Layers

by Sigal Ehrlich

  As the minutes pass Daniel gains composure and joins the conversation again, holding my hand, occasionally planting a kiss on my neck, cheek or mouth.

  The cheerful tune coming from Daniel’s phone draws our attention.

  “On a Saturday night?” Iris comments, wrinkling her nose.

  I relate to what lies behind her words. Does he ever really disconnect? Do they ever let him disconnect?

  Seeing the name on the screen, Daniel’s expression turns bothered.

  “Chris,” he answers, somewhat wearily. Not waiting for a reply he adds, “How severe is it this time?”

  His jaw works under the tight skin of his face as he listens for a while. “So help me,” he breathes in a frustrated sigh, “if we don’t pull this one through and make the deadline I am replacing your entire department. And where is Rob for fuck’s sake?” His forehead creases.

  “What do you mean he’s not available? Isn’t he there with his team? Has anyone tried to save this yet, besides me?” Complete fury veils his already annoyed face, and he starts walking to the next room. Halting for a brief moment he nods, signaling me, gesturing toward the room.

  This is new and welcomed. Not long ago he would have just walked away, indifferent to whether I was there or not. Deep in my own thoughts, I’m distracted by the snap of a camera. Where did that come from? Iris beams at me behind a Polaroid, waving a photo through the air waiting for it to dry.

  “Here, look how beautiful you are,” she says, showing me a glimpse of the photo. “The expression in your eyes when you look at him.” She hands me the photograph, appearing pleased with her observation. When I look at it closely, I have to agree with her. My eyes are tender and gleaming, my face relaxed, and there is a still, small smile over my lips. My overall appearance is of pure adoration. Wow, it does reflect my emotions precisely. I guess it’s true what they say about a picture being worth a thousand words.

  “I love him.” I put into words my interpretation of the picture.

  “I can see that. He loves you too, you know. I couldn’t be happier that he found you. I am so glad for you two.” Iris beams at me. “Make sure to hold on to him even when it gets rough. Don’t give up on him even when you feel you should.” I turn to ask her to elaborate further but it seems as though her thoughts are elsewhere and I refrain from disturbing her.

  As I look in the direction Daniel left, I think about how deep my feelings are for him. Absurd as it is, I even miss him when he’s in the next room.

  “Go, calm him down,” Iris coaxes in her quiet, pleasing tone, a small smile on her lips. I glance at the leftovers from dinner.

  “Go Hayley, I’ll clean up here, just go,” she says.

  I hesitantly open the door to what I guess is Iris’ studio: a narrow room, with bare walls and wide windows. Several coal sketches are standing on the floor, leaning against the walls. In the middle of the room are two large easels, one with a blank canvas and the other with an unfinished sketch of a cluster of grapes.

  Daniel sits in the corner across from me on the granite floor, his back against the wall, his legs bent and parted. He rubs a finger on the floor beside him, looking preoccupied. While still on the phone, he tilts his head to look up and, seeing me, he raises his eyebrows questioningly.

  I look at him tentatively, seeking his approval to intrude. As he gestures for me to come closer, I do, my eyes fixed on his. I take a few steps toward him, displeased with the jaded look in his eyes. Reaching him, I bend to sit astride his open legs. I curl my back to rest my head on his chest, and he responds by embracing me, and rubs his mouth against my hair. Inhaling his Daniel smell I think there is no other place I’d rather be.

  “What can I say,” he mutters wearily. His chest slightly reverberates as he talks. He sighs and adds, “Prepare everyone for white nights and hard work. I will personally be chaperoning the project all the way through.”

  I can hear the faint sound of a growl inside his ribcage as his words flow to his mouth. He plants gentle kisses on my head as he resumes listening to the person on the other end. Shifting my head sideways, resting my cheek on his chest, I look around the room. There’s one old looking piece of a set of eyes a few steps from where we sit. They look young and though it’s a colorless coal sketch I still recognize the eyes looming back at me. Daniel’s beautiful eyes, from early childhood. They seem so sad, as though on the verge of crying. My heart constricts at the sight and thought of him being in such sorrow. Was it when his father left? I examine the image as closely as I can.

  “Then send me a thorough schedule of your recovery plan,” Daniel says and sighs. “We cannot screw this up, Chris, you know well what’s at stake. I also want an elaborated Gantt with daily progress till windup.” Ending the conversation he places his phone on the floor.

  “Hales.” I tear my stare from the painting and tip my head back to look at him. I smile tenderly, my lips ajar, awaiting our encounter which doesn’t take long to come. I am glad at the notion of his body’s relaxation with the union of our mouths.

  “What is it?” I ask when our lips part.

  “This deal that’s on the line, it’s a deal that could take the company to the next level. It is all down to the release of our new software version and so far it is way behind schedule, and there are still major constraints to be resolved.”

  “And you don’t believe people are putting all their effort into it?”

  “Hales, it’s not that I don’t think so, I know so. Remember, I’m not just running the company. I’ve actually developed the software. I know exactly what it takes.” With no insights to add I just press a kiss on his lips and look at him.

  “I’ll have to step in and follow it till it’s done properly,” he sighs again, in fatigue.

  What does that imply?

  “Meaning, even longer hours at the office and much less free time,” he grimaces, shrugging. “Less time for this.” He envelops me closely.

  “We’ll work it out.” I try to soothe him. He smiles back, still lacking the ability to appear pleased.

  “Although,” I say hesitantly.

  He observes me, waiting for me to elaborate.

  “I’m visiting my parents next weekend for a few days.”

  “Oh, you are?”

  “It’ll give you some needed peace and quiet to devote to your work.” I beam at him encouragingly.

  “I don’t want peace and quiet when it means you’re away,” he says, low and stern.

  I adore you, D. I reciprocate with a profound kiss, sinking further into his embrace.

  “Dessert?” Iris asks from the doorway.

  “Just a quick one, we’ll head home soon.” Daniel adds, to her quizzical look, “I need to work.” She’s not able to mask the disappointment that falls over her face at his words

  When we eventually leave, Iris follows us to the door, enfolding us both in a deep, motherly hug. “I am so happy to have finally met you, Hayley, dear.”

  I hug her back. “Me too. It was an absolute pleasure.”

  “And you, kid,” she says to Daniel, “take care of her. She’s definitely a gem. There’s an aura about her.” She looks at me with a twinkling hazel gaze. “And please, take care of your beautiful self for me, will you?” Daniel’s stare becomes tender as hugs her close.

  ~~~

  I watch Daniel’s peaceful face illuminated by the rays of the morning sun that peek through the blinds, his chest slightly rising and falling with his steady breaths. I love watching how his eyelashes gently caress the soft skin under his tranquil eyes. He looks so handsome and calm, almost childlike, not revealing the weight he carries on his shoulders during the day.

  Unable to refrain from touching him, I get closer and softly kiss his slightly ajar lips. He embraces me closer to him sleepily, snuggling his head in the crater formed between my head and shoulder. Inhaling his smell, his appealing, addictive scent, my own eyes feel heavy and I give in to the sudden tiredness falling over me.

  ~~
~

  With my eyes still shut I slide my hand beside me, looking for Daniel. Instead I find a cold, empty mattress. Where is he? How long have I slept?

  Too sleepy to look for fresh clothes, I put on a pair of his boxers that I find in the open closet. I quickly brush my teeth, splash water on my face to remove the last remnants of sleep and go looking for him.

  “Good morning,” he beams at me from under the shaded lounger. Seems as if he’s been working for a while, his laptop on his lap and an empty mug of coffee by his side.

  “Morning,” I reply sweetly. He sets his laptop aside.

  “Come over here, baby.” He reaches out to me. Parting his legs, he allows me enough space to lie down enveloped by him. “Love the look.” He presses a cinnamon and coffee tasting kiss on my mouth.

  “Mmm, cinnamon?”

  He chuckles. “Yes, there are some warm cinnamon rolls waiting for you in the oven.”

  “You were saying something about a look,” I question, indulging in the closeness of his warm sun-kissed skin.

  “You look so hot wearing my boxers.”

  “Oh, I do?” A suggestive curve plays on my lips.

  “Yes.” He runs a thoroughly predatorial gaze over me.

  “Do you want some coffee? I’m going to get one,” I ask.

  I’m answered with a sharp, “Later.”

  His look darkens with easy-to-interpret intentions, making my insides set off in warm waves that vanish any prior craving for caffeine. This would be a much more satisfying way to help me wake.

  “Come here, you.” He pulls me closer as he slides back to lie beneath me. “Damn hot,” he says to my mouth right before claiming it in a rage, his hands squeezing my behind under his loose boxers. From that moment words are the last form of communication we use to connect.

  ~~~

  In the few hours we have before our early afternoon flight, Daniel continues to work by the pool. After a short surfing session, I join in. I lie in the same position I was in earlier that morning, snuggled between his legs, tanning, occasionally disturbing him only to be granted with lush kisses. I can’t even think of having to go back. The thought of it brings me down. These past few, too few, days in this paradise for two have been utterly perfect.

  “Knitted brows, Hales?” He looks at me from behind the screen. He sends his finger to the puckered spot between my brows, rubbing it, gently releasing the tension.

  “I was just thinking about going back,” I explain, the disappointment clearly reflected in my voice.

  “I feel the same way. It’s nice to have you by my side all the time.” His lips twist in a small angle.

  “Same here.” I take his hand and kiss the center of his palm lengthily. He slides me to rest on his chest to face him.

  “And to think about what’s waiting for me upon return,” he sighs heavily, enfolding me closely.

  Loosening his embrace for a few moments, he turns up the volume of the background music with the remote on the wicker side table. The melody plays loud as he cages me in his arms, this time his embrace tighter around me as he mumbles the song’s lyrics into my hair.

  I raise my head from the warmth of his chest to look at him, thinking about the lyrics. How one would give up forever just for a touch, and how he feels so close to heaven he doesn’t want to go home.

  “How fitting,” I murmur in bitter frustration. He nods, biting his lower lip.

  “We’re coming back here the first chance we get,” he asserts. I couldn’t agree more.

  All through the flight back Daniel works while I nap, nestled by his side, occasionally being rewarded with a kiss on my head.

  Blending with the landing announcement message I hear Daniel trying to wake me up. “Hales, wake up. Back to reality.”

  Indeed we are, I think gloomily.

  Chapter 30: Back to Reality

  “Honey, I’m home, hide the whomever,” I announce as we step into my apartment. Daniel helps me carry my stuff in and I’m grateful to have him for a few more minutes. As unreasonable and unlike me as it is, I find the thought of him leaving way too upsetting.

  “Hales!” My lips pull up hearing the two cheerful squeals of my nutty friends coming from the living room; Ian’s here, something to overshadow the coming goodbye. Daniel looks at me and rolls his eyes, holding my hand as we walk toward the sounds of joy. My spirits immediately rise a few scales higher when I see Tasha flat on the floor, her head inclined and resting on one of the deep purple satin cushions while Ian, prone at her feet, applies dark blue nail polish to her toes.

  “So that’s what you girls do when left by yourselves,” Daniels murmurs only for me to hear. I hold in a chuckle and squeeze his hand ordering him to behave. They both grin at us from the floor.

  “Hey gorgeous. And Hayley.” Ian grins at us.

  I snicker and Daniel rolls his eyes, responding with a dry, “Hey.”

  “You are glowing, Hales. That tan is very becoming.” Tasha winks suggestively, blowing me a kiss. “Daniel.” She smiles at him heartily.

  “Natasha.” He nods back.

  “You’re staying, Hales?” Tasha questions, grinning.

  “Yeah, I missed you guys.” I smile back at her.

  “Pedi?” Ian suggests enthusiastically.

  “Of course, right after I put my stuff away.”

  “Daniel, staying for a pedi?”

  “Unfortunately not, would love to, but I’ve got to work. Rain check?”

  “Next time then,” Ian replies with a smirk.

  “Well, as always, it was a pleasure,” Daniel says, pulling me to a tight embrace. His eyes radiate his deep emotions, and my heart twinges at the thought of him leaving. After our weekend, having him beside me twenty-four seven, and the new depths of our relationship, I find it extremely hard to let go. He bends to kiss me and it is not a brief peck. My beloved friends, instead of minding their own business, stare at us, fixated. I shake my head and pull away from the embrace, then send them a sullen look before leading Daniel to my room. Some privacy is needed here. This kiss should last for at least another full day.

  “I hate letting you go now,” I say as Daniel kicks shut the door.

  “I know exactly what you mean, baby.” He pulls me closer into a tight hug, nuzzling my hair, inhaling deeply. I lean closer, letting him wrap me into his warmth and sedating scent.

  “Hey, look at me,” he whispers and I do, immediately lost in the depths of his intent stare. I stretch my body against him to reach his mouth; he counters with warm, parted lips. At our encounter his mouth takes the lead, starting tentatively and quickly moving to taste me, thoroughly engaged. My chest tightens as the rest of my body prickles with anticipation.

  Daniel lifts me to set me on the white cabinet holding my sacred shoe collection. He shifts to face me, squeezing my behind as he slides me closer to him, parting my legs wider to engulf his body. Sliding his fingers through my hair at both my temples he then looks at me with an adoring expression.

  “I love you so much, it drives me crazy.” He sighs, and then with his eyes shut, whispers, “I can’t believe how hard it is for me to leave now. It’s almost impossible.”

  Feeling the same I hug him tight, resting my head on his firm chest, inhaling him.

  Our next kiss intensifies, accompanied by impatient strokes, soon leading us to pull each other’s shirts off. I find myself sitting astride him, on the bed, finishing what began at the dresser.

  “That will keep my head above water … for now.” I’m granted a delinquent smirk.

  “So this dose should keep me going till my next dependent addiction for a Daniel fix?”

  He chuckles. “You have a Daniel-dependent addiction?”

  “I believe I do, sir. A severe one. These cravings, urges, yearnings and desires are sometimes unbearable.” I dramatize a shiver.

  “Poor baby,” he kisses me, amused. “Now junkie, I really need to get going.”

  I nod not even trying to hide my utter disappo
intment. I see Daniel to the door and just before he leaves we embrace again.

  “Twenty-four hours Hayleyless, damn,” he murmurs, shaking his head as he steps out the door.

  I adore you, D.

  ~~~

  “Shameless bunnies,” Ian throws my way mockingly as I join them on the floor. Then returning to the topic they were discussing before I joined he says, “So the guy was in full D&G Spring ‘12, wouldn’t be surprised if his underwear was also Dolce. Oy vey.” He sighs. “A tad too chic, too nouveau riche.” He twists his mouth disapprovingly.

  Tasha nods as though she is in complete agreement but there is pure amusement dancing in her eyes.

  “Come on, mix and match for god’s sake. Couture with casual, that’s basic. I thought people already realized that,” he actually growls.

  I cock an eyebrow questioningly, wondering who Ian is so obsessed with.

  “Just an agent he met.” Tasha, with her tendency to know exactly what I think, fills me in, a small amused smile on her lips. “Who made the fatal mistake of meeting our beloved fashion critic with a full ensemble composed of one sole designer,” she adds.

  I raise my hand to my open mouth in horror. “How could he?” I say with exaggerated disgust.

  “Biatches,” Ian murmurs, smiling. Turning to face me he declares, “I’ve missed you lately, gorgeous, with you being Danielized and all. Come over and give me some of you.”

  I cheerfully bend to smack a kiss on his mouth. Yes, I have to agree with that. I have been completely Danielized.

  Ian appraises me, turns his index finger in circles, silently ordering me to turn around. I stand up and under his admiring stare turn a hundred and eighty degrees then coyly blink twice.

  “Gorgeous, you, on the other hand, are dressed head to toe in love and it does look mighty amazing,” he sighs, satisfied. “Our impenetrable, no emotions, none-what-so-ever-when-it-comes-to-the-opposite-gender Miss Grace, in love. Who would have thought?” his eyes trail over me fondly. “Now lie back and let me work on those toes,” he commands and I obey submissively.