No apology here

Decker stopped and paused, looking at Tess and her nametag. Tess held her breath. Time seemed to stop as he glared at her. When Tess finally exhaled, she didn't know how long she had been holding her breath. A few seconds, a minute, a day or a year --- she had no idea. Decker's face was as stormy as a Carribean hurricane, but then seemed to soften slightly. "Tess," Decker said, his voice low and rough, but with a hint of surrender, "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to upset you." He took step closer, his eyes locking onto hers, and Tess felt her pulse quicken. She stood her ground, her voice firm once more. "Don't apologize for being rude," she said, her tone steady. "Apologize for being dismissive and condescending. Because that's what really hurt me." Decker's gaze searched hers, as if seeking permission to make amends. And then, in a move that surprised Tess, he leaned in, his lips inches from hers. "No", he said bluntly.

Tess goes back to her desk

Tess is taken aback