Layers(45)

“Having troubles articulating? Do you need a moment?” I tease. “Is that good? To be me, I mean?”

“It is the best, the greatest thing, since coffee came in lidded cups,” he smirks, looking pleased with his reply, and kisses me behind my ear.

Is he high on euphoriant today? What’s with all these affection declarations?

“Let’s go get those beers.” He leaves his hand under my top as he walks us to the kitchen.

“Cheers.” He clinks his bottle with mine.

“Next you’ll tell me that you’re into console games and I will totally have a crush on you.”

“Well, regardless of your very promising words, I do happen to like console games and watching sports and riding motorcycles, and I love surfing.”

“You surf, Hayley?” His voice a tone lower, surprised. I’ve never seen him like that before. He has the most stunned, sweet, and gentle stare about him.

“What is it?” I ask, curious.

“You amaze me, Hayley, that’s what.”

“Come on.” He takes my hand. “Let’s go play.” A naughty happy stretch overtakes his lips.

Hmmm, play …

Daniel turns on the large TV and brings the console to life.

“Boxing?” he asks.

“I’m game,” I murmur.

He smiles and shakes his head.

“Sure, I’ll gladly kick your ass.”

Your extremely arousing butt! I beam at him, stretching as though before a real fight.

He says dryly, “Keep that up and I’ll be playing you.”

I’m game. Sounds even better. Play me like you want.

As we face each other, the flat screen displays two boxers in the same stance. We look at each other with narrowed eyes just like two real opponents would, though the smirks plastered on our faces indicate just how amused we are by the situation. The referee on the TV blows the whistle and the match begins to enthusiastic roars from the animated crowd.

“Game on, baby.” Daniel sends his fists my way.

“Game on, D.” I meet his fists with mine, knocking his first swing away.

“And I wish you all the luck in the world. You’ll need it.” He grins in his signature arrogant manner.

“Cocky as ever.” I smile back at him as I swing my fist toward his bare stomach, taking him by surprise. It makes me inwardly chuckle thinking how this might look to an outside observer: me almost half his weight, barely tall enough to reach his shoulders, swinging so fiercely at him. Of course the fact that we’re two adults and that one of us is a respected businessman who appears on one of Forbes’ most-valued lists just adds that extra touch.

“Oh, you sneaky little thing,” he chuckles, and sends his right hand toward my ear. And his left near my waist. My character on the screen is pushed backwards, stars circling his head.

“Come on, fight.” Daniel’s all smiles, his eyes dancing with joy. He’s jumping from side to side, giving a full show that would not fail a Broadway stage.

“You are so full of yourself,” I murmur behind gritted teeth.

“Am I now?” He cocks one eyebrow and swiftly sends his fist toward my cheek. The crowd on the screen goes wild as my character wobbles, falling into a corner. I send him a dirty look which he laughs off. I try to get closer to him, but he dodges to the side. I minimize the gap between us in fast sneaky moves. Standing on my toes, I hastily grab his face with both hands and plant a deep, moist, lustful kiss on his full lips. I rub my body against him with my mouth still devouring his. Even after I pull back and cease my sudden attack, he stays frozen on the spot, so I take the opportunity to swing a quick sucker punch near his left eye. His player drops to the floor, lying helplessly flat. The referee counts him and as he fails to get back to his feet the referee declares a knockout. Daniel looks at me with tapered eyes, a crooked little curve tugging at the corners of his lips and he shakes his head. I counter his stare, boring into his hazel depths. With our intent eye connection the electric field between us charges wildly and before I know it, we are drawn to each other and our mouths follow. Our hands are desperate: grabbing, caressing, stroking and frantically touching.

“Game over.” The ring’s announcer declares in a mechanical voice, accompanied by red flashing letters on the screen indicating the same.

“Game just started,” Daniel murmurs hoarsely to my mouth as he lifts me up and moves toward the wall, leaning me against it. In no time we are having the wildest, animalistic sex.

Most of our clothes are still on us as we come to our senses. He is flushed and by the heat radiating from my face I know I am too. Someone check my vital signs.

Daniel next to me is slightly bent, hands on his knees. He tilts his face to look my way and says, “I love playing with you, Hayley, even though you don’t play fair.”

“This was great, and I must say I’m surprised to learn that you’re not the sore loser I thought you’d be.” I giggle.

“You will be surprised, baby. I. Do. Not. Lose. This fixed match you schemed up here requires a rematch, you devious pixie.”

“Pixie? Wow, Daniel, you really know how to compliment a woman. That is by far the most romantic thing anyone has ever said to me.” I chuckle and he joins me, laughing with his low, appealing laugh.

An unfamiliar loud beeping sound comes suddenly from the entrance. I look at Daniel quizzically.