Red Flags Read Online Free PDF Page A

fitted trousers and a silver sequined tank, with a worn leather jacket for warmth, would blend in. I gestured at the city lights. “This is amazing.”
    â€œI know. I’ve got a similar view, and my favorite thing to do is sit with coffee or a glass of wine and enjoy.” We were quiet a moment, and then she hooked an arm through mine. “Come on inside, I want to introduce you to some people. Lucas is eager to meet you.”
    â€œLucas” meant Lucas Tolani, Maddie’s co-star in the film she was currently shooting. He was also the current “hottest,” “most beautiful,” or “most desirable bachelor,” depending on which entertainment magazine you read. I swallowed. “Why would he want to meet me?”
    â€œI’ve raved about you.” She smiled. “Lucas is great. Don’t let the press scare you. Plus, I think he’s in talks to play a racecar driver. He probably wants to pick your brain.”
    I relaxed. I understood being a source.
    I followed Maddie’s lead through the crowd, realizing as I met people that politics and power-plays were the same the world over, whether your industry was racing or film. It was easy to tell when someone Maddie greeted wanted something from her and when they were friends. Suddenly, Lucas was next to me.
    Maddie patted him on the shoulder. “Lucas, introduce yourself and look after Kate for a minute. I need to chat with someone.” She winked at me and crossed the room to a small cluster of people in ragged but expensive clothing.
    Having been around racing for eighteen years, I was used to famous people. I was also used to well-honed, fit bodies and good looks. Lucas Tolani was all that and more. Charisma radiated off of him, an easy, friendly charm that warmed his audience and made them smile. Plus he had green eyes, an engaging grin, and thick, wavy dark brown hair. He was flat out, drop-dead gorgeous. I tried to remember to breathe.
    Lucas held my hand in both of his. “I’m thrilled to meet the woman who led her class at the 24 Hours of Daytona this year.”
    â€œYou’re a racing fan?” I blurted out. I never expected anyone I met outside of the racing world to know about anything but NASCAR or, occasionally, Formula 1. The idea that someone not only knew sportscar racing but was aware of me? Surprising. The fact that Lucas freaking Tolani did—or knew enough to pretend he did? Unbelievable.
    He laughed, displaying perfect, white teeth, the kind Hollywood cornered the market on. “I learned about racing when I did a movie with Neil.” He nodded to a group of people in a far corner of the large, stark-white living room, and I recognized Neil Welch, a successful TV actor–turned–sportscar racer.
    The owner of the world’s sexiest smile still hadn’t released my hand. “Your story is fascinating, Kate. I always like seeing how the underdog will perform. If they’ll rise to the occasion and prove the world wrong. I love watching people do that, you among them.”
    I glanced around the room at the polish and fame and tried to smile. “Keep an eye on me here. I’m out of my element.”
    Lucas leaned closer. “The secret is none of us fits in. You learn to ignore it. How do you deal with it in the racing world?”
    I thought of feeling both at home and isolated. “I don’t let anyone tell me what I can’t do.”
    â€œWhat a great approach.”
    I felt my cheeks burn. “I keep meaning to ask Maddie about the movie you’re making together. What’s it about?”
    â€œBig picture, it’s about how people react to pressure, to warning signs, or to obstacles in their path. How people are rarely what they seem. And how, all too often, we don’t even know ourselves and what we’re capable of.” He paused. “Specifically, I’m a man who steals someone else’s identity and becomes