Page 60 of Loving Her Enemy

The extra security, while in town, might’ve been overkill, but Sloane would err on the side of doing too much until Halayna felt better about being out in public.

Sloane escorted her inside, and they were greeted with dim lighting and a band playing soft jazz.

“Oh wow.” Halayna glanced around, no doubt taking in the quaint, yet modern, upscale restaurant. It was the perfect blend of cozy, with exposed brick and wood accents, and contemporary with sleek lines and eccentric artwork.

“This is cool, but…” Halayna glanced at Sloane. “What have you done?” She laughed, but seeing the excitement on her face made him happy he’d gone all out for tonight.

“The owner is a friend of mine, and I asked to rent the place for the evening.”

Her mouth fell open. “You rented out the whole restaurant on a Saturday night?”

He shrugged and pulled her against the front of his body, then placed a noisy kiss on her scented neck. “You said you didn’t want to be around a lot of people, and I wanted to take my wife out to eat. So, I did what I had to do. I rented the restaurant which also comes with one of the country’s best chefs and a house band. And speak of the devil.”

“Welcome. Welcome,” greeted Oscar, the restaurant’s executive chef. “Sloane, good to see you again my friend.”

“Same, it’s been awhile.” They shared a man hug, pounding each other on the back before pulling apart. “Thanks for doing this, man.”

“It’s my pleasure, and who is this beautiful woman?”

“Oscar, this is my wife, Halayna, and sweetheart, this is the best chef in the city—Chef Oscar. He’ll be cooking for us this evening.”

Halayna extended her hand. “Nice to meet you.”

“The pleasure is all mine,” Oscar said, and instead of shaking her hand, he kissed the back of it. “Allow me to show you to your table.”

Sloane laughed. “You sure you have room for us tonight?” he cracked, getting a laugh out of Oscar and Halayna.

“As a matter of fact, I have one table left, just for you two.”

This time, Sloane and Halayna were the ones laughing because all the tables had been cleared away. Except for a round table in the center of the dining room with a spotlight above it. It was steps away from the small dance floor and the stage where the band was playing.

Once they were settled in their seats, Oscar explained that not only would he be cooking for them, but he would also be their server.

That was part of the deal Sloane had made with the chef. Sloane wanted Halayna to be as comfortable as possible while also giving her a night she wouldn’t forget.

As Oscar informed the two of them on what they’d be dining on this evening, he gestured to the bottle of red wine on the table.

“This merlot, a dry, full-body, fruit-flavored wine, pairs wonderfully with the braised short ribs,” he said and poured a sample in a glass before handing it to Sloane.

It was good, not that Sloane expected any differently. He nodded for Oscar to pour them each a glass. He appreciated the length the chef had gone through to give Sloane exactly the experience he requested.

After serving them fresh baked bread and salads, Oscar returned to the kitchen.

“You never cease to amaze me,” Halayna said, her smile as bright as the sun on a hot summer day. “Each time I think you can’t surprise me any more than you already have, you prove me wrong.”

“I told you, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for you. Besides, remember we’re celebrating, and I think a toast is in order.” They lifted their glasses, and Sloane lowered his voice. “I thought the day you married me was the happiest day of my life, but I might’ve been wrong. I think the day you agreed with me that we should dissolve our marriage contract, you made me the happiest man in the world.

“So, here’s to an amazing marriage with no end date. Cheers.”

“I feel the same way,” Halayna said as they clinked glasses, then kissed.

Two weeks ago, after the conversation about her needing personal security, Sloane had broached the subject regarding their marriage agreement. After professing their love to each other, he didn’t think they needed a contract anymore. Halayna had agreed. She reiterated how much she loved him and how she too didn’t want a time limit on their marriage.

Of course, his lawyers had encouraged him to have her sign a postnup, and Halayna had agreed with them, but Sloane didn’t want that either. She was his wife, and he loved her more than anyone in this world. So instead, he updated his will and trust, making her his sole beneficiary.

Halayna was it for him, and this was his way of showing her how serious he was about her and their marriage.

Which was why he needed to finally tell her why Owen broke off their engagement. It was a conversation he wasn’t looking forward to, but one they needed to have.