Page 7 of The Secrets We Treasure
Was that a trace of sarcasm she detected in Alyssa’s silky voice? Okay, time to give Alyssa McKenzie a taste of her own medicine. “Yes, it can be tricky,” Treasure admitted. Don’t go there, the voice in her head warned. If she took a swing at Alyssa, there was no telling what wrath the shark would unleash. Still, Treasure couldn’t sit here and let the woman stomp all over her. Sometimes the only way to confront a bully like Alyssa was head-on. “You know that better than anyone,” Treasure began.
Alyssa blinked, pink seeping into her cheeks. “What do you mean?”
“With your recent breakup,” Treasure answered innocently. Alyssa had recently dumped her actor boyfriend. It was rumored that he’d had a fling with the co-star of his new movie.
Alyssa cleared her throat, her eyes flashing with malice. “Let’s talk about The Singing Bachelor. I understand that the producers were considering creating a new installment of their show, naming it The Singing Bachelorette. You would have been the star with hopeful bachelors vying for your affection.”
“That was a consideration,” Treasure said carefully, wondering where Alyssa was going with this.
“Too bad the producers decided to go with another bachelor instead,” Alyssa taunted. “Do you think it was fair for you to be passed over for a man?”
Treasure chuckled. “So continues the never-ending battle of the sexes.”
Alyssa leaned forward, eyes glittering with determination. “Do you not believe that men and women deserve equal rights?” Her jaw was rigid, suggesting that she wouldn’t let Treasure off the hook this time.
“Everyone who’s being truly honest knows there’s nothing equal about men and women.”
Surprise blitzed across Alyssa’s expression before turning smug, like she’d finally boxed Treasure into a corner. She dipped her head in contemplation. “Let me see if I’m understanding you. Are you saying that men and women are not equal?”
Treasure had lived away from Honeysuckle Island for so long that she no longer had a Southern accent. However, she could turn it on when she wanted. “Yes, ma’am, that’s exactly what I’m saying.” She paused for a couple beats, savoring the checkmate look on Alyssa’s face, before delivering the punchline. The corners of Treasure’s lips twitched, and it was all she could do to keep a straight face as she spoke. “Those poor men have been getting the short end of the stick from the beginning, but it’s not my job to point it out to them.”
Alyssa’s eyes bulged as a chortle broke through her throat. Laughter trickled throughout the room, coming from the people behind the scenes. “Good one,” Alyssa said, shaking her head. She sat up straight, her voice lilting. “Even though you didn’t get your star role, it doesn’t mean that you won’t get your happily ever after.”
Treasure had no idea how to respond to that, so she remained silent. What in the heck did Alyssa have up her sleeve? The woman was relentless.
A large smile filled Alyssa’s face. “You and your manager, Ethan Roberts, have worked together since the start of your career.”
“We have,” Treasure answered warily.
“He’s an invaluable part of your life.”
Treasure swallowed. “My work schedule with all of its responsibilities can be very demanding. I’m grateful to Ethan for all that he does.” This was getting stranger by the minute.
Alyssa turned to the camera, her voice going juicy. “We’re about to see what happens when a business relationship blossoms into something more.” She made a wide sweep of her arm and boomed, “Come on out here.”
Confusion whirled inside Treasure as she followed Alyssa’s trail of vision. Her breath pressed a hard ball against her throat when Ethan trotted onto the set, sporting a mile-wide smile. As always, he was dressed impeccably in a custom gray suit and white shirt. It was open at the neck with no tie. His perfectly gelled dark hair shimmered beneath the lights. Even more puzzling than having Ethan join the interview was him holding an enormous bouquet of red roses.
For a split second, Treasure thought the roses might be for Alyssa, but then he stepped up to her instead. His expression was tender and beseeching as he handed her the bouquet. Ceremoniously, he got down on one knee as he reached for Treasure’s hand.
An invisible vise squeezed Treasure’s heart as she realized what was happening. All she could think was that she needed to keep a smile firmly fixed over her lips. Why was Ethan doing this? As a publicity stunt?
“Treasure,” he began, peering deeply into her eyes. “From the first moment we met, you commanded my attention with your poise and extraordinary beauty. Working with you has been the greatest honor of my life.” His voice caught. “Over the years, my feelings for you have developed into something more.”
Treasure went blistering hot and clammy cold at the same time. What in the heck was she supposed to do?
“I can’t imagine my life without you.” His eyes grew moist. “Make me the happiest man alive.” He paused, searching her face. “Marry me,” he exclaimed exuberantly.
She glanced at Alyssa, who was watching the scene with such glowing adoration that it turned Treasure’s stomach. Everything about the woman was fake. Treasure turned her attention back to Ethan. How could he put her on the spot like this? Was he delusional? They were on rocky ground as it was … and that was with their friendship. Surely, he didn’t think she would up and marry him, simply because he proposed on TV. A shaky laugh rippled through her throat. “Um, I don’t know what to say.”
Ethan’s smile faltered a fraction, his hand growing moist in hers as he glanced at Alyssa and then back at Treasure. “Say yes,” he implored.
Time seemed to stand still. “Ethan, I don’t know,” she hedged.
He tightened his hold on her hand. “Say yes.” It was more of a command than a request. “Please,” he uttered, desperation seeping into his eyes.
“Yes,” she squeaked only because she needed to save face on TV. She would set Ethan straight in no uncertain terms when they were in private. How dare he put her in this predicament!
Joy and relief simultaneously washed over Ethan’s handsome face. He was charismatic, successful, and totally invested in her career. Her head would argue that Ethan was the perfect man for her. Too bad her heart had other ideas. He stood and pulled Treasure to her feet while Alyssa cooed her congratulations.
As Ethan scooped Treasure into his arms and planted a kiss on her lips, the bouquet smashed against her, causing her to prick her finger on a rose thorn. With the stab of pain came a single thought that nearly choked off her breath.
Greer was watching this and would think she was engaged!
