yes that will work with 2 NICS in each computers...
for example:
COMPUTER 1: 1 NIC going to MODEM.. and 2nd NIC going directly to second computer with a static IP address.
COMPUTER 2: same senario.
and if computers are in different loctions and you don't want to do cable drops.. then that why i said "one the 2nd NIC" hook up either AD-HOC wireless on each NIC.. or use a HomePlug bridge to connect the 2 together.. its pretty simple actually.