Laguna Nights by Kaira Rouda Read Free Book Online

in her office, alone and trying to focus on her computer, she reminded herself he wasn’t to be trusted, that Josh was an actor – which said it all. She was a grown up, with responsibilities, something he’d never understand, let alone be. She needed to let him go, once and for all. But unfortunately, he still haunted her dreams at night, and at the moment, he was walking the halls of her resort.
    Last night, her mom had been waiting up when she arrived home from dinner, as predicted, lights ablaze in the back cottage. She’d smiled when Madison appeared alone, and, presumably, no worse for having dined with the ego monster, as Francine called him.
    “You survived,” she had said as Madison walked into her cottage.
    “Yes, as did you,” Madison teased, kissing her mom on the cheek. “Time for bed. All is well.”
    “Details?” her mom had said.
    “I’ve got nothing, but I do have work tomorrow, so good night,” she had said, helping her mom to her room, tucking her in.
    “Good girls don’t like ego monsters, remember,” Francine had said as Madison had turned out the light last night.
    Madison shook her head as she walked out of her office, making her way outside to the lawn where tonight’s reception would be held for Josh’s group. As she walked, she thought back to her mom’s comments of last night and tried to agree. But the fact was, some good girls do like ego monsters, no matter how hard they try not to , Madison knew, and she now realized after last night she was one of them. He was still lodged in her heart.
    Focus on work , she told herself, as she reached the lawn where Josh’s group would be enjoying cocktails at sunset, just an hour from now. Everything looked perfect, as always, the catering staff were pros. Simple white linen tablecloths covered the five round cocktail tables. The tables were decorated with white orchids in crystal vases and votive candles were ready to be lit. But the real beauty of the spot was the oceanfront view of the cliffs and coves of Laguna Beach, framed by a garden of native plants exploding with colors of the spring.
    “Is everything ready, Ms. Alcott,” said one of Josh’s handlers, appearing next to her like a snake crossing the rich green grass. This was Mr. Flexible, she’d figured out, and couldn’t remember anything like his actual name.
    “Ready,” she answered, opening her arms to encompass the bar set up, the cocktail tables and the perfect setting surrounding them.
    “I only wish we wouldn’t be so visible from the resort or the pool,” Mr. Flexible said, shoving his hand through his dark hair and pulling on his tie.
    “We could tent the area, but it detracts from the overall feel of the view,” Madison said, knowing ninety nine percent of her celebrity guests turned down the tent for the view. And Josh wasn’t that famous, she felt like adding, but didn’t.
    “Do it. Tent this,” Mr. Flexible said before slithering off across the grass. No thank you, no smile even. Jerk, Madison thought, before pulling out her radio and calling catering. They’d be bummed, she knew, but they were all professionals and the guests’ wishes, even reptilian ones, were their first priority.
    An hour later, Madison stood admiring the privacy tent and the trays of finger food being delivered, including a huge silver platter with shrimp and seven different cocktail sauces, puffed pastry wrapped baby leeks, toasted walnuts and smoked bacon, a fresh baby quiche and more, perfectly plated and garnished. The wait staff was attempting to pass champagne flutes of what was very expensive champagne, Madison knew, but the men gathered so far under the tent appeared to be more interested in the bar’s offerings.
    “Hey, Madison,” Josh said, coming up behind her at the same moment that she had felt his presence. A chill washed down her spine. Stop it, she thought, pinching her own arm. “Beautiful as always.”
    He kissed her on the cheek and made her feel