Read Online At Hidden Falls (Angel's Bay Novel) by Barbara Freethy - Free Book Online Page A

another chance to talk to him? She needed to find out more about him so she could figure out why they were connected. “So, do you design buildings or homes?”
    “I’ve been concentrating on commercial projects the last few years, mostly in Los Angeles. There’s not a lot of skyscraper work in Angel’s Bay.”
    “I wouldn’t think so.”
    She glanced around the room, noting a building model on the conference table. She moved closer to take a better look. “What’s this?”
    “It’s a new city hall in Montgomery.”
    “The detail is amazing. I love the curve of the windows and the majesty of the columns. You’ve merged the past with the future in this design. I’m impressed.”
    “Thank you,” he said. “They break ground next week.”
    “You must love seeing your buildings come to life.”
    “It’s a great feeling,” he admitted. He gave her a close look. “Was there something else you wanted, Isabella?”
    She liked the way her name rolled off his tongue, as if he were savoring every letter. There was something deliberate about him now, the way he spoke, the way he moved, the way he watched her. On the cliff last night, he’d been moving at the speed of light. “You risked your life coming after me.”
    “I probably should have stopped to consider the options. It was the first time in a long time that I didn’t do that,” he added, as if he were talking to himself. Then he shook whatever thought he’d had out of his head. “I’m afraid I have a meeting to get to, so . . .”
    “I should get out of your hair.” She wished she could share her visions with him, but past experience had taught her that wasn’t a good idea. Instead, she asked, “Do you think we’ve met before?”
    He looked curious. “Definitely not. If we had, I’d remember. Because you, Isabella, are not at all . . . forgettable.” His gaze dropped to her mouth, and she swallowed hard.
    A knock at the door made them both jump, then Colleen stuck her head in. “Tory called, Nick, and I told her you were on your way. Was I wrong?” she asked, raising a quizzical eyebrow.
    “No,” he said abruptly. “I’m leaving.” As Colleen stepped out, he said, “I’m sorry, Isabella. I have to go.”
    “Sure.” She moved forward and extended her hand. “Thanks again, Nick.”
    He hesitated before putting his hand in hers. Just like the night before, she felt a rush of heat as his fingers curled around hers. And just like last night, he yanked his hand away before she was ready to let go.
    He shook his head, a look of bemusement in his eyes. “There’s something about you . . .”
    “About us,” she said, meeting his gaze. “I feel it, too.”
    He shook his head at her bold words. “You’re a beautiful woman, Isabella, but I’m not looking to get involved with anyone. Another time, another place, maybe, but not now.”
    “Usually, people get to know me before they blow me off,” she said lightly, wondering why she was absurdly disappointed by his words. It was probably a good thing. They’d shared an intense experience, and they needed to come down off that high.
    “My life is complicated.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I have a kid. I’ve neglected her for most of her life. She has to be my priority now.”
    Her heart skipped a beat. “You’re married?”
    “Divorced. A long time.”
    She wondered why he’d felt the need to add that. Did he want her to know that he wasn’t hung up on his ex-wife?
    She wasn’t in the habit of throwing herself at men who weren’t interested, but Nick was clearly interested. She could see it in his eyes, hear it in his voice, feel it in his touch. He just didn’t want to be attracted to her. And she didn’t want to be attracted to him, either. She’d come to Angel’s Bay to drive the visions out of her head and find some peace. Getting involved with the man in her dreams was not part of the plan. An emotional connection would only make things worse.
    “Good-bye,