Cooper Lee took his seat on the workout bench, fully extending his long, tanned, muscular arms as he reached upwards for the bar. Always naturally athletic, he had received his knockout body from a variety of sports and physical activity but ever since moving to Tree Hill, the consistent and strict schedule of cardio and weight training in a gym had begun to rub off on him, courtesy of his nephew, Nathan. Early mornings still weren't his thing but sleeping in past noon even on a weekend was sure to insight a lecture from his sister and a smirk and smart comment from his brother in law. To avoid anymore disdain, Cooper simply set his alarm clock early on Saturdays, dragged himself out of bed and trudged to the gym. Once he got there and got into it, he had to admit that it did feel good but actually getting there seemed to be the problem. And on that particular morning, it seemed to be a problem for someone else as well. Where the hell were Nathan and Lucas?

The facility was relatively empty except for a few more scattered lifting weights and working out on the exercise bikes and treadmills. Music blared in the background, along with several television sets that played whatever CNN and ESPN were showing. Cooper had adjusted the weights on the bar. It was ten pounds more than what he was used to lifting but oh well. It was just ten pounds, right? What was the big deal? He sucked in a breath, lying flat, letting his fingers wrap securely around the bar. He lifted, and slowed to steady himself so the bar could gradually come towards his body. When he was confident with his grip, he began to lift, pumping the bar up and down.

She watched from afar, arms folded, smirk on her pretty face. Dressed in sexy workout garb herself, exercise was the last thing on the mind of the normally athletic, pretty cheerleader. She was on a mission, so to speak. She had waited patiently for that moment to arrive ever since Haley had spilled the beans about his location. And there he was in front of her, working out, looking hotter than ever. Well, almost. The fact that his arms began to struggle violently to keep control of the bar wasn't so hot. Actually, it was kind of funny and Rachel couldn't stifle a giggle as she sauntered over to him.

Cooper let out a loud, painful groan as the bar came dangerously close to landing hard against his chest. Summoning all his strength, he raised it high, trying his best to set it back down high above his head. He almost had it, so damned close and then there it was. In a second it was over like an angel of some sort had swooped down and saved the day. Rising to a sitting position, he looked up and couldn't help but grin. It was an angel alright.

"Rule number one…always use a spotter."

Cooper wiped the sweat from his brow.

"You don't strike me as a type that usually follows all the rules."

It was Rachel's turn to grin.

"Whenever they work for me", she shrugged.

"What brings you here?"

"Besides saving your ass?"

He smirked.

"You didn't save my ass."

"Oh?" she asked, raising one eyebrow.

"Heck no. I totally had it. Totally."

"You did?"

"Of course. I, I was just testing you. Yeah, that's it. That's just a little trick I use to get the attention of pretty girls. Works all the time."

"Obviously", she giggled, rolling her eyes.

"So what are you really doing here…?"

"Rachel."

"I remembered your name."

"Really?"

Cooper winked at her.

"Not really. I was thinking 'cute dancer chick who bit my head off and accused me of being a perv'."

"Rachel is so much easier to remember. Anyway, I was just stopping by, checking things out. My parents have a membership here."

"It's a nice place. Nathan turned me on to it."

Rachel bit her lip. Nathan? Haley said nothing about Nathan being at the gym. Her eyes darted around.

"You and Nathan work out together a lot?"

"Yeah. Lucas, too. Actually, I'm wondering where the hell those two knuckleheads are right now. They're both late. Have you seen them around?"

Rachel kept one eye on the main entrance. She had planned to spend the morning talking to Cooper without interruption. The last thing she needed was to be spotted by Lucas and Nathan.

"What? Oh. Um, no. No, I haven't. I'm sure they'll turn up."

"Yeah. They always do. So what are you getting ready to do? Hop on the treadmill?"

"Why? You think that's all girls do at the gym?"

Cooper raised his hands defensively.

"Whoa. I'm not trying to get into a battle of the sexes, especially with you. I just thought…"

"Thought what? Look at this body. I like the treadmill and all but you don't get arms, legs and a stomach, not to mention an ass like this just from a treadmill."

Rachel couldn't help but feel good, noticing Cooper's eyes fall on each body part as she mentioned it.

"Yeah. Yeah, I guess not", he cleared his throat.

"I work out but I've been dancing for years and that really keeps you in shape", she continued.

"I see."

"That and milk."

"Milk?"

"I drink a lot of milk", she leaned down closer to him. "It does a body good."

Cooper licked his lips. It certainly did.

"I'll keep that in mind, the milk that is."

"I have to watch my girlish figure. If I don't, then neither will the boys…or the scouts."

"Scouts?"

"Yeah. I've done some modeling over the years here and there but it's something I've been thinking about seriously pursuing in college."

Cooper nodded. Models were hot.

"Sounds cool, Rachel. I mean, I'm sure you'll do well."

"You think?"

"What?"

"You really think I have what it takes? I mean, the girls I'll be going up against are gorgeous."

Cooper folded his arms, shooting a skeptical look as he laughed.

"Whoa…"

"What are you laughing at?" she frowned.

"Nothing, it's just that you never seemed to have an issue with confidence before. Now all of a sudden you're all vulnerable and self conscious?"

Rachel pursed her lips and tossed a towel at him before stalking off.

"That's really rude. I was just asking a question."

The over confident, almost arrogant sassy beauty he had encountered several times had disappeared and had been replaced by an insecure, shy girl. It was a transition he had not expected and he had acted accordingly. In the process he had hurt someone's feelings, the last thing he wanted to do.

"Rachel, wait", he ran after her.

"Just leave me alone."

He gently grabbed her arm and turned her to face him.

"Hey, I'm sorry, okay?" his eyes pleaded with sincerity. "That was a real dick move. I'm sorry for being so insensitive. You're usually so brash and secure and in your face that I guess I thought you were joking around. I'm not around lots of 17 year old girls. I guess I should try to be more thin skinned."

"18."

"What?"

"I'm almost 18 or at least I will be in a few months."

Cooper smiled warmly. He remembered those days of fast approaching a milestone birthday that just wouldn't come soon enough. Almost 18. Almost 21. Almost 25. And now almost 30. Yikes!

"I see."

"So I'm legal…almost."

"Almost doesn't count but to answer your question, yes."

"Yes, what?"

"Not to brag or anything, but I've dated my fair share of models. They are pretty hot. But you're a beautiful girl, Rachel. I definitely think you have what it takes to go all the way."

"Thanks", she grinned shyly. "And if that doesn't work, I can always live my dream and become a professional race car driver."

"What?"

"Hey, I might not look like the type, but Danica Patrick is my hero. Fast cars and hot boys or is it hot cars and fast boys? Anyway, I think I'd have fun with it."

"Damn, I just…I don't know. It's hard to picture you in that scene. I don't know if you know it or not, but I used to be in the race car business professionally."

She shrugged.

"People talk but I don't really listen. That's cool, though. Sounds exciting. Maybe someday you could tell me all about it."

Cooper loved everything fast and furious about cars and racing and every adrenaline perk that came with it. He really missed that life and loved reminiscing about the good old days with anyone who cared to listen.

"Yeah. Someday."

"I'd love to hear about it but anyway, I have to get going and you should get back to your workout."

"Yes, ma'am", he mocked, saluting her.

"It was nice talking to you, I guess."

"I'm not so bad once you get to know me."

"Who knows? Maybe I'll keep getting to know you."

Cooper grinned and nodded.

"Still think I'm a pervert?"

She shrugged.

"You're definitely moving up in the world. Anyway, I'll see you around."

With that she turned and bounced off, satisfied grin plastered all over her face. She wondered what every young woman in her position would have wondered…was the handsome, sexy, too hot for words, Uncle Cooper Lee watching her walk away? She turned her head over her shoulder at the exit and gave a small smile. He was definitely watching her walk away. In fact, his eyes seemed to be glued to that more than magnificent rear view as he gave her a final wave.

Rachel wanted to shriek! Damn, she was good! She always knew she was good, but not that good! Hell, sometimes she even surprised herself. She hadn't even given the plan that much thought. So she'd heard he had a thing for models and research exposed his pro racing past. Who knew throwing those in there would work so well so fast? Like taking candy from a baby. But she definitely had his attention and that was a good thing. She didn't even know what she wanted yet, she was just sure of what she didn't want to happen so she had thrown a couple of ideas into motion and with Haley's sheer naivety, it was coming together even more perfectly than she could have dreamed. And she had managed to do so undetected by her classmates. As long as Haley kept her "secret", which she undoubtedly would, everything would continue to be A okay. After all, it was relatively harmless. No one would actually get hurt. And as usual, Rachel Gatina would get what she wanted. As long as that happened, what could possibly go wrong? Mission accomplished…or at least it would be!