Layers(39)

Sensing my distress, he says flatly, “Don’t worry, it has insurance. Come here, you.” He pulls me into a bear hug, squeezing me tightly against him. “Too bad you aren’t staying.”

I nod, utterly in agreement, silently sighing into his chest as he kisses my head with airy kisses; I take the chance to inhale more of his drug-like scent. When I raise my head to kiss him, we end up indulging in a prolonged, deep kiss.

“Go home, I don’t want you to drive too tired,” he says with his forehead resting on mine. He opens the door for me, waiting till I get settled, then kisses me yet again as he gives me the keys.




“Good night, Daniel.”

“Good night, Hayley.”

~~~

This car reels so smoothly, some change from a scooter. The open roads and the night’s murky spectacle put me in such a serene state of mind. I wonder what kind of music Daniel has in here? And then I think to myself: I ‘m in Daniel’s car, after I had dinner with him and made the most intoxicating love to him. I have a strong urge to pull a u-turn and go back for some more. As soon as I start the car’s iPod, Bob Dylan’s rough voice sings about one more cup of coffee, adding the last needed piece to complete the euphoric drive. D, even from afar you can please me. I smile, content.

~~~

When I’m already in bed, my phone beeps once. I grab it, smiling, knowing exactly who the message will be from.

Daniel: tucked in bed safe and sound, sweet H? I can’t help the smirk spreading on my face.

Am, D, would rather be tucked with you.

Daniel: same here H, G’night. I snuggle deeper into my comforter and close my eyes.





Chapter 15: Just Another Day at the Office


I’m a bit upset that I didn’t get to see Tasha before going to work. She left before I was even up. I text her.

hope you had a good evening, see you tonight—heart.

Tasha: hope YOU had a good night, Hales, gory details on my desk TONIGHT.

My phone beeps again, another clever remark to add, Tasha?

Daniel: Drop by my office at noon, D.

And good morning to you, too, domineering Mr. Hyde. I decide to call him.

“Hayley.” He sounds slightly impatient and occupied.

“Hey, are you busy?”

“Yes, I’m in the middle of a meeting.”

“So why did you answer, then?”

“Because it was you.” His voice is flat. Because it was you … I can’t help the wildly expending smile on my lips.

“Talk to me later, it’s not urgent,” I mutter casually.

“What is it, Hayley?” he says, in a low, firm, bossy voice.

“Just, about noon …”

“Just be here, okay? I need to go now.” And he’s gone.

Argh.

I shake my head, irritated. Luckily for you, D, your overall gorgeous self compensates for those psycho mannerisms of yours …

~~~

“Morning, Hayley.” Colgate Ken doll welcomes me with a smile.

“Good morning, Josh. What’s up?” I say, smiling back, thinking about Daniel’s remark from last night about him.

“I want you to join me in a meeting we’re having with the extended content team now.”

“Sure.” I grab my tablet and follow him.

The meeting lasts longer than expected and finally ends close to noon.

“Did you take notes?” Josh asks as we step out of the meeting room. I nod.

“Can you send me a summary?”

“Of course, as soon as I get to my seat.”

“Would you like to join me for lunch?” he asks.

“Oh, thanks, but not this time. I’m going out for lunch in twenty.”

He raises an eyebrow questioningly. “Somewhere interesting?” He observes me, waiting for my reply.

I tap my fingers on the tablet in my hand. “Just here in the bay area.” I am not about to start briefing you about my personal life.

“Okay, enjoy.” He gives me a healthy grin.

I send Josh the required summary and take my borrowed Beemer to meet its owner.

~~~

Miss Bally, Daniel’s PA, jumps my way as I approach the entrance hall next to his office. “Hello, Miss Grace, nice to see you again.”

“Hello Miss Bally. It’s Hayley.” I smile at her, wondering if she could be any more tense than she already is.

“Miss Grace,” she continues, and I stop her.

“Hayley,” I repeat, still smiling.

“Hayley,” she replies, though awkwardly. It seems hard for her to call me by my first name.

“Your appointment is waiting for you in Mr. Stark’s office. Can I get you anything?”

Come again? “You mean Daniel is waiting for me?” I ask, confused.

“Oh no, Mr. Stark is currently in another meeting. Shall I call him?”

I try to make sense of what she’s saying. “No, don’t bother him,” I raise my hand in dismissal and add, “Who did you say was waiting for me then?”

“Miss Grace …”

“Please, call me Hayley.” I try to not get annoyed, though my words come out with an irritated bite.

“Your appointment is with a Miss Gladys.”