Denial Read Online Free Page B

Celeste whispered in her ear, “Your label’s sticking out.”
    Amy almost choked on her tongue when Celeste’s fingers lightly brushed the back of her neck as she tucked the label away. In complete surprise, she looked at Celeste. Tingling coursed through her. Her blush deepened. “Thank you.”
    Celeste smiled.
    Needing a distraction Amy asked, “Would you like a beer?”
    Celeste nodded.
    Amy reached into the cooler and opened a beer. She passed it to the brunette. Trying to shake off her sudden nervousness she said, “Your mom insisted I relax with a few beers.” She looked into the cooler. “Camille must think I drink like a fish, there’s a stack in here.”
    Laughing, Celeste settled on the lounger next to Amy’s. Lying back, she drank some beer then sighed heavily. She placed the bottle on her tanned stomach then looked up at her. “Join me?”
    “Oh…Okay,” Amy replied. Slowly, she sat down on her lounger then stretched out.
    Celeste closed her eyes. “This is lovely,” she said almost wearily. “I miss being home.”
    Amy nodded. “Yes, I know what you mean.”
    Celeste looked at her.
    Feeling a sudden twinge of homesickness, Amy peeled the label from her bottle. “You must have found it difficult being away from home.”
    “Yes.” Celeste watched Amy’s fingers. “I didn’t intend for it to be so long, but my work makes it…difficult.” She clicked her tongue. “I haven’t really stopped in the last year.”
    Aware something had happened in Somalia, Amy wanted to ask her if she was okay, but instinctively knew the question would not be welcomed. “You’ll be glad your home now,” she said lamely.
    “I…” Celeste shook her head. Her face darkened.
    “What?” Amy asked gently.
    “It’s…complicated,” Celeste said then half-smiled.
    Aware Celeste’s thoughts weren’t in a good place, Amy changed the subject. “I don’t know if Josh has mentioned to you, but I’m throwing a bachelorette party.” She paused then asked. “Would you like to come?”
    “Yeah, Josh mentioned it,” Celeste said. She looked at Amy. “He said you’re having some friends over from Scotland.”
    “Yes,” Amy replied, shredding the label. “They’re coming to Sarasota first. So, I thought it would be a good idea to have another one here as well. You know…for the friends I’ve made here.”
    “I know the Scots have a bit of a reputation when it comes to those kinds of parties,” Celeste said her eyes sparkling with humor.
    “True.”Amy grinned. “But, don’t worry. Generally only the bride-to-be is targeted for complete humiliation.”
    Celeste laughed.
    Camille called out hurrying toward them.
    “Hi, Mom,” Celeste said, shading her eyes.
    Leaning down, Camille kissed her daughter on both cheeks and took her hand, tugged on it. “Come, I have something to show you.”
    Standing, Celeste smiled at Amy apologetically.
    Amy sat up and watched them disappear. She rubbed her neck, surprised it still tingled where Celeste had touched it.

Chapter 6
     

     
    That evening, Amy stretched out on the sofa and smiled at Josh when he entered the living room carrying two glasses of orange juice, and a large pack of sweets.
    Accepting the glass, Amy put it down on the polished floor.
    Josh sat down. He took a long drink before placing his glass and sweets within easy reach.
    Amy put her feet on his lap
    Taking her right foot, Josh began massaging it.
    Amy groaned with pleasure and lifting her arms, covered her eyes. She loved it when he massaged her feet. Enjoying his skilled manipulation, she murmured approvingly.
    As he worked on her foot, Amy thought about how this time last year, marrying Josh was the furthest thing from her mind. She realized how dramatically her life had changed in the last twelve months.
    When they began dating two years ago, neither had expected the relationship to turn serious. Back then, Josh had come to Scotland to finish his doctorate in software and electronics,