Hey guys, once again, thank you all so much for the reviews. I always love reading them. And I especially want to thank those of you have reviewed for every chapter. I really appreciate you taking the extra time to leave feedback. This is the last chapter in the story, so I hope you all like it. I really enjoyed writing this fic. Also, I hope you guys will be on the lookout for my new upcoming stories. The first chapter of Half-Life will be posted soon. As for Secrets of Life, I'm up to about 18 chapters right now. I think that the final total of chapters will be either in the thirties or forties. So I still have a way to go with that one. If you go to my profile, you'll be able to see the summaries for both fics. Thank you all again for your wonderful support and feedback. Enjoy the last chapter and please review!

Chapter 32

“Nathan Royal Scott, stop. I mean it,” Haley warned.

“Or what?”

“Or you’ll be sorry.”

“Ooh, I’m shaking, Hales.”

“You’re hurting me,” she declared.

He smirked. “No, I’m not.”

“You’re aggravating me then.”

“I’m not doing that either.”

Haley sighed frustrated. “Whatever. Will you please get off of me now?” It’s not like she didn’t like the feeling of his body on top of hers holding her down on the bed. Because she certainly did. The boy was too sexy for his own good. But right now, it was the principle of the matter that was important.

“Not until you say it.”

“I won’t do it,” she replied stubbornly.

“Say it.”

Haley shook her head. “No way.”

“Fine. Then you leave me with no choice.” He gave her a meaningful look. Haley stared at him confused before realization dawned on her.

“Don’t,” she pled.

“I’m afraid I’m going to have to,” he said with a mischievous smile.

“Na-THAN!” she squealed when his fingers met the sensitive skin of her stomach. She couldn’t contain her laughter as he mercilessly tickled her.

“Say it, Hales.”

“No!” she laughed uncontrollably. Nathan’s hands squeezed her a little tighter. Haley squealed again.

“Come on, Baby James. I know you can,” he teased.

“Nathan!” she exclaimed breathlessly.

“Let’s hear it,” Nathan coaxed.

“Ugh, fine! You are the strongest, hottest, and overall b-best boyfriend in the world. Channing T-Tatum doesn’t even com-compare to you,” she declared between giggles. “Are you h-happy now?!”

Nathan’s hands finally stilled on her waist. He then smiled with surprised innocence. “Aw, gee, Hales, I had no idea you felt that way. Thanks.”

“He can still dance better, though,” she added teasingly. She couldn’t resist. Nathan had been pouting ever since they started watching Step Up about an hour ago. Haley knew that he got jealous when she drooled over the guy, but it’s not like she knew she was consciously doing it.

“Oh, now you’re asking for it,” he said before tickling her, once again.

“What? It’s the t-truth,” Haley laughed. “Now stop!” Nathan didn’t listen. He was enjoying his hold on her too much. It wasn’t long before Haley’s sides started to hurt from laughing so hard. It was then that she did the only thing she could think of to stop him.

Nathan was surprised when he felt Haley pull is head down and press her lips to his. His hands instantly stopped moving as a low groan escaped him. Haley smiled against his mouth. It works every time, she mused.

“Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing,” he mumbled against her lips.

“I know exactly what I’m doing,” she declared with a smirk of her own. It was then that she surprised him by flipping them over so she was now on top, straddling him.

“I can see that,” he teased in a husky tone. Haley shushed him with another heated kiss. She brought one of her hands to his cheek as the other slid down the length of his torso. Her lips then caressed his jaw and made their way over to his ear. She bit down on the lobe before sucking on the spot just behind it. It was his weakness, she’d discovered, and it always managed to drive him crazy.

“This is so much better than that stupid movie,” Nathan muttered in her ear. His eyes closed again as she lightly bit his neck. He couldn’t help but bury his hand in her hair to hold her to him.

“Mmm hmm,” Haley replied distractedly. She slid her hands under his shirt to feel the hard, taut muscles of his stomach and torso. As usual, it gave her goose bumps when her fingertips came into contact with his blazing skin. He was always warm, and it felt good during the cold February weather. The dorms always felt a bit chillier than necessary.

“Hales,” Nathan murmured before pulling her mouth back to his. He never liked being parted from her lips for long. Her tongue slid along his bottom lip, begging for entrance. He quickly gave it to her. She was the one leading today, and he couldn’t help but find it sexy. The two continued their passionate make-out session for several more minutes until a knock sounded at the door.

“Damn it,” Nathan cursed under his breath. He seriously wanted to kill whoever just interrupted them.

“And I was just getting started,” Haley muttered jokingly.

Nathan groaned. “Sadly, so was I.”

“Nathan, are you in there?” a voice called. It was Matt.

“You better get it,” Haley said before getting off of him. She then wiped at her mouth and fixed her hair.

Nathan sighed. “I’m coming.” He checked himself in the mirror to make sure that he didn’t have any of her lip gloss on him.

“Hey, Matt,” Nathan greeted after opening the door.

“Hey,” he replied.

“What’s up?”

“Um, I was looking for Haley. I stopped by her room, and Brooke said that she was here. I need to talk to her.”

“Yeah, she’s here. Come on in,” Nathan said while stepping aside.

“Thanks.”

“Hey, Matt,” Haley stated once she saw him.

“Hi.” He gave her a timid smile as silence fell upon the room.

A couple of minutes later, Nathan finally broke it. “I’ll…um…I’ll give the two of you some privacy.” He knew that Haley and Matt had a lot to talk about, and that they needed to do it alone. Nathan then gave Haley an encouraging smile and patted Matt on the back before leaving.

“So…uh…things are really ok between the two of you?” Haley questioned.

Matt nodded. “Yeah. Nathan and I talked again the other day. We’re cool now.”

“That’s good,” Haley stated.

“I also talked and apologized to the rest of the group. Taylor said it was ‘about time,’” he laughed.

Haley grinned. “That does sound like Taylor.”

“Yeah,” he agreed. “Now you’re the only one left.”

“Saving the best for last?” Haley tried to joke.

“Something like that,” he replied. “You also happen to be the person I hurt the most.”

“It’s ok. It’s over,” Haley said with a shrug.

Matt shook his head. “No, it’s not ok. I always swore to myself that I would protect you. I just never realized that it was me you actually needed protection from. I should’ve never treated you the way that I did. You came clean and apologized. You didn’t have to do that, but you did.”

“I still lied,” Haley pointed out.

“But I drove you to it,” Matt countered. “I’m so sorry, Haley. You’ve turned into a strong, confident, intelligent young woman. You know how to take care of yourself. You don’t need my ‘protection’ anymore. The truth is that you haven’t needed it in a long time. I saw that, but you know how stubborn I can be. I just didn’t want to let you go.

“And I’m also sorry about how I went to Peyton and told her about you and Nathan. That wasn’t my place. I didn’t really do it to spite you. I was a jackass and wanted to get back at Nathan. I hadn’t realized she’d turn on you like she did.”

“Actually, Peyton and I talked a few days ago. Right before Solaris woke up. We’re going to try to be friends again,” Haley explained.

“Good. I’m glad things worked out.”

“Yeah,” Haley replied.

“Anyway, I’m just really sorry. And if you don’t want to forgive me now—or ever—that’s fine. I’ll understand. But you should know that I’ve realized what a dick I’ve been and—”

Before he could even finish his sentence, Haley had closed the gap between them and pulled him into a tight embrace. “I know. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome,” Matt replied a few seconds later and gave her an affectionate squeeze.

Haley then pulled away to look up at him. “Now what about you? How are you doing? You don’t still think that you deserve to be punished, do you?”

Matt shook his head. “No. Not anymore. Solaris managed to knock some sense into me.”

“Well, thank God for that. You had us all worried sick about you.”

“Sorry,” he replied guiltily.

“As long as you’re ok now.”

“I am,” he declared. He then added, “I also want to thank you.”

Haley frowned. “For what?”

“For visiting Solaris in the hospital. She told me she heard your voice a couple of times.”

Haley smiled. “Well, she’s my friend. Plus, I knew that you couldn’t go at the time. I wanted her to know that you were thinking about her.”

“Well, I really appreciate it. Thank you.”

“No problem, MJ.”

Matt rolled his eyes. “Don’t start, Haley Bop.”

Haley laughed. A moment later, though, her expression was serious again. “So, um, I was just wondering. How do you feel now? You know...about Nathan and me?”

“All I need to know is that he loves you and will treat you right. The rest is none of my business. I trust you…and him.”

Haley stared at him. “Are you sure you’re my brother?” she teased.

“Well, you see, I’m trying this new thing where I stand back and let you live your life,” Matt said. “Although, if you do ever need me to beat the crap out of some slime ball for you, don’t hesitate to ask. I’m still your big brother, after all.”

“I’ll keep that in mind for future reference.”

“Good…so, you want me to let Nathan back in?”

“Well, it is his room,” Haley laughed.

“Good point.” Matt then walked towards the door and opened it. Nathan was leaning against the wall across the hall. “We’re done in here if you want to come back in.”

Nathan nodded and entered the room. “Did you guys work everything out?”

“Yeah,” Haley said. “We’re fine.” She smiled up at Nathan and rubbed her hand on his arm.

“What’s that?” Matt suddenly asked. Haley looked over at him confused and followed his gaze to her hand. He was staring at the ring on her finger with wide eyes. Haley watched her brother carefully. He looked up at her and started to say something before quickly shutting his mouth. Haley had to suppress a smile. She figured it might be a little while before he completely got used to “standing back and letting her live her own life.”

“Don’t worry. It’s only a promise ring,” Haley assured him. She looked to Nathan who had an amused smirk on his face.

Matt seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. He then shrugged his shoulders and looked at them casually. “I knew that.”

Four Months Later…

“Wooo! Go, Broody!” Brooke cheered.

“Come on, Nathan, you’ve got this!” Haley yelled.

“Get the ball, Jake! Get the ball!” Peyton shouted.

“Matt, get in there! You’re letting him walk all over you!” Solaris exclaimed.

“Good defense, Tim!” Bevin added.

“Chase, honey, breathe! You won’t pass out if you just breathe,” Taylor instructed. She then mumbled to herself, “I have to take him to the gym.”

“Yes! Good shot, sweetie!” Haley called as Nathan made the perfect three-pointer. A big smile then formed on her face as she saw Lucas, Tim, Matt, and Jake grumbling about him getting lucky. Meanwhile, Skills and Chase were giving him high fives. The whole gang was at the River Court just hanging out. Their second semester had finally ended a few days ago. They’d all been counting down the days to summer and relaxation.

A lot had happened over the past few months. Solaris had been released from the hospital a week after her accident. She was on bed rest for a while before she eventually started physical therapy to her shoulder. Haley and Brooke, per Solaris’ request, continued to take care of the cheerleading squad.

Matt also took care of Solaris. He fussed over her nonstop and had no problem being at her beck and call—which earned him a lot of jokes about being whipped from the guys. Since he’d apologized to everyone, he was welcomed back into their little group with open arms. And true to his word, he hadn’t been overprotective or bossy towards Haley. He hadn’t given her or Nathan any trouble. In fact, he teased them along with the rest of the group now. Matt had also finally started treating Haley like a mature young woman rather than the baby of the group, which she was thankful for. She knew it took him some getting used to in the beginning.

As for Peyton, she’d apologized to the group, as well. It took some time before things had finally returned to the way they used to be. Brooke had given her the hardest time of them all—since she was still pissed about the whole bitch slap thing—but they eventually worked it out and got back on track. The best part, however, was when Peyton and Jake had finally gotten together. They’d been dating for almost three months now and couldn’t be happier.

“Does Chase look a little pale to you?” Brooke questioned.

“I’ll give him some Gatorade,” Taylor said before getting up and walking over to him. Haley smiled at the scene. Her sister and Chase had been dating exclusively for several months now and were still going strong. It was so serious, in fact, that Chase had decided to move to Tree Hill permanently so he could be closer to Taylor and the rest of them. He’d already graduated from college a few weeks ago and found a job in a nearby city. He was staying at Brooke’s house until he got an apartment of his own.

“Why don’t you guys take a break for awhile?” Solaris suggested. Haley nodded in agreement. It was only mid-May, but the weather was already scorching. Haley then grabbed Nathan’s water bottle and brought it to him.

“Thanks,” he mumbled while kissing her.

“Ugh, you’re all sweaty,” Haley laughed pulling away.

“You know you like it,” Nathan teased before finally taking a big swig of water.

“I’m with Tutor Girl. You guys are gross,” Brooke declared.

“Well, you try playing an intense game of basketball out in the sun,” Lucas defended.

“And in this humidity,” Skills added.

“I think I’ll pass,” Brooke retorted.

“Chase, how are you holding up?” Haley questioned when she saw that he was hunched over.

“I think…I need…to work out more,” he panted. “I still feel seriously out of shape.”

“Aw, I’m sorry.”

“Don’t worry, Love Muffin. I’ll survive.”

“It’s ok, baby. I’ll take your spot,” Taylor declared.

“But you’re a girl.”

“So? I used to play with the guys all of the time.”

“Chase Adams, am I hearing things or were you just being a sexist pig?” Brooke asked with her hands on her hips.

“I didn’t mean it like that, Dumplin’. I was just surprised. That’s all,” he defended.

“Because girls can totally do anything that guys can,” Brooke stated. Lucas snickered. She then glared at him. “Is there something you’d like to add, Broody?”

“No.”

“Really?” she questioned in disbelief.

“Well, it’s just that every time I offer to teach you how to play, you complain that you might break a nail.” The other guys laughed as the girls glared at them.

“But that doesn’t mean that we can’t play,” Peyton argued.

“Yeah,” Haley agreed.

“Hales, baby, you can only shoot granny style,” Nathan reminded her.

“So?” Bevin challenged. Brooke then ran her hands through her hair and put it up in a ponytail.

“What are you doing?” Lucas questioned.

“I’m getting ready to kick your ass, Broody,” she declared. “I think a little battle of the sexes is in order.”

“I’m with Brooke,” Peyton said. “Us girls against you guys.”

“Ok. Fine,” Jake stated. “But don’t start crying when we beat you. You’re playing against NCAA champions.” The guys all nodded in agreement. Haley rolled her eyes. They had finally won this year. The girls had been so proud of them. At least until they started talking about it nonstop. It’s all they heard anymore. It’s nice to see it hasn’t gone to their heads, Haley thought amused.

“We’ll see about that,” Solaris replied.

“No way. You’re not playing,” Matt proclaimed. “Didn’t you just finish physical therapy?”

“Yes, which means I’ll be perfectly fine.”

“But—”

“I’m playing,” she interrupted while giving him a firm look.

Skills laughed out loud. “I think I’ll sit this one out and enjoy the show.”

“Alright, everybody in their positions,” Brooke ordered.

“I’m watching you, Scott,” Haley warned.

“Bring it on, Baby James,” Nathan replied. Brooke got her hands on the ball first. However, it wasn’t long before Lucas stole it from her.

“Hey!” she objected as she ran after him. Lucas then passed the ball to Jake who later scored with a lay-up. About ten minutes into the game, the guys were already up to eleven points. The girls, however, only had three—thanks to Taylor.

“Time out,” Brooke called. “Ladies, huddle.”

“They’re killings us,” Bevin sighed.

“I can’t keep picking up all of the slack out there,” Taylor said.

“You’re not going to have to,” Brooke declared. “I’ve got a plan.”

“Which is?” Peyton inquired.

“The guys have an advantage over us. There's no denying it. But that doesn’t mean we don’t have tricks of our own we can use.”

Haley frowned. “What do you mean?”

“I mean, Tutor Girl, that it’s time we brought out the big guns.”

“I can’t believe we lost,” Matt mumbled.

“Oh, will you guys get over it already?” Taylor retorted.

“It’s just a game,” Haley added. It was a couple of hours later, and the whole group was at Karen’s Café for dinner. After their intense basketball game, in which the girls ended up winning, everyone went home to shower and change before meeting up again to eat. The boys, however, had been sulking ever since their crushing defeat.

“If you ladies had played fair, we would’ve won,” Jake declared.

Matt shook his head. “I still can’t believe you missed that shot Lucas.”

“It wasn’t my fault. Brooke freaking flashed me!” he defended.

“Hey, there is nothing in the rule book that says that’s not allowed,” Brooke argued. Her little plan had worked perfectly. The guys were tough players. But as soon as the girls started rubbing up against them and giving them little flashes of naked skin, they were like putty in their hands.

“Yeah, we can’t help it if you guys get distracted so easily,” Haley added with a teasing smile. She never knew her tattoo would come so in handy. Every time Nathan was guarding her, she made sure to bend over just enough so he’d get the perfect view of it. He practically growled in her ear every time. Even now she could feel his eyes on her.

“I don’t care if they won,” Chase declared. “We may have lost, but it was a hell of a way to go.”

“Hell yeah,” Tim agreed.

“Best game I ever watched,” Skills joked. Haley sat back and laughed as her friends continued to go back and forth. It wasn’t until a couple of minutes later that her eyes settled on something else. She then got up out of her seat and started to walk over there.

“Tutor Girl, where are you going?” Brooke called.

“I just have to check on something. I’ll be back in a little while,” Haley replied. Afterward, she gave Nathan a pointed look before climbing the staircase to the roof. The miniature golf course was still perfectly intact and just like she remembered.

“Hard to believe that it was around this time last year when everything started between us,” Nathan commented from behind her. It felt like another lifetime ago. A second later, she felt his arms wrap around her waist. Haley leaned back against his chest and looked up smiling at him.

“You mean me kicking your ass at miniature golf, you kissing me, and then taking off,” she quipped.

Nathan smirked. “Actually, I was thinking it was more along the lines of you wearing that sexy as hell dress, tempting me during our game of miniature golf, me about to lose it while teaching you how to play pretend basketball, and then finally snapping by kissing you.”

“Or that,” Haley laughed.

“By the way, how did your prediction about kissing a boy come along? Did it finally happen?” Nathan teased.

Haley gave him a smirk of her own. “I don’t know. Maybe you should ask your brother.” Nathan’s smile faltered as his eyes narrowed. She knew that would get him. Less than a second later, he’d spun her around and crashed his lips onto hers. Haley moaned at the intensity before wrapping her arms around his neck to pull him closer.

“So, who’s the better kisser?” Nathan mumbled against her mouth.

“I don’t know. I’m gonna need a little bit more from you before I can make my final decision,” she teased.

Nathan practically growled before doing as she requested. One of his hands was buried in her hair while the other arm remained around her waist to keep her close. He then expertly slid his tongue into her mouth. He explored the crevices until her own tongue started to sensually stroke his.

“Well…who’s better?” Nathan asked again. He then tore his lips from hers and started to kiss and suck on her neck. Haley clung to him tightly as she practically melted against him.

“Hmm…you. Definitely you,” she breathed out. A moan soon followed when he licked the base of her throat and then nipped at it.

“Good answer.”

“So, are you going to kiss and run again this time?” Haley asked jokingly.

Nathan pulled away and looked down at her. He then brushed his thumb gently across her cheek. “No. I’ll never run again.” Haley smiled. “I’m in it for the long haul. So it looks like you’re stuck with me now, Baby James.”

Haley leaned up on her tiptoes and kissed him softly. “Mmm, sounds great. How did I get so lucky?”

“It helps that you’re hott,” he joked. Haley whacked his arm playfully as he leaned down to kiss her again.

“However, there is one thing that I still need from you,” Nathan stated with a serious expression afterward.

Haley frowned. “What is it?”

“I never did get my rematch. That cow totally cheated last time.”

Haley laughed and shook her head. Of course he had to challenge her to another game of miniature golf. “Really? Because I thought it was because you were really bad at it.”

“You mock me now, but I can guarantee I’m going to win.”

“I don’t know. Are you sure you can handle me?”

“I’m positive.”

“Ok. But don’t think that just because you’re my boyfriend now that I’m going to go easy on you.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it.”

“Alright. Let’s get started,” Haley declared. She then grabbed a couple of golf clubs and handed one to him. “Show me what you got, Scott.”

A little over a half hour later, Haley’s hand was covering her mouth as she tried not to laugh.

“Son of a bitch!” Nathan cursed when the ball, yet again, would not go into the cow’s mouth.

“Having a little trouble, honey?”

“Quiet you,” he ordered as he concentrated. He hit the ball again and missed. Haley snickered when a stream of obscenities came shooting out of his mouth.

“Need some help?”

“No,” he stubbornly replied. Six tries later, his ball finally went in. “I hate that stupid cow.”

Haley laughed softly to herself as she got ready for her turn. A moment later, she hit her ball. It went sailing straight through the cow’s mouth, out its butt, and into the hole.

“Unbelievable,” Nathan muttered.

“I believe that’s game,” Haley said with a triumphant smile.

Nathan couldn’t believe he’d lost to her again. He glared murderously at the plastic cow. It was most definitely posessed.

“You’re not mad, are you?” Haley questioned as she came to stand in front of him.

Nathan sighed and pulled her into his arms. “No. I could never be mad at you. I love you.”

Haley couldn’t help the goose bumps that formed on her skin whenever she heard those three little words. They’d been dating for seven months now and still she never tired of hearing them. Haley then kissed him deeply before pulling away. “I love you, too.”

Nathan smiled down at her. He couldn’t believe what an idiot he’d been last year. He should’ve never left her after that amazing kiss. He just thanked God that he hadn’t been too late in getting her back. He’d already missed out on all of those other years he could’ve had with Haley, if he’d only noticed her back then. But now, Nathan knew that there was no way he’d ever take her for granted or let her slip away again. She made him so happy. No one else even compared.

“Good. Now how about the best two out of three?”