"Nathan, what are you doing here?" Haley asked, a tone of urgency evident while still trying to keep her voice down.

"I had to see you," Nathan said, staring right into her eyes. "I couldn't leave things the way they were -- I went to Tree Hill to check on my mom but explained I couldn't stay –and I caught the first flight out here."

Haley nodded, looking back to see if her parents had caught on to who was at the door.

Nathan tried to look past her into the living room. "Who's in there? Is that your family?"

"Yes...that's why we really can't talk about this right now...so...why don't you come inside?" Nathan nodded.

Haley opened the door wider to allow him entrance. "Hey everybody, I'd like you to meet Nathan. He was able to make it back in town after all," Haley said, announcing to the group.

Lydia and Jimmy James grinned and Brooke's jaw dropped.

Nathan shook hands with Jimmy. "It's nice to meet you-- we've heard wonderful things about you," Lydia gushed, which caused Haley to grimace.

Nathan grinned, "Likewise, I've heard wonderful things about you."

The group sat down again - this time with Nathan on the couch next to Haley and her mother, Jimmy in one armchair and Brooke in the other.

"So, how was Italy?" Lydia asked with a grin.

"Mom, I doubt he wants to talk about work," Haley said. The last thing she needed was her mother gushing over Nathan, especially when Haley was supposed to be angry with him.

Nathan smiled at Haley, "its okay- I don't mind talking about work...the opportunity to see Italy has been fantastic. It's a beautiful part of the world. But, I have to admit, I'm glad to be home." His eyes bore into Haley's who promptly looked away.

"Did you go to Tree Hill like you had planned?" Brooke spoke up.

"Yeah, I made a short stop there to check on my mom. It was nice to see her but she knew I needed to come and see my girl," Nathan said, reaching up and playing with Haley's hair.

Haley tried not to flinch -- after all, she was supposed to be very upset with him, but she could feel the anger fading quickly.

"Does anyone want something to drink?" Haley jumped up from the couch and walked into the kitchen. Nathan got up to follow her as her parents and Brooke resumed an earlier conversation about a restaurant in the area.

Haley turned around in the kitchen to face Nathan. "What the hell was that?"

Nathan could see that Haley was flustered and grinned, "...what? I just thought we ought to try and make it look convincing, ya know?"

Haley rolled her eyes.

"I presume that they've heard none of the nonsense then?" Nathan asked carefully.

"No, not that I am aware of...but knowing my father, he really doesn't know or you'd be on the ground in pain right about now," Haley retorted.

Nathan looked at her. "I had to come back here and see you in person...I think since I've been away that you seem to have forgotten how much I care about you...and that I would never do anything to hurt you."

"I didn't forget that -- that photo was just a painful contradiction," Haley said, looking right at him.

Nathan sighed. "I don't know how many ways I can say it...I'm sorry...really, I am. I know you're tired of apologies but that's all I really have. I don't have feelings for Lisa and I don't know how I can prove that any more than I already have."

"Well no more photos would be a start," Haley said sarcastically.

"Tell me -- what do I gotta do?" Nathan said. "What can I do to make this up to you?"

"I don't know...I don't...I don't know if there's anything you can do," Haley said in a defeated tone causing Nathan to reel back as if he'd been slapped.

"So...what? Is that it?? You just can't trust me anymore..." Nathan trailed off.

Haley looked at the ground. "I just need some time to think...."

Nathan could feel bile rising in his throat, "...time to think about what exactly?"

"...we really can't talk about this right now," Haley said, reminded that her parents were in the next room.

"Do you want me to leave?" Nathan asked.

"No....stay and talk with my parents -- I really don't feel like having all of this overshadow their trip...so for now, just play it straight and normal..."

Nathan nodded. He followed her back out of the kitchen, very uneasy about the next time he and Haley would talk about this and what might be said.

~Two hours later~

The group was laughing heartily at one of Nathan's stories about shooting in Italy. Nathan had really come into his own around people that he didn't know well.

It wasn't difficult with Haley's family - they were so warm and welcoming. The group was thoroughly enjoying themselves and even Haley managed to put anger aside and enjoyed just being in Nathan's company again.

Before long, the group was ready to retire for the night.

"Well, I ought to be going," Nathan said carefully.

Haley nodded as her mother hugged Nathan again.

"Will we see you tomorrow?" Jimmy asked Nathan.

Nathan merely looked over at Haley.

"Yeah, I'm sure we will," Haley replied, causing Nathan to give her a small smile. "I'll walk you out," Haley said to Nathan as he said his goodbyes to Haley's parents and Brooke.

The two had stepped outside when Nathan spoke up. "Your family is awesome, I really like them."

"Yeah they're pretty cool and kind of crazy," Haley smiled.

Nathan stepped forward, putting his arms around her waist. "I think you're pretty great too."

Haley could feel it happening again -- she was getting lost in his gaze and was feeling powerless to stop it. It was amazing how just a look or a smile could completely weaken her resolve. Just being around him again was like a drug for her -- It was a concept that both fascinated and frightened her independent nature.

Nathan closed the distance between them and whispered, "it's been way too long."

He gently kissed her before she could say anything in response.

The two stood there for several moments, the kiss turning more and more passionate by the second.

Haley pulled away, completely frazzled by the kiss.

"What?" Nathan whispered, nuzzling her neck.

"This doesn't change the fact that I'm still upset...." was all Haley could reply.

"I know...but don't worry...I'm going to find a way to make all of this up to you. I promise," Nathan said.

A few moments later, they parted ways. One last lingering kiss and then Nathan was back in his car.

Haley watched him drive away and then walked back up the sidewalk and into her apartment.