The Ties That Bind

physical.
    Garth's emotions ran deep. She had known that on some level the first morning she had approached him. A part of her had been convinced even then that he had the soul of a poet. The dark, brooding quality hadn't changed, not even when she had discovered him to be from the business world instead of the literary or artistic world. The compulsion she had felt to know him completely was as strong as ever in her, Shannon discovered. And the need to love him and quiet the dark tension in him was just as fierce.
    "Garth..."
    "Shannon, I don't want to be at war with you. I only want to take you in my arms and keep you safe. Love me, don't fight me." His mouth moved intimately on hers, seeking the reassurance of a response.
    Shannon found herself struggling against both her own instincts and Garth's sensual pleasure. She tore her mouth free from his and braced her palms on his shoulders. "Not like this," she whispered. "You can't walk in here and put everything back the way it was by taking me to bed."
    "I don't want things back the way they were. I want you to marry me." He framed her face with his large hands.
    Shannon caught her breath and grabbed at the only lifeline she could see. "Dinner. You said you'd take me out to dinner."
    His eyes narrowed for a moment. Then, with obvious reluctance, his hands fell away. "All right. Anything rather than have you throw me out the door."
    Shannon realized her hands were shaking as she came away from the wall.

* * *
    TELLING HIMSELF HE MUST BE satisfied with the small victory he had achieved, Garth treated Shannon with kid gloves for the rest of the evening. It was crazy to be feeling so relieved, but he was convinced he'd had a very near miss. He hadn't expected her to be so totally resistant to the idea of marrying him. Her reaction had taken him by surprise. He had convinced himself that she would be reassured by the proposal and instead found out that he was the one in need of reassurance.
    It had all seemed so simple during the long drive form San Jose. He would tell Shannon that he had never really suspected her of corporate espionage, that somehow, someone had used her. It was the truth. When he'd seen that bid package fall out of her tote bag, he'd been stunned, but even in that moment he couldn't bring himself to believe his sweet Shannon was betraying him. The whole sorry mess would serve to illustrate exactly why he wanted her kept clear of his steel-trapped environment. She needed his protection, and he needed to know she was safe. On the surface, the proposal of marriage seemed logical and would provide reassurance for both of them.
    But he hadn't realized just how deep her temperamental streak of independence went, Garth thought as he drove Shannon the short distance into town. Still, by morning everything should be back under control. When she was in his arms she melted completely. The last of her indignation and fear would be gone by morning. He'd see to it.
    The small restaurant was located in an old farmhouse, and it was run by friends of Shannon's. The food was an interesting mix of traditional Creole cooking and nouvelle California cuisine. Garth made sure Shannon's wineglass was full during the meal. He decided he wasn't too proud to make use of the traditional soothing effect of alcohol on a woman. Hell, tonight he wasn't too proud to use any technique he could to lure Shannon back into his arms.
    She didn't talk much during dinner, and Garth suspected that what little she did say was more to keep her friends from wondering about her mood than because she wanted to communicate with him. Most of the time she seemed lost in thought. As the meal progressed Garth realized he'd give a great deal to be able to read her mind.
    Shannon had declined the pecan pie and was polishing off the last of the corn bread when a familiar greeting caused her to glance up. Garth looked up, too, and saw Annie O'Connor and Dan Turcott being seated at the table next to them.
    "Hi, Shannon, Garth." Annie nodded pleasantly as Dan seated her. "What are you doing up here in the middle of the week, Garth? Shannon tells me you're only free on weekends."
    "I made an exception this week." He knew he sounded forbidding, but he couldn't help it. Garth didn't feel like socializing tonight.
    "Maybe it was fate," Dan said with a grin. "You can help us celebrate. Annie and I are getting married soon."
    Garth eyed the other couple. "Congratulations."
    "Isn't it great, Garth?" Shannon asked