The invite

"You are as funny as my grandfather," Decker stated cooly. Tess knew this was not working and she had to change her tactics. Why was he thinking about his grandfather? Tess approached him slowly, watching his gaze as Tess got closer and closer, until they almost collided their heads. As Tess's lips brushed against his ear, Decker leaned in closer, as if drawn by an unseen force. She inhaled deeply, allowing his scent into her nostrils - a heady mix of cologne and something very expensive, something uniquely his. It was intoxicating, and she felt her resolve weakening as he pulled back, her eyes never leaving his. "Tess," he said, his voice low and rough. It must have been rough from desire, Tess thought. She did not think that she stepped on his feet. Decker continued. "I really need to get going. The company gala is tonight, and I still have to finish getting ready." Tess's smile faltered for a moment, but only for a moment. She recovered quickly, her eyes sparkling with renewed flirtation. "Oh, the gala," she said, her voice dripping with interest. "I've heard so much about it. In fact I have been hoping to get an invite. Who are you going to be dressing up as this year?" Decker's gaze faltered for a second before he regained his composure. "It's just a standard company event," he said, his tone abrupt. But Tess wasn't buying it. She could see the tension in his body, the way his eyes seemed to dart away from hers as if searching for an escape route. She knew she was getting under his skin, and she reveled in the knowledge. With a sly smile, she reached out and gently brushed a strand of hair behind his ear once more. Tess gathered up her courage and knew she had to become someone she was would not normally be, except around this mysterious man. "Come on," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the pounding of her heart. "I'll help you get ready. We can make it a night to remember."

Tess wants to be invited

Wait a minute, Tess