Layers(81)

“God, I’m so whipped. It’s pathetic,” he snorts and I burst into fits of giggles.

Daniel then trails his index finger around the border of my mouth, taking his time, ending the journey by pressing gently on my lower lip with his thumb, allowing it entrance to my mouth. His stare is now a shade graver. Pulling softly at my teeth, he parts my mouth, bringing his face closer to mine and slowly but firmly brings his tongue to trace mine, causing a short circuit from my keen mouth to my center.

As our lips part I take the chance to take my own trip over his handsome planes. “Daniel,” I touch the deep scar on his upper lip, this scar that could make my heart accelerate just by looking at it, “how did you get this scar?” I run my finger over the mark, stretching my neck so I can reach it and melt my lips on it. I move to deepen the kiss, savoring more of his drugging taste.




As I draw back he answers, “Nothing too exciting, just a dumb beginner’s surfing accident.”

So this sexy contribution to his total rebellious look is thanks to surfing.

“I thought it wasn’t possible, but I love surfing even more now,” I grin at him.

“You love surfing more now because it defiled my face?” He raises his eyebrows in animated curiosity. “You are weird, Hales.”

I kiss him chastely, and then turn to kiss the scar on his eyebrow.

“And this one?” I inquire. His demeanor quickly changes. He tries to stay composed, though the sudden stiffness and the unreadable expression that take over his face tell me otherwise.

“I’m in too good of a mood right now,” he growls, and adds more casually, “I’d rather just continue this thorough tour of you.” I hear the message loud and clear. The subject has been closed to further discussion. Saying that, he starts yet another journey across me, although this one is much more profound and scarce with words. Once again avoiding what seems like something he would much rather not discuss, he buries himself in me.





Chapter 32: Catching Up


Did hell just freeze over? Did our impudent, young, disturbingly-pierced receptionist grant me with a healthy, sweeter than honey, smile? I take a step back.

“Good morning,” I smile back at her, somewhat dubious.

“Good morning, Hayley. How are you today?”

I nod and smile, this time warmer. This is like the earth sending me a hidden message. Should I go buy a lottery ticket? Amused, I head toward my cubicle.

“Good morning.” Josh meets me at the foyer of our open space.

“Good morning. How was your weekend?”

“Pretty good, though I didn’t get to tan as much as you.” He broadcasts his white, toothy grin at me.

“Where have you been?” he asks, looking actually interested.

“Baja.” I think dreamily about our wonderful weekend.

“Lucky you.”

Most definitely lucky me. “Staff meeting at eleven?” I ask, making small-talk.

“Yes, eleven,” he says, contributing his trivial part.

“Would you need me before then?” I know he doesn’t but ask just for the sake of continuing the conversation till I reach my desk.

“No, just be prepared to present the outline for the ‘teen moms’ piece.”

As I settle in, powering up my computer, Josh appears back in my cubicle. I raise my head to face him, waiting for some sort of reaction.

“I’m calling your friend Ian now. Hope he’ll be able to come by today.”

“I’m pretty positive he’ll find the time.” I nod at Josh.

He pats the outer wall of my cubicle. “So, see you later.” And I hear his steps distance, letting me start my week.

During our staff meeting, as Aaron from finance briefs us about the available budget for each project, I get a text message from Tasha asking me to come for lunch for the simple reason that she’s missing some quality alone time with me. I immediately agree. How can I say no?

After the meeting I’m left with quite a task list for the week. I’ll have to put all of my energy into completing my assignments before I leave for the weekend. A weekend at home. An iota of gloom follows the exciting thought. A weekend with no Daniel …

~~~

“You are so sweet for coming. I knew you would.” Tasha sends me a friendly stare as we wait for our dishes to arrive.

“Well, gushing about quality time always does the job and we both know that,” I say, and with a silent unified smile we agree.

“I had the talk with Rob earlier,” she utters without further ado, closely examining her hair as though looking for split ends.

“My eyes are here,” I comment as I wait for her to go on. She shakes her head and the start of a smile forms on her lips as she lifts her stare to meet mine.

“I told him that I think we should take a step back, like you suggested.” She halts for a moment, looking to see if there is a familiar face around, given the fact that the restaurant is right beneath the Stark Software building.

“How did he take it?”

“He tried to convince me we shouldn’t, but I was more than assertive,” she explains. “I just hope it won’t cause any unnecessary drama.” Tasha forces a weary sigh.

“Yes, this could really suck. I hope he’ll take it like a man and not put you through hell at work.”