The Ties That Bind

here in San Jose." It had seemed a reasonable idea at the time. Now Shannon wasn't so certain.
    "You designed this?" Bonnie touched the brilliantly hued decorated letter R on the side of the canvas tote. "It looks like something out of a medieval manuscript. One of those old, illuminated pages. It's fantastic. I'd give my word processor to have one."
    Some of Shannon's self-assurance returned as she saw the genuine appreciation on Bonnie's face. "Well, as it happens, I've got one with a B on it downstairs in the car. Would you like to see it?"
    "I'd love to see it. But I suppose they're awfully expensive," Bonnie added regretfully.
    "Oh, I wouldn't sell it to you. It would be a gift. I mean, you're Garth's secretary and... and I'm sure you're a friend of his, too, and I wouldn't dream of selling anything to a friend. I'll just run down to the car and-" Shannon broke off abruptly as the door across the room opened silently, framing Garth. She had never been more aware of the chilly color of his gray eyes. They were pools of ice today. Her fingers tightened around the strap of the tote bag.
    "Hello, Shannon. I wasn't expecting you."
    She sucked in her breath, realizing that in the back of her mind she'd been hoping that he'd at least greet her with a kiss. Managing a small, uncertain smile, she faced him. "I decided to surprise you and drive down for the party tonight." Summoning up all her courage, she walked across the room and lifted her face for his kiss. She waited with a pounding heart to see if he would embarrass her in front of Bonnie and the man behind him in the office.
    There was a tense moment while Garth simply looked down at her. She couldn't begin to guess what he was thinking, but Shannon knew he wasn't pleased. Then, to her intense relief, he lowered his head and kissed her briefly. It wasn't exactly a lover's greeting, she decided bleakly, but at least he hadn't sent her packing on the spot.
    "A surprise, hmm?" He shook his head once. "I should have guessed you'd pull something like this. Wes, this is Shannon Raine ." Garth made the introduction without taking his eyes off Shannon.
    Wes McIntyre came forward, extending his hand and a warm, friendly smile. "I'm pleased to meet you, Shannon. Have a long drive?"
    Grateful for the easy, cheerful greeting, Shannon grinned ruefully. "No air-conditioning in my car. It shows. I'd forgotten how warm it can get over here."
    "Where are you from?"
    "The coast. Near Mendocino."
    "Great country," Wes said, looking wistful. "Sounds especially good on a day like this."
    Bonnie stepped forward and began chatting in a bright, friendly manner. It occurred to Shannon that the secretary and Wes were both doing their best to cover up Garth's cool, remote manner. She was increasingly grateful to both of them.
    "Shannon made that tote bag, Wes. Isn't it fantastic? Most unusual accessory I've seen in a long time. She says she has one down in the car that has a B on it. I was just about to beg for it when you and Mr. Sheridan opened the door."
    "Very interesting," Wes said, admiring the bag. "It's different. What's the process?"
    "Silk-screening," Shannon told him and plunged into a detailed discussion of how she created the designs. Anything was better than having Garth stand there looking at her as if he didn't know what to do with her. But even as she began a description of the design process, Garth apparently came to a decision about what to do next.
    "It's almost lunchtime," he announced, glancing at the stainless-steel watch on his wrist. He began rolling down the sleeves of his shirt and fastening the cuffs. "Bonnie, you and Wes grab a bite to eat. I'll take Shannon out for a meal and meet both of you back here in an hour."
    "Sure," Wes said, just as if the words hadn't constituted an order. "Come on, Bonnie, I'll treat you to a Monster Burger."
    Bonnie laughed, her beautiful eyes lighting with real pleasure. "The last of the big spenders."
    "Hey, I work for Garth Sheridan. That's big-time, baby. Only the best for you."
    Wes took Bonnie's arm in a familiar fashion and led her toward the elevator. When it closed behind them, Shannon risked an amused glance in Garth's direction, "I sense an office romance in bloom."
    Garth shrugged. "As long as they keep it out of the office, I don't give a damn. Let's go." Shannon got a glimpse of papers scattered across a glass-topped desk before Garth closed the door to his inner office, locked it and then took Shannon's arm.
    The ride