Author's Note: Hey guys, I'm so sorry this took so long, but I hit a mental block with this one, but this update is extra long since you all have been so amazingly patient with me. I'm a little nervous about this chapter since I was a little rusty on the story so I'm anxious to hear what you guys think. I want to thank Hana for being an amazing beta and to Maggie for helping me escape the block.

Chapter Six "Naked Hearts"

Peyton didn't even hear her studio doors open as she feverishly worked on the canvas before her. When something called out to her, she had to sketch immediately, then as soon she returned to the studio she would transform that simple sketch into something much deeper and hopefully more powerful onto her canvas.

This piece was no exception to the rule. In fact, if it was possible, it had been the first piece in a long time she had felt so passionate about. Peyton could never explain these urges or ever pin point when they would hit, but three nights ago it had happened. At the party she had witnessed something from a distance that had taken a hold of her and wouldn't let go until it was finished.

Lucas didn't even bat an eye when she had rambled off about needing to get to her studio. He had simply kissed her lips and said he'd drive her. Finding a man that understood her was rare, but finding a man that understood her art was once in a lifetime.

"Is it wrong that darkness can be so beautiful?" Haley spoke up from behind Peyton, almost causing Peyton to jump out of her skin.

"Jesus, Haley!"

Not apologizing, Haley went to stand next to Peyton and continued to stare at the canvas before her. The entire thing was constructed of a series of chaotic swirls made of the deepest shades of purple and midnight blues so dark that, if not for Peyton's skillful brush strokes that exposed the brilliant hues, you could easily mistake the rich blues for unforgiving black.

Peyton quickly moved to cover the art from Haley's eyes. "This is far from finished," she explained.

"Well, what you already have is mesmerizing."

Smiling in appreciation Peyton walked over to the sink in her studio and began to wash her hands. "Well, thanks you and to answer your question, I've always been a fan of darkness. To me it reveals everything hidden," she said with a mysterious hint lacing her words, as if she was letting Haley in a clue to the secret of life.

Haley nodded in understanding and went to sit on the red velvet chaise.

Turning to face her finally, Peyton noticed the Haley James sitting before her, was far from the put together star package she encountered three nights ago. Nevertheless, she could see this was the real Haley James in comfortable cropped black leggings, a simple spaghetti strapped lavender tunic, and stylish black ballet flats.

"So not that I mind the visit, but how did you get in?"

Haley smiled sheepishly. "I hope you don't mind. I called Lucas for your number and he told me you probably had your music blasting way too loud to hear anything, so he suggested me popping in on you and gave me your security code."

Laughing, Peyton opened the mini fridge and took out two bottled waters. "I swear that boy has been planning a play date for us since he met you."

Taking a bottle from Peyton, Haley laughed with her. "Yeah, sometimes I think there is no way someone as caring and sensitive as Lucas could possibly be related to Nathan."

"Not to be a bitch, but you did marry the guy." Peyton quirked her eyebrow at Haley.

Sighing, Haley opened her water and took a quick sip. "Can I plead temporary insanity?"

"Do you really want to?"

Haley looked up surprised. "What do you mean?

"All I'm saying is that impulses can sometimes lead us to where we're supposed to be. And I should know I was queen of impulse control and second guessing until I took a chance with Luke and I'm actually enjoying being happy."

Scoffing, Haley began to play with her wedding ring that seemed to be mocking her union with gleaming perfection. "That's ridiculous, I only wanted one thing out of Nathan Scott that night and it sure as hell wasn't a marriage license."

Peyton shrugged. "Denial is an amazing place to live in," she winked.

Picking up a pillow, Haley launched it at Peyton. "I think I would have liked the pre-Lucas Peyton better," she joked.

"Maybe, but that Peyton could be a real bitch and would never agree to buy you lunch." Peyton teased as she helped pull Haley to her feet.

"Luckily for you I'm starving and I adore bitches, case in point my best friend Brooke."

Peyton laughed and swung her arm around Haley's shoulders, leading her towards the metal doors of her studio. "Oh Haley, I still have some bitchiness left in me, don't worry."

"I think this is the beginning of a dysfunctional friendship," Haley deduced proudly and knew she was right. She, Peyton and Brooke would surely become quite the trio.

…

She felt so much better after spending, what turned out to be, a four lunch with Peyton. They had walked to a hole in the wall burger joint and called Brooke to join them. The three of them binged on burgers, chili fries, and chocolate shakes with loads of whip cream.

It was sinful in the best possible way, but just like with all sinful acts, they knew they'd be regretting it in the morning and dragging their asses to the gym. Still, it was nice to indulge themselves, not only in junk food, but also some female bonding.

They laughed, they complained and most importantly Haley and Brooke got to know and trust Peyton.

…

"Have you told her yet?" Lucas asked as he and his brother walked from the locker room showers to get changed.

Nathan ran a towel through his hair and tossed it a near by bin. "She won't even stay in the same room with me for more than five seconds, so no I haven't told her."

Pulling on some jeans, Lucas shook his head at his misguided brother. "It's your own fault man. Mom and Dad have been after you for weeks to bring her down and you waited so damn long that they decided to surprise us both with a visit."

"You know Mom and Dad have never been able to stand any girl I've dated. I just didn't want the hassle."

Lucas laughed. "Haley is nothing like the other girls you dated—thank god. In fact, I still have trouble grasping how you ever got so damn lucky to have her actually agree to marry you."

"We're not even really married Luke," Nathan grumbled while he tied the laces to his Nike's that bore his name.

"Admit it Nate, it's becoming more than just a legal status to you. You're falling hard for you very own wife and it kills you that you might have screwed it up the other night."

Nathan slammed his locker and put his bag on his shoulder. "You take one class in psychology your sophomore year at Duke and you think you're a fucking therapist."

"Whatever, be miserable for the rest of you life," Lucas snapped, annoyed with trying to get through Nathan's thick skull.

The brothers exited the locker room and walked through the hall, giving courteous nods and smiles to the journalists reporting on their pre-season practices.

Once they reached the parking lot, Lucas grabbed his brother's arm to stop him. "Listen; just take this one peace of advice? If you ever want on Haley's good side again; give her fair warning that Mom and Dad are coming in tonight. That's one surprise no girl ever appreciates."

After a long pause Nathan conceded. "I guess you're right."

Lucas grinned and took his keys out of pocket. "I always am. Do you just want to make it easy and all have dinner tonight at your place?"

Nathan agreed quickly and then jumped in his SUV, whipping his phone out of his pocket as soon as he shut his door.

"This is Jake, what can I do for you?" Jake answered in a business like demeanor after a few short rings.

"Hey Jake, this is Nathan. Listen, can you tell me where Haley is?"

With a few clicks, Jake brought up Haley's entire world on his computer screen. Everything from her shooting schedule to her hair appointments was before him, not to mention every single name and number of her friends and family. Haley always joked that not even the FBI, with all their gadgets, could find her as fast as Jake could.

"Looks like she's at the studio for at least another two hours." Jake finally answered once he scrolled through the right timeslots. "Should I even ask why you need to know this?"

"Can't a husband just pay his wife a visit?"

Jake chuckled. "Yes, but most wife's aren't as scary as Haley James is when she's pissed."

Starting his car, Nathan nodded even though he knew Jake couldn't see him. "True, it still amazes me that someone as tiny as her could have that much fire in them." Nathan agreed.

Then said a quick goodbye and aimed his SUV towards Haley's studio.

…

"Brooke stop with the lotion, I'm going to slide off the counter and break my neck at this rate." Haley slapped Brooke's lotion filled hands away from her bare legs as she slipped on a short ivory satin robe.

"Hales, you are about to show partial nudity in a hot love scene. Once this film is released you will be prime spank material for every guy with a pulse and probably even a few of their confused girlfriends, so you need to glisten in that manufactured moon light my love."

Giving Brooke a disgusted look, Haley removed her wedding band and engagement ring from her hand and placed them in a pale blue satin pouch on her vanity. Glancing back at her bare fingers, she couldn't help but feel uneasy about removing her rings. She had only been wearing them for two months, yet each time she was forced to remove them for a scene she felt off kilter without them and the feeling would only go away once the rings were properly back on her left ring finger.

A knock at the door reminded Haley she was due on set, so she and Brooke quickly made their way out of the dressing room.

"Ms. James you are a vision." The director Guy Sullivan gushed as he took in her soft blonde waves, glowing make-up, and a body to die for that was barely covered by the robe. He may be gay, but that didn't prevent him from appreciating a great work of art.

Kissing her on the cheek, he then ushered her towards the manufactured kitchen set that was slightly darkened with lights going up around it to give the illusion of moon light just like Brooke had referred to.

Josh walked up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. "You ready? I know this is your first big love scene…hell it's mine too." He laughed lightly into her ear.

She leaned back against him and he moved his arms to wrap around her shoulders. In truth, she did feel safe with Josh, he had become one of best friends, she just never got used to making out on camera and this wasn't just making out; this was a full on love scene.

"Alright you two, break it up." Guy clapped his hands to get their attention and motioned for them to hit their marks.

"And Action!"

Closing her eyes briefly Haley tapped into her alter ego for this film, Maggie Monroe. Maggie was the darling debutante daughter of widower Rhett Monroe, whom owned half of the South. They had a vicious long going feud with the Arrington family, who just happened to own the other half. A huge business deal had forced her father to call upon her to get close to the golden son, Beau Arrington and gain access to the Arrington estate. Unfortunately, for all parties involved nothing would turn out the way any of them expected and this night in a deserted kitchen was when everything would change.

"Sneaking around my house in the middle of the night I see."

Turning quickly she faced him, surprise evident on her face. "Beau, I didn't hear you. I was…just…getting a quick class of water," she stumbled, hoping he couldn't see the guilt that snooping for her father had induced.

Walking up to her in nothing but his boxer briefs, he pinned her back against the counter and reached above her head, grabbing a glass from the cabinet.

"Here." He whispered a breath away from her lips with the cool glass pressed against her cheek.

Losing herself in his crystal blue eyes, she barely got a thank you before he crushed his lips hard against hers.

Josh carefully lifted her up on the countertop and undid the sash of her robe. Slowly he brought his hands up to push the material off her shoulders, keeping his hand on the side of right breast, once the material fell, to give the appearance he was massaging her breast when in reality he was skillfully hiding her nipple from view. It was just one of the many tricks of a Hollywood love scene.

"Oh Beau…don't stop!" Haley cried out as Josh moved his lips to her neck.

Haley's hands came down and pushed his boxer briefs down enough for the camera to catch the top of Josh's bare buttocks. Josh then pulled them all the way off with his free hand as the camera followed to the floor.

Running her fingers through his hair, Haley tried not to lose her character and laugh as she felt Josh's involuntary body's response throb against the inside of her thigh. She knew he'd probably be embarrassed, but she had made out with enough actors on set and talked to enough actresses to know that it was just something even the best actor couldn't control. In fact, her good friend Reese once told her that male actors are just like puppies; they can't help but wag their tale when they're happy. It's a product of nature not nurture.

After going through five damn security guards Nathan finally got the clearance to be on the set. Going through the last door, he had finally made it, but he sure as hell had to be in the wrong place. All he could hear were sex noses and in the distance he could see two people getting it on in a kitchen of all places.

Sliding his hands beneath Haley's ass Josh lifted her up slightly with each fake thrust, to create the illusion of sex and Haley was beautifully on cue with every gasp and moan, even biting into his shoulder for good measure.

"WHAT THE HELL!" Nathan shouted, his voice echoing throughout the closed set, sending everyone including star-crossed lovers Maggie and Beau to an immediate halt.

…

"I'm not fucking sorry. So quit acting like I have anything to apologize for."

After throwing her purse down on the table in the entryway, Haley turned around and faced him. "You are such an ass! You humiliated me in front of all my co workers and you don't see why you should be sorry?"

"No, I don't." Nathan tossed his keys beside her purse and breezed past her.

Haley slammed the door that Nathan had left wide open. Sure, it may have been petulant, but when you deal with a two-year-old sometimes you have to act like one. "Don't walk away from me! You called me a slut in front of everyone. It's going to make the papers!"

Chuckling, Nathan turned around. "I only call them like I see them and maybe you should let your husband know when you're opening your legs for other men."

"I was acting you ass. Just like I 'acted' like I enjoyed having sex with you."

Nathan scoffed. "Whatever helps you sleep at night, Scarlett. Oh and by the way you may like to think you're this good little girl, but it barely took me two hours to get you to scream my name. I've known groupies with more virtue than you."

Haley opened her mouth to respond, but nothing came out. His words stung…more than she ever thought possible and everything around her felt like it was spinning out of control. Holding in tears, with every ounce of will she had left, she rushed past him and didn't stop till she reached the safety of her room.

That's when she let it all out in quiet sobs into her pillow. This was what she did. Every since she was a child, she only cried when she was alone because then no one could see the cracks; see that she wasn't the perfect child without a care in the world that they always praised her as. Growing up she hardly ever got in trouble due to the fact that every one of her cousins were boys and that was their job not hers.

Even when she did rebel, which was very rare, her family chalked it up to outside influences and nothing was ever her fault. What they didn't understand was that she wanted them to blame her. Then maybe just maybe they would let her off that pedestal and she wouldn't be ashamed of letting every day life get to her one and awhile and just breathe without the weight of the world sitting on her chest.

One hour later… "Where's Haley?" A casual looking Lucas in faded blue jeans and a plain cotton gray T-shirt asked as he pulled Peyton down beside him on the couch.

"Don't know and don't give a shit." Nathan shrugged as he continued his race to the NBA finals on his Playstation 3 wearing his signature khaki shorts and standard polo shirt this time in a deep blue shade.

The brothers had always been creatures of habits and their fashion sense was something that hadn't altered since their high school days. The only difference was that now Nathan could afford every pair of sneakers in the world and Lucas every pair of flip-flops and their closets reflected that.

Lucas sighed, preparing himself for the worst. "What happened?"

"She's having sex with that prick Josh," Nathan said simply, his eyes still trained on the television set before him.

Peyton and Lucas exchanged worried glances.

"Did you she tell you that?" Lucas questioned not really buying that Haley was really having sex with her co-star. He may have only known her for a short while, but she didn't strike them as the type to sleep around especially when she was married, even if the marriage was a little on the unorthodox side,

"She didn't have to. I saw them fucking in front of my own eyes."

"Damn." Lucas blew out under his breath. "I really thought they were just friends and Haley's never in the press for this kind of crap with her co-stars. She seemed like the total professional."

"Yeah going at it on a kitchen counter in front of an audience is real fucking professional." Nathan sniped and slammed down the controller after he lost yet another play off game.

As Nathan sat back against the couch, Peyton stared after him bewildered. "Wait…in front of an audience? Do you mean they were filming a love scene?"

Nathan rolled his eyes. "Love scene my ass. No way in hell they can fake a love scene that good unless they are really having sex."

Putting his head in his hands, Lucas groaned in frustration. "Ugh, you are such a fucking moron." Lifting his head back up, he glared at his brother. "She's an actress, not a porn star! It's all make believe; every word, every touch, it's all fake. They are playing characters not themselves."

Peyton started laughing at that. "Nathan, you do know the dog in Old Yeller didn't die?"

"And that the governor of California's name is in fact Arnold Schwarzenegger and not The Terminator," Lucas added with laughter in his voice as well. "But why do you care anyway if she's not really your wife like you told me this afternoon at practice?"

"First off, shut the hell up and second we have a contract and I can't have her whoring it up and making me look bad. Oh and what do you mean it's all fake? Co-stars fall in love all the time—look at Branglina and Bennifer." Nathan defended with his arms crossed defensively in front of his chest.

"The fact that you use those terms disturbs me greatly." Lucas continued to laugh. "Besides out of all the movies made over time only a fraction of the leads actually fall for each other and most of those actresses that end up cheating on their guy on the movie set are tabloid whores and Haley sure as hell is not a whore."

Luke's words caused a pang of guilt to shoot through Nathan, but he pushed past it. He needed to stay angry with Haley, he needed to justify that there was no way she could ever feel anything for him because if he didn't he knew he would have to confront his growing feelings for her and being that vulnerable wasn't something he felt ready to face.

"I'm going to go see if I can find Haley," Peyton announced as she stood and gave Lucas a quick peck on the lips. "I'm so glad I got the smart Scott," she whispered in his ear.

Following the stairs and subsequent hallway, Peyton couldn't get over the amazing ocean views. The entire house was so open and airy with floor to ceiling windows all over the back of the home to let every ounce of natural light in. It was a stark contrast to the front of the estate with its high gates and fortress like appearance, which was mandatory when you were as big of a star as Haley was. However, once you stepped foot inside the house it was all Haley: warm, inviting and the definition of soft beauty.

"Knock, knock," Peyton announced as she entered Haley's room and found Haley was curled up atop her comforter wrapped in a hideous red white and blue afghan.

"Hey," Haley responded quietly, but continued to stare at the wall.

Walking around the bed to Haley's side, Peyton fingered the afghan. "I'm going to pray this is has sentimental value."

Haley cracked a smile at that. "It was my grandmother's."

"Yeah, I figured as much. Lucas found me with my oh so stylish brown and mustard yellow one the other day." Peyton grinned and then yanked the afghan off her.

"Hey!" Haley protested and sat up quickly.

"You know I'm all for wallowing in misery, but you're not that type Miss America's Sweetheart."

"According to Nathan I'm more like America's Sweetwhore," Haley sarcastically applied Nathan's feelings towards her overused nickname.

Sitting on the bed with Haley, Peyton looked at her sympathetically. "Listen Hales, you are not Paris Hilton or Lindsey Lohan; you do not grace the magazines with a new guy every week and you most importantly there are no crotch shots of you all over the Internet. So given all that evidence you are not a whore; in fact you may even be a tad on the prude side," she joked and Haley kicked her playfully with her foot.

"I'm really not sleeping with Josh." Haley added after a pause, a tiny part of her afraid that Peyton even believed it for a second

"Haley, unlike that chauvinistic ass downstairs I do believe men and women can just be friends, so don't even waste your breath explaining yourself to me. Now get your ass up because I can not meet the parents on my own."

Haley's eyes shot open wide. "What do you mean 'meet the parents'?"

"You know I'm really starting to think Nathan just has a death wish." She alluded more to herself than to Haley, then continued on. "Anyway, Luke and Nathan's parents will be here in about…" she checked her watch, "thirty minutes."

Haley hopped of the bed and began to pace. "How could he not tell me? There is no way I can do this tonight Peyton. I cannot be in the same room with him…I just can't!" she blew out exasperated collapsing back atop the bed.

"Alright drama queen you can't let him win. You are going to go down there and be your charming self and blow Nathan and his parent's away. They are going to love you and as for Nathan you are an actress. Besides as much as you hate him, didn't he visit your parents?"

"Ok, I'm not enjoying this Devil's Advocate side of you," Haley deadpanned, but relented, jumping off the bed to go comb her waves out and freshen her make-up.

Twirling back around from the mirror minutes later Haley posed for Peyton. "Presentable enough?"

Checking her out, Peyton gave her a satisfactory smile. "Perfect, although I don't think the big bunny slippers go with that lavender tunic."

Glancing at her feet, Haley slapped her hand against her forehead, hoping it would knock her brain back in tact, then she kicked off her slippers and slid back on her much more fashionable black ballet flats. As much as she hated to admit it, she wanted Nathan's parents to like her and she needed all her wits about her to cover her disdain for their son.

…

"Oh my babies!" Karen cooed as her tiny arms managed to encase both her sons' waists squeezing all three of them together.

Dan chuckled at his wife and pried her off their sons. "Good to see you both." He greeted and hugged them each separately.

Karen peered around quickly looking for any trace of the girls. "Well, where are they?" she finally huffed out, as it seemed neither was appearing before her eyes.

Then once again proving their mother's words had voodoo powers Haley and Peyton came gracefully down the stairs with bright smiles upon their faces.

Nathan sat back amazed as Haley went directly into his mother's arms as if it was second nature and within seconds they were both talking over each other like they'd known each other for all time. He was so sure he'd have to give some lame excuse for why Haley wasn't joining them, but like always Haley surprised him.

"I'm so sorry, I had to be on the set all day, but if you want we can out to eat or I can whip something up really fast." Haley explained hoping Karen wouldn't think less of her for not planning ahead even though it was Nathan's fault she didn't have time. 'Bastard.'

"Oh dear, I love cooking for my boys, so as long as you don't mind sharing the kitchen I'm sure we can manage to put a decent meal together."

Dan patted Lucas and Nathan on the back. "And while the women are in the kitchen we can catch that game."

Right as Haley began to show Karen and Peyton to the kitchen Nathan grabbed her arm. "Can I talk to you for a minute, Baby?" He emphasized the nickname with a sugary sweet small.

Karen waggled her finger at Nathan. "Now, now you can only have a minute because I need some mother-daughter in law time…you got it?"

"Yes, ma'am."

Waiting till his mother was out of ear shot, Nathan finally let go of Haley's arm. "What are you up to?" He eyed her suspiciously.

Brushing off the fictitious particles from Nathan's touch, Haley locked eyes with him. "Contrary to your belief I was taught to respect parents. Plus, they seem really great…it's just too bad they got stuck with you."

"Just make sure your douchebag of an actor boyfriend stays the hell away while they're here." Nathan warned much to Haley's aggravation.

Taking a deep breath, Haley held in the verbal assault that she wanted so desperately to inflict due to the fact she saw Karen steadily approaching them. Acting fast, Haley quickly stood on the tips of her toes and pulled a pissed off looking Nathan down into a deep kiss that nearly knocked him off his feet. He quickly recovered, wrapping his arms tightly around her waist, lifting her up, and thrusting his tongue deep within her mouth. At this point he didn't give a damn why it was happening, his body was just enjoying the hell out of it.

Once Haley saw Karen leave out of the corner of her eye, she did the next best thing to telling Nathan off—she bit him hard on the tongue.

Sitting her down and shoving her off him, Nathan wiped at his lips and now throbbing tongue. "God damn! Are you off your meds or something?" his whispered harshly, his breathing still ragged.

Tapping her chin Haley pretended to contemplate his words. "Now, now, dear hubby, that isn't a nice thing to say to your wifey." She then blew him a kiss and left him beyond bewildered as she joined Karen and Peyton in the kitchen with a little bounce in her step as she realized she hadn't been this pleased with herself in a long time.

She finally felt that she was getting some control back in her life and messing with Nathan Scott's head was just the luscious icing on the sinful cake.

…

"Well, ladies that dinner was superb. I don't think I have ever had chili quite like that. Karen, please tell me you wrote down that recipe for the café? That will become a North Carolina favorite in no time." Dan rubbed his stomach appreciatively.

Karen placed her hand on top of Haley's as she spoke to Dan. "Of course I did and I'm going to name it Haley's Southern Chili Pie."

Blushing, Haley tried to protest. "Mrs. Scott you really don't have to do that."

Taking her hand off Haley's, Karen waved away Haley's words. "I wouldn't have it any other way. Oh, and please call me Karen, I keep looking over my shoulder for Dan's mother when you call me Mrs. Scott. "She smiled warmly at Haley.

Dan looked between both his sons. "I really just can't believe you boys snagged such fine women. I mean Lucas I always had faith you would, but you Nathan well let's just say your mother kept me up many night pacing over you."

Nathan raised his glass to his father in a mock salute. "Thanks for the vote of confidence Daaaaad." He stumbled to get out his last word as Haley's foot swiftly kicked him in the shin from across the table."

Everyone gave Nathan as odd look; all except Haley who was smiling like a Cheshire cat.

Clearing his throat Dan continued with his planned toast. "Anyway, as I was saying I'm just so glad my two sons found there way to happiness just like I have with their mother. So let's all raise our glasses to success in life and especially love."

As the sound of glasses clinking around the table sounded, Haley couldn't stop herself from watching Karen and Dan. They had to have been married for at least twenty-five years and they still looked liked teenagers in love. She had always thought you never needed a another person to be complete, but witnessing Karen and Dan's love first hand showed her that people only say that because they've never experienced how true love can transform you and your life.

…

"I still can't believe you asked them to stay here," Nathan blew out as he went to pull off his shirt.

Strolling out of the bathroom in comfortable blue cotton shorts and a very thin white razorback undershirt, Haley gave him an odd look "Maybe because they are your parents and family should always stay together."

Forcing his eyes away from her smooth legs and braless chest Nathan cleared his throat and began to undo his pants. "Yeah, well you can't really have phone sex with Joshy when we're forced to share a room."

"I'm sure I'll have a nice wet dream about him tonight," Haley taunted, figuring he didn't deserve her protests of innocence.

"You're such a bitch," Nathan blew out, as he hurled his pants across the room and then began to take his watch off in exaggerated movements.

"Oh just bite…" The words died in her throat when she looked up and got a glimpse of Nathan in nothing but boxer briefs that clearly defined his package. He was angry she could tell by the way his chest muscles seemed to bulge out even more and she licked her lips before she could stop herself.

Feeling her nipples grown inappropriately hard she began to rub her arms and mumbled something about being cold hoping to cover for her arousal.

It had to be the wine she had at dinner because there was no way she could still be this turned on by someone she clearly loathed and had just insulted her a second before…right?

Noticing her nipples right away, Nathan made fast of work of climbing beneath her covers as his member began to respond in a way that wasn't the most conductive at the moment.

Turning on his back away from her, was not the best for Haley's 'condition' as she again lusted over another part of his body, his unbelievably broad muscular back.

"Are you getting in?" he grumbled breaking her out of her lust haze.

Without a word she climbed into the other side of the bed and turned off the light beside her bed, allowing darkness to overtake the room. She attempted to shut her eyes, but having him so close was setting her body on fire. She was seriously thinking of calling a therapist in the morning because there is no way she should feel anything but disgust for him. 'Maybe she was a sadist?' Her mind pondered as the horrible headline "America's Sweetest Sadist" flashed through her head and yet she could still feel the yearning between her legs.

Usually, she would just open her goody drawer and "take care" of herself. Sadly, this wasn't the first time thoughts of Nathan had kept her up, so she was pretty use to the routine. It may not have been what her body truly craved, but it at least took some of the edge off—but obviously that wasn't happening tonight as his even breathing once again reminded her of his warm body next to hers.

It was so unfair how he could just drift off without a care in the world. She wanted to just slug him and his "routine." He was always bragging about how getting up so early allowed him to fall asleep at the drop of a hat.

She, on the other hand, was the exact opposite. If something was on her mind, her body wouldn't rest until what ever it was bothering her was either resolved or at least rationalized in some way. Ever since she had married Nathan, she hadn't had a single restful night.

Giving up after an excruciating long half-hour, she quietly slipped out of the bed and made her way out of the room. Padded down the stairs, she saw a light in the kitchen. Curious she went to check it out and found Karen drinking a glass of water at the table and dabbing at tears coming from her eyes.

"Karen, what's wrong?" Haley rushed over and sat down beside her at the table.

Laughing softly at herself, Karen quickly finished wiping at her tears. "Oh honey, I feel so silly having you catch me crying. These are happy tears though, I promise." She grinned to reassure Haley. "It's just you know what Dan said tonight about me staying up nights worrying over Nathan…well he was right."

"What do you mean?" Haley softly asked, prompting Karen to continue explaining.

Taking a deep breath, she turned kind eyes on Haley. "Well, you know Nathan is my youngest and while it may not seem like, he has the most fragile heart. Lucas has always worn his heart on his sleeve and never been afraid to love, but Nathan well…he's just vulnerable Haley. In fact I think that's why he always dated women that were so shallow because then he never had to risk his heart."

Karen paused to gather her thoughts. "I was just so worried he'd never find someone who could see past his tough shell and see the sweet boy inside and then he met you and for the first time since they gave him to me in that hospital room twenty four years ago I felt relief. Relief that he wouldn't have to go through life alone and that his heart was in good hands."

Tears came to Haley's eyes and she pulled Karen into a tight hug. This woman loved her son so much and Haley knew right then and there that she would fear Karen finding out how the marriage had really come about even more than her own family.

In truth, though, Haley was feeling more than just the worry over ever hurting Nathan's mother and that's what really made her tears fall. Karen's words had reminded Haley of that second when she said yes to Nathan's proposal. It was the one memory that was crystal clear. When she had looked up at Nathan's hopeful face she saw someone that would change her life forever and that if she didn't say yes she was passing up something that she would regret till her dying day.

She had forced herself to push that memory way into the back of her mind, refusing to believe in such nonsense, but listening to Karen brought it all rushing back. She didn't want to believe in fate or that there could be something really once in a lifetime between her and Nathan, if she just tried and broke down the walls around her heart, because once she believed it…there was no going back.

…

Shifting and reaching over in his subconscious Nathan felt nothing but space and suddenly his body refused to succumb to sleep a second longer. Groggily, he glanced at the small alarm clock on Haley's nightstand and he noticed it was a four am.

Getting up, he decided he might as well start his work out an hour early and as a plus find out where Haley was—not that he cared—he told himself.

After getting on some work out clothes, which he'd retrieved from a bag he'd packed when he realized he'd have to live out of Haley's room while his parents were there, he ventured downstairs.

Grabbing a Glacier Ice flavored Gatorade out of the fridge he almost made it to the French doors that led to the deck when his mother's laughter stopped him in his tracks.

Perplexed, he followed the sound to the living room and there he saw his mother and Haley sitting on the large couch, with their backs to him. They were sharing a blanket, with a bowl of popcorn between them, and cracking up at what looked like "I Love Lucy" on his plasma screen television. One look at the "I Love Lucy" DVD cases strewn out on the coffee table told him they were obviously having some sort of marathon.

A smile came to his face as he leaned against the wall soaking up the scene before him. He should have expected them to get along this well, after all Haley reminded him of his mother. They were both tiny wisps of women that could put the fear of God in him more than anyone else and they both held so much love for their families and friends. Not to mention that quiet grace they always seemed to carry with them that could make you feel peace from just being in the same room with them.

Like right now, his heart wasn't hardening with irrational thoughts of Haley and Josh; it was just aching to be near Haley. It seemed no matter how hard he fought, no matter how angry he got, she could make it all disappear with just one radiant smile and the sound of her laughter.

And that was then he knew and finally let himself admit he was in love with his very own wife.

Cath