Page 73 of The Secrets We Treasure

Horror trickled through Treasure as she forced her tongue to work. “Do you have feelings for Laci?”

“No, of course not.”

Relief splattered through her.

“Laci and I were having dinner one night at her place. We’d ordered a pizza. One minute we were watching a movie and laughing. The next second, she laid a kiss on me.”

Her hand went up around her neck. “She never mentioned a word.”

“I told Laci that I care about her as a friend.” He paused for several long beats.

“And?”

He pulled his eyes off the road long enough to give her a tight smile. “I admitted that I still had feelings for you and told her that will never change. Here’s the part I think you should know. Laci went into a rage and raked you over the coals.”

Treasure felt the blood drain from her face. Hurt tore at her insides. Then a wave of searing anger took hold. “What did she say?”

“That you were weak and selfish. She said I couldn’t trust you. That you would only end up hurting me again.”

Tears burned her eyes. “How could she? I thought she was my friend.”

“I know,” he said quietly. “That’s why I wanted you to know.”

Her mind caught on a certain aspect of what Greer had said, the way a snagged fingernail catches on a pair of pantyhose. “Do you think I’m weak?”

“No, I think you’re one of the strongest women I know.”

She studied his expression to see if he was sincere or just trying to make her feel better.

“T, you’re kind and good.” He enunciated every word of his next sentence. “Kindness should never be mistaken for weakness.”

She curled her hand and put it to her mouth. Her thoughts were scattering like ashes in the wind. First, there was Ethan and now Laci. It was as if the whole world had turned upside down. “If you’re so down on Laci, then why did you let her throw you a birthday party?”

“I care about Laci, but I recognize what she is and what she’s not. Laci looks out for Laci. End of story.”

“No, you’re wrong.” Laci had been Treasure’s friend for most of her life. Greer might as well have told her that dinosaurs still roamed the earth as to have told her that Laci wasn’t true blue. “Laci was mistaken about me.” Trembles went through her hands.

“Of course she was. Why do you think I got so ticked? She had no right to slander you.”

“She didn’t have all the right information,” she said quietly.

“What?” he flung back.

“Never mind.”

Greer pulled into Laci’s driveway. “Did Laci invite someone else besides us?”

A frustrated laugh rattled Treasure’s throat as she threw her hands up. “Heck if I know!”

He pointed out the obvious. “There’s another golf cart.”

The last thing Treasure was concerned about right now was a stupid golf cart. Greer turned off the motor and handed her the keys. She tossed them into her purse before unleashing her venom. “Why’re you doing this?” Tears raged in her eyes. “Don’t I have enough to deal with right now without you making me question Laci’s friendship? Are you trying to smash me to pieces?”

“No.” He caught hold of her hands. “T, I love you.” His voice was gentle as he searched her face. “I’m trying to protect you.”

Hot tears spilled down her cheeks. “I can’t deal with any more stress right now.”

Compassion glimmered in his honey-brown eyes. “I know.” He pushed out a breath. “I’m sorry. I probably should’ve waited to tell you. It’s just that I don’t like seeing you get used. You’re too trusting for your own good.” He gave her a meaningful look. “If you’re not careful, Laci will manipulate you like she did Waylon.”

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