Page 58 of The Secrets We Treasure

Chapter 13

“A penny for your thoughts,” Greer murmured lazily as he shifted to his side and propped himself up on his elbow. He trailed his index finger over Treasure’s collarbone in feather-light circles that drove her to distraction.

“Just a penny?”

His contented laughter danced on the salty air. “Maybe a quarter … if your thoughts are good.”

She angled to face him. The warm sun felt good on her body. They were lounging on the beach, opting to lie on towels rather than in chairs. It was what they’d done as kids, so it felt the most natural. Treasure preferred being directly on the sand so she could feel at one with her surroundings.

She liked the way Greer ran his eyes over the length of her body, slowly and thoroughly, as if soaking in every detail. A lopsided grin pulled at his lips. “Did anyone ever tell you that you’re easy on the eyes with your long, wavy lion’s mane hair, big brown eyes, and perfect figure?” He reached for her hair and fingered a tendril. Awareness zinged through her.

“Why thank you.” She batted her eyelashes, basking in the compliment. Being here with Greer was heaven. Energy whooshed through her veins as she took in the essence of him, starting with his chiseled torso that gleamed gold in the shimmering sun. And Jiminy Cricket, he had a splendid six-pack! Greer’s powerful, athletic body was only the start of what drew her to him. They were cut from the same stone, their love and deep connection forged from this very island. Greer was the oxygen of her soul. She couldn’t fathom the thought of losing him again. Last night, after her conversation with Laci, Treasure had lain awake half the night, trying to figure out the best way to handle the situation with Francie and Josette. She concluded that the best course of action was to confront Francie in a kind, diplomatic way. As for Josette, she was a mean and spiteful woman. Treasure would simply circumvent her altogether. Why give the she-devil the pleasure of wielding her pitchfork?

Treasure would return the money and let Francie know that she would be telling Greer the full truth. Notwithstanding Laci’s advice, Treasure needed to come clean to Greer. She didn’t want there to be secrets between them. Her weakness had gotten the best of her in her youth. Francie and Josette had been as imposing as giants. If only she’d been more like David from the Old Testament and trusted that God would help her slay Goliath. She’d been too intimidated. Too quick to doubt herself. Deep down, she feared that she wasn’t good enough for Greer. She’d not wanted to hold him back. This time, Treasure would face her fears head-on and let the consequences follow. Her chest tightened. She could only hope that Greer would find it in his heart to forgive her.

His finger moved to her shoulder, where he traced sensuous patterns over her skin. Delicious chills circled her spine, brushing warmth into her cheeks.

He leaned close, observing her with marked concentration.

“What?” she asked in soft amusement. An adorable bundle of curls hung low on his forehead. His rugged features possessed an inherent strength that was imbued not only with magnetic confidence but also kindness. “I could melt into your dark eyes,” he murmured, his warm breath a teasing tickle on her skin that rustled ribbons of desire through her.

A corner of her lip pulled up in a partial grin. “Greer Nash,” she drawled sweetly. “Are you trying to charm me?”

Laughter rumbled in his throat before he grinned wickedly, showcasing his beautiful white teeth. “Absolutely. Is it working?”

“As always.” She’d always been putty in his strong, capable hands.

“Good,” he said with a note of satisfaction as his finger traced along the curve of her jaw. His gaze went to her mouth. Need deepened his honey-gold eyes to a fascinating sable as he leaned in and gave her a long, coaxing kiss that rippled rapturous shivers through her. Treasure’s heart felt like it would melt from the sheer joy of being so perfectly in sync with Greer.

When the kiss was over, Greer reopened the conversation they’d started earlier when he picked her up at her mom’s house. “Are you really gonna make me go to Laci’s house tonight for dinner?” Laci had invited them both to her home this evening. Greer thrust out his lip in a boyish pout. With her index finger, she pushed his lower lip back into his mouth.

“I am,” she asserted.

“I’d rather spend the evening with just you.”

“I know, but Laci needs us right now. She’s feeling unsettled about the two of us getting back together.”

He smirked. “Well, she’ll just have to get over it because we’re back together for good this time.”

The certainty in his voice evoked a strange sense of sadness. How would he react when she told him the truth? Surely, he’d forgive her. She’d been young, insecure, afraid. She was no longer that same person. Her experiences had made her more resilient. Sure, she was a work in progress, but that meant that she was improving.

He frowned. “Are you okay?”

“I’m great.” She graced him with what she hoped was a convincing smile.

It didn’t work. “Something’s bothering you.”

Tell him the truth. Do it now!her mind urged as her heart picked up its pace. She’d planned to work things out with Francie first, but maybe it would be better to go ahead and tell Greer. She moistened her lips as she sat up, drawing her legs to her chest and wrapping her arms around her knees. He did the same. Her phone rang. She twisted around and retrieved it from her beach bag. It was Howard Michaels. “Hello?”

He got right to the point with a terse, “Treasure, I’ve uncovered some concerning information about Ethan Roberts.”

Her throat squeezed. “What is it?” She glanced at Greer and could tell from the firm set of his jaw that he’d picked up on her edginess.

“Is everything okay?” he mouthed.

“I’m not sure,” she whispered back.

“I didn’t catch that,” Howard said.

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