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“For the first little while, I think we need to keep our relationship a secret.”
It was written all over her face. He could practically hear her telling him that was a terrible idea. “You want to date… in secret?”
Shane rubbed the back of his neck. “Yeah. I think that would be easiest. We wouldn’t have to worry about hurting feelings. No one would be making comments about whether I’m giving you preferential treatment.”
“But you’re not.”
“I know that, and you know that. But who’s to say anyone else might not see it the same way?” This was the perfect solution; he just couldn’t tell her why. Madeline’s visit had done one thing. It had solidified the threat she presented. She still wouldn’t tell him the plan she was cooking up. But he could tell she was searching for anything he might find of value.
So far, he’d been lucky that she hadn’t heard about his date with Eloise. That would have tipped her off immediately. For all his cousin knew, he was only trying to step in the way of Marc dating Eloise.
Shane cleared his throat. “Brielle wouldn’t have to witness anything that would make her uncomfortable, and neither would Marc. You could just tell him that you’re seeing someone and you’d like to keep your personal life private.” Eloise didn’t need to know that Brielle had basically given her blessing on this budding relationship. She only needed to know that he’d prefer it to stay under wraps for the time being.
His face scrunched up and he tilted his head as he reached for her hand. The gesture was entirely instinctual, but the moment he made contact with her, it was as if a wave of peace settled over him. His idea was the right thing to do. It would help him keep her safe, which was the most important part. “I know it’s a little soon to ask you to trust me, but that’s what I’m doing. I’m standing here, asking you to take a leap of faith.”
The seconds ticked by with such a finality to them that he wasn’t sure how long he’d be able to handle standing there without her answer. He’d asked her for one date, and he’d gotten that. To beg her for more seemed like too much. He needed to have a little faith of his own.
“Okay.”
Shane stilled. Every fiber of his being didn’t trust the words that had come from her lips.
Dreaming.
That’s what he must be doing at this very moment.
Eloise nodded. “Sure, okay. I can keep a secret, and if it would help Bri and Marc in the long run, then I don’t see why we shouldn’t.” She smiled at him. “There’s only one problem I can foresee.”
“What’s that?”
“This town iswaytoo small. I doubt there would be anywhere we could go to spend time together where we wouldn’t be noticed. We can’t use the trails on my property because of Brielle. We can’t use the facilities here because of Marc.”
“Marc wouldn’t come…” It was true that Marc might not come to the country club often, but that wasn’t the biggest problem. The gossiping women in town would blow his cover if any of them got wind of who he had decided to spend his time with. “Never mind. I suppose you’re right.”
Eloise bit down on her lower lip, nibbling the pretty pink flesh until it turned a deeper shade of rose. “I suppose wecouldhave our dates outside of Copper Creek. Unless you know anyone locally who could keep a secret.”
His smile returned. “I think I have just the place in mind.”
* * *
“This place is nicerthan Brielle made it out to be.”
Eloise was perched in her saddle as they rode a pair of horses along the trails in the far reaches of the Keagan property. She was the epitome of a cowgirl, through and through, which begged the question of why she wanted to be stuck in a kitchen. That was a question he wasn’t willing to ask at the moment. Doing so might risk losing out on seeing her every day as she worked in his restaurant kitchen.
Shane still couldn’t believe that Eloise had agreed to keep their relationship secret. But then shewasa Callahan. Brielle had wanted something similar. Granted, Brielle was okay being seen with him at the country club; she just didn’t want their relationship to be that serious.
“What?” Eloise asked.
His eyes focused, only to find Eloise staring at him with a small grin on her face. “Huh?”
“You’re staring again.”
Shane ran a nervous hand through his hair. “A lot has happened in the past month. I’m just grateful that this is where we ended up.” Boy, how he loved the way she looked at him. She could start wars with that smile. Eloise stirred something within him that not even Brielle had been able to do, and he wouldn’t soon take it for granted.
She glanced away and let out a sigh.
“Something the matter?” he asked.
Her gaze sought his and she shook her head. “I can’t believe Wade was willing to let us use his property. What did you say to him?”
