Still shocked with the amount of feedback this story has received. I never thought people would like it this much, but thank you a bunch!

This 'epilogue' takes place about five years later, and is dedicated to Mel. Happy birthday (:

. . . .

"And the Charlotte Hornets win the 2022 NBA Championship!" Haley sprang from her seat upon hearing the announcer's voice echo through the stadium. Her eyes landed on Nathan and smiled proudly when his teammates rushed over to him to hoist his body through the air— with thirty seconds left in the game, Nathan scored the winning shot, bringing the Charlotte Hornets to clench the title for the years NBA championship.

There was nothing she wanted more than to run over to him and fling herself into his open arms, but she had to remember she was still technically working. Regardless of their relationship, both Nathan and Haley knew they had to remain strictly professional while working; they'd celebrate in private later.

"Good thing you're sleeping with the star player," Gary teased from beside her, "you'll be the first one to interview him."

Haley couldn't help but laugh. It was true. A few weeks ago, a sportscaster from ESPN made a snide comment about how Haley was always the first one to interview Nathan at a game and how 'unfair' it was. Yet another reason why they kept their private lives low-key; the media had a field day when their relationship leaked to the public a few years back. They didn't keep it a secret, but they also didn't flaunt it. Both Nathan and Haley agreed it'd be best if they separated work from their private lives and for the most part, they were successful.

As she looked around the stadium and at all the chaos surrounding them, Haley couldn't help but smirk. Sleeping with the star player did have its advantages; she cut right through the media line— ignoring their harsh glares and angry whispers— and approached Nathan, who was still in the midst of celebrating their big win.

Confetti fell like rain from the ceiling, cascading through their hair. Nathan's large grin only spread wider when he viewed Haley and Gary, who, unbeknownst to him, had already started the live broadcast.

"Hey 23!" Haley called out, "Congratulations."

"Hales!" He immediately rushed over and wrapped his arms around her waist, bending down to press his lips against hers for a passionate kiss. "I love you so much, baby," he gushed.

Haley felt her skin flush the deepest shade of red. She knew she shouldn't have told Gary to start filming but their producer wanted to capture the entire footage. Nathan clearly had no idea, otherwise he wouldn't have kissed her — he knew how much she hated PDA.

"Nathan," she whispered warningly, "we're live."

"I know," he smirked, "but I don't care. We did it, babe! We won!"

Gary zoomed in, focusing on Nathan's excited grin and Haley's red cheeks. Their producer actually encouraged their PDA, claiming how it increased viewership. People absolutely adored their relationship— even from their very little knowledge about it.

"How do you feel right now?" Haley tried to suppress her excited smile, but the attempt was futile.

"Like I'm the luckiest guy alive," Nathan screamed over the noise and into the microphone that Haley was holding out to him. "I couldn't possibly be any happier than I am right now."

Haley gave him a proud smile, "I may be a bit biased, but you played unbelievably," she laughed softly, "I mean, tonight was your highest scoring percentage ever. Besides the desire to win, what was your driving force?"

Nathan smirked and secretly snaked his arm around her back, "you know, there's actually a really hot reporter for Charlotte 5 News, so I was really trying to impress her tonight. Do you think it worked?"

If Haley wasn't already red, she'd be on fire. She didn't interview Nathan every time, but when she did, they only ever discussed the game. She couldn't believe how flirtatious he was being; it was throwing her completely off track. She knew her boss wouldn't necessarily care, but still, Nathan's compliments combined with that sexy grin nearly had her melting into a puddle right there on the gym floor.

He was staring at her — she felt it. His blue eyes were enough to set anything on fire and Haley knew if she met his heavy gaze, clothes would be shed; and that was not something she wanted to display on national television.

"Yes," she mumbled shyly. "It definitely worked."

Nathan chuckled quietly, "I'm serious though. I played this game for you, Haley. You've been my inspiration and motivation for the past five years. I wouldn't be where I am today without your love and support. So thank you."
She didn't even attempt to hide her tears. The warm and wet drops fell from her eyes at a rapid pace.

"I love you," Nathan saw Haley mouth the words and smiled before pulling her closer to his side.

He pressed a quick kiss against her forehead but felt her nudging him slightly.

"Wait, I have more questions," she shook her head in attempt to focus. Damn him for distracting her with his forehead kisses. She nearly forgot they were still live. "Now that you've beat your scoring record and carried the Hornets to the Championship title, what's next career-wise?"

Nathan chuckled under his breath, knowing Haley added 'career wise' to the question so that he would discuss basketball. "Anything is possible now. I mean, ideally I'd like to win another championship, but I'm just so happy to be a part of this team. We worked so hard this year, and while it hasn't been easy, I couldn't be prouder. I just want to continue playing for as long as I can. I love this game and I love this team."

"I know you made a lot of Charlotte fans happy tonight. What do you have to say to them?"

"Thank you," he stated simply, looking directly into the video camera. "Seriously, thank you. The endless support we have received this season, and for many seasons before this one, never fails to amaze me. You know, the players aren't the only ones on this journey. The fans are right alongside us and we really appreciate it."

Haley smiled. Nathan truly adored his fans — maybe not the groupies (she certainly didn't)— but he would always stop in public to sign a little kid's t-shirt or high schooler's basketball. She was so proud of him, and she was even prouder to be standing next to him, watching his dreams come true. She'd never take it for granted.

"And what a journey it has been," Haley commented, "you guys were undefeated the entire season. Did you feel the pressure?"

Nathan shrugged, "Honestly, I think it'd be impossible not to feel pressure but I tried not to let it affect me or my game. Plus, it's a good thing I have you. You definitely know how to relieve the pressure," he winked.

"Nathan!" She chastised, the blush returning to her cheeks.

He laughed wildly, inwardly loving how easily he could rile her up and kissed her forehead again.

"Alright, I think it's time to wrap up," she mumbled shyly. Gary nodded from behind the camera and zoomed out, focusing on Nathan's hold on Haley, as well as her very swollen stomach.

He grinned secretly.

Haley brought the microphone up to her lips and gave the camera a dazzling smile, "There you have it, North Carolina. Nathan Scott, captain of the Charlotte Hornets scored the winning basket to defeat the Brooklyn Nets for the 2022 NBA Championship. Thanks for watching with us— reporting live from Time Warner Cable Arena, I'm Haley Scott, Charlotte 5 News."