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“A little here and there, maybe. But most of it is common sense. When you grow up around this sort of thing, you pick up on stuff that you might not have otherwise. I’d imagine you picked up a lot on running businesses when you were younger from your parents.”
He shook his head. “Actually, it was my grandfather.”
Eloise frowned. “Your grandfather raised you?”
“Well, he wasn’t technically my grandfather either.” He let out a strained chuckle. It was time to lean into this plan with all he had. He didn’t want to share any of this. But it was what Brielle had insisted he do, and so far she hadn’t been wrong. Shane took in a deep breath, then let it out. “I was adopted by my folks when I was four. But then a few years later, they passed away in a car crash.”
She sucked in sharply. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s fine, really.” His chest was closing in. He could feel it, and at the same time, he pushed against it. Wasn’t this sort of thing supposed to feel normal? “My mother’s father took me in. He raised me like I was his blood. And yes, he was the one who taught me how to be a good businessman.”
“Wow. That’s amazing.” Her brows creased. “Marc said his grandfather passed away a few years ago. Was that—”
“Yes. That was the man who raised me. He gave me everything I have and more.” He turned toward the window wistfully. No one in his family had appreciated what his grandfather had done for any of them, but he’d seen it first-hand. Marc and Madeline had soured everything with their greed.
Eloise’s hand landed on his, and he turned his attention back to her. “I’m so sorry,” she whispered.
“It was a few years ago.”
“Doesn’t mean it can’t still hurt.”
She was right about that one, too. He would have given anything to have his grandfather back. He would have sacrificed everything he owned to see him again. “Thank you.” Those were the only words he could say in that moment.
He’d underestimated how hard sharing that part of his past would be. He’d never felt this vulnerable in his life. Brielle knew he’d been raised by his grandfather, but that was about it. She hadn’t even known he was adopted.
It wasn’t fair how easy it was for some people to share their histories. But he wasn’t going to tell her everything. There was no need for that.
“I’m guessing that’s where your fortune came from.”
He stiffened. “What?”
This time she blushed and looked away. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and let out a soft laugh. “You must have realized that everyone in town likes to gossip, and when someone new arrives here, people are bound to talk.”
But there was nothing to talk about. He had been very careful what he shared with everyone he’d met.
She laughed again. “You bought a property from one of the most talkative realtors of Copper Creek. She didn’t know much, but she knew you came from money.”
Shane rubbed the back of his neck. “Oh, is that all?”
Eloise glanced at him. “Well, that and you weren’t married.” Her blush deepened. “But that was back when you arrived. A lot has come out since then.”
He’d lost track of how many times he’d felt put on the spot. What else had people figured out about him? Did they know about his terrible family? Had he been going along this whole time worried they’d find out for nothing? He met her gaze, curiosity burning a hole in his chest. “And what is that?”
“Well, we know you’re generous. You care about veterans and children. You want to help the community.” She looked away again. “And you’re still a complete mystery. Even Brielle said she couldn’t believe you didn’t tell her about your cousins.”
“Right. Well, we’ve been estranged for quite some time. They have different… values than I do.”
Her brows creased as she studied him. “How so?”
He shook his head. “Can we not talk about Marc? I’d rather focus on you and me.”
A small smile touched her lips. “Sure.”
“What do you like to do in your spare time? Other than riding and cooking?” This was his chance, and he was bound and determined to take it. He’d get the attention off him and onto her. Women loved talking about themselves. He just needed to get her started.
She tilted her head, her eyes bright. “I like dancing. Right after you opened, I went to the country club almost every night. The problem is, most of the guys around here don’t know the kind of dancing I’m into.”
“Oh? What kind of dance is that?”
