Layers(11)

Chapter 5: Jekyll … And Hyde


U2 singing about a beautiful day blasts from my iPod docked on the nightstand; it wakes me up in the most elevating manner. I wait for the song to end before getting up. My meeting with Daniel, Mr. Stark, is in less than an hour. My body tenses at the thought.

Where is Tasha, and is she ever planning to come back?

I take a long steaming shower, trying to avoid thinking about Daniel’s provoking scars. I know they’ll distract me, and the last thing I want while meeting unpredictable Stark is to be distracted. Nonetheless, I know it can’t really be avoided. There’s something about scars that just screams delinquency, and what’s really sexier than that?

While drying myself, I decide to not dress up, but to be my usual self. What do I have to lose? I strongly believe that once I find out his ulterior motives I’ll be disappointed, so at least I’ll be wearing comfortable clothes while at it … I take a last look at the standing mirror in the corridor, pleased at my reflection. I’m wearing dark, tight blue jeans and a red spaghetti top that perfectly matches my red sneakers. My straw-blonde waves are left loose and scattered around my shoulders, my skin pink from the shower and my eyes gleaming with excitement. I put on an almost unnoticeable touch of blush and a tad of mascara to enhance my brownish eyes. Here goes nothing. I smile before closing the door behind me.

Ten minutes late, I reach the coffee shop. I smile to myself, thinking how just a day ago I was asked not to be late to a meeting with Mr. Stark … Stepping inside, I look around, and it doesn’t take too long for my eyes to rest upon Daniel, who is smiling from his place at one of the cozy sitting areas in the corner. He stands up as soon as our eyes meet and makes his way toward me. He’s quite a sight in black jeans, a dark, slightly tight tee, and am I seeing this right? Red sneakers, same brand as mine. My lips pull up. Intentionally, Mr. Stark?




“Good morning.” He grins down at me from his at least six feet, three inches. I can’t help but look at that scar on his full lip and beam shyly when I realize what I’m doing. He rewards my sudden timid expression with a shrug. There’s a trace of humor to his eyes.

“Good morning, Daniel. How are you this morning?” He takes my hand in reply and kisses the back of my palm, just like he did when we parted after the disreputable interview at his office.

“I am famished.”

Oh, not exactly the answer I was expecting.

“Then let’s order, shall we?”

“Take a seat, I’ll order. What would you like?” he asks, his eyes carefully studying my facial features, slowly going over each and every one.

I fidget slightly and respond, “A grande, double shot, extra hot, not too much foam, cappuccino, and a sparkling water, please.” He looks at me entirely entertained, scratching the side of his lip.

“And what about something to eat?”

“Oh, no thanks, I’m not hungry yet.” I don’t bother to tell him I am not much of a breakfast person. He raises his brows. Suit yourself, his gesture says.

I sit by the table he just vacated, glad at the chance to observe him from a distance as he places our order. I study his confident posture, so quietly powerful. His raw masculinity, those rough features and not-bothered hair in addition to that hint of rebellion bursting from his mischievous eyes. Undeniably, mega-attractive.

“Here you go,” he says with a lopsided smile. “One grande, double shot, extra hot, not too much foam, cappuccino, and a sparkling water.” He places a tray on the table between us and settles on the armchair opposite mine. “That will be four and a half dollars,” he concludes, deadpan. My stare snaps up in surprise. He wants me to pay him back?

“Just messing with you,” he chuckles, wicked glee dancing in his eyes; I smile back though still a tad disturbed. Playful …

“So Hayley, thank you for meeting me.”

“So Daniel, thank you for inviting me.” We both grin at each other with goofy smirks, he winks at me and as I squirm slightly, his smile widens. I’m usually more than confident around men. Hell, I’m the one typically making them unsteady. This is a first …

He takes a sip from his mug then brings his chocolate cupcake toward his mouth; I can’t turn my stare away as he opens his mouth to take a bite. “What is that you’d like, the cupcake?” he teases, noticing my stare. “Or me?” he adds in a murmur.

I quickly withdraw my gape. What cupcake? You would be great, thank you. “No thanks, I’m good,” I answer, looking around, trying to avoid his cocky gaze. Etiquette to Hayley, behave like a sane human being please; stop molesting Daniel Stark with your gawking.

“Well, tell me, why did you come to the orientation day, besides your desire to educate me?” A faint curve is tugging on his lips; I swallow my next sip hard. I had to know this was coming …

“If you must, Mr. Stark …” He stops me for a moment, touching my hand, his stare annoyed.

“Let’s drop the Mr. Stark thing, unless we’re in a business meeting, which I am not aware of.”

I nod, pressing my lips to an amused line. Point taken.

“Well, if you must, Daniel,” I correct myself, raising my eyebrows dramatically. He snickers at that. Nodding, he sinks back with ease against the comfy chair, resting one of his hands on his parted legs.