Layers(76)

All through the flight back Daniel works while I nap, nestled by his side, occasionally being rewarded with a kiss on my head.

Blending with the landing announcement message I hear Daniel trying to wake me up. “Hales, wake up. Back to reality.”

Indeed we are, I think gloomily.





Chapter 30: Back to Reality


“Honey, I’m home, hide the whomever,” I announce as we step into my apartment. Daniel helps me carry my stuff in and I’m grateful to have him for a few more minutes. As unreasonable and unlike me as it is, I find the thought of him leaving way too upsetting.

“Hales!” My lips pull up hearing the two cheerful squeals of my nutty friends coming from the living room; Ian’s here, something to overshadow the coming goodbye. Daniel looks at me and rolls his eyes, holding my hand as we walk toward the sounds of joy. My spirits immediately rise a few scales higher when I see Tasha flat on the floor, her head inclined and resting on one of the deep purple satin cushions while Ian, prone at her feet, applies dark blue nail polish to her toes.

“So that’s what you girls do when left by yourselves,” Daniels murmurs only for me to hear. I hold in a chuckle and squeeze his hand ordering him to behave. They both grin at us from the floor.

“Hey gorgeous. And Hayley.” Ian grins at us.

I snicker and Daniel rolls his eyes, responding with a dry, “Hey.”

“You are glowing, Hales. That tan is very becoming.” Tasha winks suggestively, blowing me a kiss. “Daniel.” She smiles at him heartily.

“Natasha.” He nods back.

“You’re staying, Hales?” Tasha questions, grinning.

“Yeah, I missed you guys.” I smile back at her.

“Pedi?” Ian suggests enthusiastically.

“Of course, right after I put my stuff away.”

“Daniel, staying for a pedi?”

“Unfortunately not, would love to, but I’ve got to work. Rain check?”

“Next time then,” Ian replies with a smirk.

“Well, as always, it was a pleasure,” Daniel says, pulling me to a tight embrace. His eyes radiate his deep emotions, and my heart twinges at the thought of him leaving. After our weekend, having him beside me twenty-four seven, and the new depths of our relationship, I find it extremely hard to let go. He bends to kiss me and it is not a brief peck. My beloved friends, instead of minding their own business, stare at us, fixated. I shake my head and pull away from the embrace, then send them a sullen look before leading Daniel to my room. Some privacy is needed here. This kiss should last for at least another full day.

“I hate letting you go now,” I say as Daniel kicks shut the door.

“I know exactly what you mean, baby.” He pulls me closer into a tight hug, nuzzling my hair, inhaling deeply. I lean closer, letting him wrap me into his warmth and sedating scent.

“Hey, look at me,” he whispers and I do, immediately lost in the depths of his intent stare. I stretch my body against him to reach his mouth; he counters with warm, parted lips. At our encounter his mouth takes the lead, starting tentatively and quickly moving to taste me, thoroughly engaged. My chest tightens as the rest of my body prickles with anticipation.

Daniel lifts me to set me on the white cabinet holding my sacred shoe collection. He shifts to face me, squeezing my behind as he slides me closer to him, parting my legs wider to engulf his body. Sliding his fingers through my hair at both my temples he then looks at me with an adoring expression.

“I love you so much, it drives me crazy.” He sighs, and then with his eyes shut, whispers, “I can’t believe how hard it is for me to leave now. It’s almost impossible.”

Feeling the same I hug him tight, resting my head on his firm chest, inhaling him.

Our next kiss intensifies, accompanied by impatient strokes, soon leading us to pull each other’s shirts off. I find myself sitting astride him, on the bed, finishing what began at the dresser.

“That will keep my head above water … for now.” I’m granted a delinquent smirk.

“So this dose should keep me going till my next dependent addiction for a Daniel fix?”

He chuckles. “You have a Daniel-dependent addiction?”

“I believe I do, sir. A severe one. These cravings, urges, yearnings and desires are sometimes unbearable.” I dramatize a shiver.

“Poor baby,” he kisses me, amused. “Now junkie, I really need to get going.”

I nod not even trying to hide my utter disappointment. I see Daniel to the door and just before he leaves we embrace again.

“Twenty-four hours Hayleyless, damn,” he murmurs, shaking his head as he steps out the door.

I adore you, D.

~~~

“Shameless bunnies,” Ian throws my way mockingly as I join them on the floor. Then returning to the topic they were discussing before I joined he says, “So the guy was in full D&G Spring ‘12, wouldn’t be surprised if his underwear was also Dolce. Oy vey.” He sighs. “A tad too chic, too nouveau riche.” He twists his mouth disapprovingly.

Tasha nods as though she is in complete agreement but there is pure amusement dancing in her eyes.

“Come on, mix and match for god’s sake. Couture with casual, that’s basic. I thought people already realized that,” he actually growls.