Free You Belong To Me by Patricia Sargeant Page A

across the arm of the love seat and wandered farther into the apartment. Leading off the living room was a wide, bright kitchen with walnut wood cabinets. Her dinette set was tucked into a cozy area between the living room and kitchen.
    Nicole walked across the living room into the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. Malcolm watched as she studied its contents. He had chosen skim milk. He’d also bought her favorite fruits, vegetables, and diet soda. He waited impatiently for her reaction.
    â€œThank you for the groceries,” she said. “How much do I owe you?”
    â€œIt’s on me,” he said, acknowledging his disappointment. He wasn’t certain what kind of reaction he’d anticipated, but he knew it was something more than she had given.
    Nicole glanced at him uncertainly. “That’s very generous of you.”
    Malcolm followed her as she walked past her bookcase toward the door off the living room. The short hallway was covered in the same thick beige carpet as the rest of the apartment. On the left was a spacious bathroom complete with a vanity and combination shower/bathtub. To the right was a bedroom. Malcolm had reassembled and positioned her bed, dressing table, nightstands, and chest of drawers by himself yesterday.
    Nicole looked toward the dressing table where Malcolm had placed a baby coleus. “Oh,” she breathed, walking toward the table. “It’s beautiful. Thank you.”
    Malcolm stepped forward, pleased with her reaction. “You’re welcome. What will you name it?”
    She lifted the plant to examine its maroon and yellow leaves more closely. “Firestar, I think.” Nicole returned the coleus to the dressing table.
    Malcolm imagined the Marvel Comics heroine with her flaming red hair and brilliant yellow costume. “Good choice.”
    Nicole shot him a teasing glance. “I’m glad you approve.”
    She turned to examine the walk-in closets and the view from the window to the left of her double bed. “Thank you for supervising the movers. You all did a great job. I thought I’d have to curl up on the sofa and worry about assembling the bed later.”
    â€œI wanted to make certain you were comfortable.”
    She turned away from the window but still avoided his gaze. “I’m sure I will be. For the few months I’m here.”
    â€œMaybe you’ll change your mind and decide to give L.A. another chance.”
    Nicole frowned at him. “I don’t have fond memories from the last time I lived in Los Angeles. I’m a New Yorker at heart. I always will be.”
    Malcolm stared at her in surprise. “I didn’t know you didn’t like L.A. You seemed happy here.”
    Nicole turned away from him. She sat on the side of her bed and checked the contents of her nightstand. Her movements seemed agitated.
    â€œI wasn’t. But you wanted to move here and”—she shrugged one shoulder—“I wanted to be with you.”
    Malcolm knew Nicole had missed her family, but he hadn’t realized she had been unhappy in L.A. “Well, perhaps you could give L.A. another chance.” He winced at his lame response.
    Nicole closed her nightstand and stood to face him. “Why should I go to the trouble?”
    Malcolm approached her with deliberate steps. “Because I want another chance, Nicky. I want to try again with you.”
    He paused before her, close enough to share her warmth and count the pulse beats that fluttered in her throat. When her ebony gaze evaded his, he bent his knees and dipped his head until he recaptured it. He eased back to his full height, drawing her gaze up with his own and searching for messages in her wary eyes. He found her questions, but he’d already given her his answers. Another chance. That’s what he wanted.
    With the backs of his fingers, Malcolm traced the curve of her cheek, marveling at the warm, soft texture of her brown skin.