Layers(31)

“Good evening,” Daniel starts with his low, husky voice, and the audience hushes. “I would like to seize this opportunity to congratulate all the hard work that has gone into launching this outstanding fundraising project that both the management and our devoted employees were dedicatedly engaged in.” Daniel gestures to the large screen behind him. “On the screen, you can see the faces of young children hospitalized at the Benioff Children’s Hospital who need our help. The money we raise tonight will be used to purchase advanced medical research equipment, to give these kids a chance at life.”

He runs a hand through his hair and narrows his gaze, focusing on the audience. “I would like to thank everyone who’s supported this significant cause. I am personally grateful and warmhearted by your contribution, both in volunteering and donating, as I believe that this cause, which we all take a part in by attending tonight’s event, is priceless.”

He stares ahead, his face tender. Observing him, I am utterly mesmerized. He is so confident, refined, and quietly powerful, and yet there is this faint hint of humbleness and coyness to him, these amalgamations that together make him plainly irresistible.

Daniel continues to explain that any money raised is to be matched by Stark Software. As he speaks his eyes roam the audience till they land on mine. For the longest moment, till he breaks the connection, my breath comes in thick at the intensity they transmit.

“These children need our mutual effort, our support, most of all. Together, we can fulfill our duty of protecting these young kids. I wish to thank all of you again, our employees and donors, for your support. Let us go on building the bonds of friendship and goodness through cooperation and thoughtfulness.” He puts a hand in his pocket and levels his stare with the audience. “So, again, thank you on behalf of Stark Software,” Daniel concludes, and shakes Mr. Harrison’s hand.

“One thing you forgot to mention, Mr. Stark,” Mr. Harrison says into the microphone, “is your personal contribution of a million dollars to the cause tonight.” Daniel nods timidly, somewhat discomfited, eyes cast down. He sends mine a brief glance. My heart constricts at the revelation and at Daniel’s humble physical response.

“Well, ladies and gentlemen,” the emcee says, regaining the audience’s attention, taking the mic back into his possession, “everyone is invited to the dance floor. We have a surprise for you later on, but for the time being, enjoy the rest of your evening.” He grins again, a smug megawatt smile. What a phony.

Daniel remains on stage, talking to Harrison; from what I can see their conversation seems light, at the verge of humorous. Daniel shifts his stare sideways for a fraction of a moment and his eyes drop to mine. I wince at the tension it causes in me. I need emotional armor when he’s around …

There’s light jazz music playing in the background as, next to me, Tasha’s boss asks her to join him on the dance floor. I roll my eyes. I knew it.

“Would you care to dance?” An attractive, wide-shouldered gentleman in a dark suit with blue eyes taps my shoulder. I tilt my head up to meet his kind eyes.

“Sure, why not,” I reply with a weak smile on my lips. His hand is on the small of my back as he leads me to the dance floor; from a distance I can see Daniel watching us intently, still in conversation at the stage.

“My name is Paul,” my dance companion says, smiling at me, holding me gently by my waist as we dance in slow, light moves.

“I’m Hayley. Nice to meet you,” I answer and mimic his expression.

“I know.” He grins. “I’ve asked around about you,” he answers to my puzzled expression.

Paul tries to engage me in some casual conversation to which I nod and smile, not the least bit focused on what he is saying. In the corner of my eye I search for Daniel. I watch him approach the DJ stand where he exchanges some words with the man standing behind the control table. The DJ nods in assent to a pleased Daniel, who then turns on his heels toward the three stairs that lead him off the stage. He’s heading to the dance floor while his stare is locked on mine, not leaving it for the briefest moment. It seems like he doesn’t even blink. Paul, still holding me, is talking, but I am utterly consumed with anticipation for the man approaching me.

A new song is playing now; a tender shiver runs through me when I hear its first notes. A touching, dreamy melody that I like so much.

“Can I cut in?” Daniel asks in a low, firm voice, his eyes boring into mine.

Paul, a tad taken aback by who’s making the request, mumbles incoherent agreement, and tilts his head with a raised eyebrow, apologizing. Don’t apologize; I couldn’t be happier for the exchange.

I look at those hazel eyes and they look back at me. His face wears a solemn expression and I feel thousands of butterflies flying around recklessly, rocking the sides of my stomach. Daniel wraps his hands around my waist, pulling me closer to him, and starts to move in time with my motions and to this amazing song. The warmth of his hands around me pulse heat to my insides.

“Hayley, it wasn’t my intention to upset or hurt you in any way,” Daniel says, his hands holding me tighter as he speaks. I look at him and am confused by what I feel standing here beside him, my arms resting on his shoulders. “I like how I feel when I’m with you,” he continues, and I swallow hard hearing his words. Daniel holds me closer, his hands wrapped around my waist; I move my hand to the nape of his neck, the tips of my fingers lightly touching his skin. As the music plays, these heartwarming tunes that I like so much, I look up to meet his gaze, and I need to force out the trapped air from my lungs. He looks down at me, his eyes full of concentration and his mouth in a small, faint smile.