The fiance

Tess did not know what to think. Be a girlfriend? Be in love just for one night? But the man has a fiancee. A man with looks like his obviously could have more than one. Tess's uncertainty must have shown on her face. Decker chuckled wryly. "I do not have a fiance or a girfriend. I have dated in the past and found that they were only after my family money." "So, I started making up stories about fake girlfriends. Lavendar is the latest one. It's easier than trying to explain the truth – that I'm not really ready for all this stuff yet." He shrugged, looking sheepish. "Plus, it seems to work. Women don't throw themselves at me as much when they think I've got someone special as a fiancee." Tess's expression softened, and she looked at Decker with newfound understanding. "I see," she said gently. "Your mom just wants you happy, but maybe not in the way you want to be happy." Decker nodded, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. "Yeah, something like that," he said, smiling wryly. "And now, I need someone to go with me tonight, pretending to be my fiancée. Will you do it, Tess? Just for one night?" He looked at her, his eyes pleading with vulnerability.

The agreement

hesitation