Layers(23)

“It’s amazing, Daniel. I love it.” I can’t hide the thrill entwined with my appreciation. “Though I must say, it seems gigantic for only one person.”

Daniel mutters quietly, “Bet it does.” He takes a deep breath. “There’s one last part I want to show you. Come with me.” He holds my hand more firmly, lacing his long fingers with mine, making me shiver ever so slightly at the currents his touch causes in me as he leads us outside. From the illumination of scattered garden lights in the evening darkness I can see the patio with a swimming pool, and a hot tub on a wooden deck. In the near distance, opposite the swimming pool, there are two guesthouses. But the most impressive part is the ocean view. It’s unlike any other place in the city, and is utterly breathtaking.

“Overwhelming,” I compliment him, taken aback by everything I’ve seen.

“Thanks.” He runs his fingers through my hair, caressing my cheek, and smiles.

These affectionate gestures again, I just hope their opposite siblings will not rear their hurtful heads also tonight.

“Now, let’s get snacks.” His lips quirk to a smile and he directs me back to the house, never releasing his grip of my hand. I can sense his stare on me as we walk side by side, talking about everything and nothing.

Daniel places a popcorn bag into the microwave. While we wait, he asks me what I would like to drink.

“So, about that fund raising event, Hayley. How about it? Will you be my plus one?”

Why wouldn’t you call it a date? The formality itches.

“Won’t you be occupied? It’s an event you’re hosting, correct?”

“No. My company hosts the event,” he sighs, scratching his temple, his eyes moving from me to the microwave and back. “I’m not so keen about these events. Don’t get me wrong, I do highly appreciate what they stand for, and the outcome, but I could live without all the attention. You’d be welcome entertainment,” he says, smiling, tilting his head. Some strands of his hair rise up and stay that way. It enhances his rugged look, and I like every bit of it.

“I usually let my people be in the spotlight and stay back,” he adds.

I like the sound of this; it warms my heart, this humble layer of him again.

“Penny for your thoughts?” Penetrating hazel eyes searching mine.

“I like the fact that you don’t enjoy the spotlight,” I say quietly. “I thought you’d be different,” I add.

“Different how?”

“Good different,” I mumble, looking at him under my lashes.

“There are a lot of things you don’t know about me, Hayley.” He regards me with a heartwarming smile. The microwave beeps.

“Here, hold the sodas.” Handing me two bottles, he grabs the popcorn from the microwave with one hand and a family-sized pack of M&Ms in the other. I smirk; he looks almost boyish, carrying all this junk disguised as food.




“What kind of movies do you prefer?” he asks as we walk slowly toward the cinema room.

“I have varied taste when it comes to movies. I like almost any genre,” I answer thoughtfully.

“How about some drama for this evening?”

Please no drama this evening, I had enough the last time. “Drama sounds great.” I award him with a slim smile. He smiles back, the little scar on his lip teasing me as he does. So we’re actually going to watch a movie. I definitely cannot read you, D. I take off my jacket and slide into the cushioned lounger. Daniel, already comfortably slouched in the lounger next to me, drinks in my every move.

“I’m ready.” I grin at him; his lips curve and his eyes turn somewhat intense.

Ready to watch a movie, that is. “What are we watching?”

“Blood Diamond,” he answers, eyes still stripping me. “It’s pretty old. I haven’t had the chance to see it, but it comes highly recommended, and you can never really fail with DiCaprio.”

“I can’t disagree with that,” I murmur and swallow hard, tense till he finally moves his predatory gaze away from me.

Daniel points the remote at the screen and it comes to life as the lights slowly dim out.

“Popcorn?” he asks, tilting the bag toward me.

“M&Ms, please.” I beam at him. The amused stretch of his lips widens as he hands me the bag. I sink deeper in the comfortable embrace of the chair and rest my left hand on the sofa’s arm. Soon Daniel covers it with his, lightly caressing. As a response to his touch my body inevitably trembles slightly.

“Are you cold?” he asks, husky and low.

On the contrary, my body’s reaction to your touch, sir, is far from being anywhere near cold.

“A little. I have my jacket,” I say, reaching for the oh-so unnecessary cover.

“I have a better suggestion.” His eyes twinkle in the faint light of the screen. “Come over, sit next to me. I’ll keep you warm.”

My heart tightens at the thought of what lies under these promising words. Breath is trapped in my throat as I stand up to sit next to him. Perhaps we won’t watch this movie after all.

He shifts to accommodate enough space for me next to him, and I find myself lying by his side, his arm embracing me, my face comfortably resting on his firm chest, my leg on his. I am thoroughly cradled by him in this sweet darkness.