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I knew this was going to happen. I can come back later for the meeting.
She was about to back out the door and leave, when Desirae, one of the waitresses, handed her a menu. “Hey, Belle. Haven’t seen you in here in a while.”
Shane turned around and his eyes locked in on hers.
No, Desirae, you haven’t because I’ve been avoiding facing Shane and Corey alone. “I’m not here to eat. I’m meeting Alice, Eddie, and Curtis about the Boys Ranch Opening.”
“They’re due in any minute. I think Alice is having difficulty getting Eddie and Curtis to leave their garage.”
Shane’s hot gaze never left her, making her squirm.
Desirae continued, “Did you hear about the 1970 Plymouth Barracuda they restored?
Despite her best effort, Belle hadn’t succeeded in getting Shane and Corey together so she could break things off with them. Even though Amber had recommended she lead with her heart, Belle understood that being in a serious relationship with them wouldn’t work, couldn’t work.
“Belle, they got an offer from a rich dude in Australia. Can you believe it? Australia.”
Belle watched Shane excuse himself from Jason and Dylan and head her way.
“The guy offered them a ton of money, but they aren’t ready to part with it.”
Shane stepped in front of her and Desirae, though his eyes remained only on her. “I can’t blame my dads, Desirae, can you? It’s their passion. They should keep the ones they love. Nothing should get in the way of passion.”
Belle felt her knees weaken. He obviously wasn’t just talking about his dads’ love of classic cars.
Desirae smiled. “If you two want the booth by the window, it’s yours.”
“We’ll take it.” Shane was clearly done with the runaround she’d been giving him and Corey.
“I’m here to talk to your mom and dads, Shane. I can’t stay long. I’ve got to head back to help Amber with all the planning.”
I can’t tell him alone. It wouldn’t be fair to Corey. She must tell them together.
“My parents aren’t here, Belle. You will have a cup of coffee with me.” He grabbed her hand, and she felt something deep inside her respond to his demand.
“Fine. One cup.” Anxiety grabbed hold of her.
They sat down in the booth and, instead of sitting opposite her, Shane sat right next to her. The heat of his muscled body radiated into her like a roaring fire.
“Shane, when your mom and dads show, I must talk to them. I really am busy.”
His face stormed with frustration and anger. “You need to talk to me first, Belle. Why have you refused to go out with either Corey or me? You can’t tell me things weren’t going well between us.”
“It’s not that.” They were going too well. “You both are so busy with protecting Lunceford’s sister. I don’t want to get in the way of that.”
“Don’t try to bullshit me. I’ve asked you to lunch several times. Corey has asked you to dinner. Each time, your answer has been no. What’s really going on?”
She took a deep breath. “I need to talk to you both together, Shane. Not alone. Not one at a time. Together.”
His eyes narrowed. “Why together?”
“Please, Shane.” Her heart was breaking. “Not here. Not without Corey.”
Alice came out from the back. “Belle, I’m so sorry for being late.”
Shane shook his head. “Mom, your timing couldn’t be worse.”
“What’s the matter, Son?”
