Page 39 of The Secrets We Treasure

For a moment, everyone around them disappeared, leaving only the two of them. Just like that, having only seen her in person for a few impossibly short minutes, Greer was throwing down the gauntlet. She couldn’t count the number of times he’d given her the exact same look right before leading her on some crazy, madcap adventure. No wonder she loved him so. Life was always a bold adventure with Greer. A corner of her lip lifted. “Well, I’m not chicken, if that’s what you’re asking.”

His eyes widened before smooth laughter rolled from his throat. “No, you’re most certainly not.” Humor brushed his expression. “But you didn’t answer the question.”

She felt like she was crossing a great divide—one that would lead her back to the very place where it had all begun. “Yes,” she said softly.

He stepped closer, filling her with delicious warmth. “Yes, what?” he uttered, a reckless glint in his beautiful brown eyes.

She soaked in the details of his classically handsome face, taking note of his prominent cheekbones that framed the slender set of his nose, which was dusted with freckles so faint that they wouldn’t have been visible had she not been standing so close. The bronzy pink glow of a suntan kissed his olive skin. Greer loved going out on the water. Treasure suspected that he’d been on his parent’s boat since his return to the island. His generous mouth looked like it might break into a smile any minute. Simmering in the depths of his intelligent eyes was a curious combination of longing and vulnerability. “I’m with you.” She always had been.

He rewarded her with a smile so brilliant and captivating that she could swear she caught a glimpse of eternity in the wake of it. He cupped her jaw with his hand. “I’ve missed you, T.”

The warmth of his skin evoked a deep ache that cascaded through her. “I’ve missed you too.”

His arm encircled her waist, pulling her roughly to him. When his gaze moved to her lips, Treasure’s heart hammered with the knowledge that he was going to kiss her … right here in front of all these people. And she was going to let him. Forget that she had an image and career to protect. One rogue photo snapped by an onlooker could cause her a world of trouble. But she couldn’t think about that right now. All she could think about was Greer. He leaned in, his warm breath tickling her skin and raising her desire to new heights. She’d wanted this for so long. Her breath came in halting puffs as she parted her lips.

Laci’s cheery, upbeat voice cut between them. “Okay, birthday boy. Time to blow out the candles on your cake.”

The spell was broken as Treasure blinked. Greer looked around as if remembering they were at his birthday party. He released her waist and stepped back, a good-natured grin overtaking his features. “You bet,” he said to Laci.

“This way.” Laci caught hold of his hand and pulled him away from Treasure. Greer glanced back and winked. Treasure looked down and smiled as she clasped her hands together. She’d not expected things with Greer to move so quickly, but it made sense. The foundation of their relationship had been forged in the passion of their youth. Now that they were both once again single and in the same location, the strong bond between them could no longer be denied. It was a flame that would never be quenched.

Someone touched Treasure’s arm. She turned to see Madeline Chasing. Her makeup was flawless, long diamond earrings shimmering with her every movement.

“Hello,” Madeline smiled. “I’m so glad you were able to come to the island.” She placed a hand on Treasure’s arm. Her slim, graceful fingers were neatly manicured but left natural.

“Me too. I really appreciate you calling and letting me know what was going on with my mom.”

“Of course. How’s Barbara doing?” Her brow creased. “I heard that she’s planning on coming back to work at the end of next week. Is that true?”

“It is. Mom’s determined to get back to her normal routine.”

Disapproval colored Madeline’s expression. “Barbara doesn’t have to rush it. Tell her to take all the time she needs.”

“I’ll tell her, but I’m not sure that she’ll listen.” She chuckled. “Mom thinks she’s invincible.”

“Everybody, gather ‘round,” Laci said loudly, her voice coated with a breathy excitement.

Treasure and Madeline moved to join the other guests congregated around a large chocolate cake topped with candles that hadn’t yet been lit. Laci took hold of Greer’s arm as she peered at the guests. “Thanks for coming out tonight to celebrate Greer’s birthday.” She turned to him, a girlish smile curling her lips. “Were you surprised?”

“Completely,” Greer answered without the slightest trace of guile. His gaze flicked over the crowd before settling on Treasure. They shared a quick smile of understanding. No way would Greer admit to Laci that he knew about the party beforehand. And yet, he’d confided it to Treasure. Lightning zapped her heart. It felt good to be in Greer’s circle of trust. He’d almost kissed her. She’d dreamed of how it would feel to have his lips on hers again. Would the real thing live up to the memories? Hopefully, she’d find out soon. The suspense and longing were eating away at her.

“It would seem that your fiancé has some competition.”

Treasure jerked as she turned to Madeline. “I’m sorry?”

A knowing grin tipped Madeline’s cinnamon-colored lips as she cut her eyes at Greer. “I saw the two of you embrace earlier … and how quickly he pinpointed you just now in the crowd.”

Treasure’s cheeks grew hotter than the marsh in July. “It’s not like that,” she stammered. “W—we’re best friends.” Madeline probably thought Treasure was a two-timing louse. Curse Ethan for that wretched proposal. She was tempted to come clean to Madeline on the spot and explain that the proposal was a publicity stunt. However, that would make Treasure appear shallow. There was nothing she could do but wait the thing out.

“Best friends make the best lovers,” Madeline observed.

Mortification thrummed through Treasure’s veins. It was hard to have her innermost feelings on display. She figured her best course of action right now was to remain silent.

Madeline probed her with astute eyes. “Is Laci okay with you and Greer?”

“I—I’m not sure what you mean.”

Madeline made a flourish with her hand, encompassing their surroundings. “A woman doesn’t go to this much trouble for someone unless she has a set goal in mind.”

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