Hey guys thanks to everyone who took the time to read and/or review

I think I might take a break from writing this story. I'm not sure the direction that I have planned is actually interesting you guys, because while hits and alerts good and are getting higher the reviews haven't changed. So maybe people are reading it but don't like what they are reading? I don't know. It might be good to take some time and make sure I'm not boring you guys. I've started the next chapter already so if I take a break it'll be after Chapter Sixteen.

Chapter Fifteen

October 29, 2007

Beep

Beep

Beep

Haley paused the Tivo when she heard the microwave timer going off; letting her know that the popcorn was done. Going into the kitchen she poured the popcorn into a bowl and got some drinks. Placing everything on a tray she carried it back to the living room.

After she set everything on the coffee table she moved back onto the couch and pressed play.

Feeling the arm settle around her shoulders Haley glanced up and smiled.

Stretching up she placed a light kiss on his lips, "You'll get more of that after 'Heroes' is over. Want some popcorn?"

"Sure, thanks Hales."

Nathan settle back and instead of watching the show he kept his gaze trained on Haley, it had only been a day since he fixed the mess that he had almost made of their relationship. He smiled ruefully as he thought about the previous morning.

Flashback to Sunday Morning

Standing outside of Haley's house Nathan was trying to make a decisive decision on what to do. He didn't know if Haley's parents were back, but he really needed to talk to her. It was before 7:30 so he had knocked softly on the door but no one had answered. It was a little early to be banging the door so here he was outside, like an idiot, unsure of how to get Haley out of her house.

Noticing the pebbles that lined the walkway he decided to try and wake Haley up by getting her attention through her window. If the rocks didn't work he would climb the tree. But he was not leaving until he got her to listen to him.

Grabbing a handful he started tossing them one by one at the front window of the house. He managed to hit the window each time but no one was opening it.

He was so intent on his task that he didn't notice that there were footsteps coming up the walk behind him. He jumped a little when he heard her voice coming from behind me.

"Are you trying to wake my parents? That's their room," Haley stood stiffly behind him.

Nathan dropped the rocks immediately and closed his eyes. Fuck. What a wonderful first impression on her parents. "Really?"

"No, I lied." Haley smirked.

When Nathan turned around Haley bit her lip and started walking around him.

He reached out and stopped her, 'Wait! Haley please, look I need to apologize, okay?"

Haley rolled her eyes, "You know, you should write them in bulk if you are going to hand out that often."

Nathan scrubbed a hand over the top of his head, "Look…… can we just- I don't know how to do this, alright? I'm not like you."

Haley felt her face scrunch up in confusion, "What the hell does that mean?"

"I screw up a lot, alright? And being around you…… I just…. I don't want to be that guy anymore." Nathan told her sincerely.

Haley softly asked him, "Well who do you want to be, Nathan?"

"I want to be someone who's good enough to be seen with you."

Haley was wavering until she remembered how she felt the previous night when Nathan denied that they were on a date; frustrated she started to ramble, "Well you should have thought of that last night, Nathan. You know, I keep… I keep putting myself out there and you just keep blowing it. It's probably a good thing because at there is nothing that going to surprise me. Oh!"

Haley squeaked out when Nathan leaned over and caught her mouth in a soft kiss.

Nathan pulled back and waited for her to say something.

Feeling slightly dazed Haley continued her previous thought, "Except that." Breathing deeply she told him. "You shouldn't have done that, Nathan."

Nathan eyes darkened and he kept he eyes trained onto hers, "I wanted to."

Haley licked her lips and tasted Nathan, she breathed out, "Yeah." Moving quickly she wrapped her arms around Nathan's neck and pressed her lips to his.

Nathan was surprised but eager to reciprocate; he let her lead the way but lifted Haley by her hips allowing the faces to be more aligned.

Nathan continued kissing her until he remembered where they were. He pulled back groaning and rested his forehead against hers.

Haley pulled back, "What? What's the matter? Oh my god, do you regret it? You do don't you. You liked me before but now you don't think that us getting together is a good idea. That's a really jackas-"

Nathan silenced her with quick kiss, "I don't regret this Haley, I just don't think your neighbors would enjoy the show and I have something else I need to say to you." Nathan leaned forward and placed a kiss on the tip of her nose, "you're really cute when you babble, but you shouldn't think nonsense like that okay?"

Haley smiled and led Nathan into her house. Making herself comfortable on the couch she faced him with her legs folded underneath her.

When Nathan stayed quiet, she prompted, "So what else did you have to tell me."

He reached over and laced their hands together, "I need you to know that I wasn't embarrassed by you. I never had been. Last night…. it's just…. the guys… they can be a lot sometimes. I didn't know how to handle it so I acted stupid. I didn't even think about how you would feel when I said that. It killed me when I realized that it hurt you. I was just trying to avoid them acting like dicks around you and…. and really I woul-"

"Nathan," Haley interrupted him and place a finger over his lips. "It's okay, this one time. You didn't know what to do so you made a mistake, but it better not happen again. Okay? I'm not going to be someone who I even suspect is ashamed of our relationship."

Nathan grinned, "Then we won't have any problems."

Haley smiled back, "I guess we won't."

Nathan smirked, "Now why don't we continue what we started outside?"

Haley shifted so she was closer to Nathan, "I could be interested in that."

Nathan leaned forward and captured Haley's lips in a searing kiss…

-Flashback Over-

Nathan smiled at the memory and he let his eyes drift over Haley; who was currently watching her show with her bottom lip caught between her teeth and her eyes totally focused on the scenes that were playing out. His heart thumped faster as he took her in, and not wanting to wait for the show to end he reached over and paused the Tivo, causing Haley to burst out with, "Wait! What! Nathan! I need to see what happens with Peter!"

"That can wait, come here," Nathan looked at her with desire and Haley felt the excitement rushing through her body.

"I don't know Nate… this is a really, really good episode…," Haley bit her lip, her eyes sliding up to catch Nathan's reaction.

"I'll give you something good," Nathan promised.

Haley burst into laughter, "Wow, dude, Nate that was cheesy."

Nathan crossed his arms over his chest, "Find go ahead and finish watching your show."

Oh, he was too cute. Haley giggled and moved closer, "Nah, It'll wait. I'll just catch that later." Leaning up she caught Nathan's ear between her teeth and sucked gently.

Nathan turned to her and leaned back, pulling her on top of him. Tangling his hands in her hair he kissed her deeply.

"Wait Nathan! Let me put the popcorn down… wait it's falli- oh forget it come back here." Haley pulled Nathan back when he moved to pick up the popcorn. "That can wait too."

"How was your first full day without your mom around," Keith asked as they waited for their pizza to be ready.

Lucas shrugged, "It was okay. I don't think it's really hit me yet."

Keith smiled, "You'll feel it soon."

"Probably."

They made idle talk until the pizza was set between them.

After taking a bite of the steaming pie Keith asked him, "So what, are you going to avoid the café for the next six months?"

Lucas looked at Keith and deflected the question, "What, you don't like pizza?"

Keith smirked, "I love pizza, but that's not the point."

Look took a bite of his pizza and thought about it while he chewed. He didn't want to tell his mom, in case it made her change her mind about going to Italy, but it was weird that Deb was going to be at the café all the time. He wasn't sure what he thought about it.

"Well?"

Lucas swallowed and answered, "Look, don't you find it a bit strange, having Dan's wife running the café?"

Keith nodded, "Yeah it's a little strange. But it's also pretty gutsy of her. You have to know that Dan's going to be giving her a lot of grief about it. Lucas you should really give her a chance, Deb's alright. And really when you think about it, when she got pregnant in college her life changed a lot like your mom's did. There are a lot of parallels between them."

Lucas shifted, "Yeah but what about Dan? Why does she stay with a guy like that?"

"I don't know, maybe she's doing it for Nathan. And you told me that you and Nathan have been getting along and hanging out lately. She must have done something right."

Lucas opened his mouth to agree, "Yeah, Nathan's alright. It's ju-."

Lucas was cut off when Brooke walked up behind him; pressing her body against his back and leaning over his shoulder. Brooke tapped the book against his chest and told him, "Hey handsome, one more chapter and you're all mine."

Lucas couldn't help the silly grin that spread across his face as he watched Brooke exit the restaurant.

Keith smirked at him, "What was that all about?"

Lucas tried to wipe the smile off his face, "Nothing."

Keith shook his head, "Well I disagree. That was definitely, definitely something."

Still grinning, Lucas nodded and admitted, "Yeah… it's something."

Nathan's hand trailed up under Haley's shirt and he rubbed small circles on the exposed skin; as his lips trailed down her neck she moved her head back allowing him greater access.

With the sensations swirling throughout her; thinking was becoming a problem and Haley tried to focus on what Nate's tongue was doing to her neck while his hand traveled higher up her abdomen.

Shifting restlessly Haley tried to move; unfortunately she forgot that the couch wasn't that big. So when she rolled over she slid off Nathan and landed with a plop on the ground.

Out of it, Haley blinked and tried form a coherent thought. She looked at Nathan who was breathing heavily on the couch.

"You okay Hales?" Nathan managed to get out.

Haley blushed and rubbed her hip, "I'm good; the only think that is bruised is my pride. I fell off you, for god's sake."

Nathan reached down and helped her up. "Baby, it's okay. I already knew you were a klutz."

Nathan laughed and ducked when she swatted at him. "Haha laugh it up. I'm going to get the dust pan, be right back."

Haley got up and walked to the kitchen; once she was there she opened the fridge and stuck her head in. Time to cool off Haley.

Once she felt sufficiently cooled she walked over to the utility closet and pulled out a handheld broom and dustpan. She couldn't help the grin that spread across her face. Who would have thought that tutor Haley James would be dating Nathan Scott, star of the Tree Hill Ravens. It had only been a couple of days so it was pretty understandable that she still wasn't used to it.

Before they had started watching 'Heroes' Haley hadn't been able to take her eyes off him, afraid that if she blinked he disappear. But it seemed like he felt the same way and he couldn't get enough of her. It was all so surreal, but she was loving it. Haley James 'Master Seductress'. Haley grinned at her thoughts as she entered the living room frowning slightly when she saw that the room was empty. He must be in the bathroom.

Haley shrugged and started picking up the mess that they had made, a couple minutes later Nathan walked back into the room with his hair wet.

Haley raised an eyebrow, "Have trouble with the facet?"

Nathan smirked and admitted, "I had to cool off somehow."

Haley blushed, "Oh." Biting her lip before she revealed, "I stuck my head in the freezer."

Nathan laughed, "Well good, I'm glad I'm not the only one."

Haley smiled a little, "I'm almost done, go ahead and sit back down. I'll be back."

Nathan watched as Haley walked to the kitchen and his hands itched to grab a hold of her again. But he forced himself to stay where he was. While he was in the bathroom he had remembered that Haley was a virgin and waiting for marriage. The whole night when they played 'I Never' was a blur but he thought he remembered her saying that. He really didn't want to pressure or push her into something that she wasn't ready for. She was too important. So as much fun as making out on the couch was he was kind of glad that Haley had fallen off him. It had put the breaks on, something he wouldn't have done on his own.

When Haley came back into the room she settled down next to him and they just enjoyed being in each other arms. Nathan played with a strand of Haley's hair rolling the smooth strands between his fingers…

A couple minutes later Nathan stirred and curiously asked her, "What did Lucas say when you told him we were together?"

Haley smirked, "Well it went something like this."

-Flashback to earlier that day-

"Well, we're here Hales, now can you tell me what you wanted to talk about?" Lucas asked impatiently, he had been trying to get her to tell him the whole way home from school and she wouldn't budge.

Haley grinned, "Relax Luke, I told you it was good news."

Lucas rolled his eyes and made 'go ahead' gesture with his hands. "Anytime now, Hales."

Haley bit her lip, "NathanandIaredating." She blurted out quickly

"Come again?"

"Nathan and I kinda got together this weekend," Haley told him.

"I thought you guy weren't talking after the whole 'party thing'."

"Well we weren't but then Brooke got us to go on the date and…. it just happened."

"Brooke?" Haley nodded and Lucas mumbled, "Should have known that girl would play matchmaker."

Haley laughed, "She's a great friend, and she helped us get together."

Lucas clenched his jaw, "You know how I feel about this."

Haley rolled her eyes, "Lucas you are going to have to get used to me dating sometime."

"Yeah, but him? I mean, he's turning out to be a great brother but I know his reputation and so do you. How do you know he's serious about you? What if you are just another notch on his bedpost?"

"Lucas… it's not like that… I know him… I know he's serious about me. Don't ask me how… I just do okay? You are going to have to trust me on this." Haley said taking his hand.

"Haley, I'm just worried about you."

Haley squeezed his hand, "Luke… trust me."

Lucas blew out a gush of air, "I don't like this, but I get it okay?"

Haley reached over and gave him a hug, "Thanks buddy."

Pulling back he searched her face, "You're happy right?"

Haley nodded, "I'm happy; he makes me really happy Luke."

"Good, because if he hurts you I'm going to kick his ass."

Haley ruined the serious moment by laughing.

"What? You don't think I can take him?" Lucas squinted at her.

Haley shrugged, "Stranger things have happened."

Lucas slumped down on the bed next to her, "Way to kill the friendship vibe thing we had going."

"Aww, sorry Lucas. I'll be sure to tell Nathan about that tonight, so he can be prepared. I'm sure he'll feel properly warned." Haley bit her lip; boys could be so cute and macho.

Lucas brightened, "Thanks… wait tonight? You guys are going to be alo-"

He was interrupted by a knock on the door; Brooke opened the door and peeked. Seeing the two of them lounging on the bed she stepped in and flashed a grin at them.

"Hi Luke, hey tutor girl," Brooke cheerfully took a spot next to Lucas on the bed.

"Tigger… what's up?" Haley greeted her.

"Are you ready to go shopping? I need a new outfit for when I finish a certain book," Brooke paused to wink at Lucas before continuing, "and you can find some hot outfit that will make Nathan Scott sit up and beg."

Lucas smirked at Brooke, "I'm looking forward to your pick." He turned to Haley and pointed a finger at her, "Hales don't listen to this girl, it'll only lead you down a path of destruction."

Haley giggled, "You mean that path you are going to be going on soon?"

Lucas shrugged.

"Hypocrite," Haley coughed.

Lucas frowned, but didn't say anything.

"Right….," Haley turned to Brooke. "You can find something that will make Nate drool."

"Ewww," Lucas shuddered from his side of the bed.

"Come on Tutor Girl, let's go." Haley got up and waved to Lucas as she left the room, Brooke stayed back and placed a kiss on the corner of his mouth, "I'll be seeing you later Broody."

-Flashback over-

Nathan's eyes flashed with interest, "So where's the outfit that is going to make me drool?"

Haley trailed a finger down his chest, "Upstairs…."

Nathan stood up and tried to make her go upstairs, "Go ahead and try it on."

Haley laughed and stayed where she was, "No way mister, I didn't go shopping with Brooke for three hours to waste it on a night at home. It's going to wait for a special occasion."

Nathan sat back down and thought about it, "How about we go back to that restaurant on Saturday, since we never got to finish our food last time."

Haley wrapped an arm around his neck, "Great idea babe. It'll wash away all the bad karma. I can't wait!" Haley told him before she lowered her lips to his.

Lucas looked up when he heard the knock on his door. He smiled when he saw Brooke peek in and grin.

"Hey Broody," Brooke said as she walked over to him.

"Hey Cheery," Lucas mockingly joked back.

"I finished the book," Brooke winked at him, "you're all mine."

Lucas gave her a sexy half smile, "Hey, hey, hey, not so fast pretty girl, what did you think about book? Did you like it?"

Brooke smirked back at him, slowly lowering herself to sit in his lap. Running her fingers through his hair she asked, "Did I like it or did I read it?"

Lucas shivered, laughing a little, "Either, both, whatever."

Brooke shrugged, "It was okay. The book is about how a guy loses his integrity and gives into temptation." Brooke moved closer and spoke softly into his ear; lips brushing against him, "Which is exactly what I see you doing with me Saturday night…… with me."

Lucas laughed a little, "Well, a deal's a deal, right?"

Brooke nodded, pulling back a little. "That's right baby," Brooke placed a gentle kiss on his mouth, "A deal is a deal."

Brooke got up and went to the door, throwing a wink over her shoulder before leaving the room.

Lucas took a deep breath, and smiling he sat back and anticipated his date with Brooke.

Nathan waited on the couch for Haley to come back; she had gone upstairs to call her mom. Supposedly the landline in her room got the best reception to wherever he parents were at the moment. Nathan frowned when he thought about it; his parents weren't the most involved but they were around more than Haley's. He hadn't met her parents and he had been coming over for about a month. Where the hell were they?

When her cell phone rang he picked it up and curiously looked at the caller ID.

His jaw clenched when he saw that it was Jake.

Damn it, he knew that Jake had to want Haley. Who wouldn't want her?

Letting the thought stew he turned off Haley's cell phone. This wouldn't be a repeat of last week when Jake made some lame excuse and got Haley to go see him.

Smiling a little he tossed the phone back on the coffee table and sat back waiting for Haley to come back to him.

Disclaimer: I own nothing; not OTH or its characters.

RedRoom323: When I was planning out the story I originally had the bet going on throughout the whole story. Then I thought it would be overkill and unnecessary so I'm glad you like that the bet it over. :) Thanks

Naley: Peyton will be back and Mike will eventually be able to talk to her... eventually :)

Naley19: Thanks!

iluvenaley: Don't worry, Peyton will be back and you'll find out how everyone ends up

DCOTHfan80: Awww, I like Peyton. I totally get why she is unlikeable so far, hopefully that will change for you. Thanks :)

Jess2303: I'm glad that you don't think that Mike is so bad anymore. I was worried that his actions in earlier chapters contradicted what happened in chapter 14 but it had to be done, so I tried to write it in a way that so he wasn't OOC and I thought the flashback to when they met helped. I was really worried about the flashbacks; sometimes I read a story and I'm so confused, I'm happy these were clear. Thanks:)