Escaping Reality Read Online Free PDF Page B

about the project
    you’re traveling to Denver to discuss.”
    “There isn’t a lot to tell yet. It’s a typical property development deal.
    A group of deep pockets get together and aspire for greatness that equates
    to dollar signs in their eyes. In this case, it’s a plan to create the world’s
    largest event center, complete with concert facilities, a shopping mall, and
    an office complex.”
    He sounds blasé when I’m excited just hearing about the project, and
    I find I’m more curious about Liam than ever—enough to be nosy. “Are you
    one of those deep pockets?”
    “There are too many egos fighting in one room for me on this one.
    Egos translate to delays and problems.”
    He didn’t deny he has deep pockets. I was right. He is money, sex,
    and power. “So then, what’s your role, if not investor?”
    “I’m the architect they want to design the project.”
    I sit up straighter at this surprising news. “You’re an architect?”
    “Yes.”
    “An architect that could create a project of the magnitude you just
    described?”
    “Yes.”
    “Would I know any of your work?”
    “I’ve done a few high-profile projects.”
    I frown. “Isn’t this where you drop names and impress me?”
    “Do I need to impress you?”
    My cheeks heat. “No. I…most people…”
    “I’m not most people.”
    No. No, he most definitely is not most people. “Have you thought
    about your design for this project?”
    “I’ve drafted my vision, but I already know it’s not likely to please the
    financiers.”
    “But they requested you. They must like your work.”
    “They want me to create the tallest building in the United States.”
    I blink. “Could you really create something of that magnitude?”
    “‘Can I’ isn’t the question. ‘Will I’ is the question. Height is a short
    man’s dream of perfection. It’s also narrow-minded. How high you stand
    isn’t as important as how magnificent you are.”
    Magnificent . The word resonates deeply for me. I’d once thought I’d
    be a part of something I could describe that way. I’d like in some small way
    to be a part of what he describes that way. “Are you allowed to show me
    your design?”
    “I’m allowed to do whatever the hell I want.” He reaches for his
    sketchpad and thumbs through it to open to a particular drawing, and
    starts to hand it to me, but pulls back. “I don’t normally show my work to
    anyone until it’s complete.”
    “But you’re going to show me?”
    “Yes, Amy. I’m going to show you.”
    He offers me the pad and I accept it, but my attention remains on
    him. “Why would you show me what you show no one else?”
    “Because I want to.”
    I do not know what to say. “I…thank you.” Touched and confused, my
    gaze lowers to
    look at the drawing and shock radiates through me, trapping air in
    my lungs. I blink, certain I am not seeing what I am seeing, but the image
    remains the same. He showed me what he shows no one else, and what he
    has shown me is a piece of my past. Adrenaline courses through me. That
    can mean only one thing. I shove the pad beside me and reach for his right
    arm and turn his wrist face up, searching for the tattoo that would tell me if
    he’s my handler.

Chapter Four

    His wrist is bare and I grab the other one, afraid my memory of which
    arm the tattoo was on was wrong. But there is nothing. No tattoo. No proof
    he is a part of my past or my future. My eyes lift to his and he arches a
    brow. “Problem?”
    “You don’t have a tattoo?”
    His lips quirk and his eyes light with mischief and heat. “Not that I can
    show you while we’re still on the plane.”
    I ignore the inference that he will show me later and focus on
    searching for what lies beneath his amusement, but I find nothing. No
    secrets. No hidden agenda. But then, if he expected my reaction to the
    drawing, why would he react any other way? Then again, I could simply be
    losing my mind. I drop his hand that I am boldly