Snowfall Read Online Free PDF Page A

stood, greeting her with a kiss on each cheek.
    “Darling, you look gorgeous! Is that outfit new?”
    “You know it’s not. The last time I wore it, you told me it made my skin look green, so what are you up to?”
    Aaron ignored her as he pulled out her chair.
    “Do sit down, Caitlin. The least we can do is get comfortable before you start yelling at me.”
    Caitlin smiled at him sweetly.
    “I don’t yell at you. Ever.” She picked up her menu. “I’m starving. What are you having?”
    The change of topic suited Aaron. There was plenty of time to discuss why he’d called after she’d had a good meal and some stimulating conversation.
    “I’m thinking about grilled salmon and one of their wonderful little salads.”
    She wrinkled her nose. “I don’t like fish.”
    Aaron rolled his eyes. “I know that,” he drawled. “But I do, and the question was…what am I having, not what do I think you should have.”
    She laughed as she leaned across the table and gave Aaron’s hand a quick squeeze.
    “You’re so right, and I apologize for being such a beast.”
    Mollified once he’d made his point, he grinned as he returned to studying the menu.
    They ordered within minutes, and a short while later their food arrived. They ate as they talked, discussing print runs and the cover of the book on which she was working. It wasn’t until their waiter had taken their order for dessert and served them some coffee that Caitlin brought the cozy little scene to a halt.
    “Okay, I’ve been fed and petted, and now I want to know why it was so important that I leave the comfort and warmth of my home to come have lunch with you. Not that your company isn’t great,” she added with a smile.
    Aaron smoothed both hands down the front of his vest and then leaned forward, lowering his voice as he spoke.
    “It’s regarding some fan mail we’ve been getting about you at the office.”
    She felt suddenly sick.
    “What about it?”
    Aaron frowned. This wasn’t the reaction he’d expected from her. She was pale and trembling.
    “Are you all right? If you’re not feeling well, we can continue this discussion at another time.”
    She brushed off the question with one of her own.
    “What about the fan mail?”
    He sighed. He knew Caitlin well enough to realize that she would talk only when she was ready.
    “Okay…but before I start, I want you to know that Hudson House Publishing is behind you one hundred percent.”
    “Aaron…please get to the point.”
    “Right. Within the last couple of months, we’ve received about a half dozen letters condemning us for publishing your books.”
    Caitlin tried to laugh it off. “Probably some frustrated wannabe who got a manuscript rejected and is taking it out on me.”
    “They don’t think so.”
    “Why?”
    “It’s not complaints. It’s threats.”
    Caitlin stiffened. “What kind of threats?”
    Aaron sighed. “The last one was a bomb threat.” He watched the blood draining from Caitlin’s face and wished they were not in such a public place. He could tell she was on the verge of tears. “I’m sorry, darling, but we felt you should know…just in case…well, so you could be forewarned. Understand?”
    “Oh my God.” She looked around at the restaurant and the people in disbelief. How could they be carrying on in such a calm and happy manner when her world was falling apart?
    “Caitlin. Darling. Talk to me.”
    She looked back at Aaron, her gaze wild and unfocused.
    “What do you want me to say? Oh darn? Oh well?” She reached for her purse. “You don’t understand. I’ve got to get home.”
    Aaron grabbed her arm. “Listen to me. I think you’re overreacting. It’s not like the letters came directly to you.”
    Caitlin gave him a frantic look and then laid her napkin on the table and shrugged out of his grasp.
    At that moment, understanding dawned. She saw it in his eyes.
    “Oh my God! You’ve been getting them, too!”
    Caitlin pushed her chair back, but