Thank you for continuing on this journey with me.
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~~~ "I'm Never Alone, I'm Alone All the Time" ~~~
* Chapter Forty-Seven*
"How are you feeling about the game?"
Nathan tossed the damp towel on the side of the tub as he headed back to the main part of his room. He carried his phone and sat down on the bed again. The shower felt great once he'd arrived in his room after the flight. He was now dressed in just his boxers and ready for bed.
"I think it'll be a tough game for us but as long as we keep up on our defense and keep the turn overs under control we'll pull off a win." He answered.
"But what about you…how are you feeling?"
He found himself smiling and a feeling of surprise came over him. Someone who cared about just him and his feelings.
"I feel good and ready. I'm also ready to come home Hales." He admitted.
"Mmm me too! I know you've only been gone for four days but still…it feels so much longer for some reason. I'm just being a baby I guess." Haley said as she pulled up the blankets on her bed. She'd tried very hard to stay awake just in case he called once he arrived at the hotel like she hoped he would.
"No, I miss you too angel." He said softly into his phone.
Silence hung between them for a moment before he spoke again.
"Guess what?"
"What's that?"
"I love you Haley James." Nathan answered and quickly joined her as she giggled.
"I love you too Nathan! I should let you go so you can get some rest before your busy day tomorrow." Haley concluded knowing it was for the best. They ended their call and both snuggled into their respective beds thinking of one another as they drifted off to sleep.
Several days later Nathan was more than happy to pull into his drive way after being on the road for so long. He loved playing in the NBA and all it had to offer but there were days when he wished he didn't have to travel so much. Coming home was definitely better now that he had someone to come home to. Haley was still at Quinn's no doubt spending time with her and Logan. Nathan had expected to be exhausted once he got in the house as he usually was but not this time. He had an energy flowing through his body like never before.
He quickly brought his bags up to the bedroom and hopped in the shower. He abruptly dressed in casual clothes, grabbed a baseball hat and headed out again. He checked the clock in his car as he drove mentally noted he had about two hours before he needed to be home again. Nathan drove a good 20 minutes before he arrived and was pleased to be able to drive right into an underground secure parking ramp. He got out of his car and was escorted right away inside and into a small private room.
"Good afternoon Mr. Scott! We're pleased to have you here. Thank you for reaching out to us and entrusting us with your needs today." Said an exceptionally well-dressed man in a perfectly tailored pin stripped suit.
Nathan shook the man's hand and then spoke. "I appreciate the discretion and promptness."
Nathan settled into the leather office chair and waited for the man to take his seat across the table from him. He unbuttoned the suit coat and then finally spoke again.
"So what are looking for exactly? Over the telephone it sounded like you had some idea or direction you were looking to go in."
Nathan nodded and answered, "I think I do. I've heard that when I see it I'll know so.."
The man smiled in response and added, "That is very true Mr. Scott."
"Please, just Nathan."
"Very well Nathan. I pulled a few items after our conversation earlier and prepared a selection for us to start with. What do you say?"
Nathan offered a somewhat uncertain smile and answered, "Sounds great."
Right on schedule, Nathan was on the road again heading back to his house after nearly two hours. Haley was already home when he arrived. He heard banging sounds the moment he opened the door from the garage.
Haley had grabbed a few items at the market on her way back to Nathan's. After spending hours snuggling and loving on her baby nephew, she felt rather domestic and wanted to fix Nathan dinner. He had suggested going out when they'd spoken the day before but she knew he didn't want her to fuss too much. Haley loved his kitchen and enjoyed cooking in it.
"Something smells amazing in here!" Nathan said as he walked into the kitchen.
Haley looked up from the fresh parmesan cheese she'd been grating and smiled.
"I know you offered to go out but I really felt like cooking instead. I hope that's ok, I kinda wanted it to be a surprise." Haley replied with a slightly worried look.
"Of course it's ok. I hadn't made reservations or anything plus your lasagna beats any I could order if we went out any day." Nathan said as he walked over to kiss her.
Haley set the cheese block down and wiped her hands on a dish towel quickly. She rose to her toes and wrapped her arms around his neck as he kissed her lips.
"It's good to be home." Nathan stated once their lips parted after they shared a deep kiss.
"Where's your bag? I didn't see you bring it in with you just now." Haley asked.
"Oh I got in a couple hours ago and ran some errands before you got back. Can I do anything to help?" Nathan quickly asked as he changed the subject on purpose.
Haley eyed the oven timer and answered, "Yes, you can take the lasagna out now so it can set a few minutes before we eat."
Nathan did as he was told and Haley finished up her task.
"I set things up out back for us to eat if that's ok."
"Sounds perfect actually." Nathan admitted wanting nothing more than time with the woman he loved.
Just then Nathan's cellphone rang and he moved fast to silence the all. Haley smiled and said, "Go ahead and take it if you need to. It will still be a bit before we eat."
"You sure?"
She nodded as she continued to finish her work. Nathan answered his phone and moved to sit in the living room for a few minutes for his business call. Haley sprinkled cheese on the salads she made and brought them out to the patio. She returned for the rest of the food just as Nathan finished his call.
"No more interruptions tonight. I turned it off." Nathan declared and set his phone down on the counter.
"Everything ok?" She asked as she scooped up a piece of lasagna for Nathan's plate.
"Yes, that was just final confirmation for the Nike meeting next week." He answered honestly.
He followed Haley back outside and was surprised by the extra effort she'd made to fix dinner. He noticed a table cloth and candles on the table as well. He looked over the meal and then up at her. Immediately he met her eyes that had already been fixed on his and saw she was smiling.
"This all looks wonderful Hales. I really appreciate this and all the effort to fix dinner." Nathan said.
Haley shook her head a bit and tried to argue, "You don't need to thank me Nathan. I just wanted you to have a good home cooked meal after being on the road for a while. I know what it's like to eat out for weeks on end."
He laughed out loud knowing it was true and then some. Sure he would be gone maybe a week or two at a time which was nothing compared to her being on tour for months on end.
"How are Quinn, Clay and Logan doing?" Nathan asked as he started to eat some of his salad.
Haley finished chewing her bite before she replied, "Things seem to be going better now. Logan seems to be sleeping a good four hours stretch at night which helps."
"That's good then. I know Lucas texted me a few days ago and said Everly was getting up every hour on the hour for three nights in a row. Brooke was literally a walking zombie I guess." He added as he continued to devour his salad.
Haley made a small frown and said, "Poor thing! I'm sure those first few weeks are hell for every new parent. Maybe I should reach out and see if she wants me to come over for a little while so she could take a nap or something later this week."
Nathan smiled in agreement, "I'm sure she'd appreciate that. Maybe we could bring dinner too or something?"
"Oh you're coming with me now too?"
"I can't have you getting more time with Everly than me now can I?" He flirted back with a grin.
They finished up their meal with laughter and easy conversation as they caught each other up on the most recent events. Haley had been doing some work with some of her charity foundations to keep herself busy while she tried to figure out what was next. It was still strange to go from being in constant demand and always on the go to having no real pressing schedule or obligation.
The Fire Pistols had been previously requested to perform at the Grammy Awards which was clearly off now that they had broken up. They were still scheduled to attend the show and up for some awards. Haley was a bit nervous to attend such a public event for the first time since the break-up of the band but felt so much better knowing Nathan would be by her side every step of the way.
Nathan saw on the security camera the limo had arrived outside and he walked over towards the staircase.
"Hales the car is here!" He called up the stairs.
"Be right there." He heard in response just as Haley's stylist, Gemma, appeared coming down the stairs. Nathan adjusted his tie once more as he found himself pacing back and forth in the entry way.
"You clean up well Nate." Gemma said with a sly grin.
"Thanks. How's my girl doing?" He asked as he checked the time once more. He hadn't seen Haley in over an hour as she'd been locked away in his bathroom getting ready. He was nervous for himself having never been to the Grammy Awards before but more so for Haley. He knew what tonight would be like for her and wanted to make sure he did everything he could to not let her down in anyway.
Once Gemma hit the bottom stair she answered, "She's doing just fine. Beautiful as always but I don't need to tell you that now do I."
"Not a chance in hell." Nathan said with a grin.
"Have a good time tonight Nate." Gemma said and then quickly said good bye to Nathan before he let her out. He closed the door behind her and turned around to see Haley coming down the stairs. Haley looked ever the picture of beauty as she came down the stairs slowly. Her honey brown hair was curled and pinned in a modern up do that showcased her neckline and framed her face perfectly. Her make-up and jewelry were just right and only accentuated her already natural beauty. The dress Brooke had made for Haley truly looked amazing.
"You look gorgeous Hales." Nathan said and then moved to kiss her cheek.
"You're not so bad yourself Scott."
"Oh please, next to you I look like a scrub." He joked as he held out her hand and spun her around in a circle to take in the whole dress. They chuckled together for a moment and then headed out to the waiting limo to join the rest of The Fire Pistols who had agreed to attend the show together one last time.
The limo ride over to the show helped calm Haley's nerves as everyone joked and some sipped on champagne. She found herself distracted by a story Walker was telling so much so she hadn't even noticed they were lined up to exit for the red carpet. Nathan reached over and gave her hand a squeeze.
"You ready baby?"
She leaned over and pressed her lips against his and held them steady for a few seconds. After she pulled away she answered, "I am now."
The limo came to a halt and one by one they exited the limo leaving Haley and Nathan for last. Nathan noticed a surge of flashes and chatter once he exited the limo as the press was pleased he had attended with Haley. The press knew she was next to get out of the limo and prepared for her debut. Nathan held out his hand for her to take as she slide out of the limo. She secured her hand around his and they took off walking to follow the press path together. Hand in hand.
This was the first major event the couple had attended together and it couldn't have gone better. Surprisingly the red carpet questions stayed under control and respectable for a change. Nathan and Haley posed for photographs as a couple and only once did Haley step away from him as she took one last photograph with the rest of her former band.
The awards ceremony went well and Nathan found himself in awe of all the musical talent seated around them but also of his girl. She was honored as well as the rest of the band when they took home two awards for the night. Haley hadn't expected them to win but quickly recovered with grace as they accepted both awards. Nathan sat with the rest of the audience and gazed with love at Haley on stage. He smiled as she thanked him in her speech just as the cameras panned over to catch his reaction. He couldn't have been more proud to be her date for the night.
Later that night Haley found herself watching Nathan closely as they both undressed from the night's event. They had made a short appearance at one after party but soon headed out. She couldn't help but blush as he unbuttoned his dress shirt and when he took it off to reveal his bare chest. They held each other's gaze but said nothing as they both worked to undo their dressed up looks. Haley removed her jewelry and unpinned her hair before she gave her hair a quick shake to further remove the up do. Nathan hung his shirt and pants on the chair in the corner of the room and was now dressed in only boxer shorts.
"Could you get my zipper?" Haley asked as she turned her back towards where Nathan had been standing. She peeked over her shoulder and watched as he approached her slowly. She closed her eyes once she felt his hands touch her skin before they stopped on the zipper. He lowered it slowly and then moved his hands to her shoulders. Within a second, the dress slid to the floor and left Haley standing in only a matching lace bra and panty set. Her eyes burned into his and it was clear the desire they shared for one another.
Haley woke the next morning before Nathan for a change. She felt his breath on the back of her neck and his arm across her stomach. He was snuggled up right behind her back lightly snoring away. She shifted so slowly in place only to instantly feel his grip tighten around her while he continued to sleep. She smiled to herself and found herself thinking about the previous night's events. It had been the last event The Fire Pistols would do together and now it really felt like the chapter was closed of that part of her life. She let out a larger sigh then she initially expected and was startled when she heard his sleepy voice.
"It's too early to be worrying Hales."
"How did you…You know me to well."
Nathan kissed her shoulder and then said, "That I do."
She turned over and was not face to face with him. She noticed he still had sleepy eyes as he gazed at her and tried to wake himself up quickly.
"Good Morning." She said and then pecked his lips.
One peck was all they needed and soon they were involved in a morning love making session that felt like it had just picked up right where they'd left off the night before.
An hour or so later, they were both dressed and enjoying some breakfast together. Nathan had to get to practice in spite of wanting to stay home with Haley all day. He studied her closely while she brought her up of tea to her mouth to take a sip. He would look away but it didn't make a difference. Everytime he looked at her, his eyes went to her left hand particularly her ring finger. The ring he'd purchased for her was practically screaming for him from his hiding place in his office upstairs where he'd placed it. He'd been working on planning an elaborate proposal weekend away and was beginning to feel anxious about it. It was still weeks away from the weekend he'd managed to book off and was starting to find he might give himself away before he was ready. He needed to stop himself from obsessing about her hand or he would out himself. It was really bad when they'd been riding in the limo to the show the night before. He could picture in his mind the ring on her finger which would have finished off her look perfectly.
"Is something wrong?" Haley asked breaking his train of thought.
Nathan was shook from his thoughts and quickly said, "Huh?"
"You're looking at me funny. Do I have something on my face?" She asked in a confused tone.
"No you're perfect. Sorry I'm just thinking about my practice today." He offered hoping he didn't sound as stupid as he feared he might have. She nodded which he took as a sign of acceptance.
"How late will you be?"
"I should be back by 11 I think. Oh shit I gotta go." He said quickly as he looked at the clock. He stood up quickly and kissed her good bye. He headed out to practice and left Haley alone once more.
Haley spent the morning checking social media to see what coverage had been published from the show and the photographs that had already been released. She took a few moments to write Brooke a thank you card for making such a beautiful dress and popped it in the mail. She then headed upstairs and changed into some work-out clothes. Haley settled for just a sports bra and shorts after deciding she would stay indoors and try out Nathan's home gym instead. She didn't intend to hit it hard but really just felt a bit restless and hoped this would help her take the edge off. After briefly stretching and a little warm up, she was now jogging on the treadmill. She wasn't used to the walls full of mirrors as the treadmill she'd had at her old house was in the corner of an office not a whole room devoted to physical fitness. But then again, she was using a NBA player's home gym.
After about 10 minutes, Haley had found the mirrors to be too distracting and hopped off the treadmill. She walked around the weight equipment and contemplated for just a moment to try it out but decided against it. She caught a glimpse of the scar on her side just under her bra line as she looked up in front at the reflection of herself staring right back. The memories of her car accident had much faded away but on occasion similar to that morning, something small would spark it alive in her once more. She found her fingers lightly ran over the scar slowly as she let the thoughts fill her mind. She could almost instantly hear the many sounds of the ICU room, the machines, smell the hospital all around her even in Nathan's home gym. She closed her eyes and traveled back to the first few moments she woke up when she tried to decipher what was real and what seemed to have been a dream. She recalled the feeling of warmth and security she had once she realized Nathan was by her bedside. Visions of Peyton and the argument between her and Nathan then came to mind and her eyes instantly opened.
Haley shook her head and promptly left the gym. She headed upstairs once more and took a shower washing away the sweat and emotions of the past. She dressed again this time feeling clean and refreshed for the rest of the day. She busied herself with cleaning up her clothing in his bedroom and making his bed before he returned home from practice. They had been spending so much time together it had come to her mind several times about asking Nathan if he wanted them to move in together. She knew it would mean her moving into his home since she was merely renting her house but didn't feel right about bring the subject up with him.
Nathan got home from practice and brought his bag up to his room immediately. He tossed a few things in the hamper and went to change his clothes. As he stood at his dresser and he glanced out the window, he saw Haley sitting in the backyard peacefully reading a book. The mid-day sunlight caught her just right and nearly created a halo around her head.
"God, she's beautiful." He said aloud to himself as he paused for a moment before continuing to finish dressing.
By the time he'd finished upstairs and made his way to the backyard, Haley must have sensed he was home because she met him at the doorway.
"I thought you might be back." She said warmly with a smile. She greeted him with a kiss which he happily returned.
"Practice went smoothly this morning so here I am. What are you up to?" He asked.
Haley followed Nathan back inside and into the kitchen where she set her book down on the counter.
"Not up too much really. I tried to work out in your gym but it was just too much. All I kept seeing was myself in all the mirrors so that lasted like two seconds. How do you handle that?" She jokingly asked him.
Nathan laughed to himself and answered, "The mirrors help with lifting form and posture Hales."
She shook her head in disagreement and stated, "Well, they made me crazy so I decided to take a shower and then read a book instead. Do you want to go for a drive down the coast and maybe have a lunch on the beach or something?"
Nathan thought for a second and then quickly agreed.
"Great! I'll make some sandwiches or something." Haley suggested.
A smile fell across his face and then he said, "We can grab something there I'm sure. Don't fuss with anything else. Maybe just grab us a few waters for the drive there. I'm going to head and get my sunglasses and hat from the bedroom. I'll be right back."
Haley agreed and headed towards the refrigerator as Nathan ran upstairs again. A few moments later, Nathan arrived in the entry way to meet Haley who had been waiting with two bottles of water.
"Where are your glasses?" Haley asked as she noticed he only had a hat with him but no glasses in sight.
A bit uneasy he replied, "Yeah I forgot they are still in the car. Let's go!"
Haley complied with his requested and then they were seated in the car headed down the road towards the coast. The couple enjoyed the scenic ride along the coast which surprisingly went quickly. He smiled to himself as Haley would occasionally sing along to the radio until she caught herself doing it. She apologized several times to Nathan but truth be told, he loved the sound of her voice no matter if she was singing or talking to him.
Nathan had pulled into a more private area for parking and soon the two of them were walking hand in hand along a fairly deserted beach. Every few steps, they found their feet were kissed with foamy ocean water as the tide would creep up on the beach.
"This is so nice! I forget how much I love the ocean until I'm here." Haley said in a purr like tone of voice. She rested her head on his side as they walked along.
"It's nice and quiet around here today too. Even better right?" He added as he quickly glanced around at their immediate surroundings. He saw something out of the corner of his eye and got an idea.
"Why don't you walk ahead and grab a seat just up there." Nathan suggested as he pointed up towards the beach. Haley turned her head to follow his hand. "I've got an idea but want it to be a surprise."
Haley smiled and then said, "Ok." He waited a few moments as he watched her walk away down the beach. Once he was certain she was out of sight, he jogged over to the rolling lunch cart that had passed by them a little bit ago. He quickly ordered and was on his way back to Haley minutes later. He smiled to himself at how perfectly the idea came to him and moved the items behind his back as he walked up to Haley who was seated on the sand waiting.
"So I've got a surprise for you Hales." He announced and waited for her eyes to meet his. She noticed his hands behind his back as he dropped to his knees. She giggled out loud and responded with a flirty smile.
"What's that?" She asked.
"Well, if I remember correctly our first date at the zoo for lunch we shared…."
Haley cut him off and fondly said, "Hot dogs!"
Just then Nathan produced the dogs from behind his back. Haley happily took the one offered to her and immediately noticed it was exactly to her fixing. True to form, Nathan finished his dog in a mere few bites while Haley took more time. He studied her while she ate and felt a salty breeze pass over them.
"Good idea to come to the beach Haley. It really is peaceful and quiet here." Nathan stated as he looked around them. Haley nodded as she finished the last of her hot dog in her mouth.
"Thank you for the dog Nathan. That was really sweet you remembered it after all this time." Haley added.
He looked back at his love and stated, "Of course I remember our first date. My life changed for the better that day and it's never been the same since."
"Mine too." She added and leaned over to kiss his lips quickly. He rested his forehead on hers and cupped her cheek with his hand gently. They stayed like that a few seconds but eventually Haley moved back to the way she'd been resting before. She took a drink of water and then brought her knees to her chest slightly. Her eyes stayed locked on the water and she studied all the details. Nathan on the other hand, had eyes just for Haley. He watched her hair blow in the breeze and the way the sunlight reflected on her skin from the water. He truly didn't think it was possible but in that moment she had never been more beautiful. And that was it. The moment when he just knew it was time.