Page 21 of The Secrets We Treasure

She rolled her eyes, ignoring his jab. “I’m sure I’ll get it taken with Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Tray’s a big fan.”

“Maybe you and I could plan another time to get together.”

Her heart did a little dance, and she was unable to contain the large smile that filled her face. “I’d like that.” Was this really happening? She needed to pinch herself to make sure she was awake. Instead, she wound her hair tighter around her finger.

The clearing of a throat caused her to whirl around. Ethan was leaning against the door frame. His face was masked in disapproval. Unease tightened her stomach as she wondered how long he’d been standing there, listening.

“How about the week you get back from Disney?” Greer prompted. “I could come there and get to know Tray.”

She uncrossed her leg and scooted to the edge of her seat. “Hey, can I call you back?”

“Yeah … sure. Is everything okay?” He hesitated. “I didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable.”

“You didn’t,” she said emphatically, hoping that he would believe her. She glanced at Ethan, her anger resurging with a vengeance. “I’ve got some work stuff I need to take care of. I’ll call you back this evening.”

“Sounds good.” There was a slight pause. “Treasure?”

“Yeah?”

“It’s great to talk to you. I’ve missed this … us.”

Her voice went soft. “I’ve missed it too. Talk to you tonight,” she promised as she ended the call.

Ethan straightened to his full height. He strode over and plopped right down beside Treasure so that she was pinned between Ethan and the arm of the couch.

“Can you please give me some room?” She had to fight the urge to shove him. Talk about smothering a person. Good grief! Ethan was being so annoying. The more she tried to pull away, the tighter he was holding on.

He scooted over, throwing her a surly look. “Who was that?”

“A friend. Not that it’s any of your business,” she snipped.

“Greer,” he muttered, shaking his head. “I get so tired of that guy trying to ride the coattails of your success. I get that you feel the need to be loyal to your childhood friend, but enough is enough.”

An incredulous laugh bubbled in her throat. “Seriously?”

“What?” he shot back, bunching his brows.

“Are you the pot or the kettle?”

His face turned crimson. His words came out in hard chunks. “I can’t believe you just said that. After everything I’ve done for you.”

Her voice rose to a crescendo. “Yes, you have done a lot for my career, which I appreciate. But you’re making my personal life a living Hades.”

“That’s not fair.” He looked hurt, befuddled. “Everything I do is for you.”

“Is that what you tell yourself so you can sleep at night?” Blood was pounding so profusely against Treasure’s temples that her entire body was throbbing. It wasn’t often that Treasure lost her temper, but when she did, you’d better clear the room.

“Where’s this coming from?”

She jutted out her chin. “I got an interesting phone call earlier.”

The corners of his jaw twitched. “Really? Who?”

“Joan Whitmer.” She watched him carefully for a reaction, but his expression remained guarded. Ethan was good at holding his cards close to the vest. “What did Joan have to say?” he asked coolly.

“She called to set me straight about some things I said during the interview.”

His forehead creased. “How so?”

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