Page 24 of Loving Her Enemy

Halayna knew her friend wasn’t trying to be mean with her words, or even the tone she used, but they still cut deep. Sure, she had chosen wrong when it came to Owen, but that didn’t mean she didn’t still want to fall in love someday.

“Is that the only thing keeping you from saying yes? You want to marry for love?” Bristol asked.

“Isn’t that enough? Why would I want to marry someone, and agree to have a baby with him, without being in love? What happens when the marriage ends? I might be financially comfortable, but I’d be a single mother.”

She wanted more than anything to have a family, but not like this. Not going into a marriage knowing it was temporary. Years ago, her father had a serious health scare, and he made her promise she’d one day get married and have a family. He never wanted her to be alone, but she was sure he hadn’t meant the type of arrangement Sloane was proposing.

Bristol watched her for a long time before saying, “Just because the marriage wouldn’t start out with you two being in love doesn’t mean it can’t end up that way.”

Halayna snorted. “Yeah right. I have nothing but my uterus to offer Sloane. I’m pretty sure he’ll never fall in love with me.”

“I wouldn’t be too sure about that. You two have always been attracted to each other.”

Halayna opened her mouth to deny it, but Bristol lifted a hand to stop her.

“Don’t bother denying it. You’ve never said anything, but I could tell you had a crush on him back when you and I were in college. Even now, I think you’re still crushing on him, and I know for a fact he is crazy about you. Although, over the years he’s had a funny way of showing it. With that said, you should think long and hard before you walk away from this opportunity.”

Opportunity.

That was an interesting way of looking at the proposition. An opportunity. But had her life really come to this? Where the only way she’d ever get married and have a family was if she married a man out of convenience?

“I want the best for you and Sloane,” Bristol said. “I know you both have trust issues, and though I don’t know if getting married is the best idea, I can see the advantages of this type of arrangement for both of you. This might be just what you two need.”

“How can you say that?” Halayna asked, her tone harsher than intended.

Bristol lifted her hands out in front of her. “Just hear me out. Don’t be too hasty in shooting down this idea. On the flight to Atlanta, you mentioned you wanted to shake things up and rebuild your life. By the looks of that contract, Sloane is offering you that and then some.”

That was true. Halayna had said that. She wanted a fresh start.

“You’ll get back on your feet and get a chance at a more rewarding life,” Bristol continued, “And Sloane will be able to not only keep the barracudas, who are always vying for his attention, at a distance, he’ll get an heir out of the deal.” Bristol sat forward and grinned as if something else had come to mind. “Besides all that, my adventurous friend, this could be fun.”

Halayna smiled at the adventurous friend part. Bristol hadn’t called her that in years. Not since they were in college doing stupid stuff. Her smile grew, recalling some of their antics. That seemed like a lifetime ago when adulting wasn’t so complicated.

“When was the last time you let your hair down and did something without overthinking it?” Bristol continued. “We both know how much you love a good dare and an adventure. What better dare is there than agreeing to a marriage of convenience?”

Halayna couldn’t help but laugh. This idea was so ridiculous on some levels, but it warranted some thinking about. After her father died, she was truly alone and longed for a family. Which was probably why she had ignored all the warning signs with Owen. She didn’t want to walk through life by herself.

People got married for all types of reasons. Some for love, some for money, and some for companionship. If she went through with the proposal, she’d never be alone again, and there was no doubt life would be interesting with Sloane.

“And while you’re thinking about that, let me add—all contracts are negotiable. If you decide to say yes, tweak the contract to something you’d be more comfortable with. Just because Sloane did the proposing doesn’t mean he should have his way. Tell him what you want and your non-negotiables.”

Her friend wasn’t wrong. Marrying Sloane would be the ultimate dare, but could Halayna really go through with it? Yes, she wanted to start her life anew, but she didn’t want to make another major mistake that would cost her more than she’d lost over the last couple of years. Specifically, she didn’t want to lose her heart to a man who could crush it into a million pieces. Sloane, with his brilliant mind, sweet-talking tongue, and charming ways, was the type of guy a woman could easily fall in love with.

Halayna might be able to hold her own in some areas when it came to Sloane, but she wasn’t sure she was strong enough to protect her heart.

Chapter Twelve

Sloane stared out the window as the city passed in a blur. He and Reece had just left a meeting and were currently sitting in the back seat of Sloane’s Bentley while his driver drove them to the office.

Instead of recapping the meeting they’d just left, Sloane said nothing because all he’d been able to think about lately was Halayna. He hadn’t heard from her or seen her since the afternoon he had proposed—three days ago. In the middle of that night, he had received a text from her saying she’d think about his proposal.

To say he had been surprised would be an understatement. Sloane had been downright shocked. Since she hadn’t reached out to him after he slid the contract under her bedroom door, he had assumed her answer would be no. So far, that wasn’t the case. Granted, she hadn’t said yes either, and he had immediately started thinking about a plan C, D, and E. Especially when he got up the next morning only to find out she had left his home and took a suitcase with her.

Sloane had panicked. Which was a foreign emotion for him. He proceeded through life with the mindset that whatever is meant to be, will be, but everything was different when it came to Halayna. He struggled to keep his cool, calm head about their relationship or as some would call it, situationship.

When he learned she’d left the house, he feared he’d pushed her too hard too fast. He hadn’t wanted to run her away. Make her feel she had no other choice except to leave and start over somewhere on her own. Yet, that’s exactly what he’d done, or so he thought until Bristol set him straight.

According to his sister, Halayna needed a few days alone to think, and she felt she couldn’t do that at his house. He’d been tempted to hunt her down, but as if reading his thoughts, Bristol told him to back off. She knew him too well. Knew that he’d pull out all the stops to find Halayna. Not to control her or plead his case, as far as the proposal was concerned, but to make sure she was okay.