You Belong To Me Read Online Free PDF Page A

were almost silent on the steps now. Malcolm decided it was a good sign that she’d stopped stomping.
    Her figure-distorting wardrobe for today consisted of a nut-brown, knee-length coat over a teal-green, crew-neck sweater and blue jeans. A clip at the nape of her neck again secured her hair. Malcolm missed the sassy little cut she used to wear.
    â€œI’ll drive,” he said as they reached the lobby level.
    â€œThis is New York.” Nicole zipped her coat. “You don’t drive, you walk. Follow me.”
    Malcolm put his hand on her forearm and felt Nicole stiffen beneath his touch. “I’m not going to discuss a movie deal with you at a McDonald’s.” He smiled to himself. Her quick frown told him he could still—occasionally—read her mind. Maybe she hadn’t changed as much as he’d feared. “There’s a restaurant down the street. We’ll walk. Together.”
    â€œFine.” She tugged on her gloves. “It had better be a good restaurant.”
    â€œI’m sure you won’t be disappointed.” Malcolm tried a smile, pulling on his own gloves. “It’s a little Italian place. Do you still live for pasta?”
    Nicole ignored his question, obviously not ready to stroll down memory lane.
    â€œOkay. Let’s go,” Malcolm said. But when she turned toward him, he couldn’t move away. Instead, he stood fossilized by Nicole’s regard. He wondered what she was thinking as her gaze skimmed his slate-gray tweed overcoat hanging open over his pale gray suit and high-collared white shirt.
    â€œWhat is it?” he asked as her gaze darted away from him.
    She shrugged and looked up at him. “I’m surprised you have such a heavy winter coat. It must have been eleven years since you’ve needed one.”
    â€œI visit my family in Michigan a couple of times a year, including Christmas.” He took her arm as they continued across the lobby. He was pleased she only eased away from his touch rather than shrugging him off. Progress.
    Malcolm held the lobby door open for her, and they walked in silence to the restaurant. After being seated and placing their orders, Malcolm, taking advantage of the fact that Nicole looked everywhere but at him, studied her again.
    Her bulky sweater masked her figure. His Nicole had worn clothes that had complemented her generous curves. The Nicole he’d known had worn makeup as well. This Nicole didn’t. At least not on the occasions he’d seen her. But her delicate features were beautiful with or without makeup. Her slanted ebony eyes, brown skin, and dusky rose lips didn’t need enhancements. His gaze followed her small, slim hands as they stirred her iced tea. No nail polish, no rings. He hadn’t wanted to admit his relief, not even to himself, when he’d discovered she hadn’t remarried.
    She looked up and caught him staring at her. He saw the flash of irritation in her eyes before her lips parted.
    Malcolm spoke to forestall the attack. “Your agent is very protective of you. How long have you worked with her?”
    â€œSince I started shopping my manuscript. I signed as one of her first clients after she left the firm she worked for to start her own agency.”
    â€œIt looks like the two of you make a good team.”
    â€œI think so.” Nicole picked up her iced tea and sipped through her straw.
    â€œShe’s a terrier,” Malcolm teased.
    Nicole blinked, a smile tipping her generous lips before she remembered to scowl again.
    â€œHow’s your mother?” he asked, hoping to build on her softening mood. When she stiffened, he realized he had miscalculated.
    â€œShe died,” Nicole murmured.
    Malcolm felt his eyes widen with shock. He remembered the loving woman who had welcomed him into her family and treated him like her own. He reached across the table and gripped her hand. “Nicky, I’m so sorry.