Page 63 of The Secrets We Treasure

“Thanks,” Greer replied.

A sly grin slid over Cricket’s lips. “Don’t get me started. I was cleaning up watermelon guts for days after Kyle tried your skin-the-watermelon trick.”

Greer chuckled. “That’s a fun one.”

“When it works,” Cricket retorted.

Greer’s voice remained conversational as he spoke. “On the way over from the beach, Treasure was telling me that she had no idea you guys were coming to the island to do a documentary. How did this come about?”

Kyle motioned to Ethan. “You can thank this guy. He called us up and asked if we could do it. Normally, we would require much more notice, but we happened to have an open slot.” He grinned at Treasure as he shoved his hands in his pockets and rocked on his heels. “How could we turn down an opportunity to work with one of our favorite people?”

“Thank you,” Treasure said graciously, even though she was seething on the inside. Ethan had told her that Cricket and Kyle reached out to him. One more lie to add to the growing pile. “Where are you guys staying?”

“The Oliver Hotel,” Cricket answered.

Treasure nodded. “Excellent choice.”

Greer looked at Ethan. “What about you? Where are you staying?”

Ethan gave Treasure a hopeful look. “I was hoping to stay here … if you have room.”

The horrified look on her mother’s face mirrored Treasure’s own feelings. She was astounded by Ethan’s brazenness. “I’m sorry, but that won’t work. Mom’s not up to having visitors. She did just have a mini stroke.”

“I can assure you I won’t be any trouble,” Ethan argued.

“It’s best if you stay at the hotel,” Treasure reiterated. Seeing the relief on her mom’s face took Treasure’s animosity to new heights. Howard and the detectives had better come up with a feasible plan soon because Treasure didn’t know how long she could keep playing nice. She was seething with so much anger that it was a wonder she didn’t explode. Or better yet, she wanted to rush at Ethan and claw his eyeballs out. Then, she’d kick him in the crotch and order him to get out of her life.

“If you insist,” Ethan clipped.

Treasure caught the uncomfortable look that passed between Cricket and Kyle.

“We didn’t mean to intrude,” Cricket began. “We had no idea that your mom was in poor health. I’m surprised that you’re up to doing a documentary right now, given the circumstances.”

“I questioned that very thing myself.” Treasure leveled a glare at Ethan. He pulled at the neck of his t-shirt, his face turning crimson. Compared to Greer’s ruggedness, Ethan came across as a spoiled pretty boy. He’d spiked his hair up today to give it a messy appearance. The look wasn’t a good one for him. It disgusted her to think of how she’d been taken in by him. He was a slippery snake. Stalker or not, Treasure was done with Ethan’s manipulations. One way or another, she was determined to get him out of her life. Yes, it would be a pain to separate him out of the businesses, but it would be worth it. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut. Was he dangerous? Around and around she went, asking questions for which she had no answers.

Ethan brought his hands together. “I’ll need to book a room at the hotel.” The corners of his lips turned down. “That is, if anything’s available. When I booked Kyle and Cricket’s room, the lady at the front desk told me the hotel was nearly full.” He threw Treasure a wounded puppy-dog look that turned her stomach.

She glanced at Greer, whose congenial mask was starting to slip. He was eyeing Ethan with such loathing that it moved Treasure into action. Greer’s jaw was dangerously hard, and he looked like he was two shakes away from punching Ethan into next week. She forced a cheerful note into her voice. “There are two inns on the island. If you can’t find a room at the hotel, you can check with them.” She should’ve left it at that, but she couldn’t seem to stop herself from saying the rest. “If that doesn’t work, then you can sleep in the deluxe golf cart that you rented.”

Ethan’s eyes bulged before throwing her a frustrated look. “I’m sure I’ll find something,” he muttered. His voice grew brisk. “We need to go over the details of the shoot. Let’s have dinner at the hotel tonight at seven.” It was more of a command than a suggestion.

The guy just didn’t get it. He wasn’t concerned about Treasure’s mom or the emotional tornado he was causing. He wanted everything his way, on his terms.

“I’m afraid that won’t work,” Greer piped in. “Treasure and I have a prior engagement. One of our close friends is making us dinner.”

Ethan shot Greer a look of pure malice before turning his attention to Treasure. “This is important,” he insisted.

She lifted her chin. “So is our dinner engagement.” Even if Treasure hadn’t gotten the report from Howard, she would’ve second-guessed her association with Ethan based on that one look he gave Greer. What if Ethan was psychotic? Panic pounded her insides. Having Ethan here in her mom’s home was a huge invasion of privacy. Treasure felt violated.

“We can meet tomorrow over breakfast,” Cricket suggested.

“Great idea.” Treasure offered her an appreciative smile. Cricket and Kyle were quick studies. They realized that something was off between her and Ethan. Treasure hated that they’d been put in the middle of the drama. Ethan knew that, of course, and was banking on Treasure going along with the documentary because she didn’t want to do anything to hurt her relationship with Cricket and Kyle.

Cricket turned to Barbara. “It was so nice to meet you. I’m sorry we caught you off guard.” There was a faint note of resentment in her voice as she glanced at Ethan. It was comforting to note that Cricket realized who was responsible for creating the awkward situation. “I hope you have a quick recovery,” Cricket added.

“Thank you,” Barbara said with a magnanimous tip of her head and polite smile.

“What time should we meet in the morning?” Kyle asked.

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