Layers(63)

“Sir, could you kindly be seated and fasten your seat belt? We’re about to take off.” A young flight attendant taps Daniel’s shoulder, stopping him at mid action. I turn quickly to stare out the window, avoiding looking directly at her. I bite my lips to defeat a giggle that’s threatening to come out. I can just imagine what she thinks of Daniel’s quickened breathing and flushed, frowned face. A titter eventually escapes my mouth. We’re acting like two hormonal, peak of puberty adolescents in the sophisticated depths of A-1. Classy.

“For f**k’s sake,” Daniel seethes behind gritted teeth as he straps up reluctantly, making me chuckle louder. As our eyes lock we both burst into short laughter.

“What are you doing?” I flinch, looking at him alarmed, as I notice him slide his hand down the front of his pants.

“A changed state of matter by the sole courtesy of you,” he murmurs with a twisted smirk. “Need to adjust to a less painful position.” We both snicker.

“Behave.” I feign a stern face.

“You too.” He tilts his head and a hint of a wicked spark radiates from his eyes. “And, correct me if I am wrong, but I am quite positive you were the one who started this festive occasion …” I wrinkle my nose and twist my mouth into a one-sided smile. Daniel winks at me in response.

“Cabin crew, please take your seats for take-off.”

Beverly and her younger colleague unfold the crew’s designated bench and take their seats. After fastening their belts the younger Bev version is eyeing us with judgmental glares.

Approximately forty feet above the runway, Daniel’s breaths become steady and soft as he rests his head on my shoulder. He must be beat. He couldn’t have gotten very much sleep last night. I cover him with the red woolen blanket and stare at his calm, almost boyish expression. Butterflies occupy my stomach and my chest tightens as I drink him in. Mesmerized, I move a stray golden lock from his eye and can’t help but very delicately run my finger across the border of his slightly open mouth, stopping at his scar. I got it so bad for you, D.

Adjusting the onboard headphones, I choose relaxing music. Giving in to the soothing sounds, I lay my head on Daniel’s, inhaling him deeply. I rest my hand on his warm palm and close my eyes, concentrating on the soft melody, as the chorus repeats something about a hundred thousand angels by one’s side.

~~~

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Los Cabos Airport. Local time is 4:20 p.m. and the temperature on this clear sunny day is 80 degrees Fahrenheit.”

I am awakened by the informative announcement. “Wake up.” I kiss Daniel’s sleepy mouth; he blinks a few times then sends me a small, crooked smile.

“Kiss me again,” he coaxes huskily, looking utterly adorable with two sleeping marks embedded on his cheek. I gladly comply and kiss him whole-heartedly.

“On behalf of Virgin Airlines and the entire crew, I’d like to thank you for joining us on this trip and look forward to seeing you on board again in the near future. Have a nice stay!”

We’re here …





Chapter 25: Down in Mexico


At first glance, Daniel’s beachfront bungalow-style Baja house looks rather simple. But after closer observation I quickly see that its modest architecture and its marvelous views make it absolutely splendid. Mountains on one horizon in contrast to the sea on the other. The outdoor deck next to an infinity-edge swimming pool draws my sight.

“Wow,” I say, startled, still admiring the scenic beauty spread in front of us.

Daniel towers above me, his intent eyes resolutely rest on my lips, then slowly trail to my eyes. The view fades to the background at the intensity of his stare, turning his presence the center of my attention.

“Okay, we’ve seen enough, let’s get inside,” he blurts, somewhat edgy. Reaching for my hand he tugs me hastily toward the entrance.




“Are we in a hurry for any particular reason?” I question, not able to stop myself from smiling.

“Yes, there’s a christening to be performed.” He turns his head to send a suggestive, wicked glimpse my way.

“Christening?” D, always the romantic. I stop, pulling my hand back from his grip, and he pauses.

“Yes, christening, Hales.” He asserts, piqued, reminding me of a pouty little kid, with his mouth slightly twisted and his right foot tapping the ground, restless. I shake my head, biting my lips to soothe a threatening outburst.

“My bed. There is work to be done. Now haul that mighty fine ass of yours this way,” he chuckles, as his eyes solicit me with rebellious glee.

My handsome prince charming on his most refined manners.

“Hey, Daniel,” I call, ridiculously dragging myself behind his firm grip.

“What?” he replies, still looking ahead.

“Ever consider teaching some etiquette classes?”

He glances over his shoulder and as our eyes connect we both crack up.

“I will be teaching you etiquette, Miss Grace, very soon,” he murmurs and from the side of his face I can see his lips broaden. “C’mon, this has been on my mind since I saw you this morning.”

Now, with that reasoning I can’t argue …

Daniel opens the unlocked front door calling for someone named Rafael.

“What are you smiling about?” he looks at me with an amused pull of his lips.