Can had been trying to shift his focus. From Sanem to himself really... He needed to think about Polen's job offer as just that. A job offer. Would he take it if circumstances were different with Sanem? If the offer had come even a day earlier, and not right in the middle of all this Fabri/Sanem debacle, would he even consider it? He had to admit, it is right in his wheelhouse and after the Redmode incident with Aylin's thievery, he'd just been telling Sanem that the only reason he was staying here was her. The server came just then and Can paused in his thoughts.
He had just given the server his drink order when she appeared. God, she looked like an angel! He felt that his heart stopped. Completely. His breath caught and his stomach flipped as her took her in, his eyes drinking in the vision that was his Sanem. He swallowed hard at that last thought... his Sanem. Was that even true anymore? It hit him like a ton of bricks as she walked toward him.
The hostess was leading her right past his table. He didn't know if he could bear it. He couldn't stop himself from gazing upon her earethral beauty, looking her up and down... those luscious legs, the curve of her hips and voluptuous breasts, showcased perfectly with the deep V of her dress. Her soft, silky hair framed her gleaming face. Her radiance lit up the air around her. She finally saw him now, mere steps away. He could see the moment of recognition on her face followed immediately by an expression of apology as she approached, then passed his table.
His heart sank as she walked by, and then, 1 or 2 steps after she'd gone by, her scent hit him, engulfing him completely. While it did have it's usual affect on him, igniting in him a mix of such peace and desire, it also flashed a spark of anger and heartache. Knowing this experience was no longer just his and his alone- that she shared it with another... and that other being Fabri stung so deeply. And that she'd hid it from him after knowing full well his feelings about secrets and deception. The betrayal was great. He was utterly overwhelmed in that moment. With all of it- the bad and the good together and he didn't think he could take it.
Even if he found it in himself to ever forgive her for the lies and deceit, would he always associate these painful feelings with her scent from now on? He was afraid he would... that is what he had meant when he'd all but screamed at her at his hut that night- she'd ruined it... that sacred connection between them... of her scent, her essence. There was no denying it. His heart broke all over again at the realization.
Sanem was nearly upon him when she saw him. Sitting alone at a table in the restaurant. She felt that familiar zing of excitement at the sight of him like she'd always felt when seeing him but, almost immediately felt sorrow. Not just from all that they were going through now, but for not being able to keep her promise of keeping away until he would ask for her. She tried to convey her regret as she passed by.
She was led to another small table just behind him. She whispered to the hostess, "Is there anything else available?" The hostess asked if there was a problem with this table and Sanem shook her head, "Nothing really, just looking for something a little more 'out of the way'?" She was told that the remaining tables were spoken for with the seminar group so she would have to wait until one of the other occupied tables became available if she didn't want this one. Sanem sighed, considering just going back to her room and ordering room service, but she was genuinely famished at this point. She decided to stay, sitting and taking the menu from the hostess.
They both sat in silence, back to back for what felt like an eternity. She almost turned to apologize to him, but opted to restrain herself from initiating conversation. Can was still trying to recover from the onslaught of conflicting emotions that had washed over him so haphazardly in reaction to seeing her, and smelling that fragrance of hers. His server returned with his drink and he asked that he extend an invitation to the woman sitting behind him. Sanem turned to face the server when he addressed her, "Madame, the gentleman behind your seat has asked if you would like to join his table." She was sure he'd only done it to be polite since she had shown up, but she recognized that he really didn't have to invite her over if he didn't want to. She rose and the server led her back to Can's table. He rose from his seat as well, gesturing for her to please sit.
