The Risk

I would like to thank all the readers and give a special "Love ya like no other!" shoutout to all the repliers. Muahhhh!

"We are the perfect couple, we're just not in the perfect situation."-Joey Rivett

Chapter 13

"Good morning, Beautiful," Nathan melted, leaning over to place a kiss on Haley's nose as she stood cooking bacon on the stove's built-in griddle.

"Breakfast is ready," She said, offering him a bashful smile before lowering her head and taking pieces of bacon from the appliance. She placed a hearty plate in his hand. Nathan wrinkled his brow, unable to gauge her mood. "What's wrong?" he vexed, placing the plate on the counter so he could turn her around to face him. Her mocha eyes were clearly concerned. "Is this about Smith?…… Does this have something to do with us? I didn't hurt you did I?"

Haley's smile shined, and her gentle leer lingered on his full mouth. She had no second thoughts where he was concerned. She didn't want him to have any either. She raised up on her toes, her hands locking around his neck. Her lips were sweet and yielding under his. "Did you sleep well?"

"Hales, it's you I'm worried about. I expected to wake up with you in my arms…..you're sweet ass rubbing against me, my hand over your breast."

He held her against him, not wanting to let go. He was still astounded at just how much she pleased him. He couldn't not remember ever climaxing so intensely or feeling so whole afterward. He hadn't experienced that with any other woman. No, take that back. The first time they made love had been as equally gratifying. He had not made love as thoroughly as he liked and even though their interlude was over several hours period, they only had sex twice. He had been ashamed of his feelings and lust for a girl that was suppose to be like a sister, for someone he had sworn to protect.

Last night was different. He had taken her several times, even waking in the dead of night hard and ready, his body still very much a part of hers. The temptation was irresistible, and he made love to her again, and again. His passion almost as acute as it had been the first time.

She was no longer a girl. Haley was a woman that fit like a glove in his arms, and kept him begging for more in an out of bed. He needed her adoration, he concluded, as he quivered at the way her tongue flicked over his own.

However, a night of noteworthy loving had not changed his fears. He still doubted she would be able to cope emotionally with the high risk he took for his career. Shit! He didn't want her love for him to cause her pain. He knew exactly how she felt, the same way he did. She's was his everything. Would the time ever be right for them?

It was not until they were seated at the breakfast bar that he realized she never answered him. "Haley, you didn't tell me how you're feeling."

"I'm okay, just a little stirred. So much has happened since Cooper Lee showed up yesterday……… Eat your grits, Sweetheart, before they get cold." She said carrying hot-from-the-oven biscuits to the table.

She barely had time to set the platter down before he started. "Talk to me, Beautiful." placing his large hands at the sides of her waist and guiding her down on his lap. His mouth settled against her neck. "Any remorse?"

Haley got chills from the warmth of his mouth. His teeth nibbling playfully before his lips lodged over hers for an extended, thirsty kiss. " No regrets," she whispered breathlessly.

"Do you haaaave to go to work today?" He whined boyishly.

"Yes, but most of the pupils that ride the bus won't be there with such late notice about it being wrecked. I called all the parents bright and early this morning."

"You could take a sick day….spend it in bed "getting better."" He chuckled devilishly with air quotes.

"If only," She sighed dreamily.

The telephone sounded, disrupting the enthrallment each had for the others eyes.

"It's still early. I wonder if that's the insurance company telling us when the loaner bus will arrive?"

"I just hope it's not more bad news. I've had it up to here with surprises." She raised her hand over her head, rising to pick up the extension. "James, residence."

"Hello. Is Nathan there? Tell him it's Peyton." She said politely, but rather casually, like she was a wife or girlfriend.

Haley pressed the received into his naked chest without a word. When she tried to slip away, he pulled her back on his lap, holding her tighter than before.

"Scott." Nathan replied innocently.

"Nathan, babe. I've been trying to track you down everywhere. Your secretary was no help at all…..that bitch! I finally gave up and called your agent………Is it true you got your sweet ass shot? My poor, Baby."

"Stop worrying, woman. I'm fine now. Why are you calling, Peyton?"

"We have an issue with your show. I never got the emails or paperwork you sent from the Sudan. I need you to look through several of the photos and narrow the number down before we hang them. Your show is tomorrow night and want it to be perfect. I've got to treat you right, Stud." Peyton purred in a rich southern drawl.

"You really don't need me for that, call Bernard Ferguson."

"Fergie is your agent, not the photographer. I need you, Babe. You are planning on being here. I need you here, Nate."

Nathan could surmise from Haley's features that she could hear the conversation clearly.

"Babe, I know how important the bYoung Women Victimized No More/b showing is to you. Each selection has to be the journalist choice.

Nathan grimaced. "Alright. I'll see you this afternoon. Bye, Peyton." He said turning off the cordless device and putting it down on the table.

"You're leaving?" Haley's tone betrayed her. The hostility she kept hidden even time they were apart was brought to the surface.

"It's business. That was Peyton Sawyer, the owner of the Anne Sawyer Exhibition Hall in Greenwich Village. Apparently, they didn't get the information on the photos I pre-selected."

Haley hopped up, heading for the front door.

"Where are you going?"

"I need to get to work."

"Hales! What about breakfast?"

"I'm just not very hungry, Nathan…..alright."

"You can't leave like this."

"Like what?"

"You're mad."

She turned to look him in the eye. "I'm not angry…just a little irritated with the situation. I didn't expect you to be going away so soon. It' just took me by surprise." She had also expected him to have told her he was having a damn show. What the hell? They were suppose to be best friends, even more. Now she wasn't sure bwhat/b they were. Everything had changed. How f ucking ironic! She was the one that had insisted upon the change in their relationship, on the sex…..not Nathan.

"It's just overnight. I'll stay at my house in Manhattan. The picture display is Saturday night, but I'm not going." His sincere gaze never left her brooding features.

iNo, but you rush out of here for Peyton Sawyer!"/i Haley thought nastily. She had seen the hip and very beautiful gallery owner in the art section of the iTimes/i, and featured several times in iThe Working Artist Journal/i. She had even made the cover of iNewsweek/i. Her female intuition told her Ms. Sawyer was interest in more than his pictures when it came to Nathan.

"Haley. C'mon." He tried to reach out for her, but she backed up, grabbing her purse.

"There's a lot of things I need to cover today. Do you need a ride to the airport?"

"Nah, I'll just call a cab."

"Will you stop by my office before you leave?"

"Of course, you didn't have to ask." Nathan watched her hips sway seductively as she disappeared from sight. Peyton had the worst timing….Shiittt! He wasn't ready to be apart from Haley, even if it were only for one night.

Haley was deep in slumber Saturday morning when the doorbell woke her. The persistent playing of the perky tone forced her eyes open.

"I'm going to kill somebody!" She grumped. First a stupid prank call, now this.

iDing-ding, Da, Ding-dong/i

"Hold Your Halo! I'm coming!" She shouted, putting on her red velour robe and sticking her feet into her Tasha the hippo from the Backyardigans slippers. She fumbled with the lock as the bell continued it's piercing sound and hit herself in the knee as she finally opened the door. Ouch! She let the cold air rush in, forgetting Nathan's warning to verify who it is before letting anyone in.

"Hurry up. It's freezing out there."

"We didn't mean to wake you." Bevin said, trailing Brooke inside.

"I needed to get up anyway." She relocked the door before following them.

"We just wanted to see how you were." Bevin said as they hung their jackets on the coat rack.

"Well." Brooke said impatiently. " Are you okay?" hugging her dear friend.

"Thank you guys for caring. I'm a lot better than yesterday and the other night I totally broke down."

Bevin asked, looking around. "Is Nathan back?"

Haley couldn't hide the blush that painted her cheeks. "He should get in this afternoon." He had been gone less than twenty-four hours and she was already lost without him.

"Damn, no shirtless, Nathan." Brooke pouted teasingly.

"I was counting on him in his boxers." Bevin smirked

Haley swatted their arms playfully. " Shut up, bMrs./b Freeman and McFadden."

The threesome giggled as they strolled down the hall and into the sunny kitchen.

"I bet you didn't get much sleep last night?" Brooke deduced.

Haley nodded. "Would one of you guys pour us some juice while I finish getting dressed? I'll only be a sec. There's bagel and croissants in the fridge. Help yourself."

"Take your time. We'll find everything. We might even leave you some." Brooke joked.

When Haley came back some fifteen minutes later, having showered and wearing a hooded, light blue fleece running suit with a navy stripe down the arms and pants legs. Her friends were lounging around the dinning room table with cream cheese slathered bagels and French vanilla coffee, a glass of juice waiting for Haley.

"Good, you found everything. I didn't even know I had coffee." She mused. "Brooke, how's Jersey?"

"Driving my ass crazy! It was just a sprain, but boy did she play up the "Poor Little Princess" act, especially with Marvin. He's such an easy mark. That girl is going to be a star." She laughed proudly. "She wanted me to tell you she'll be all better by Monday and she'll rake up the back lawn."

"Tell her to take her time, make sure she all better. There's nothing more important than her health." Haley smiled. "Brooke, Jersey is a great kid, even if she does have a flair for the dramatics. Wonder where she got that from?"

"Mouth." Brooke said seriously. The other women howled with laughter. "What?" She sulked. "She did."

The humor died down as everyone dug into their breakfast.

"So how are you? Really, Hales?" Bevin interrogated, looking into Haley's eyes.

"We worry, Boss Lady." Brooke said sweetly.

"Stop it, guys. I'll get past this. I know I will.' She sighed wearily. "But I don't have to tell either one of you how upsetting Cooper Lee's visit was to me. I know you're feeling the same way. I'm still having trouble believing Smith is the same guy the FBI has been searching for all this time. It creeps me out just thinking about it."

"Me too." Brooke shivered.

"It's possible they could be wrong. But just the thought of a child murderer working with us on daily basis is scary." Bevin added, cringing. "He killed his brother too."

The doorbell rang again.

"If that's Jersey, tell her I'm not buying her that movie camera and to go home and keep that foot elevated." Brooke instructed parentally.

"Yes ma'am." Haley yelled over her shoulder as she hurried out of the room.

This time she remembered to check the peephole. It had an extra wide view of the front of her home. Her caller was easily identified. " Mr. Lee." She said, opening the door.

"Good Morning, Ms. James. May I have a few minutes of your time?"

"Sure. Please come in an join us for breakfast." Haley ushered him into the dinning room, making introductions.

"Could we speak in private?"

Haley unconsciously froze. "That's not necessary Bevin and Brooke are colleagues, as well as close friends. They know everything. Besides, they may be able to help."

"Very well." After taking a small notepad for the inside jacked pocket of his suit, he removed his jacket and joined them at the table.

"I'll get another cup." Brooke offered, bouncing nervously from the room.

"Don't tell me Nathan Scott is still in bed?" Lee entertained.

Haley couldn't prevent a shy flush of embarrassment, nor could she hide the flutter in her hand as she poured him a cup of coffee. Bevin answered, saving her from an explanation. It was just the way he said it, that flooded her with memories of the night they made love. So much was left unsaid between them, but there was plenty of time for that. This overnighter was just a small hindrance. He would be back before supper.

"I just have a few question. Has Smith contacted you since we last spoke in your office, Ms. James?"

"No."

"No request for his last paycheck?"

Haley shook her head. "Brooke gave him that before he left Thursday."

"Ladies, has he mentioned any family?"

They shook their heads negatively.

"Wa…..wait a minute." Bevin began, but Brooke jumped in. "He use to say Haley reminded him of his mother, looked a lot like her, same hair color and eyes I think he said." Bevin agreed and Brooke continued. "He use to have the biggest crush on her when he first came to the school. I'm positive he told us his mother was killed when he was just a boy. I didn't want to be nosey about something like that."

"If he isn't already behind bars, it sounds to me like you don't have enough evidence to arrest the man." Bevin stated bluntly.

"He disappeared. That's why I'm here. He knows we're looking for him."

"So why are you here badgering Haley. She's going through enough without your questions." Bevin sneered.

"If I knew where to look, Mrs. Freeman. We wouldn't be here. Don't worry, it's only a matter of time before he resurfaces and we'll nab him."

"I hope you're right. Whenever I think of the harm he could be doing , I see red." Brooke frowned. "Before yesterday, I never would have thought he could doing any of those hideous things you're accusing him of. You can't even trust people in Tree Hill."

Haley's eyes were full of sadness and confusion. "I kept thinking, this has to be a mistake….. But after Nathan told me about the blowouts the other night, I'm inclined to believe you. What monster would do such a thing? Bevin, the children, and or Nathan could have been injured."

"So you think Smith was responsible?"

"Who had reason to do a reprehensible act like that. I had just fired him. He left angry, saying I didn't want to see him succeed. He refused to accept responsibility for his drunken behavior." Her voice shook with emotion when she said. "If only, I hadn't of hired him in the first place."

"Stop blaming yourself, Haley. As far as we know, he hasn't harmed any of the children." Bevin reminded her.

"Thank you for your assistance, Ladies. If you can think of anything that might be useful- no matter how unimportant it seems-give me a call." He extracted a few business cards from his pocket and handed one to each of the trio.

He was pensive as Haley walked him out. He recognized in her what he had seen in Nathan's eyes. Nathan was in love with this woman. He would be the first to agree Scott deserved all the happiness in the world. He only hoped Haley could stem the hazards of journalist life.

His mouth turned down at the corners. His wife complained that he was never at home and the children didn't know their own father. She had threatened to leave. She felt like she was already alone with their constant separation and the dangerous nature of being an FBI agent. Yet, there love was strong and kept them together despite the odds. And that priceless ingredient is what Cooper hoped for Nathan had found in this lovely young woman-for without it, they didn't stand a snowball's chance in hell of making their relationship work.

Haley broke him from his thoughts. "I can't wait until this is all behind us."

"Is there anything you need before I leave." He offered the good woman.

"Please find Mr. Smith before he hurts someone else."……

Pamela