Layers

by Sigal Ehrlich

I shake my head at the incoming message hollering from my phone.

  Daniel: Sleeping with me tonight!

  Hello to you too. There should be a question mark at the end of that phrase, not a freaking exclamation point! I smile as I consider the too appealing idea but unfortunately will have to dismiss it. I need to pack for tomorrow and could use some relaxed, homey Tasha time.

  Tempting offer, sorry need to pack. Flying with my boyfriend to MEX 2MOR ;)

  I grin at the phone and press send.

  Daniel: One lucky bastard of a boyfriend you’ve got. My already wide smirk stretches even broader across my face. I am going for a weekend in Baja with Daniel. My heart almost ends up in the ceiling at the thought.

  I fire up the InDesign software, reviewing the potential images I intend to use on the “all pink” piece. I drag four out of the twenty images to the indents and spacing section and set the alignment to best harmonize with the wording. I play with the small images in different ways till I reach an overall look that satisfies me. Saving the completed job, I send it to Josh.

  His reply comes quicker than I thought it would.

  Good job, perhaps just darken up behind the wording; I could see the text getting a little lost there. Have a great weekend.

  Josh.

  Chapter 23: TLC

  “Honey! I’m home, hide the milkboss,” I call, waiting for Tasha’s so expected laugh and left disappointed to find an empty apartment.

  “Hey Missy,” Tasha answers at the first ring.

  “Hey back, where are you?” I ask, hoping she’s on her way home.

  “I am still at the office,” she says, giggling.

  “But of course you are,” I scold, emphasizing the sarcasm dripping from my voice.

  “Hales, don’t sulk. It’s unbecoming and you could get wrinkles from excessive frowning.”

  I roll my eyes. “When are you planning to come home?”

  “Not anytime soon,” she giggles again, annoyingly. I can too easily guess who’s with her.

  “Well, have a good time, and if I don’t see you enjoy the weekend.”

  “You too. Have the best time, and remember, Missy, the happier you make him the happier we all are.”

  I titter. “Adios,” I say before ending the call.

  I try Ian next but the call goes directly to his messaging system. As soon as I hang up, though, my phone beeps, alerting a text.

  Ian: Busy … ;) SUP gorgeous?

  Does everybody have a life these days?

  Enjoy my dear, nothing special, in need of some TLC.

  Ian: Sorry gorgeous, he is quite hot. Will be done late … Hopefully.

  Nighty night, gorgeous you.

  Ian: Gorgeous, TLC = Mr. Stark, try that ;)

  You’re most right, Ian, as always. Where is Mr. Stark anyway?

  I mellow, soaking in a steamy bath for a while just before packing my suitcase for the weekend. Since all my chores are done, I decide to turn in early. Snuggling in bed I am elated to find a weak Daniel smell on my comforter and pillow, and I call him.

  “Just a sec,” Daniel answers. “That will be all, Anne. You can go home now.” I hear him say in the background.

  “Hales,” his voice is a fraction gentler as he says my name.

  “Are you still at the office?”

  “Yeah. What’s up, baby?”

  “Nothing special. What’s the plan for the morning?”

  I can hear him stop typing. “Any chance you are coming over now?”

  A smile roots on my lips. “I’m already tucked in bed.”

  He’s quiet for a few seconds then sighs loudly. “I’ve got so many things to do, and unfortunately none of them includes doing you.”

  I grin at the phone, both at his words and the fact that he sounds serious enough to be lecturing at a U.N convention.

  “How about I pick you up around nine and we drive together to SFO? Our flight is at eleven.”

  “Sounds good to me, can’t wait,” I sigh in sheer contentment.

  “Same here,” he breathes. “Hang up now, Hales, you’re tempting me to join you in bed and there is so much shit I need to wrap up here.”

  “Night, D.”

  “Night, H.” His voice comes out as though through a smile.

  I hit play and let Phil Collins’ soothing voice accompany me to sleep.

  ~~~

  “Thanks, Natasha.”

  I can clearly hear metal jingling. The sound is close now and it sounds like a bundle of keys clicking against one another. Somewhat alarmed, I open my eyes, attempting to adjust my vision against the light coming from the corridor, trying to find out the source of this noise in the middle of the night.

  “Daniel?” I whisper and my heart leaps. He turns my way with the warmest, timid smile. In an effort to comprehend his presence I stare at him wordless.

  “Natasha let me in,” he explains, as though this clarifies him being here at this very late hour.

  “Oh, okay.” I say hesitantly, still in a blur.

  “Ian texted me that you needed some TLC.” His eyes on me alight with a soft glee; I look back at him with a thin smile, feeling utter adoration for them both for caring enough.

  “And frankly, Hales, I really needed to breathe you in.” He bends lower and kisses my lips.

  “You go back to sleep. I’m going to work from here.”

  My heart has just been completely melted.

  He scoots next to me with his notebook positioned on his lap. “Come here,” he whispers and I nestle on his chest, entirely tranquil. Can’t think of a better way to be woken up and to be falling asleep. As he types, he kisses my head gently. Nuzzling my hair, he takes a deep breath. “Just what I needed,” he exhales. There is a sweet pain in me, deep, deep inside, as I am dissolving into him physically and mentally.

  “What’s the time?” I yawn, my eyes heavy.

  “One a.m. Sleep, baby.” He kisses the top of my head. Complying, I close my eyes and drift off.

  ~~~

  The sound of the music coming from my iPod is heaving me to wake up; I check the clock on my nightstand to find out it’s a quarter to eight. I need to get up. Recalling late last night I’m confused by Daniel’s grating absence. Though, reassuringly, the pillow beside me is flattened in a slept-upon manner. It wasn’t a dream. Looking closer I notice a small yellow sticky note.

  Morning Sweet H, went to get my stuff, see you at nine.

  I shake my head, amused at the way his chaotic handwriting slants to the right. How fitting.

  I turn up the music and start getting ready. Luxuriating under the warm cascading water of the shower, I think about last night. One thing I can say about Daniel for sure: there’s never a dull moment. He never ceases to overwhelm me.

  Observing myself in the standing mirror while applying mascara, I’m pleased with the total look, from the khaki sleeveless wrap dress, the white Mary Jane flats, and the denim jacket to the white-framed sunglasses holding back my hair. Tasha would be proud at the effort. Where is she, anyway? I remember Daniel mentioning she was the one who opened the door for him and that it was very late last night. I don’t have the heart to wake her up just to say goodbye.

  At the sound of a firm knock on our door I hurry to the corridor, trying to reach it before more noise wakes Tasha up. I can barely breathe at the sight of Daniel as I open the door; he looks indisputably h-o-t. Wearing plaid gray Bermudas with a white button-down linen shirt, sleeves rolled mid-way, a pair of silver aviator shades tucked into the v-shape formed by the first couple of undone buttons against his tanned chest. Wow, and all this sexy maleness is mine, lucky me.

  “You look delicious,” I say, and am greeted with an admiring stare.

  “No, that would be you.”

  I inch up to kiss his beautiful mouth, to be rewarded with his mouth claiming mine as he pins me to the wall behind. My body responds to him enthusiastically as he presses his firm figure to mine, his fingers quickly lacing through my hair, pulling me int
o a much more intense kiss.

  “Well, good morning to you, too,” I say, flushed, out of breath, trying to regain some sort of balance.

  “Good morning,” he smiles a small lopsided smile. He tips my chin up, looking into my eyes with his alluring hazel ones, stroking my cheek with his thumb. “I feel like taking you to your room now but we have a flight to catch.” His deep coaxing voice and the temptation in his words make my stomach gush.

  “Bound, unbreakable, rain check?” I smirk sappily at him; he flutters an innocent kiss on my curved lips.

  “You can count on it. Let’s go, baby.”

  Chapter 24: At The Depths of A-1

  Securing my hand in his, Daniel guides us to the ramp coming out of a parked red and white aircraft.

  “Here.” He gestures for me to climb in first, following behind, holding me by the waist. “Love the view,” he whispers in my ear, gently slapping my butt, making me jump in parallel to sparking a sweet ache deep in me.

  “To the left please. Third row on the right.” An elderly, beautiful flight attendant in a Virgin uniform shows us to our seats.

  “My name is Beverly and I will be your flight attendant for today. Welcome back, Mr. Stark.” She flashes a bright red smile, appraising Daniel in a disturbing way.

  Daniel nods; impassive to her gaze, he links his hand in mine and steers us toward the designated seats.

  “Window or aisle, ma’am?” he asks playfully as we reach our row.

  “Window,” I smirk back at him.

  “After you.” He waits for me to take my seat. Settling in, laid back, he takes my hand and brings it to his mouth. He takes his time kissing the tips of my fingers, providing attention to each finger individually. I look around, admiring the luxurious surroundings, surprised at the posh, spacious interior.

  “Penny for your thoughts.” Daniel studies me closely.

  “Just, all of this.” I gesture my free hand toward the cabin.

  “What about it?” His eyes taper slightly, questioning.

  “It’s my first in first.” I simper, feeling somewhat timid.

  “Just more comfortable and private,” he mutters casually, and shrugs. Should I be offering to pay for my part? I’m disturbed at the thought, knowing it would severely hurt my budget.

  “What’s bothering you, baby?” He presses his thumb at the furrowed spot between my eyebrows, and gently rubs it to soothe.

  “Just … mmm, it’s a bit too much. I should be paying for my ticket.” I say, determined, inwardly cringing at the thought.

  He observes me for a long second, his eyes a shade somber. “I’ve got it covered. I was the one who invited you.” He sighs in frustration. “Let’s not talk about it anymore.” His look says, ‘end of discussion’.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, the Captain has turned on the fasten seat belt sign. If you haven’t already done so, please stow your carry-on luggage underneath the seat in front of you or in an overhead bin. Please take your seat and fasten your seat belt. And also make sure your seat back and folding trays are in their full upright position.” The in-flight announcement blends with the fuss of passengers getting situated.

  “Beverly seemed glad to see you, Mr. Stark,” I say teasingly, trying to change the subject. He rolls his eyes and proceeds to work on my left hand, starting with my pinky this time.

  “You really want to go there?” he murmurs to the tip of my finger, studying it attentively.

  “Meaning?” Curious, I observe him.

  “That fucker, David, sounded eager for some additional tributes,” he states dryly.

  Oh, that there, D. Is this still an issue? Wait a second, why is he bringing that up now? Does it mean him and Mrs. Geriatric Red Lips here have been doing the wild thing? I am revolted at the thought.

  “Are you implying … did you and … did you two?” I stammer pathetically, trying to ask my question but not exactly succeeding.

  “Miss Grace.” He beams at me impishly. “You seemed so much more coherent a minute ago! Have you lost your words? Do you need a moment?” He chuckles, turning to suck my middle finger, this time way too sensually, biting it gently as he pulls it out of his mouth.

  “No, we haven’t,” he confirms lazily. His grin widens at my embarrassingly noticeable relief.

  “Were you just jealous now, Hales?” Daniel teases, smirking from ear to ear.

  Yes, I most certainly was!

  “I like you jealous,” he adds, his amusement unmistakably growing.

  “No, not at all. Just thought you could do better.” I raise my chin decisively and smile.

  “Oh,” he chuckles. “Oh, I am doing much. Much better. Matter of fact I would really like to do my much better right here and now.”

  I observe his fervent with a pinch of sin expression for an energy-charged moment, and bite my lip. With my pulse raising a notch, I grab the lapel of his shirt and pull him to my eagerly-awaiting mouth. There are sparks flying from the intensity of the encounter of our tongues colliding, tracing alongside each other, crazed. Daniel’s body is gradually pressed more firmly against mine, and I draw toward him as our kiss deepens. A rush of desire covers me; I need to gather all my willpower to stop myself from jumping on him.

  “I’m taking you to the bathroom soon,” he murmurs hoarsely to my mouth. Always the gentleman. Sliding his hand under my breast, he strokes its side with his thumb. I feel it swell in response. Realizing our breaths and gasps have become far too noticeable, I pull back a little. Daniel, flushed, tilts his head in question, observing me mildly annoyed.

  “We’re making an X-rated scene …” I whisper, glancing pointedly at the seats around us, still breathing hard.

  But Daniel’s still on-target; he yanks his buckle open. “Come, Hales,” he gasps, taking my hand as he starts to stand up. Come Hales. I smile to myself at the double entendre.

  “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 fuck’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 la
y 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.