Page 66 of Trouble Me
“But I didn’t know that at first. I just didn’t see the need to tell you something like that unless it was serious. But then you told me about Marlene, and I panicked. I screwed up, and I’m sorry you had to find out the way you did.”
Shane stared down at their joined hands, his thumb drawing light circles on the back of her hand. “You’re a surprise to me too, Emma.” He raised his eyes and her stomach plummeted when the look in them wasn’t one of reconciliation. In fact, he looked downright miserable. The roiling in her gut heightened when he pulled his hands away.
Please, God, don’t let this be the end.
He blew out a breath. “I have something I need to tell you.”
She nodded, her mouth dry. “Okay.”
Her gut twisted as her gaze lingered over his face. The longer he stayed silent, the more pained his expression became. Emma squeezed his hand again. “Whatever it is, you can tell me, Shane.”
He held her stare and let out a breath. “I know about the offer on your house.”
Her brows lowered. “How...how do you know about that?”
“Because I’m the one who made the offer.”
She held up a hand in a motion to stop as her stomach pitched. “Wait, hold on.” She leaned forward. “What do you mean, you made the offer?”
He released her hand and leaned back on the ladder-back chair. “The broker who called you yesterday was contacted by my broker, or rather KVN’s broker. The company has been looking for a property in the area to expand the winery. More lodging, horseback riding, a full-fledged wine experience. Your property is perfect,” Shane said, flatly. Even though he had the grace to look thoroughly conflicted about the situation, she grasped at what he was saying. The world spun around her and her lungs refused to take in air.
“I don’t understand, Shane.” Her mind refused to believe that the man in front of her, the one she’d come to love and trust, would betray her in such a personal way. Her heart hammered hard against her chest.
“We were made aware of the financial problems the owner was having and decided to move forward with an offer. But Emma, I didn’t realize you were the trustee who owned the house until it was too late. Things progressed quickly between us. And so did the land deal. I had a choice to make.”
It was all she could do not to be sick. “KVN is trying to buy my house? The house I live in?”
Shane opened his mouth to say something, but seemed to think better of it and just nodded his head instead. She pulled in a shuddering breath. “When did you know the house belonged to me?” When he didn’t answer, the tears fell faster and anger built in her chest. “Shane, when did you know I was the owner? Please, tell me it was after we slept together.”
“Emma.” His voice was quiet and he wouldn’t meet her gaze.
“When, Shane?” Emma asked but when he looked at her, the answer was clear.
“It was before we slept together.” His voice was low and anguished.
Emma’s head snapped back as if he’d slapped her. She rose slowly and wrapped her arms around her middle, unable to look at him. When she turned back to him, her back was against the counter. Much like her whole situation with him. “Shane, do you understand the only reason I went after the job at KVN was to keep this place? To make my amends?”
He rose and came to stand in front of her. “I know, Emma. But if the company buys it, you can downsize, and you wouldn’t have to worry so much about the upkeep. It would be a really great thing.”
She straightened her spine. “For you, it will be a really great thing. But what about me? I’m about to lose my childhood home, the only tangible thing I have left of my parents, and you want to stand there and tell me how great it will be that I don’t have to worry about the upkeep? I won’t have a fucking place to live!” The last word ended on a high note and her anger had built along with the pitch in her voice.
He rubbed the back of his neck and sighed. “No, that’s not what I meant by that.”
“You sat right there and questioned my judgment about being a liability to your precious company, when the only reason I took the job was to keep the one thing I have left of my life. Where the hell do you get off telling me what I should do with it or trying to buy me?”
Shane shook his head. “No, Emma. What we have is real. I didn’t use you. I’m not trying to buy you. I—”
“It doesn’t matter what you’re trying to do. I’m not selling. Especially to you.” Her voice was hard and cold, even though the blood roared in her ears.
“We both know you may have to sell it or lose it anyway, Emma.” Shane’s tone was one of wary acceptance, but it only served to make her see red. The surge in her blood pressure made her head pound.
“Get out of my house.” The words were said in a low tone, and Shane gave her a look as though he were confronted by a rattlesnake.
“Emma, let me explain.” He moved slowly toward her, but she slapped a hand to his chest.
“No. There is no explanation here. You come into my home, pissed at me because I didn’t come clean with you. And yet you’re no better. I was trying to protect you. But you? You’re just trying to make more money, and using me to do it.” She shoved his chest hard. “Get the fuck out of my life, Shane.”
Her insides quivered, but she kept her voice and the cold stare she gave him steady. His eyes narrowed on hers and his jaw bunched, helpless anger in his eyes. It didn’t matter what he said now. The fact he could judge her for the addiction she worked on every day when he was using her to grow his company was a deal breaker.
