan really were because its all a little too close for comfort at the moment. I've actually came up with a whole new scenario about why Haley left and I'm pretty sure that you are going to find it worth waiting for when it does eventually come out. You'll just need to be patient a bit longer. I couldn't resist the idea of using Deb as a ploy to keep Haley playing nice with Nathan whenever Deb is around and as you are going to find out with this chapter its about to get a whole lot more difficult for Haley. There is definitely some Naley goodness to come in the next few chapters. Thanx for your extensive review and I hope to get another one from you soon. Enjoy your homecooked meals!

Kennedy I'm really glad that you enjoyed it and it was wonderful to get a review from you again. Keep them coming.

doodlebah Its good to know that you are still reading and reviewing. I'm glad you enjoyed the scenarios I set up in those two chapters eg Haley ending up in Nathan's lap. I agree with you about the fact that it is still a little too soon for them to go all the way but that doesn't mean I can't write some more of these almost scenes now does it? Thanx for the review.

Chapter Twelve

It had been four long days since that disastrous dinner at Deb's and Haley had found out in that time just what a huge mistake it was to allow Deb and Brooke to think that she and Nathan were back together.

Between the two of them it seemed they had managed to spread the news to the whole town in the space of a mere 24 hours.

After Haley had left Deb's house on Saturday night she had sequestered herself away in her house for the remainder of the weekend not wanting to take the chance of running into Brooke or Deb or even worse Nathan.

By the time Monday morning had come around Haley was actually looking forward to getting out of the house.

Flashabck

She had been feeling a bit stir crazy being locked away for the whole day and was actually pleased to be going to work.

She just had to hope that she would be able to avoid Nathan.

When she arrived at school she had immediately sensed a strange atmosphere among a lot of the students.

The girls appeared to be looking at her with what could only be described as outright envy and the boys seemed to be showing a lot more interest in checking her out than they had previously.

There were a lot of whispers as she walked down the hall and she almost started to wonder if she had accidentally stepped into the twilight zone.

Deciding that it was probably all due to one of the students deciding to start a rumour that she was really a man or some such nonsense she didn't pay any further attention to the stares and whispers she was attracting.

However when she entered the teacher's lounge and found herself confronted with similar behaviour she started to worry.

Her old history teacher Mrs Jamison was smiling at her and as she walked by her on the way to her desk she received the shock of her life.

"Congratulations Haley.

I always thought it was such a shame when the two of you broke up.

Even in High School it was obvious that the two of you were perfect for each other."

Haley stared at her in disbelief.

This could not be happening.

But glancing around the room she felt her worst fears being confirmed.

Quite a few of the older teachers were beaming at her with pride and she could have sworn that she even heard whispers about the joys of young love.

The younger teachers well the single females at any rate were staring at her as if she personally had just destroyed any chance of future happiness that they had.

Which in some of their cases they probably honestly believed.

It seemed as if every pair of eyes were fastened on her as she stood in the middle of the room and she wondered what on earth she was supposed to do.

At that moment Haley heard the door open abruptly followed by Nathan entering.

"There you are Hales.

Why didn't you wait for me?

We could have driven together."

Haley stared at him.

What is he doing?

Why isn't he telling them all that this is just some big misunderstanding?

He stepped up beside her sliding his arm around her waist.

At that moment the bell rang and seemed to break whatever spell they were all under.

The staff started gathering their necessary materials for their first period class and quickly slurping down the remains of their coffee before heading out the door.

Nathan remained where he was his arm still resting around her waist.

Haley tried to move away from his grasp but he tightened his hold keeping her there beside him.

"Looks like word spreads quickly in a town this size." Nathan said with a cocky grin.

"Oh well guess that just means that you and I are going to have to play the role of happy couple here too."

End flashback

The rest of the week up until now had passed agonisingly slowly for Haley.

It seemed everywhere she turned Nathan was there or one of her colleagues was waiting to corner her in the hope that they would be the one that Haley decided to take into her confidence and spill the details of her reunion with Nathan.

Haley honestly didn't know how much more she could take.

Just last night she had been shoe shopping and had been stopped by an eager sales assistant who she had never seen before in her life and told how wonderful it was that she and Nathan had gotten back together.

Apparently the woman's daughter was going out with one of the players from Nathan's basketball team.

Haley had simply muttered some gracious sounding response and beat a hasty retreat from the store.

As if it wasn't bad enough having Deb and Brooke hounding her all the time and trying to put on an act of being happily back with Nathan all day at work now she was being stopped in stores by complete strangers.

The week's events had slowly turned from the sublime to the ridiculous.

The only place it seemed she could drop the act and simply be herself was when she got home at night.

Locking herself away in the confines of her own house she could take the phone off the hook and pretend that her life was not one huge mess.

Coming out of her thoughts she looked around the teachers lounge at all the eager faces who had looked up as soon as she arrived.

She couldn't help but wonder when they were going to find something new to gossip about and forget all about her and her faux relationship with Nathan.

Apparently today was not going to be that day.

"Morning Haley." One of the science teachers not much older than her called in greeting.

Haley manufactured a smile and returned her greeting.

"So where's that gorgeous man of yours." She continued as soon as the required pleasantries were done with.

"You know its really too bad you got to him first.

I would give just about anything to swap places with you."

Haley had to bite down on her lip to stop the automatic biting response that came to the tip of her tongue hearing Janet's words.

How she wished she could tell her that her 'gorgeous man' was back in Chicago where he had always been.

Nathan's arrogant voice rang out breaking her out of her daydream.

"Did I hear someone talking about me?"

Janet giggled like a self-conscious schoolgirl as Nathan looked at her.

"Oh Nathan I didn't realise you were here."

Nathan smirked "don't worry about it.

Sorry to say Janet but I'm a one-woman man and Haley has definitely laid claim to me.

Well for the moment at least.

Isn't that right Hales?"

Haley looked at him as he came to stand in front of her his arms automatically pulling her into his embrace.

"Oh trust me Nathan she's welcome to you as is any other woman desperate enough to put up with your shit," she hissed in his ear so that only he could hear.

"Nice try Hales," he whispered back "but we both know you don't really feel that way don't we?"

"Don't be so sure," she muttered pulling herself back out of his arms.

"Oh Haley," Janet said smiling reassuringly "you know none of us would ever dream of coming between you two.

You're obviously perfect for each other."

"Yeah we are aren't we?" Nathan said getting far too much pleasure out of Haley's discomfort.

She tried to keep her tone as neutral as possible as she turned back towards him but he could hear the edge in her voice and smirked in recognition.

"I have to get to class.

I'll see you later."

As she walked away from him he casually squeezed her ass as if it were the most natural thing in the world to be doing.

"Bye gorgeous," Nathan called after her.

"I'll miss you."

"Wait." He called coming after her.

What now? she wondered.

"Don't I get a kiss before you go."

Keeping her lips pressed tightly together she submitted to his kiss gratified that it was swift and perfunctory.

Just as she started to relax though he took advantage of the fact that they were blocked from everyone else's view by his broad shoulders and lightly traced his tongue around the outline of her lips.

She gasped reflexively and he smirked momentarily before claiming her lips once again and allowing his tongue to slide seductively around the inside of her mouth.

When he finally pulled away she was mortified not just because he had just kissed her like that in the middle of the teachers lounge but that she hadn't stopped him and what was worse she hadn't even wanted to stop him.

"See what I mean," she heard Janet speaking to another teacher "absolutely perfect for each other."

Hearing these words provided Haley with just the impetus she needed to break away from Nathan and head towards the door.

As she reached it though she was halted once again by Nathan's voice.

"See you soon gorgeous."

The temptation to slam the door behind her was huge as she left the room but somehow she ignored it.

Just remember you just have to get through the day and then you can go home and get away from all this bullshit.

Haley somehow managed to avoid him for the rest of the day although it wasn't easy.

Basically every time she caught a glimpse of him she would practically sprint in the opposite direction pretending to be on some urgent mission that required her immediate attention.

By the time the end of the day came around she was exhausted but at least she knew she didn't have to worry about Nathan cornering her after school.

It was common knowledge that basketball practice was held on Wednesday nights so there was no need for concern that he might be waiting to corner her again.

That said she was still relieved when she was able to reach her car unimpeded.

She drove home and after making herself a snack sat down to do some marking.

She was really disappointed with the standard of work that had been turned in thus far apart from the essay from Kelly in her freshman English class.

She had obviously put time and thought into her work two commodities that appeared to be sadly lacking in what she had received from Kelly's fellow classmates.

They could all benefit from acquiring a work ethic like hers she thought to herself.

But I guess there's not much chance of that happening.

She worked solidly for the next hour or so pausing only briefly to get another drink from the fridge.

Finally nearing the end of the large pile that she had originally begun with she stretched out her cramped muscles.

With a start she realised that it was already starting to get dark and it was a lot later than she thought.

Standing up she went to the nearest wall to flip a light switch.

As she flipped it nothing happened and puzzled she tried again.

Hearing a strange click come from behind her she turned to see that the clock on the oven was blank.

Oh great. The street must be having a blackout.

Looking out the window though she could see lights on in most houses in her street.

She wondered if perhaps a fuse had blown but didn't even know where the box was to go and check.

Extremely annoyed she stalked out to the garage entering through the small back door hoping to find it there.

Unfortunately though in the dim interior of the garage she was unable to ascertain where the fuse box was.

This is ridiculous she said to herself it's a brand new house.

How can the power just go off?

Going back inside she looked uneasily around her, as it grew increasingly darker.

She didn't like the idea of staying here alone with no power and the house still unfamiliar.

She tried to tell herself that she was just being silly but the truth was she had never been a big fan of staying somewhere alone and the fact that the power was off just made things ten times worse.

I just can't do it she said to herself.

Picking up the cordless phone she dialled the number hoping that she had remembered it correctly.

Hearing Brooke's bubbly voice answer at the other end she heaved a sigh of relief.

"Oh Tigger thank goodness you're there."

"Haley?" Brooke asked incredulously clearly surprised to be getting a call from her.

She heard the sound of some scuffling in the background and wondered what was going on but before she could ask, Brooke asked a question of her own.

"So what can I do for you Tutor Girl?

Do you want to go out to lunch again this weekend?"

"No Tigger, I've actually got a bit of a problem."

"Ooh" Brooke said her interest instantly perking.

"Has something happened with you and Nathan?"

"No," Haley answered emphatically.

"Sorry I was only asking." Brooke said defensively.

"I know Tigger I'm sorry but I've just had one of those days and now to top it all off my electricity's gone off at my house and I'm sitting here in the dark."

"Ok," Brooke said uncertainly clearly not understanding how she fit into this equation.

"So did you want the name of an electrician?"

"Well that would be good," Haley continued "but that wasn't actually why I was phoning you."

"I was actually wondering if it would be possible for me to crash at your house tonight?

I don't really want to stay here alone with no power."

"Oh," Brooke said finally understanding why she was calling.

"Oh," she said again less enthusiastically.

"You know Tutor Girl normally that wouldn't be a problem but its sort of a bad time I've actually got a whole heap of family staying at the moment.

I don't even have a sofa I can offer you for the night."

"Oh don't worry about it Tigger, it's fine I'm sure I can stay at a hotel for the night." She rushed on breezily trying not to let on how disappointed she truly was.

She wasn't much of a fan of staying in hotels she found them far too impersonal.

"Hang on a minute Haley," Brooke said and she could hear the sound of muffled voices and knew Brooke had placed her hand over the receiver while she was most likely telling Lucas of her predicament.

She waited hopefully, praying that Lucas would come up with some solution that did not involve spending the night in a hotel.

Suddenly an all too familiar voice spoke in her ear.

"Hey gorgeous Brooke told me what's going on.

Go and pack a bag and I'll be there in ten minutes to pick you up."

"Pick me up. What?" she stammered wondering what on earth he was talking about.

"You heard me.

Now go and pack like I said."

"Nathan I am not going to do anything of the sort.

Brooke hasn't got any room at her place at the moment and besides I have my own car.

Why would I need you to come and pick me up?"

Nathan sighed as if she was being deliberately obtuse.

"Yes you have your own car Haley which if I know you is currently parked in your garage."

"Of course it's parked in my garage," she said wondering where he was going with this ridiculous conversation.

"Parked in your garage with the electric door opening device." He stated clearly enjoying the fact that she had not realised this herself.

"Oh," she replied in a small voice feeling stupid that she had not thought of that earlier.

"And as for the other matter," he continued "Brooke and Lucas may not have any space but I certainly do."

"You have got to be kidding?" Haley spluttered clearly not believing her own ears.

"As if I'm going to come and stay with you?"

"Argue all you want Haley but like I said I'll be there in ten minutes to pick you up so I suggest you go and pack.

"One way or another Haley you will be coming home with me tonight."

He hung up then and Haley threw the phone across the room in a fit of pique.

She had been out of his life for five years and was an independent 23 year old woman and yet he still seemed to think that he could control her and the worst part was she let him because in all the time that she had known him she had always found him damn near impossible to refuse anything.

There has got to be some other way.

I know when he gets here I'll just insist he takes me to a hotel for the night.

It's time he realised that I'm not some little girl that he can just boss around.

Feeling strong now in her resolve of how she would handle the situation she went upstairs to pack.

Literally five minutes later she heard the sound of a car's tyres crunching over the gravel in her drive and knew that he had arrived.

Stuffing the last of her necessities into an over night bag she went downstairs to let him in.

Eying the small bag clutched in her hand he grinned.

"Travelling light Hales that's what I like to see."

Holding the bag to her chest defensively she replied.

"Well it is only for one night."

"Shall we go?" he asked holding the door open so that she would precede him out.

He probably didn't trust her not to freak out and wait till he was out the door and lock it behind him.

Locking herself in and him out.

She walked out and stood at the passenger door of his SUV waiting for him.

"Get in" he said shortly "its open."

Climbing in she waited until he sat behind the wheel and then as he pulled out of the drive spoke as nonchalantly as she could.

"If you could just drop me at the nearest hotel, I would really appreciate it."

Nathan looked at her sideways but didn't respond.

Instead he turned down the road that led to the beach.

Haley knew the road well and unless things had changed a lot in the last five years knew that there were no hotels down here.

Recognising the driveway that he was turning into she rounded on him.

"Nathan what are you doing?

I asked you to take me to a hotel not your parents beach house."

He looked at her waiting patiently for her to finish her rant.

"Actually Hales it's my beach house now."

Haley looked at him before replying.

"Well good for you Nathan, now will you please take me to the hotel."

"Haley I told you on the phone that you would be coming to stay with me and that is exactly what is happening."

Haley could feel her temper building and decided now was as good a time as any to let it rip.

"Are you insane?" she yelled.

"There is no way in hell that I am staying here with you.

Now either drive me to the hotel or I'll call a cab and go myself."

"I don't think you'll do that Haley." Nathan said seemingly unfazed by her display of anger.

"Oh really," she said "and why is that?"

"Well don't you think that would be kind of hard to explain to my mom?

Why the newly reunited couple aren't staying together when you're having problems with your wiring?"

"Nathan I really don't see why your mother has to know anything about this.

It's just for one night.

Surely we can keep it from the Tree Hill gossips for that long."

Nathan's eyes were focused on the front door of his house as he spoke.

"Yeah well unfortunately for you it's a bit late to be trying not to let my mom know about this."

Haley felt an overwhelming sense of dread building deep within her.

Please don't let him say what I think he's about to say.

"Didn't I tell you?

She's staying with me for the next couple of weeks while their house has some remodelling done."

Damn it.

Haley stared at him in shock she could almost predict exactly what his next words were going to be.

"Yeah I called her while I was on my way to collect you to let her know that we were going to be having an extra houseguest.

Needless to say she was thrilled."

His attention was still focused on the front door of the house and as much as she didn't want to look Haley felt her own gaze being dragged there as if some large magnet was pulling her eyes in that direction.

To her horror she found Deb standing on the step grinning broadly at them.

"Oh god no." Haley muttered, "This cannot be happening."

"Oh one other thing Hales before I forget since you and I are the quintessential happy couple we're going to be sharing a bedroom while you're staying here.

Unless of course you want to explain to my mother how it was all just a big lie?"

"Well" said Nathan turning to face her with a broad smirk covering his face "shall we go in?

I think my mom is waiting for us."

Oh god I swear if it's the last thing I do I will kill him for this.

Spoilers Nathan finds out that Haley bites. What will happen when they are forced to share a bed for the night? Nathan ups the stakes significantly in their battle.

A.N Ok guys heres the deal at the moment. I'm actually going away for about two weeks to Spain, Italy and Scotland in about a week's time so what I want to try and do is give you as many updates between now and then as I can. So please try and get your reviews into me nice and quickly because the sooner I get some reviews and know that people have had a chance to read it the sooner I'll update again. Hope you all enjoyed this chapter.