Ravens23

A/N: This chapter goes out to those reader's who have been with me since day 1:
BubblyGirl23
b.freeman
23naley03
OhItIsLoved
RedRoom323
steffy2106
HJS-NS-23
othnaley23
tutorgirlamy23
Brooke6404
gordonfan2006
myeveryday1993
Jess2303

Thanks to ALL of you. You ALWAYS review and have been there since day 1. Thank you so much!

Ravens23

"Feel like swimming?"

Brooke shook her head.

"Nah, you have fun. I'm gonna stay dry for a bit."

"Your loss."

Haley rose from her spot and headed towards the pool house, wanting to grab a noodle. She would be the first one to admit that she wasn't the greatest swimmer and she didn't want to take any chances when it was a matter of life and death. Haley walked to the pool house and entered it.

"OH MY GOD! I'm so sorry."

Haley had walked in on a man changing. His back muscles flashed Haley and he turned his head slightly. Those eyes…she had seen them somewhere…

"Nathan?"

"H-Haley…"

She was stuck on her feet. Haley tried to move, but it was hopeless. She was glued to this spot and she could only stare at Nathan's chiseled body. His perfectly defined arms glowed under the shade of the pool house and his gleaming abdomen almost made Haley drool. Nathan smirked when he saw the look on her face. He bit his bottom lip to keep from smiling and ran a hand through his hair.

"Haley?"

She was taken out of her trance. Her eyes connected to his and the butterflies came back to her. Suddenly, the feeling came back to her legs.

"Wh-what are you doing here Nathan?"

"I—I work here…"

Nathan felt his mouth become dry from the awkwardness of the situation. He took a deep and nervous breath, his gaze still on Haley. Haley looked at him in disbelief and he looked on in sorrow. The previous night's events still remained inside of his brain. He couldn't get the image of her lips so close to his out of his head. The warmth of having her body so close to his, heat radiating off of the both of them. He missed that. It was what he dreamed of, except, in his dreams, he actually kissed her and the thought of it made his heart flutter.

Haley had been thinking about him all night. She, maybe, received a total of 3 hours worth of sleep because she had been up the entire night thinking of nothing, but Nathan and wondering why it was that he didn't kiss her because she wanted him to. She had many theories, all of them sensible. Maybe he doesn't see me like that. Maybe he's after my family's money. Maybe he just really had to get to work, it was past midnight. Haley stood before Nathan, still looking at him and then it hit her, another theory. He works here, he can't kiss you…did he even know that I was the daughter? Of course he did, he met the clan at the restaurant. It doesn't matter now…Haley didn't know what was happening.

"Um, Haley…sorry, Miss James… Did you need something?"

Haley still stood there as still as possible and stammered.

"Uh…um, it's Haley and the noodle…"

Nathan smirked and reached upwards to grab the long tubular floaty. He handed it to her and smiled. Haley gave half a smirk and nodded quickly. She then bolted out of the pool house, wanting to get as far away as possible from the tension of being near him after the events of the previous night. Nathan watched her run off from the doorway, leaning in the frame with his arms crossed and smirk on his face.

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Haley was fast walking towards her pool with a look of tension on her face. Brooke looked up when she heard the splash of he water created by Haley. Haley surfaced and took hold of her noodle. She rested her elbows on the tubular object and sighed. She closed here eyes and began to think of Nathan's cobalt eyes staring back at her. Her brain then went to the amazing guy who had written her not one, but two letters of affection. She continued to explore her thoughts, each turning into fantasies.

Brooke noticed Haley's tense figure. She scrunched her eyebrows and walked to the edge of the pool, dipping her feet into the cool, wet cloak that embraced her feet. She immersed herself into the water and swam to Haley. When she arrived, Haley opened one eye and saw Brooke staring back at her, questioningly.

"What Brookie?"

"Why are you all tense? What happened?"

Haley sighed and shut her eyes again.

"I ran into the new pool boy."

Brooke's jaw dropped and she let out a tiny squeal.

"First the letter guy and then Nathan and now the new pool boy? Haley James you shady lady-"

"Ah, better make that just the letter guy and Nathan."

"Wh-"

"Surprise, surprise! Nathan's the new pool boy."

Brooke's jaw dropped and she scoffed. Her scoff soon turned into a chuckle and she clapped her hands. Haley let one of her eyes open again and scrunched her eyebrows in confusion and inquired as to Brooke's outburst of laughter.

"Ah, Tutorgirl, don't you see? That's why he didn't kiss you last night. It all makes sense. I mean, Lucas said he knew Nathan because he was interviewed for a job here. And he didn't kiss you because he knows it's against the rules. Aww, he's law-abiding. Can you believe it?"

Haley opened her eyes and smirked at Brooke.

"I can't believe that you know what law-abiding means."

Brooke playfully slapped Haley's arm.

"Shut up. And I'm so right. Looks like we'll have to make Nathan become a bad boy like my Broody."

Haley shook her head and giggled at Brooke's nickname for Lucas. Brooke giggled as well and the two girls continued to soak up the sun and splash around in the pool.

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Nathan stumbled into the kitchen in search of a cold bottle of water. The earlier portion of the morning was spent fixing the leaky pipe underneath the sink in the kitchen, whilst the rest of it was spent cleaning the pool and making sure that the water was clean. Nathan was on a high at the moment, after seeing Haley. Even though it was an awkward moment, he still enjoyed seeing her. And the fact that she was in a bikini didn't help in keeping his cool. He wiped his brow off with his hand to keep the sweat from running down his face. He went to the fridge and retrieved a bottle of water. When he closed the fridge, he turned around and was very close to another individual. Her eyes were of a brown colour and mischievous in ways that made him extremely uncomfortable. She was practically on top of him and he tried to escape by moving to his left towards the counter.

"Are you Nathan?"

"Y-yes…"

"I heard that you were the one who fixed the sink."

"Yes…"

Before he knew it, her lips were on his. He moved his hands very quickly to push her away and succeeded. He scrunched his eyebrows in disgust and she gave him a smirk and a wink.

"I'm Carrie. If you ever need anything, I'm around."

She licked her lips at him and he was disgusted. At that moment, Lucas came into the kitchen with an older looking, blonde woman. Both of them looked in between Nathan and Carrie, soon the blonde lady spoke.

"Shouldn't you be cleaning the upstairs bathrooms?"

"I'm just giving the new boytoy a proper thank you for fixing the pipes under the sink."

Nathan looked confused. Boytoy?

"Oh great. Lucas now we have to find a vaccination for him to cure him of all the diseases that she probably gave him."

Carrie scoffed at the lady and left the kitchen, but not before winking at Nathan. He still leaned against the counter, uncomfortable and disgusted by what had just occurred. He looked at Lucas who was laughing and at the woman who seemed to look proud of herself. Lucas continued to laugh and Nathan was becoming frustrated.

"Shut up!"

"S-sorry man. Seems like you've met Carrie, the house slut."

The blonde woman nodded her head and smiled. She walked over to Nathan, holding her hand out, introducing herself.

"I'm Lisa."

Nathan grabbed her hand and shook it. He smiled.

"Hi, I'm Nathan."

"Oh, I know. Lucas has mentioned you."

"He has?"

"Well, if whining to me about how he wanted to be cleaning the pool today, then sure."

Nathan chuckled and Lucas looked like he had been betrayed. Nathan walked over to the little island in the center of the kitchen and sat on one of the elevated stools. He sipped on his water and he began to engage into a conversation with Lisa and Lucas.

"So, Nathan, tell me something about yourself."

He took a sip of his water.

"What do you wanna know?"

"Anything."

"Um…well, I'm adopted and I love basketball. I'll be 18 in 2 weeks and back home I have 2 dogs, Mac and Chip. They're golden retrievers. Um…my life's goal is to be happy and I also love kids."

Lisa nodded and smiled.

"I have a daughter."

"Yeah?"

"Mmhmm. She's 3."

"Cool…so um, what's been going on around his place? Anything in particular that I should be aware of?"

"Well, Haley, the youngest and last daughter is set to marry."

Nathan's heart stopped beating for a moment. Married? It wasn't possible. Nathan didn't know what to make of the situation presented to him. What did you expect? She's a beautiful girl. Of course she's getting married. I mean last night Damien said "wife-to-be," but I didn't know it was serious…

"To who?"

Lisa shrugged.

"Victoria's been calling suitors on her since the autumn, poor girl. And to be honest, I don't think that Miss Haley wants to be married at the moment. I mean, she's so young and has her entire life ahead of her. She's also incredibly intelligent and talented. That one can do anything. It just seems retarded that she has to marry so young…anyways. Lucas and I better return to our duties and I believe you're gardening for the afternoon Nathan?"

He nodded and watched Lucas and Lisa leave.

Married. She's getting married…

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Haley and Brooke were drying off and relishing in the sun. A cocky voce disturbed the peacefulness of the moment for Haley and Brooke.

"Well, well. This place just keeps getting better and better."

They both looked at the two men before them. Damien stood there with is God awful and egotistical smirk wiggling his eyebrows at Haley. Chris just stood beside Damien, insanely quiet and afraid that he would stammer and sound like a mumbling idiot in Haley and Brooke's presence.

"What do you want West?"

Damien looked at Brooke and glared.

"Mr. West, Ms. Davis."

She gave him a mocking smirk and placed her sunglasses on her face, shielding her eyes. Damien bent down to be eye-level with Haley.

"Your mother has told us to come and tell the two of you to be prepared no later than 2:00 for a late lunch in the garden behind the pool house."

"Stepmother."

Haley looked at Damien and nodded with a smirk of utter hatred on her face. His cockiness got the best of him and blew her a kiss. He rose from his spot and he and Chris left the two ladies. Haley gazed at the clock on her cell phone and noticed that it was nearly 1:45. She sprung from her spot, as did Brooke and the two ladies sprinted for the house to get ready.

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Nathan was trimming the hedges on a few bushes near the side of the house. He looked around and noticed that he was alone. He reached into his pocket and retrieved the folded piece of paper. He unfolded it, gently and his eyes gazed over the sheet, reading every word.

I honestly don't know whether to be flattered or afraid. But, I must say, that your letter took me wildly by surprise. You have to understand why I am in that position. You see I am not looked at with "googly" eyes, if you'll excuse my choice of words. You know exactly how to make a woman feel worthy of not only others, but of herself as well and I thank you for that. I wish I could tell you many things about myself as well, but I do not know who you are. Please tell me. You say that you see me. That's kind of freaky. But for all I know you can be someone I know and hold very near to my heart. Please tell me who you are. How is it that you know me? Or do you only take interest in me because of my family's wellbeing? I'm sorry, but when you're in my position, one has to inquire about this. I'd like to know who you are, name and all if you let me. Your words are filled with kindness and a grace that makes my heart beat like never before. I am not a girl of many words, but this is the most that I've ever written at once while not in school. See? I don't even make sense anymore. You've told me that there are things that you wish to tell me, but you cannot for my safety. What do you mean by that? I apologize for not being as romantic as you. I hope that you can confide in me.

Haley James

He brought the sheet to his heart and sighed heavily. Her writing was exquisite and so neat. He closed his eyes and sunk to the grass beneath him. Her eyes looked back at him and the sound of her laughter entranced him and infiltrated his ears. What was happening? He had been in Tree Hill for a mere 3 days and was already infatuated with his employer's daughter? No. This was so much more than an infatuation. Was it? Could it be? It was impossible. Nathan was never one to believe in love at first sight, but when it came to Haley James, he wasn't entirely sure. He felt something tugging on his leg. He looked down and saw a small white canine hopping on his leg. He refolded the letter and slipped it into his pocket. Soon, another two befriended the dog. He smiled and bent down to pet each of them. He smiled as he scratched the back of their ears.

"Chester, Buster, Skittles, come!"

Nathan looked up and saw Haley in beautiful and colourful summer dress. His heart raced in his chest and he patted the dogs on the head, before standing. Haley was frozen in her spot, yet again. The dogs chased each other in between the two anxious people. Nathan took a step towards Haley, shoving his hands in his pockets. He spoke, nervously.

"H-hi."

"Hey…"

"Um, I-I'm sorry about this morning. I didn't mean to scare you."

"No, its fine. I shouldn't have run off like that…"

Nathan sighed and nodded.

"I'm sorry about last night. I knew that I wasn't supposed to do…um, what…I wanted to do and so um…I decided not to and I ran off so, I'm the one who should apologize. I didn't mean to confuse you or to leave you hanging like that."

"It's okay."

The dogs circled Nathan and rubbed their heads against his leg. He bent down and the three of them hopped onto his lap, or at least attempted to. He smiled as he scratched their heads and Haley smirked.

"They seem to like you."

He nodded.

"They're great…just like their owner."

"Yeah sure. So you said that you're not from here?"

"Technically yes and technically no."

Haley looked confused.

"I was born here, but raised on the other side of the lake. My surrogate father, Keith, remember?"

"Oh right. I'm sorry. It slipped my mind…"

He nodded and smirked. Haley walked towards him and sat beside him, straightening out her dress. Nathan crossed his legs and sat back, leaning on his hands.

"So, do you ever miss Keith and Mac and Chip?"

He chuckled.

"Yeah."

"Have any stories about you 4?"

"Um…well. There was this one time, I was maybe 11 years old and Keith got me my first hoop…"

Flashback

"It's awesome!"

"I'm glad that you like it Nathan. You always talk about Michael Jordan, so I figured that you should be able to do what he does."

"This is AWESOME Keith. Thank you."

Keith laughed as Nathan hugged him and began to assemble the basketball hoop while Nathan and the dogs played together. Nathan ran with Mac and Chip trailing behind him. Soon, both dogs took a leap, knocking Nathan to the ground. They began to lick his face and he giggled. His childish laughter filled the air and he attempted to push Chip and Mac off of him and was successful in doing so. He got to his feet and brushed the dirt off of his pants. He looked to Keith who had just finished placing the net in its proper spot. He held the pumped, orange ball in his hands and bounced it once. Twice. Nathan ran to him and Keith threw him the ball. Nathan dribbled and went in for a lay up and did it perfectly. Mac and Chip chased Nathan around the small play area, wanting the ball. Nathan threw the ball to Mac who had passed it back to Nathan with his muzzle. Chip did the same thing and soon, Nathan had wiped out both of the dogs and continued to play until nightfall.

End Flashback

Nathan looked at Haley and noticed her turning a bright shade of red. Haley was so enthralled by Nathan. She looked at the time and her eyes almost bulged out of her eyes.

"Oh. Crap I have to go. I'm 10 minutes late. Um, do…you know what, never mind."

"No, Haley, tell me."

Nathan took a light hold of her wrist to keep her from leaving. They both felt a shock of electricity pumping in their veins and made their hearts beat faster. Nathan slid his hand downwards and their hands came into contact.

"Um…did… Would you like to meet up later?"

Nathan smirked and nodded.

"Sure."

"Okay um…right here at 11:30."

"Okay. I'll be here."

Nathan smirked and Haley flashed him a smile and ran towards the garden behind the pool house. He watched her run and the smile never left his face. He felt the adrenaline rush in him, excited to see Haley later on that night.

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Nathan continued to trim the hedges, but this time he was right by the late luncheon occurring in the garden. He enjoyed being able to see Haley. She would sometimes look in his direction and the two would steal a moment with each other. He would smile and she'd return it. Nathan had never felt happier in his entire life and it was a tremendous feeling. He was close enough to endure the conversation being held between the 6 people. Damien speaking, of course.

"And so of course, because of me and my great skill and talent, we won that game to bring us to the championship. I tell you, those were the great days."

Haley and Brooke both rolled their eyes. Chris remained silent.

"Excuse me, I am in need of the restroom."

Brooke excused herself and headed towards the house. Haley turned to look at Damien who was sipping on his cocktail and she smirked.

"Have you ever read the Greek myths?"

Damien looked at Haley and shook his head.

"No. I can't say that I have. I'm not much of a reader. Why do you ask? Do I remind you of any of the Gods?"

Nathan scrunched his eyebrows. Who does this guy think he is? He continued to listen.

"Actually, I was thinking of Narcissus. He was so handsome that every girl fell in love with him."

Damien smirked and held his head up high.

"How kind of you. How very kind."

Nathan smirked and tried to stifle a chuckle. His laughter wasn't held as he hoped, but it was still subtle and no one could hear him, although Haley did look in his direction. He gave her a wink. She smiled and Nathan understood her reference. She was referring West to Narcissus. Sure he was handsome, but the idiot fell in love with is own reflection and sat by a pool of water for so long that he forgot to eat or drink and wasted away to his death…dumbass.

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Brooke walked down the hallways of the hose when she felt herself being pulled into a bedroom. Soon her lips were met with Lucas'. She moaned at the feeling of his lips on hers and soon, pried their lips apart.

"Hey. Thank God I left that spot."

"I know. I miss you so much. Can we please tell your parents about us Brooke? I don't want to be away from you anymore."

Brooke kissed Lucas' lips lightly and caressed his face.

"I can't Lucas. Your job. You'd lose it."

"That doesn't matter. I want to be with you and I want it to be all the time…"

Brooke sighed and held Lucas' face in her delicate hands.

"I do too. I do too. But Lucas, I can't do that to you. You said it yourself. You need this job. You know that I would have it any other way if I could, but we can't. It's this or nothing and you know it. It sucks, yes, but I would rather be able to love you than have to give you up."

Lucas nodded.

"Besides…mom and stepfather won't be here all of next week and we'll get our time then, I promise."

Lucas sighed and nodded.

"I love you, Brooke."

Lucas kissed her and she sighed.

"I love you too."

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Nathan still attempted to stifle his laughter and conceal his smile, but he knew that Haley could see it. He caught Haley chuckling silently along with him and she smiled at him. He thought he could see her blushing and the laughter came even more easily when Damien thought that she was giggling and blushing due to his presence. Nathan's smirk soon fell as he realized that these two, Chris Keller and Damien West were the two to have to win Haley's heart. She was to be married to one of these two men. It sucks entirely. Hmm, which one would she choose? Nathan looked to Victoria who had her eyes set on Damien. Of course she would… Chris Keller or Damien West? If there was only a way that I could give her a third choice.

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Nathan sat on his bed in the room that he ad Lucas shared. He had showered and was waiting for 11:30 to near. He sat on the edge of his bed and rested his elbows on his knees.

Nathan heard the lock of the door being opened and Lucas walked in with a satisfied look on his face. Nathan smirked.

"How's Brooke?"

Lucas tossed his pillow at Nathan and he laughed slightly. Nathan grabbed his shoes and began to tie them. Lucas watched him in curiosity.

"Where are you going?"

"Taking a walk around the grounds. Thought I might get familiar with them."

Lucas raised an eyebrow and examined Nathan. Smile on his face. Showered. Hands shaking signifying nerves or that he's anxious.

"Nate?"

He looked up at Lucas and continued to tie his shoes.

"Yeah?"

"Are you going to see Haley?"

Nathan looked at the floor and nodded slightly.

"That obvious huh?"

"Just a tad."

Nathan sighed heavily and rubbed his eyes.

"It's just so hard. I mean…she's practically royalty Luke and I'm…"

"The poolboy?"

"Yeah…my God…what's wrong with me? She's all I think about and she's all I wanna be with. She makes my heart pound and not to mention, she's drop dead gorgeous. What am I gonna do Lucas?"

Lucas sat up from his spot on his bed and sighed.

"Tell her…but then if you two…start something, then you'll be entering the hardest time of your life. You'll want to be with her all day, but you two would be limited to stolen moments."

"I'd rather have spent one moment with her than not at all."

Lucas nodded. Nathan gazed at the clock and jumped to his feet. It was 11:27 and he sprinted out of the door and headed towards the small alley from earlier that day. He stood against the wall of the house.

"Nathan…"

Someone whispered his name.

"Nathan!"

It was coming from above him. He looked up and saw Haley on her balcony, looking down at him. He looked up at her and smiled. He reached upwards and began to climb up the vine that lay beside her window. She giggled as she watched him. Nathan was nearly through the window. Haley grabbed a hold of him and the two stumbled into her bedroom, laughing. Haley ended up on top of him, both looking into the others eyes. And both found themselves leaning towards the other…

Ravens23

A/N: So there it is…an UPDATE…I'm SO SORRY that it took me so long to do so, but I had a writers block and I didn't know what I wanted in the beginning. I hope I didn't disappoint! PPLLEEAASSEE REVIEW!! Special thanks to Molly, who aided with me getting my "oomph" to write back. As well to Steph, Kelly, Jif, tutorgirlamy23 and b.freeman who ALL helped with me getting over my block. PLEASE REVIEW! PLEASE REVIEW! PLEASE REVIEW!