Layers(9)

“Why, Miss Grace.” He mirrors my own words; his smirk above me broadens. “You’ve just made me lust for this coffee even more.”

Interesting choice of words there, Mr. Stark. “If that’s all, Daniel, hmmm, Mr. Stark, I’ll be leaving now. Thank you for the lovely experience. I bet this was very valuable to Stark Software. Work time very well spent.” Deliberately disregarding his last comment, I stand up to leave.

At this point, I’m not sure I have an ounce of courage left in me to face him or continue this impudent dialog. He quickly inches himself upright, to stand, and offers his hand for a shake. Still at a loss, with an uncertain hand, I reciprocate. Taking my hand, he brings it closer to his mouth and presses a gentle, lengthened kiss on my now shaky palm. I twitch, thrown aback. Was that arousing or what? Mr. irritating Stark’s sensual lips on my flesh move my universe out of base for a moment that feels like a decade.

Three things happen simultaneously as I manage to regain my composure. I mumble goodbye, pull my hand out of his grip and quickly turn on my heels. What the hell just happened in there? I press the elevator button frantically, as if it will prompt a quicker ride, urging it to save me from this place.

~~~

Outside, relieved to be back in neutral territory, I stride in a rapid, irritated gait to the car while working on easing my hyperventilation. What an arrogant jerk, what an overly attractive arrogant jerk … My fury still radiates from me as I sit in front of the wheel, my mind reviving the entire encounter, from the moment we met at the entrance hall next to his room, Daniel Stark’s room. Daniel Stark, who just asked me to have coffee with him.

I wait for the car’s roof to completely fold before I squeeze down the pedal to start my ride back, my mind working overtime as I skim through the radio channels. “It’s so easy when everyone tries to please me.” I listen to Axel’s words, and twist my mouth in annoyance. How pertinent, I murmur, thinking of Mr. Daniel Stark.





Chapter 4: Aftermath


Eager to share this morning’s events with Tasha, I throw the car keys on the corridor chest and call out for her. The disturbing silence in the apartment reminds me that she’s away, visiting her parents; I could not be more frustrated.

I hang the black jacket in my room, open the two large Victorian windows to let the fresh air in, and return to the kitchen for coffee. I grab my phone from my back pocket and click on Inbox. While the coffee machine heats up, I scan through the list of unread emails. An unfamiliar address catches my eye: [email protected], it reads. Curious, I open the mail and as I look down to the author’s name. I instantly sink to the stool, surprised and highly intrigued. Forgetting all about my craving for a coffee, I start reading.






Dear Miss Hayley J. Grace,

On the behalf of Stark Software Technologies, Inc., I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to meet with me. Miss Grace, meeting you was as valued and highly inspirational for Stark Software Technologies, Inc. as it was for me personally.

I have raised your respective points with Mrs. Greenich at Stark Software HR, and assured her that if she has need for further elaboration, she may contact you directly. Hopefully, that won’t be too much of an imposition on you.

Per the above, I would very much like to hear more of your educational philosophies, for the benefit of Stark Software that is. Thus, may I humbly request your company for a cup of coffee?

Hopefully, you can spare a moment of your valuable time to meet me for further enlightenment.

Sincerely,

Daniel Stark

I stare blankly at the screen of my phone, processing the information. When I finally get up to pour myself a cup of coffee, I’m not able to subdue the smirk plastered on my face. Intimidating Daniel Stark, I think to myself, remembering Tasha’s words from earlier today, and chuckle. Why would he bother to have coffee with me? It’s a complete enigma. Usually, I can read men easily. Truth be told, I play them like I want. But taking into account our encounters, and the way he’s treated me so far, or better yet, the way I’ve treated him … God, I wish Tasha or Ian were here. My fingers prickle at the thought of calling Tasha. Instead, I reread Daniel’s email for the second time and sigh. What do I say? What do I want to say? What would this man want me to say?

I can’t stop myself any longer, and press one on my speed dial.

“Hales, what’s up?” Tasha answers, almost whispering.

“Can you talk? Where are you?” I whisper back.

“Why are you whispering?” she asks and I snort.

“We’re at the movies with my mom, anything urgent?”

Yes it’s urgent. “No, Tash. Call me later.” I press end, and resume my inner debate about meeting Mr. Stark.

Do I want to meet him after the way he treated me today? Though, I’m certainly intrigued about his real intent, and I obviously can’t deny the fact that I couldn’t be more physically attracted to him even if I tried. I guess that’s the final verdict: I’m going to meet Daniel Stark for coffee.

With that thought in mind, I start to compose a reply.



Dear Arrogant Stark,

You must be kidding. Aren’t you, hot stuff?

I crack up and immediately delete my message. Tempting, but no. I phrase a more respectable reply.



Dear Mr. Stark,