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AN: I'd like to thank everyone who continues to read this story. The more traffic and reviews I receive continue to motivate and inspire me to write more. Thank you for the well wishes for my recovery and things are going well for me! I'll be heading back to work earlier than expected.
Just wanted to give a shout out to all who have reviewed up to this point. I read every one and appreciate the time it takes to stop and write a review. Thank you for doing so!
Love NH, Mel4113, woz1971, shayle23, kkhushi, GingerL47, GottaluvNaley, Bluesky20, CoachMom, Stampiej, Tlovesnaley2, gleeobbsessed86, duke23, lexlex95, and many guest reviews
Enjoy the next chapter and please feel free to let me know what you think or your thoughts of what may come next... :)
~~~ "I'm Never Alone, I'm Alone All the Time" ~~~
* Chapter Thirteen *
Two Weeks Later
Haley stood in front of her microphone belting out the last note of their encore. She felt the warmth of the spotlights on her face and she felt alive. The same feeling she got every night on stage was like nothing else. Until now…
"Thank you all of coming out tonight! We appreciate all of you and hope you had a great time." Quinn shouted into her microphone.
Walker stood up from his drum set and tossed his remaining drum sticks out to the sea of bodies. The crowd continued to erupt with screams and cheers. Quinn and Walker gave one finally wave and made their way off stage. Chris and Haley remained at center stage taking everything in and giving their fans exactly what they wanted. They had played their hearts out for nearly 3 hours for their adoring fans.
"Good night Chicago! It's been good for me, I hope it's been good for you too! Until next time!" Chris said into the microphone only to be drowned out by even more cheers.
Haley smiled at Chris and then turned towards to crowd again. She gave everyone a big wave and couldn't believe the volume got even louder.
"Thank you everyone so much! Have a good night and drive safe." She said into the microphone. She tossed out her remaining guitar picks out to fans and then turned to exit the stage. She was the last one to get back stage now. A trend that started after Peyton declared the band's "new" direction. Judging from the response, it was paying off just as Peyton promised it would. The band's hype and popularity was steadily increasing reflecting in the form of merchandise sales and online sales.
The band finished up some last minute press back stage as well as an autograph session for some radio contest winners. Haley was shocked at the hour when she finally got back to the bus. She barely had 20 minutes to take a shower and get ready before the bus departed to bring them to the next city. She gathered a few last minute items, added them to her suitcase and bid her band mates adieu. She planned to meet them Monday at their next tour stop after spending time in New York for Nathan's game against the Nets. It had been a long two weeks of relying on technology to bridge their communication while they were miles apart. It had taken some extra work on Haley's part to arrange to leave the tour for a few days but it helped she was going to New York. She rearranged a photo shoot for the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine while she was there. Sure it would cut into her time with Nathan but it was worth it. It would give her an extra day with Nathan.
Chris stopped Haley just as she was about to drag her suitcase down the bus steps.
"Let me grab that for you." He called out to her and swiftly took the handle from her.
She obliged and waited at the bottom for Chris to follow.
"Have a good time at the photo shoot and in New York watching your man play some ball." Chris said to her in a lowered tone. Haley flashed Chris a smile of gratitude since he was the only one she had confided in about her other plans as well.
"I will. Hold down the fort for me and I'll see you on Monday." Haley replied quickly before heading over to the car waiting to take her to the airport.
Haley quickly made it through security and found a seat at her gate rather easily. She pulled out her phone trying to kill a little time before the plane started boarding. She hesitated slightly once she saw the hour but couldn't resist herself. She needed to hear his voice.
"Hello?"
"OK I know its super late and I probably woke you up but I couldn't help it." She admitted into her phone.
Nathan rolled over in bed once he realized who was on the other end.
"You can call me anytime Hales you know that. How was your show tonight?" He asked trying to wake himself up as best as he could to carry on a logical conversation.
"Really great actually. Things seem to be flowing really well with the tour and the rest of the band too."
"Good but what about you? How's my girl doing?" He asked this time in an endearing tone of voice.
Haley smiled in response to his growing concern for her overall well being before she answered "Don't worry about me and the tour. I've got everything under control! I even managed to get that photo shoot rebooked for tomorrow morning instead of the afternoon so we would have time to grab a late lunch before your game."
"You're gonna be cutting it close with your flight getting in that morning and stuff don't you think." He pointed out as he remembered the flight itinerary she had given him earlier in the week.
"I know that's why I changed it. I'm flying out from Chicago literally right now and I'll get to the hotel in a few hours. Then catch a few zzzzs and then head off to my shoot." Haley said quickly in one breath. Sure it did sound like a lot but she figured this was the sacrifice Peyton had been talking about before.
Nathan started to say something about her stretching herself too thin but Haley cut him off. "My flight is boarding so I've gotta go. You get back to sleep and call me when you get into the city ok?"
"I will. Night babe." He said and then hung up the phone.
Haley fell asleep rather quickly once she was seated in the plane. Touring was exhausting however her schedule had stepped up the last few weeks with her extra obligations. It felt good to sit in one place and not have to do something for someone else. She was used to getting by on little sleep, eating on the go when she could and catching whatever naps she could where ever she was. Even 15 minutes in the make up chair here and there helped keep her going to her next scheduled event.
Haley managed to check into her hotel and get to bed around 4 am on Sunday. She crashed quickly only to be awoken to a wakeup call courtesy of the hotel staff hours later. She was pleased with the magic the make up team did with the dark circles under her eyes. She snacked on some fresh fruit and third cup of coffee while the hair team finished up her look for the day. Haley had tried on several outfits most of which didn't resemble anything she had in her current closet at home. She was all for trying new things and this was definitely out of her usual comfort zone. However it was the cover of Cosmopolitan magazine after all and a sexy look was a standard.
She was standing with her arms raised as her wardrobe continued to be adjusted on her body. Suddenly one of the stylists brought her phone that happened to be ringing over to her.
"Haley this has been ringing off the hook and since we're still making last minute changes I figured you could answer a few calls in the mean time." The stylist said as she handed Haley the phone.
Haley thanked her as she took the phone and smile when she glanced down at who was calling.
"Welcome to the City!" She said.
"Hey there, I'm just leaving the airport now and then off to a meeting with the team. How's your shoot going?" Nathan asked.
"Things are going alright here. Right now we're stalled a bit as they look for more clips or clothes pins of some kind to hold some fabric together." She answered as she glanced down at her current outfit.
"What kinda shoot are you doing? What would you need clothes pins for?" Nathan asked utterly confused.
Haley chuckled at his remark before she answered "Some of the clothes didn't fit right inspite of the measurements Peyton had sent out so they're using the clips to make them fit me better. It's a girl thing ok?"
"Ok, go kill it like I know you will and let me know when you're done. I can't wait to see you Haley James." He said. She could tell by the sound of his voice that he was grinning.
"Me too! Talk to you later." She said and then ended her call.
"Well, Haley this should hold for the rest of the shoot." Announced a member of the wardrobe team who had been working hard to get the fabric to fit just right on Haley's frame.
"Thank you so much. I just feel bad you had to go to all this extra work." Haley said apologetically feeling like it was her fault some how.
She smiled kindly at Haley and then said "It's part of the job but I'd make sure Peyton updates your measurements before she sends them out for another styling event ok."
Haley looked puzzled and asked "Updates them?"
The woman offered a light laugh to Haley and answered "Yes she needs to update it to reflect your slightly smaller measurements." And with that the woman went back to her rack of clothes and began to straighten them up.
Haley stood still and looked at herself in the mirror. She studied her features closely in the mirror as the words raced through her mind again. Haley had a history of losing a little bit of weight whenever she was tour and had come to expect it. A lot of artists gain weight while on tour from the constant performing, grueling schedule and in consistent timing of meals. Not to mention the late night parties or snacks on the bus. She had the opposite effect due to the busy tour life and the physically exhausting shows she did night after night. She took her reflection in one last time before being called to start posing for photos.
Nathan had paid attention during the team meeting and listened closely as the plays were discussed. The team was fired up and he felt energized for the game that night. He was pleased the meeting remained on track and was dismissed on time. He was in a taxi when he finally received Haley's call signaling she was finished. Nathan wanted to stay in and order room service instead of hitting up a crowded restaurant for lunch with Haley. She agreed to do whatever he wanted knowing it was a game day and the importance of rituals and schedules to athletes. Haley had managed to get back to her hotel with a little time to spare to de-glam herself a little more from the photo shoot and change into something more comfortable. She glanced down at her t-shirt and had to admit it looked more loose than normal and her collarbones were a little more pronounced than she could remember. But then again she hadn't really made notice of them before.
Nathan knocked with excitement on her door as he waited to see her glowing face. He was surprised by how much he missed her already. It was still early in their relationship and he hadn't expected to feel this way so soon. The door opened and she took his breath away.
"Hey you." She said as she waited for him to come in.
He didn't say anything in response but chose to use his lips for something else. He grabbed the door from her and pushed it shut as he brought his lips down to hers. Her hands immediately wrapped around his neck tightening their embrace.
"I take it you kinda missed me." He teased her after he reluctantly pulled away.
"Yeah I guess you could say that." She added before sneaking one more kiss this time not as long. She headed back to the bed where she left the room service menu. Nathan followed her and quickly shed his coat and shoes before stretching out next to her on the bed. He spent a few seconds just looking at her taking in her beauty and soaking up just being in her presence. Haley could feel his eyes on her and looked over.
"What are you doing?" She asked him feeling a little more self conscious.
"Staring at my sexy girl. Got a problem with that?" He challenged back knowing he might make her blush.
Sure enough a hint of red coated her cheeks as she gazed back at him. Nathan Scott was finding cracks in the walls she had taken years build up.
"Let's order some food already!" Haley declared and moved the menu so he could look with her.
The couple caught up on each other's lives as they ate lunch together. Haley told Nathan about the last few days of the tour and the photo shoot earlier that morning. She listened closely as he discussed the game tonight and how much progress his knee had made within the last month. She couldn't help but feel proud of him and how far he'd come. His feelings were mutual as he took in all the grueling details of how hard she'd been working lately. They laid on the bed facing each other in the midst of a heavy make out session which was progressing quickly.
To her surprise Nathan was the first to regrettably pull away and slow the progress.
"Haley, I can't believe I'm saying this but we need to stop." He managed to get out as she continued trailing kisses across his neck. She pulled away and looked at him surprised.
"Umm what? Did I totally miss read your signals?" was all she could get out.
Nathan propped himself up on his elbow in an attempt to look deeply into her eyes.
"Believe me I want nothing more than to be with you but I've got a game in a few hours. It's just…uhh…some athletes swear by abstinences prior to a big game while others feel sex gives them a leg up on the competition." He tried to explain hoping he didn't sound like an idiot.
A timid smile formed on her lips as she gazed back at him.
"I see. Well I would want to mess with your game tonight or rather your ability to play at your best tonight." She replied in a teasing tone.
Nathan sighed feeling pleased she understood him and the importance of withstanding from sex at that particular moment.
"However, tonight will be a whole different story after we win." He flirted while flashing his trademark Scott smirk.
Nathan headed to the game early while Haley took a short nap before getting ready. She was pleased Nathan had arranged for her to have a seat next to Parker's wife, Tanya, who had also flown out to catch the game. Haley was grateful not to sit alone especially since she was sitting courtside. She felt a littler self conscious at the game with the fans and knew she was taking a risk attending without the rest of the band. They had managed to keep their relationship quiet for quite some time and it was only a matter of time before it came out. Luckily, Haley and Tanya got a long well and soon were laughing together like old friends. At least for appearance sake it looked that way to someone looking on.
Nathan played an amazing game similar to the last one Haley had attended. She couldn't help but feel a spark inside her every time he scored a basket. Like he did it for her. And damn he looked fine doing it. She waited with Tanya in a lounge with other player's wives and family members until Nathan appeared from the locker room. He walked into the room and instantly felt his heart race just from looking at her. It felt amazing to have someone waiting for him after the game. Someone who wasn't being paid to be there waiting for him. Someone who wanted to be with just Nathan for a change. Not Nathan Scott the star basketball player.
They bid farewell to Parker and Tanya for the night and soon were back at the hotel. They had waited for weeks to spend the night together and the anticipation certainly had built for both of them. Haley was kinda nervous which wasn't like her. She felt confident but vulnerable at the same time around Nathan. A combination she hadn't perfected navigating her way through just yet. Haley had spent a few minutes in the bathroom once they returned changing into something more comfortable and getting ready for bed. Nathan was on the other side of the door completing similar tasks. He was seated on the edge of the bed wearing only basketball short while he finished a bottle of Powerade with his back facing the bathroom. Haley took the opportunity to quietly sneak up behind him.
She climbed onto the bed, rested on her knees and wrapped her arms around his bare chest.
"Hey baby" he said softly as he reached up to touch her arm with his hand.
"You played amazing tonight like always. How's the old body feeling tonight?" She asked as she moved her hands slowly up to his shoulders. She began to dig her fingers into his muscles as he groaned in approval. She worked on his muscles diligently for a few minutes before he spoke.
"Better now that's for sure. You've got a lot of strength in those little hands of yours." He said jokingly.
Haley slowed the circles she was tracing on his back and she said proudly "Years of playing guitar, piano and hauling band equipment around the world all contributed to my excellent skills as a masseuse."
He let out a laugh and said "Don't quit your day job just yet Hales."
"Hey! At least I've got a back up career in case I suddenly become tone deaf and lose my sense of rhythm. What are you gonna do? Sell shoes?" Haley joked back making reference to his latest endorsement deal with Nike for a new basketball shoe.
"Oh that's it!" Was all he said.
In one swift movement, Nathan turned around and flipped Haley back on to the bed. She landed on her back and he hovered over pausing just before their lips connected. He had a twinkle in his eyes as he gazed into Haley's. Her heart continued to race with excitement not knowing what Nathan was going to do next. They had spent many hours getting to know each other on the telephone during the weeks prior to meeting up in New York. They reserved the next few hours to getting to know each other's bodies finally giving into their desires.
Nathan woke the next morning and felt a new sense of calm. Haley's warm body was snuggled against his and her head was using his chest as a pillow. Her arm carelessly rested across his stomach. He was careful not to disturb her just yet and was happy to just look at her. They had spent several hours making love and talking to each other the night before. Haley made every attempt to remain awake into the night but he could tell she was literally exhausted. Nathan had noticed she looked run down and knew she needed to rest with the busy schedule she'd been keeping. Surprisingly she didn't put up much of a fight and had fallen asleep within minutes. Not being able to resist himself any longer, Nathan ran his hand up and down Haley's bare back hoping for a response.
"Mmmmmmm" emerged from Haley's lips in a groggy tone.
Nathan leaned down and kissed the top of her head and whispered softly "Morning baby, how'd you sleep?"
Haley snuggled in closer and tightened her arm around his stomach and said contently "I haven't slept that well in a long time. You?"
"Like a baby!" He said know how cheesy he sounded but didn't really mind. He felt Haley's body shake as she giggled in response to his reply.
She lifted her head off his chest and reached up to connect her lips with his. What started as a good morning kiss quickly developed into more. They made love once more before deciding to finally get up for the day. They showered separately knowing they couldn't afford further delays in their schedule for the morning. They checked out of the hotel, stored their suitcases with the hotel concierge and set out to share one last meal together. They headed out of the hotel on foot dressed down to somewhat conceal their identities from being noticed by any people passing by. Nathan reached down and laced his fingers through Haley's as they made their way down the street together. She looked back at him with a big smile on her face as she readjusted her sunglasses.
"What a treat no paps this morning!" Nathan exclaimed as they continued on their way.
"Almost feels too good to be true considering we're in New York City. Let's hurry and find somewhere to eat before some find us." Haley pointed out as they quickly picked up their walking pace.
Neither one was aware of the pair of dark eyes that had been on them since they stepped out of the hotel together.
"Well, lookie what we have here!" a deep voice said to himself as he continued to discretely snap photos of the happy couple walking towards him without a care in the world.
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