Layers by Sigal Ehrlich Read Free Book Online

that.”
    His lips arch into a secretive smile. “Oh, we both do, do we?”
    Is he kidding or is he being sincere?
    “Whether it was or it wasn’t I still honestly believe it was some kind of a joke for you. I’m very keen about the magazine position, though.”
    “Which magazine is it?” He takes another bite and sets the cake back on the table.
    “Why do you ask?” I mutter dryly, and without paying much attention, I take a piece of his cupcake’s top and put it to my mouth. His eyebrows rise above his stare, his mouth slightly open for a brief moment. Next his expression turns completely animated.
    “Well, by all means, be my guest,” he chuckles, gesturing toward his cupcake. “Some of my coffee to go with it?” He moves his cup toward me, the widest smirk stretched on his face.
    Did I just take some of his food without even asking ? I shift in my chair, an action which makes his eyes dance with humor.
    “I’m covered with coffee, thank you.” I raise my cup toward my mouth. Think before acting . Daniel continues staring at me for a prolonged moment, glee adorning his eyes.
    “You have a tendency of being covered in coffee around me.” He lets out a deep belly chuckle. Oh, how could I not see that coming ? I roll my eyes and send him a thin smile.
    “I’ve asked about the magazine since I might be able to help.”
    It takes me a minute to recall his last question then to assimilate what he just said.
    “How is that?” I ask, looking at him inquisitively. With complete nonchalance he stretches his hand toward my mouth and with his thumb removes a crumb of cupcake from the side of my lip, and then, still seemingly without special attention to what he does, he puts his thumb to his own mouth and sucks it. Though the entire act takes seconds, it feels like I’ve just witnessed it in slow motion. I look at him in utter amazement as he continues talking.
    “I have some connections here and there,” he says. Pausing, he looks at me through his lashes and smiles a small mischievous grin as if to say, “you seem shaken, dear,” and then goes on as usual. Frozen, I look at him and can’t relate to what he’s saying. All I have in my mind is the feel of his thumb on my lip, his mouth decorated by that small scar of his as his lips parted to take in the remnants of my crumbs. Something deep inside of me clasps tight, very tight. “Seriously, I can talk to someone, Hayley.”
    Bet you can  … “Thanks a lot for the offer, but I always prefer to make it on my own.”
    “That’s good, really good,” he says, his gaze drifting away thoughtfully as though he’s assessing something. I wonder what it is. His briefly wandering gaze gives me a minute to observe his face. He has a straight nose, just the right size, thick, dark, long lashes, fencing hazel eyes. His face is tanned, enhancing his handsome features; he has tiny laugh wrinkles at the corners of his eyes, which is the only sign of his real age. A short beep comes from below the table. The distraction pulls him back. He fetches his phone from his pocket and answers sharply, “Stark.” He listens, his stare capturing mine. Though I feel a tad self-conscious, I can’t seem to tear my gaze away. His eyes are hypnotizing, drawing me in. Something’s happening at the pit of my stomach. Are those butterflies? I shouldn’t go there, not with him.
    Moments into his conversation, his eyes narrow and his brows pull in. I notice his jaw sawing under his skin, and in a microsecond his look turns unnerving.
    “For fuck’s sake, isn’t there anything you can do by yourselves? Do I need to baby sit you every step of the way?”
    Wow, I wouldn’t want to be the person at the other end.
    “I’ll be there shortly,” he says in a low, voice, blended with fury. Hearing that, a stab of disappointment surges through me. Is he leaving?
    “And one last thing, Jake. Have a box ready, because I might want to fire you when I get there.”
    So long Dr. Jekyll,