Page 41 of Loving Her Enemy

Halayna laughed. “I think your boss is a closet romantic,” she said to the woman and Lindsay joined in laughing.

“I must admit he is surprising me with how involved he’s been with the wedding plans. I’ve worked for him for almost ten years, and I can’t ever remember him being as happy as you’ve made him.”

Heat rushed to Halayna’s cheeks. She could honestly say the feeling was mutual. Sloane had shifted something within her, and she was almost afraid of the joy she’d been feeling the last couple of days. Not only was Sloane a generous lover, but he had been catering to her every need and then some.

“Lindsay, I appreciate you saying that, and thank you again for all your hard work. We both appreciate you.”

“It’s my pleasure, and I can’t wait to watch the video. Which reminds me, the photographers and videographers will be there in a couple of hours to capture everything, including you guys getting ready for the wedding.”

Of course they would be, Halayna thought as she smiled and shook her head. Seemed Sloane and Lindsay had thought of everything. To be honest, Halayna was sure when she went back to watch the video, she would appreciate all the little details the two had seen to.

They said their goodbyes and as Halayna was disconnecting, she saw Bristol on the lanai waving her over.

“Hey, what’s going on?”

Bristol slammed her hands on to her hips. “What do you mean what’s going on? We’re waiting for you. Get in here so you can start getting ready. The makeup artist and the hair stylist are here. You have less than two hours. So let’s go.”

An hour and a half later, Halayna almost didn’t recognize herself as she stared into the handheld mirror. Wow. Her hair, which had always been blue-black, seemed even blacker than usual even though she hadn’t dyed it. The long strands hung in large waves over one shoulder, the way Sloane liked, and it was held in place with a blue-silver barrette that Bristol had loaned her.

Her makeup, described by the makeup artist as classic romantic glam, was flawless. Halayna wouldn’t be able to recreate the look herself even if she had the whole day to try it. Her eyes had a natural slant to them, thanks to her Japanese heritage, but the woman somehow highlighted them but also made them look bigger and sexy.

“Is it okay?” the makeup artist said, looking a little unsure. Halayna didn’t know where or how Bristol had found the woman on such short notice, but she was glad she had.

“I love it,” Halayna said and hugged the petite woman, then also hugged the hairstylist. “You two did an amazing job. Thank you so much.”

“You’re very welcome,” the hairstylist said as they quickly packed up. “We must be going. You have to get dressed.”

Once they left, closing the door behind them, Halayna released a long breath. She tightened the belt of her silk robe and, instead of sitting out on the balcony, she went to the window that overlooked the infinity pool and the ocean beyond it.

This is really happening.

She was getting married.

After Owen, she had vowed to never let a man get close to her heart again, let alone get married. Yet here she was about to do just that. Not only was she marrying Sloane, but she was falling for him hard and fast. She wouldn’t call the strong emotions she was feeling for him love, but she could see herself moving in that direction. Which was not good. At least it wasn’t good for her heart.

But what could she do?

The man was turning out to be more than she expected, and she loved how he treated her. More than that, she loved how she felt when she was with him, and there was nothing she could do to stop these feelings. She was a goner.

“Sloane, stop! Where do you think you’re going? You can’t see the bride before the wedding!” Bristol yelled from outside the door and Halayna smiled. Telling Sloane he couldn’t do something was like telling him to go for it.

“I need to see her now. Besides, we don’t believe in that superstition mumble jumble. Now move.”

It sounded as if they were scuffling, and Halayna laughed as she hurried to the door. Bristol was a force, and she didn’t want her to hurt Sloane.

Halayna swung the door open, and her heart slammed against her chest at the sight of Sloane. He looked like a GQ model in the white tuxedo. Instead of a bowtie, the top three buttons of his shirt were undone, and instead of dress shoes, he was wearing expensive-looking white, leather gym shoes.

He looked perfect.

And she was staring, but he was too.

“Hey, beautiful,” he said, gently shoving Bristol away from the opening of the door. “I need to give you something.” That’s when Halayna noticed the small wrapped gift box in his hand.

“You couldn’t do that yesterday?” Bristol snapped.

“It’s okay, Bri,” Halayna said and gestured Sloane inside.

“Ugh, you two are going to be the death of me. Neither of you can follow directions,” she said as Halayna closed the door. “You have ten minutes,” Bristol shouted. “And Sloane, you better not mess up her hair or her makeup, you jerk!”