"I thought we were clear that there wasn't going to be a repeat of this." She sniffed the flowers, unable to help herself.
"You made that decision, not me. You should put those away."
"You're not staying."
"I am." He told her firmly. "I'll be in the living room."
She stood there for a minute, fuming before marching into the kitchen and pulling out vases. It took four to hold the amount of flowers he had brought her. And she could not help but admire the colors. Within minutes, the heady perfume hung around the kitchen.
"I won't let him talk me into anything I have no intention of doing," she whispered to Galahad as he chowed down on his meal. "And you were supposed to be on my side. Some protector you are."
The animal merely spared her a glance before going back to his meal.
Sighing softly, she decided that it was no use avoiding him any longer. Taking a deep breath, she made her way into the living room, ignoring the unsteady beating of her heart.
He was standing by the window, looking out when she walked in.
"You have a lovely view," he remarked quietly.
"Thank you."
He turned then, eyes skimming over her.
"Love the outfit."
Passing a self-conscious hand over the baggy sweats and old t-shirt, she lifted her chin. "I did not expect company."
"That was not a complaint."
"Whatever. Dean, what are you doing here? I thought after you left, you weren't coming back."
"Missed me?"
"No. Look, I'm not going to change my mind about having an affair..."
"That's not what I want." He came towards her and she had to force herself to stay where she was.
"What then?"
"Can we sit?" Taking her hand, he nudged her over to the sofa. Waiting until she was seated, he sat next to her, his hand still holding hers.
"I've missed you." He shook his head when she opened her mouth. "I need to say this, and I really want you to listen. I have a reputation. The reason why is a long and sordid story; one I will share with you at some point. Just not now. I have been with a lot of women, that's fact. I never thought anything of it." He shrugged.
"It's just the way it was. Some have been married women. I wasn't particular. They offered and I took, simple. I never thought about marriage. I grew up thinking that couples were together to procreate and nothing more. When I started going to my club, I saw something different with some of my friends, associates."
"They looked happy and appeared to be with just one partner. I was cynical enough to wonder if something was wrong with them, if I wasn't seeing the whole picture." He paused and bent his head to gaze at the finger he had trapped in his.
Lifting his head, he gazed at her, admiring the flawlessness of her complexion, the beautiful eyes and the lush lips. "Then I met you," he continued softly. "There's this light emanating from you that's hard to miss. I became fascinated. When I spoke to you, it became more than that. And when I kissed you..." He had to ease in a breath. "I knew without a doubt that it was different. You were different. I've never felt this way before." He lifted their joined hands and kissed her knuckles. "I want you to marry me."
Her hand jerked in his and her eyes widened.
"You must be mad."
He smiled at that. "I must be. I can offer you so much, Catherine. Those homeless people you care so much about, you can do a lot for them. I know you love children; I can give you however many you need. I have resources to do what needs to be done. All you have to do is say yes to my proposal."
"I can't..."
"You would be saving my worthless life." His voice was eloquent. "Saving me from a downward spiral." His fingers tightened on hers. "We would be good for each other. I'm not a safe bet, but I promise to do my best as your husband. I will give you anything..."