Page 10 of Loving Her Enemy

“Here, put this on.” He handed the garment to Halayna, struggling to keep his eyes on her face.

“Thanks, but—”

“Please,” Sloane said and nodded toward the center island where he still had the ingredients for more sandwiches. “Don’t let me eat alone, and since you’re down here, I assume you’re probably hungry. Have you eaten today?”

Her stomach took that moment to growl loud enough to drown out the hum of the refrigerator.

Sloane chuckled while she blushed, and he gently gripped her elbow and guided her to one of the bar stools. It was probably good she didn’t answer his question because, if she would’ve said she hadn’t eaten all day, he probably would’ve said something stupid. As it was, he owed her an apology for what he’d said about her weight the day before.

“Have a seat. It’s been awhile since we had a meal together.”

Actually, this would be a first. Normally, his sister was with them, and he was glad Bristol was nowhere around. Now Sloane would have Halayna all to himself, and he could find out what was going on with her and what he could do to help.

That was assuming he could focus on whatever she said and not how gorgeous she was. It didn’t even matter that she wore a chef’s coat over her tiny outfit. He had already seen enough to know he was interested in seeing more of her.

Dammit. Focus dude. Focus.

Grabbing another plate, he cut the huge sandwich in half and set it on the dish before adding potato chips. When he slid the makeshift meal over to Halayna, she looked like she’d protest, but he pushed the plate closer.

“Go ahead and eat. You know you’re hungry.” He teased and got a small laugh out of her as he grabbed drinks for them before claiming the stool next to her. “How was your day? Had to be better than the other day. You know, when you fell into the pool.”

She made a humorous snorting sound, but Sloane didn’t look at her. Yet, he could feel her gaze boring into the side of his face. The moment was awkward, but they had to start somewhere. She had never been a huge talker, but there’d been a time where it hadn’t taken much to pull her into conversation.

So much had changed in her life over the last couple of years. Heck, even in the last few months. Of course, she wasn’t in a talkative mood. Yet, he wanted to know everything about her life now and what she wanted to do going forward.

And God, she smelled incredible. He didn’t recognize the scent, but it was exotic with notes of coconut, vanilla, and saffron with a woodsy undertone. It was unique, and he was tempted to bury his nose against her neck for a better whiff.

Yeah, that wouldn’t be weird at all.

The anxiousness coming off Halayna was palpable. Sniffing her would probably send her running for the hills.

No, what he needed to do was keep a cool head and get her to relax around him. That was the only way they could finally talk about what happened years ago shortly after her dad died and before she got engaged to Owen. Then again, maybe it was best to stay clear of certain topics. Specifically, Owen.

“Today was okay,” Halayna finally said, her voice soft spoken as she munched on one of the chips.

Sloane listened while she told him about an over-the-phone interview she’d had that morning with a local wellness company. She talked about how weird it was job searching again after being with the same employer for years. A company she had really enjoyed working for since graduating from college.

As she discussed the specifics of the interview, it was clear she didn’t really want the job, assuming she’d get it. Halayna was in survival mode, ready to accept any opportunity which came her way, and he understood that. Her number one goal was to get back on her feet and try to rebuild her life.

While she continued recalling how her world had fallen apart in the last couple of months, Sloane realized she hadn’t mentioned Owen by name. She referred to him as her ex, and she didn’t elaborate on why the wedding had been called off.

Sloane’s gut twisted with guilt knowing he was part of the reason why she was brokenhearted. It sounded like she had fallen into a deep depression after the breakup. Feeling like she hadn’t been good enough for Owen, and the life she had envisioned for herself would never come to fruition. Specifically having a family of her own. Apparently, one of her biggest fears was being alone for the rest of her life.

It was wild she felt that way. Halayna was one of the most beautiful and incredible women he’d ever met. How could she not see that if she gave any man a chance, he’d be falling all over himself to get with her?

Sloane couldn’t help wondering if there was something else that had her doubting herself. Surely, losing Owen wasn’t the only reason why her self-confidence had taken a hit. The man was scum, and she had to have realized that after the breakup.

Sloane should’ve minded his own business two years ago and even a couple of months ago where Halayna was concerned. But there’d been no way he could stand by and let her make the biggest mistake of her life. If she had married Owen, there was no telling what would’ve happened to her. She had to know she was better off without the bastard.

Yet, if Halayna ever found out Sloane was the reason Owen had called off the wedding, she would never forgive him. She wouldn’t understand it had been for her own good.

Right now, the only role she knew Sloane had played in her relationship was when he’d had Owen investigated years ago. Right after they’d started dating. But when she read him the riot act and told him to stay out of her business, he had. Well, at least until a few months ago. She had no idea that when he had learned of her and Owen’s wedding date, weeks before the big day, he had stepped in to make sure it didn’t happen. His only regret was Halayna got hurt in the end.

“Why were you practicing Japanese?” Halayna asked, changing the subject abruptly. Apparently, she was ready to no longer be the topic of conversation.

That was fine with Sloane. A little give and take might get her to trust him some because it would be the only way she’d let him help her. There was no doubt in his mind that he could find her a position in one of his companies if that’s what she wanted. However, if he offered her anything right now, she’d look at it as charity. Or she’d assume he pitied her. When that wasn’t the case at all. He truly wanted to help her find happiness again, as well as get her life back on track.

As he discussed his business dealings in Japan and a little about the potential venture he’d be partnering on with Watanebe, Halayna listened intently. Sloane had always thought she was sharp, and clearly it was still the case based on the astute questions she asked.