I'm Not Your Husband!

I know this fiction is a little cheesy and about to get kind of fluffy. What can I say, Nathan and Haley are a pretty cheesy couple.

Chapter 2

Realizing not only the people getting into the elevator, but every human left in the office was staring at him, Nathan froze. The lift doors were closing. Quickly stepping up and reaching out with his lengthy arms, he held the doors ajar like Hercules in one of his legendary journeys.

"She's telling it wrong!" He felt compelled to clarify in a boisterous voice, his gaze desperate.

When no one made eye contact, he turned to Haley with pleading eyes, telepathically urging her to recant her prior admission.

Her mocha orbs were dancing with misconduct.

When she didn't comply, Nathan panicked; sure things were going to get worse.

Blowing out a held breathe he decided only the truth could set him free.

"I'm sorry if you all have the wrong idea, this little nymph of a woman and I am not married!" He shouted.

"We were fourteen. She bribed me!" He chuckled only to fall short with no one else laughing. "It was a joke, guys!"

Where was a personal cloaking device when you needed one?

Finally, he relented, slumping as his chiseled arms fell. Stepping back prompted the doors to close in a split second.

Blocking out the others in the elevator that were doing the same to him, he held his fists balled tight at his sides and sneered at Haley. His sculptured jaw line tensed with rage.

"That was a low down, dirty, snake in the grass thing to do!" He whispered harshly without taking a breath.

"Is it not the truth?" Haley dared in the same tone.

"You're speaking as if we were wed now. That's nuts!"

"We were once, Nathan." She sniffed. "It really hurts me that you're so cavalier about one of the most important days in my life." She dramatically whimpered causing Nate to receive disgusted looks from a hand full of ladies and protective glances several of his male co-workers.

"It wasn't legitimate!" He argued.

This was outrageous! She had people angry at him over a stupid prank he had forgotten about until she come back into his life.

"Are you really considering holding me to this oath? Don't be immature. I'm too old to be bullied by you any longer."

The elevator finally landed on the ground level and Nathan fled, irate, afraid of a couple of guys who looked like they were ready to kick his ass or the women ready to pepper spray him. He walked tall the cramped foyer, trying to keep his dignity until he was free of this humiliating situation.

He reached the first level of the parking deck and cased the area with a big smiled. iYes! Haley James was gone./i

Climbing the stairs to the second level he whistled. He opened the deck door only to have his tune fizzle out. Haley was waiting there.

"How do you think Jennifer's going to react?" She asked trailing him as he strode in the direction of his vehicle.

He stopped. He hadn't pondered Ms. Lindley's feelings. His palms started sweating and if not for the knot in his throat he would have requested Haley go away. However, she had posed a question he could not ignore. Jenn might hear of their so-called relationship and think it was current.

"You're in love with her? Aren't you?"

Silently he confirmed her accusation. The very idea of Jennifer Lindley made his heart race and throat dry. She was the woman of his dreams and then some. He had been crushed out on her for months and now it was all about to crumble thanks to this wicked, annoying and unyielding nightmare from his past in a petite pretty package.

"Who told you?" Nathan snipped.

He had only confided in Marvin and he wouldn't betray his trust.

"No one Mr. Transparent." She snarled. "You might as well wear a sign around your neck that says bI Heart The Boss/b"

Stunned, Nathan turned around and stared at Haley.

"Sh!t! Do you think Jennifer knows?"

Haley furrowed her brows together. "She could."

"Mouth said…." He halted mid-sentence, staring over her shoulder.

A mass of workers were gaining on them so Haley took his hand and lead them aisle C.

"Said what?" She probed as she searched for her own vehicle.

Nathan peered over, just about to say to answer her when he realized he was putting his trust in the enemy.

Minutes ago, she had gone out of her way to terrorize and humiliate him in front of his entire office staff and hers, along with clients and visitors.

He pulled away, almost knocking down the slip of a woman.

"Don't worry about what Mouth said. Excuse me, this is my car." Cautiously he marched to the driver's side of a beautiful black Mercedes Benz with one untrusting eye locked on Haley.

Her hair bounced a she giggled, ticked by his behavior. "After all these years, you're exactly the same Nathan Scott!" She mused.

Narrowing his eyes, he unlocked his car, hopped in and backed out before she could say another word.

"Remember when the whole school found out about the wedding. Nobody else wanted to date you guys?" Mouth chuckled heartily.

"I was so pissed." Haley joined in the laughter as the old acquaintances shared breakfast in the office cafeteria. "I wanted to go out with Lucas Roe so bad."

"I guess that's why you and Nikki came up with that plan for you to go ahead and pretend to be a couple with Nate until after Valentine's Day. You were trying to make Luke jealous." He teased.

Haley gave him a playful nudge. "Shut up. You're were the one crying like a little bitch because he had to eat lunch in the courtyard with me everyday instead of hanging out in the audio visual room with you."

Mouth cover his faced with his hand. "Don't remind me. I was such a loser."

"At least you didn't have to tote my books every where, sit with me on the bus, hold my hand in the halls and show up at all the make out parties with me although you hated my guts." She scoffed. "That would be Nathan."

"You think I wouldn't have traded with him? You were mean, bossy and spoiled, but fun, popular and beautiful. You're still beautiful." He flirted.

She rolled her eyes, before taking a piece of her muffin and stuffing it into her mouth. "Whatever! Nathan didn't seem to notice."

"Then why did he make sure you had the perfect gifts for Valentine's Day? Most girls got a half wilted carnation or some of those nasty ass conversation hearts, but we spent a whole Sunday afternoon at the mall picking out gifts for you! We missed the Star Trek marathon!" He frowned, still slightly bugged by it.

Haley ruffled his hair and he returned to their new found friendship and conversation.

"We must have gone through twenty different Care Bears until he found that one. Um…. What was it called? Love-a-lot! It was pink with hearts on the belly and I had to carry that damn thing around while we shopped!" He shook his head. "Then he got roses, those chocolate covered pretzels you loved and that colorful charm bracelet made with your name on it because he said it was more like you than silver thing with rubies."

"It's a shame that my best Valentine's Day was when I was fourteen. I didn't deserve anything and he was his sweet self and went all out. I was beginning to see him in a totally different light." Haley remembered with a sigh.

"You practically knocked him down with that kiss at your locker. I still hadn't tongue kissed a girl. I was jealous!" He cracked up. " Nikki and I made a bet you would be a real couple by the end of the week." Marvin swallowed the rest of his orange juice, noticing the sadness in Haley's lovely face.

"That's before I found out, I wasn't the only girl he brought a present." She pouted.

"What other girl? Nathan couldn't even handle your little ass."

"Before Nathan got to the lunch table the next day, Brooke Davis was bragging about the earrings Nathan had brought her at the mall Sunday. I knew he had been there and she had no reason to make it up."

Marvin was howling with laughter now, his head on the table and his fist beating against it. "That's why you flipped out? I wondered what the hell was wrong with you."

"It's not funny. I wasn't going to let him make a fool of me so when he made it over to me. I made scene, telling everybody he cheated on me and breaking off our so-called relationship. Nobody would date him for the rest of the year." She smirked devilishly.

"Haley James was jealous!" Mouth shrieked.

"I was not!" She denied with a huff.

"Sure. If that's what helps you sleep at night." He sighed, gaining his composure.

"Nathan only bought Brooke those stupid earrings as payment for her help in making sure he got all the right things for your valentine. He asked her assistance because she was like an expert on dating. She was going out with a fifth grader when we were in second grade!" He gaffed amused by the embarrassed expression Haley was no donning.

"Well, well, guess who made a new friend?" Before she could counter, Nathan made an appearance at the end of the table.

"I'll meet you for breakfast again tomorrow, Mouth."

Grabbing her half-eaten muffin and computer case, Haley bumped her knee trying to stand. Shaking off the pain she made a bee-line past the tall dark and handsome man, his eyes unconsciously following her in the JL Sports tee and hip hugging jeans. She was half-way through the eatery when she cursed herself, turn around, swayed back over to Nathan and planted a kiss at the corner of his mouth before backing away.

"Good morning, Honey!" She waved and returned to her exit.

Noticing several smiles and amused looks from his co-workers, Nathan dropped down in his chair. Haley James was going to be the death of him.

Nathan strode down the hall without a glance in the direction of Mouth's office. His friend leapt from his seat and chased him into the supply room. Mr. Scott started gathering the items he needed.

"Still not talking to me, huh?" Marvin groaned.

"I wouldn't want to have to check for a knife in my back." Nathan smarted.

Marvin and Nathan had been friends all of their lives. They had little disagreements here and there, but never really fought. Nathan had been loyal to him, even when he was a weird kid that nobody else liked; he defended him and hung out with him. His best friend could have easily moved with more popular crowd but he stuck by him. For Nathan to think he was being traitorous hurt.

"Nate man, we're grown ups. Haley has really matured. Besides, who doesn't want to have breakfast with a fine woman like that?" Mouth defended.

"Mature! Did she tell you what she did in the elevator yesterday?"

Mouth shook his head, holding his lips pierced so a laugh couldn't escape. Nathan was so uptight sometimes. "You guys are the talk of the office."

Nathan threw his hands up. "Haley James lives to torment me! She told everyone we were married!"

"Dude have you seen Haley. Why in the hell are you so upset?" Mouth queried.

"Jenn's going to hear it and think Haley and I are dating! More than likely she won't give it a second thought but I don't want her to have any doubts about us, if you know what I mean."

"Then tell her yourself." Marvin suggested, suddenly interesting in the seven shades of blue paper the company carried. "Girls like that honest crap."

"But the conversation is going to be awkward, don't you think?"

"Frankly, I think you're making a mountain out of a mole hill. You haven't committed a crime. Jennifer's not your girlfriend."

"I know."

"Ms. Lindley will probably get a kick out of it, but she's not going to make a big deal about it." He glanced up at his friend waiting for him to argue.

Nathan didn't. Instead he mulled over his friends idea, finding it feasible. This could work in his favor.

If Jenn had any emotions for him whatsoever, and oh how he prayed she did, then she might become jealous of his relationship with Haley James. After all, Haley was a pretty woman with girl-next-door looks. She was petite, curvaceous and well, hot. Hales was the kind of fine that appealed to men- not Nathan of course, but other men. Marvin had remarked on her good looks a million times over.

"I'm going to tell her." Nate said striding toward the office he temporarily shared with Jenn. Although he'd felt disturbed at first about being shuffled out of his space, he'd come to think of the inconvenience as a blessing in disguise. However, he had to admit he had been disappointed thus far. He had predicted spending lots of alone time with Jenn, but that hadn't occurred yet.

He rehearsed the words he wanted to say to Jennifer.

"I didn't remember that you talked to yourself" The perky voice behind him surprised Nathan. "But, I've been away for too long. Haven't I, Nathan?"

He was so shaken; he tripped over his own two feet and bumped the water cooler in the corner causing it to rock for a moment. "Are you stalking me?" He demanded as he got his footing. "Why are you following me around? Can't you see I have things to do?" She was the last person he wanted to converse with right now.

"Yikes! Sorry." She held her palms up in surrender conflicted by the sparkle in her milk chocolate eyes. "Have lunch with me?"

She had to be joshing. Besides, it would be ludicrous for him to have anything to do with Haley James. God knows what she would do with a little bit of optimism. She probably put a full page ad in the Florida Star saying he was her husband.

"How hard is it to say yes?" She played smoothly.

"You're serious?"

"Absolutely. We have a lot of catching up to do." Her hands rested on her hips, giving her a hell bent air of half-heartedness.

"I have a video conference this afternoon."

It was true, but he would be having lunch with Marvin two hours prior.

"Let's do dinner. I'm dying to hear all about what Nikki's been up to. God, I miss her."

"Nikki." He aped, stalling for more time while he created another excuse. He rarely experienced a situation like this. His dates were few and far between.

"Listen up, big guy, no need to freak out. I'm inviting you to eat out, not back to my place for a whole night of hot monkey love. It's strictly platonic."

"You won't tell the waitress about our wedding or anyone else?"

"I swear" She made an "X" over her left breast and then a heart. "That was Nikki and my secret pledge. I never broke it."

"That stupid oath hasn't stopped you from turning my life upside down in one elevator trip, Haley James" He paused mid-sentence as Jennifer Lindley swayed past. She smiled and nodded at her male worker.

"Hi, Jenn." He sucked up, lamely raising his right hand to wave. She looked exceptionally alluring in her short black business suit and do-me pumps.

The diverse style between her and Haley's jeans and tee shirt was so striking he had to force himself not to stare at his boss. Jennifer should be the one asking him to dinner.

"Pardon me." He said politely, shifting around Haley and toward Jenn, who had entered the office, their office. The desire to chat with her about the lift incident with Haley broiled within him.

Haley caught him by the wrist, tugging lightly.

Nathan coughed, twisting to meet her gaze.

"Dinner." She reminded him.

He scratched his chin, unsure of how to reply. "All right. " He muttered distractedly.

"I need your address to pick you up."

"The man is supposed to pick up a woman." The old fashion boy returned.

"What is this, the 1950's? I asked you out." Haley frowned. "Now what's you address?"

"Then I get to pay." He said stubbornly.

Ms. James rolled her eyes with a shrug. " Fine."

Nathan recited his address, she let go of his arm and stormed away.

He took a few minutes to get himself together; he went into the office, shut the door and marched over to Jennifer's desk.

"Do you have a minute?"

She glanced up from the proposal she was reading. "Sure. Have a seat and make yourself comfortable."

Jenn caught him turning to make sure he had closed the door. "Is something wrong?" She asked.

"Not really." He took the chair closest to his desk and sat with his long legs wide apart. "Video game sales on that hockey game are up thirty percent." He rubbed his chin nervously.

Jennifer agreed. "It's been one of our best sellers for months now."

"The strike probably helped." Nathan added.

"What's this all about because I know you didn't shut the door to talk about video games?" Miss Lindley said kindly. "What's the real issue, Nathan?"

He chuckled, uncomfortable, wondering how a woman could be so aware in one area and clouded in another. Patiently, she waited with no sign of emotion.

"It's about Haley James."

"The free-lancer I hired for the restructuring?"

"She was my twin sister's best friend from the ages of ten to fourteen. Our parents were best friends."

"Wow. I bet its great seeing her again."

"Not really. She's been telling everybody we're married. Which of course is ridiculous?"

Jennifer laughed. "You were married to Haley James?"

She seemed entertained by the idea to Nathan dismay.

"I'll do my best to make a long story short." Nathan told her everything, leaving her face giddy from amusement.

"Haley and I would have been great friends at that age. She was my kind of girl."

"It has been twelve years and she still loves tormenting me. Claiming I'm her husband it's preposterous!"

A couple of tense seconds followed her opinion.

"I'm not sure what to say." Jennifer stifled.

"You don't have to say anything. I just wanted you to hear it from me."

"I see."

"She's only doing it because even when we were kids she loved to get to me. She was a pretty and popular girl so she got away with it." He certainly had Jennifer's attention now.

"I didn't want to hear a rumor or something and think Haley and I are really involved, or even considering dating.

His boss batted her eyes wanting to fill the dead air that crackled around them.

"Haley James is a very talented and gorgeous woman. I couldn't fault you for your passion."

"No. There's no passion! The two of us aren't involved." He waved his hands frantically. "I haven't seen her since 9th grade."

"Really?" Jenn said slowly sounding disappointed Nathan thought. Now he felt foolish for trying to explain. Jennifer was so blind to his feelings there was nothing he could say or do to make her understand.

"There's nothing at all going on with me and Ms. James." He repeated.

"I see." Ms. Lindley said again. "Don't worry about it, Nathan. Your relationship with Haley James will not affect your job.

He stood up, hoping for he'd detect a suggestion of jealousy or a hint of competition. He was reaching for anything that showed she cared. There was nothing, so he tried again. "I agree to go to dinner with her, though."

Jennifer returned to the papers she'd been skimming when Nathan first interrupted her.

"It's strictly platonic, a couple of friends reminiscing." He reassured. "It's just a one time thing."

Jenn smiled suggestively. "Have a wonderful time."

"I will thanks." His heart felt as heavy as a cruise ship anchor.

Lost in his thoughts, Nathan headed to no certain place, mulling over his talk with Jennifer, well he did most of the talking. He ended up in Mouth's office with his head hung low and his hands stuffed in his brown slacks.

"Did you tell her?" Mouth questioned anxiously.

"Yep."

"Dude don't keep me in suspense. What did she say?"

"Um …. Nothing really." Nathan continued to internalize Jennifer's actions.

"What did you expect?" Mouth interrogated his friend.

"I don't know, maybe a hint of jealousy."

"What happened with Haley was a teen age prank that happened years ago. Why would Jennifer care about it now?"

"I also told her I was having dinner with Haley, but she didn't bat an eye."

"Dinner?" He sprung from his chair with shock.

Nathan wished Jenn had shown a portion of Marvin's emotion.

"When? Where?"

"Tonight. She's picking me up." He said non interest.

"You are the man!" Mouth boasted to deaf ears.

"I wonder if she'll let me meet her there?" The dark hard haired man thought aloud. "She might drive me out in the woods make me get buck naked at gun point and leave me there to get home on my own."

"You are so dramatic. Haley isn't going to hurt you." Marvin sighed. "You finally have a hot woman who's interested in you, don't screw it up and don't start all that chauvinistic sh!t like you have to drive. Chicks aren't into that, except when it comes time to pay." He held up his left hand to high five a disgruntle Nathan. Instead, his friend gave him a hateful look.

"Why are you pushing this? You know Jenn's the one."

"It's just a vibe I have. Hales is great for you." He watched his buddy's squeamish reaction. "You are going?"

"Like I have a choice!" Nathan slumped against the door frame. "But it will stop her from harassing the hell out of me. When Jennifer and I have a son I'm going to warn him about crazy broads like Haley and make sure he steers clear of them."

Distracted, Marvin didn't comment, a rare uncomfortable silence fell between them.

"Are you ready to go to lunch?" Nathan asked as the dancing baseball alarm clock went off on the inventor's desk.

"I have to check on something in the advertising department. I'll meet you in a few." Mouth hopped from his desk and toward the door before Nathan could offer to tag along.

Nathan was so wrapped up in his thoughts, he didn't see Haley and a few of her staff come in the cafeteria and pause at the end of the lunch room style table where he was seated.

"Conference, huh?" Haley leered.

He twisted, but couldn't form a lie as he reddened in front of the troupe of beautiful workers.

"I can't wait for tonight, Honey." She waggled her brows before blowing him a kiss and sauntering away surrounded by whispers and giggles.

Nathan rested head in his hand, really wanting to beat it against the table.

"Sorry I took so long. I really needed to get that done." Marvin sat across from him, rushing to put his condiment on his burger.

"It's cool." Nate smiled at his antsy friend.

"Are you still flying to North Carolina for Labor Day vacation? " Mouth asked adjusting his tie.

"Yep."

Nathan had purchased his ticket months ago. He was so excited about visiting his sister and niece. Nikki was a single mother living in Raleigh. Her daughter Jenny was about to turn eight. He made a point of visiting them several times a year. His relationship with his sister grew with age and he was very proud at the way it had turned out.

"When are you leaving?" Marvin quizzed knowing he had told him a dozen times already.

"I'm leaving that Sunday, but I won't be back until Friday since I have some vacation days."

Usually Nathan left immediately after work on the Thursday before the holiday, but this year Jennifer Lindley was having a company picnic and pool party that Saturday. He refused to loose any opportunity to get close to his boss so he booked his flight three days later.

Some anorexic looking girl from the secretarial pool came over to borrow the salt and pepper, lingering a few second before leaving when the men showed her no interest. Marvin started a spiel about how men don't want to sleep with skeletons and began naming all the hot co-workers that had "meat on their bones". He wasn't even taking a breath.

"Mouth." His partner interrupted. "You're talking a mile a minute. What is up with you?"

"Nothing. Why does something have to be up?" He chewed at his fries defensively.

"You never talk this much and you haven't touched your burger."

"I guess I'm not that hungry." He stared down at his plate, placing an odd silence between the pair.

Nathan decided to add to the conversation. "I think I'll get a new pair of swim trunks."

" For your date with Haley? You sly dog!" Mouth grinned.

"Get your mind out the gutter!" Nate nodded. "They're for Jennifer's party."

Marvin grunted. "You have a swimming pool and a hot tub just going to waste. I bet Haley can fill out a bikini." He whistled. " She still has great ta tas."

Nathan hadn't considered his upcoming dinner with Haley as an actual date. She just wanted to catch up on old times, which was great as long as she behaved. He frowned, scratching his head. "Nikki's a wedding photographer."

"No sh!t Sherlock!" Marvin reminded. "She's been doing it for like six years."

"Close to seven."

"What's that have to do with the price of a lap dance in a strip club?" Marvin was completely lost.

"Haley James can't find out." Nathan whispered.

"Oh yeah, that's a conversation starter." Mouth smarted in the same tone. "I'm not going to tell her."

"I'll say she's an airline stewardess or something?"

"Interesting. Why can't you or we just tell her the truth?"

"Think about it."

"Do I have to?" Marvin pleaded his brain on overload.

"She will make something out of it that it's not. You know how she is. Since Nikki took the pictures at our wedding, she will claim it's a sign. She's created some kind of nonsense like our marriage was destiny or kismet."

"I never thought of that way."

Nathan noticed Marvin hadn't really weighed in on much lately. It was like he was a zombie walking around in a daze. His actions had never been so flighty and he wasn't the most normal person you could meet. If he didn't know better, he would say it had to do with a woman. Unfortunately, he had female problems of his own. A night out with Haley James was bound to be a problem.

Pamela