Denial Read Online Free Page A

then grinned. “Josh would never look a big fat gift horse in the mouth.”
    Maggie glared at her then reached into her bag, removed her driver and strode off.
    Amused, Amy watched her cousin take a few practice swings. She smiled at Celeste when she approached and stood next to her. Since Celeste’s return home, Amy hadn’t spent any time with her. If she were honest, she hadn’t gone out of her way to be around her.
    Feeling awkward, Amy watched Maggie prepare for her shot while surreptitiously eyeing the brunette.
    Aware she hadn’t said anything to Celeste, and knowing she should make some sort of effort, Amy asked, “Are you going to lunch at your folks after this?”
    Celeste shook her head. “No, I’ve got plans.”
    “Oh,” Amy replied. Not able to think of anything else to say, she watched Maggie tee off.
    “Uchhhh,” Maggie cried out when her shot landed in the rough. “Ya bugger!”   Throwing her club down, she stormed past them muttering she needed to pee and was going to find a bush... somewhere!
    Celeste eyed Amy. “Is she always so sweet-natured?”
    Relieved she could see the humor in the situation, Amy nodded. “Yes, especially, when losing—”
    “Money to Josh,” Celeste interrupted.
    “Yes,” Amy said in surprise. “How did you know?”
    “I used to play a lot of golf.”
    “Did he tell you Maggie expected to win?”
    “Yes.” Celeste smiled slowly.
    “Oh?” Amy replied. She suddenly realized Josh and Celeste had set her cousin up. “Does he always get a return on his bets?”
    “Mostly.”
    Surprised at being teased, Amy eyed Celeste.
    “Are you settling in okay?”
    “Yes,” Amy replied. “I’m still missing home, but I’m getting used to it now.”
    “Missing anything in particular?”
    “Yeah. Fish and chips.” Amy grinned. “I miss that the most.”
    “Really?” Celeste said in surprise then laughed warmly. “Fish and chips, huh…who knew?”
    “What do you miss when you’re not in Paris?”
    Celeste looked thoughtful. “Lots of things, but mostly movies. The French take their movies very seriously.”
    “Really?”
    Celeste nodded.
    “Sorry folks,” Maggie said, striding toward them.
    Knowing she didn’t have the heart to tell Maggie she was being royally swindled, Amy just nodded and tried to hide her amusement behind a comforting smile.

    †

    After losing badly to Celeste, Amy and Maggie headed to Josh’s parents for lunch as arranged.
    After lunch, Maggie left as she had plans for the afternoon.
    While Amy was waiting for Josh, Camille, Josh’s mother, insisted she relax by the pool, which she did and promptly fell asleep.
    When Amy opened her eyes some time later, Celeste was making her way over to her. Surprised, she sat up.
    “Oh, hi,” Amy said. She looked at her watch then raised her hand to shade the sun. “I thought you had a lunch date?”
    “A change of plan,” Celeste replied. “Something came up and Alex couldn’t make it.” She removed her sarong. “Have you met Alex?”
    Eyes widening, Amy nodded. She watched Celeste reveal a black bikini. She couldn’t help but agree with Maggie that she had an amazing body. Celeste still had the build of a swimmer.
    Her dark hair was off her face. Her olive skin offset the clarity of her hazel-green eyes. Amy eyed her appraisingly. Her eyes drifted down and lingered on her tanned chest and full breasts before moving to follow the outline of her defined stomach. She stopped at the small tattoo around her belly button. Intrigued, she studied its detail.
    Celeste cleared her throat.
    Amy looked up.
    Clearly amused, Celeste lifted her brow inquisitively.
    “Uhmm…” Amy uttered. Dismayed she was caught staring, her cheeks flared. “Yes,” she said, turning pink. “Yes. I’ve met Alex. He’s…he’s a really nice guy.”
    Feeling exposed Amy hurriedly stood. Looking for a distraction, she picked up her T-shirt, and slipped it on before tightening her ponytail.
    Moving closer,