Layers

by Sigal Ehrlich

  “Tell you what,” I say. “Let’s start with a drawer and a key and see how it evolves.”

  “As long as you use it on a daily basis,” he mutters deadpan, but that mischievous amused expression of his slowly sprouts on his lips.

  How overbearing of you to summarize it that way. My long speech, and here we are back at square one.

  A moment later a low, throaty chuckle rolls out of his mouth. I look at him trying to understand the source of this outburst. Are we being bipolar all the way today?

  “Come here.” He enfolds me deep into an embrace. “You’ve been Danielized?” he asks, highly amused. “I adore the hell out of you,” he breathes into my hair.

  “You are so beautiful,” he says, his head rested on his propped arm as he observes me lying by my side on his bed. “I love these freckles.” He gently runs his finger from one side of my face across the bridge of my nose to the other.

  “And these eyes of yours.” He bends to kiss my eyes softly, lingering there like a ritual. “They have the most fascinating color and I love the spark in them when you laugh.”

  He moves to briefly kiss my lips. “This mouth,” he says, “drives me crazy.” He holds my face with two hands and repeats, “Crazy!”

  I tilt my head slightly back, giggling, enjoying every bit of his tour of my face. “It’s so sexy. The obscene thoughts it brings to my mind each time I think of it. And yet it also produces these gorgeous smiles of yours that have me agreeing to whatever you want.”

  “God, I’m so whipped. It’s pathetic,” he snorts and I burst into fits of giggles.

  Daniel then trails his index finger around the border of my mouth, taking his time, ending the journey by pressing gently on my lower lip with his thumb, allowing it entrance to my mouth. His stare is now a shade graver. Pulling softly at my teeth, he parts my mouth, bringing his face closer to mine and slowly but firmly brings his tongue to trace mine, causing a short circuit from my keen mouth to my center.

  As our lips part I take the chance to take my own trip over his handsome planes. “Daniel,” I touch the deep scar on his upper lip, this scar that could make my heart accelerate just by looking at it, “how did you get this scar?” I run my finger over the mark, stretching my neck so I can reach it and melt my lips on it. I move to deepen the kiss, savoring more of his drugging taste.

  As I draw back he answers, “Nothing too exciting, just a dumb beginner’s surfing accident.”

  So this sexy contribution to his total rebellious look is thanks to surfing.

  “I thought it wasn’t possible, but I love surfing even more now,” I grin at him.

  “You love surfing more now because it defiled my face?” He raises his eyebrows in animated curiosity. “You are weird, Hales.”

  I kiss him chastely, and then turn to kiss the scar on his eyebrow.

  “And this one?” I inquire. His demeanor quickly changes. He tries to stay composed, though the sudden stiffness and the unreadable expression that take over his face tell me otherwise.

  “I’m in too good of a mood right now,” he growls, and adds more casually, “I’d rather just continue this thorough tour of you.” I hear the message loud and clear. The subject has been closed to further discussion. Saying that, he starts yet another journey across me, although this one is much more profound and scarce with words. Once again avoiding what seems like something he would much rather not discuss, he buries himself in me.

  Chapter 32: Catching Up

  Did hell just freeze over? Did our impudent, young, disturbingly-pierced receptionist grant me with a healthy, sweeter than honey, smile? I take a step back.

  “Good morning,” I smile back at her, somewhat dubious.

  “Good morning, Hayley. How are you today?”

  I nod and smile, this time warmer. This is like the earth sending me a hidden message. Should I go buy a lottery ticket? Amused, I head toward my cubicle.

  “Good morning.” Josh meets me at the foyer of our open space.

  “Good morning. How was your weekend?”

  “Pretty good, though I didn’t get to tan as much as you.” He broadcasts his white, toothy grin at me.

  “Where have you been?” he asks, looking actually interested.

  “Baja.” I think dreamily about our wonderful weekend.

  “Lucky you.”

  Most definitely lucky me. “Staff meeting at eleven?” I ask, making small-talk.

  “Yes, eleven,” he says, contributing his trivial part.

  “Would you need me before then?” I know he doesn’t but ask just for the sake of continuing the conversation till I reach my desk.

  “No, just be prepared to present the outline for the ‘teen moms’ piece.”

  As I settle in, powering up my computer, Josh appears back in my cubicle. I raise my head to face him, waiting for some sort of reaction.

  “I’m calling your friend Ian now. Hope he’ll be able to come by today.”

  “I’m pretty positive he’ll find the time.” I nod at Josh.

  He pats the outer wall of my cubicle. “So, see you later.” And I hear his steps distance, letting me start my week.

  During our staff meeting, as Aaron from finance briefs us about the available budget for each project, I get a text message from Tasha asking me to come for lunch for the simple reason that she’s missing some quality alone time with me. I immediately agree. How can I say no?

  After the meeting I’m left with quite a task list for the week. I’ll have to put all of my energy into completing my assignments before I leave for the weekend. A weekend at home. An iota of gloom follows the exciting thought. A weekend with no Daniel …

  ~~~

  “You are so sweet for coming. I knew you would.” Tasha sends me a friendly stare as we wait for our dishes to arrive.

  “Well, gushing about quality time always does the job and we both know that,” I say, and with a silent unified smile we agree.

  “I had the talk with Rob earlier,” she utters without further ado, closely examining her hair as though looking for split ends.

  “My eyes are here,” I comment as I wait for her to go on. She shakes her head and the start of a smile forms on her lips as she lifts her stare to meet mine.

  “I told him that I think we should take a step back, like you suggested.” She halts for a moment, looking to see if there is a familiar face around, given the fact that the restaurant is right beneath the Stark Software building.

  “How did he take it?”

  “He tried to convince me we shouldn’t, but I was more than assertive,” she explains. “I just hope it won’t cause any unnecessary drama.” Tasha forces a weary sigh.

  “Yes, this could really suck. I hope he’ll take it like a man and not put you through hell at work.”

  “Here you go, ladies, two goat cheese salads and two sparkling waters.”

  “Thank you,” we both say to the cheerful waitress.

  “So Hales, how was it?” Tasha asks, and she doesn’t need to elaborate that she’s asking about my weekend. We don’t need too many words between us to communicate.

  “Sorry to disturb, ladies. Is this seat taken? Can I have your extra chair?” asks a sassy-looking redhead, interrupting us.

  “No, you can take it,” I reply to her oversized sunglasses.

  “Thank you.” We both nod curtly and continue with our conversation, now in lower voices.

  “It was amazing, Tash, we had such a good time. We’ve connected on so many levels.” I tell her about our surfing experience and what came right after.

  “Wow, he actually sang to you?”

  “Well he kind of murmured the words. If it had been anybody else I would have thought it was lame or that he was trying too hard. I probably would have needed a sick bag, but it wasn’t like that with him. On the contrary. He just has this something about him.” A smirk blossoms on my lips thinking about that evening and my heart makes half a somersault.

  “Frankly Hales, it’s still ki
nd of hard to believe that out of the three of us you’re the one in a serious relationship. And, with no less than the Daniel Stark, ah?” She presses her lips into a foolish smile, and I nod in joyful confirmation.

  “Yep.” I say, popping the p.

  “So, what is it about him besides being a total babe that made my best friend fall so deep and so fast?” Tasha takes another forkful of her salad.

  “There are so many different layers to him; he never ceases to amaze me.” I say, sighing with content. I take a sip of my water.

  She pats a napkin to her lips, “and?”

  “Well for one, we both know how domineering and impulsive he can be.”

  We trade knowing stares and snicker in stereo.

  “Intimidating Mr. Stark,” Tasha rolls her eyes and I counter with a side smile.

  “But on the other hand, he has all those sensitive sides to him and the combination of them all just blows me away.” I muse for a short second, fixated on my bubbling water.

  “You know, Tash, he had quite a traumatic childhood,” I say and add, “Can you imagine, his father walking out on him when he was just seven, leaving him and his mom with no more than a penny to live off.” A shiver runs through me and makes me hurt all over deep inside, thinking about him that way again.

  “Not to mention dealing with his mother’s almost fatal disease when he should have been enjoying life and playing with other kids his age.”

  “That is so awful, but look what he eventually became despite all of it,” Tasha says with an air of respect.

  I take another sip of my water and a bite of the salad. “I’m not sure, but I think that one of his scars has something to do with his dad.”

  “Are you implying he was violent?” she asks, tentatively.

  “His reaction when I asked him how he got it was very similar to how he acted the first time I asked about his father.” I hope I’m not right but somehow I have a pretty good hunch where that story might lead.

  “You’ve got to hand it to him, though, being so together and successful as he is, given his background,” Tasha says approvingly. I couldn’t agree more. “During those years that his mother was undergoing treatments he was passed between different homes. Some friends, some family. Imagine all that lack of stability for a young child.”

  Tasha nods, pensive. “Do you think any of that affected, you know, his lifestyle before you came into the picture?” I assess her words, forking another bite of my salad into my mouth, distracted by the redhead beside us asking the waitress for another coffee. I take the chance and order a soda.

  “I actually do believe that all these expensive call girls he used to see had to do with his past, but it’s also due to his current success, altogether a giant mess.” I sigh, repulsed by the thought. This would never be easy to get over.

  “But I’m so in love with him, every bit. I know it’s too soon, but I feel as if I really know him and I adore every part of what I’ve gotten to know: the good and the bad.”

  “I’m so happy for you, Hales. I could not be happier.” She squeezes my arm.

  “Here you go.” The waitress hands me my cold drink.

  “So how long are you visiting your parents?” Tasha asks.

  “Saturday till Monday.”

  “I’m going to ask Ian to stay with me while you’re away.”

  I smile, knowing Ian will immediately agree. “Just don’t let our gorgeous man-whore bring anyone to my bed.”

  She laughs and places her hand on her heart in oath.

  “Talking about our lovely hormonal teen, he’s going to be called in today for the interview.”

  “Did I mention jealousy before?” Tasha says, absurdly sullen.

  “Lamo …” Tasha wrinkles her pointy nose.

  “What’s up, Hales? Am I boring you? Why are you peeping at your watch every other second?”

  “It is just that I don’t have much time and all this Daniel talk makes me want to drop by and say hi.”

  “So ‘Drop by and say hi’, is what we call it these days, huh?” She backhands playfully.

  “Go ahead, Missy. I will take care of the bill.”

  “I love you to the sky and back.” I hug her tight.

  ~~~

  “Miss Grace, nice to see you again.”

  “Hayley, Anne. Call me Hayley.” Will she ever get it? “Is he in?” I ask Daniel’s PA at the entrance to his office.

  “Yes. He’s with people, but it’s nothing too important.” She pauses, then adds, “In any case, I have an open instruction to pass all your calls or let you in regardless of who’s with him.”

  My instant grin could not be wider.

  I knock on the door to hear Daniel’s annoyed voice reaching me through it.

  “Yes.”

  I open the door, somewhat hesitantly.

  Meeting my eyes, his light up. “Hales.” A smile grows on his lips.

  “Come in.” He rises as I approach him to welcome me with a kiss and a hug.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to disturb, I just came to say hello.” I apologize to the guy sitting across the desk from Daniel’s chair. He shakes his head gesturing ‘no worries’.

  “Wait, Hales, we’re almost done.”

  “So just send me the complete plan and I’ll review it later on.” At Daniel’s words the guy stands to leave and with Daniel’s nod he does.

  “No ‘thank you’?”

  “That’s what the salary is for,” he replies, flatly. “This is a nice surprise.” He hugs me harder this time, and starts kissing my neck.

  “Not that kind of visit,” I say, not giving it a chance to escalate, and giggle at his immediate fallen expression. “I need to get back to the office; I have a very busy day. Just had lunch with Tash and needed a Daniel fix.” I say, and am gifted with a heart-wobbling smile.

  “Fix yourself out.” He pulls me closer, his hand on my butt.

  His phone beeps and he answers with the speaker. “Anne,” he snaps.

  Bet he pays her a lot, otherwise why would she tolerate him?

  “Chris is here to see you,” she says.

  Daniel sighs. “Let him in.”

  When I try to move aside Daniel doesn’t let go of me. “It doesn’t mean you need to go anywhere.” He kisses my hair.

  A tall chubby guy wearing an oversized polo and khakis enters the room, taken aback as he sees me.

  “Mr. Stark, just a few moments.”

  As he is about to sit down Daniel utters dryly, “A few moments isn’t enough to get comfortable.”

  The guy looks completely ill at ease and remains standing. Inwardly I shake my head.

  “Shock me,” Daniel says in a dull voice.

  “There is progress with the program’s stability, but we still can’t have a full run cycle without a crash.”

  Daniel heaves out a long sigh. His jaw starts working under his skin.

  “Is it the décor in the room that makes people feel welcomed to piss me off?” he murmurs to himself. “Get everybody in here in thirty,” he says firmly, rubbing his hand over the side of his face. Without waiting for further instruction, Chris nods and leaves the room.

  “Troubles?” I question.

  “More than I can tolerate.” He answers crossly.

  “Well, I’ll let you be. I also have work to do.”

  “You are coming tonight.” Daniel states rather than asks.

  Knowing how annoyed he is I just let it go. “Okay, I’ll see you tonight.” I hug his neck and press a lingering kiss on his lips. He cooperates quickly, seeming relaxed again.

  “I should have you by my side twenty-four seven,” he says and adds, “You are my little blue pill.”

  I am not sure if he does have a little blue pill or whether it is just a metaphor, but a pill like that might come in handy here and there.

  “Glad to be. Love you.”

  “Love you too, Hales.” He breathes, pecks my head and lets me go.

  Chapter 33: The Stark Truth
<
br />   “Gorgeous.” Ian’s familiar grin brightens my cubicle. He’s standing by the entrance with Josh. I inch up to hug him over my desk; Josh is all smiles, even more than usual.

  “Let’s go, Ian. We have the interview and the focus group next.” Ian nods and follows him.

  “Good luck,” I call after him and he sends me a quick, cocky wink.

  Starting to work on my tasks, I get an upsetting call from the editor’s assistant accusing me of not sending a job on time, which gnaws at me as, unfortunately, she’s absolutely right. Fuck. I just hope this’ll go down okay with Josh, I hate the thought of disappointing him. A message from Tasha helps fuel my irritation.

  Tasha: Hell is starting.

  How bad?

  Tasha: Snaps, workload and frowns … just peachy.

  Hang in there. You did the right thing.

  Asshole. Perhaps Daniel should fire him. I play with the appealing thought.

  Through my sheer concentration a few hours pass in the blink of an eye. I pause and head to the kitchen for some water and a needed stretch. Surprised to find Josh and Ian, both with plastic cups in hand, looking far cozier than an interviewer and an interviewee would or should be.

  “Hey.” I say, higher than my natural voice, observing them both closely, trying to read the undercurrent I sense going on.

  “Hey gorgeous,” Ian steps over to rest his hand on my waist.

  “How did it go?” I ask, not sure that now would be the right time to ask with Josh still around, but the words have already left my mouth.

  “Quite good,” Josh answers my question, looking pleased.

  “Okay. Ian, it was an absolute pleasure. Hayley can see you to the door.”

  “Thank you, Joshua.”

  Joshua? They both exchange an enigmatic beam before Josh, Joshua, leaves.

  “What the hell, Ian?” I whisper behind gritted teeth.

  “He totally came on to me.”

  “Josh? Are you kidding me?” I whisper even quieter. Ian smirks. “He’s gay?” I ask, just to make sure I understand the clues that have been blinking from all over the place.

  “I think that ever since you were Danielized your gaydar hasn’t been working so well. Hell, Hales, most of the left side of your brain isn’t doing such swell work lately either.”