I swallowed and kept calm. Despite my will, my heart raced. I wasn't sure why, but he broke his silence.

Slowly, he walked toward me around the desk.

When he approached, I reminded myself why I was there. I doubted it was sex.

This thought broke the strange spell he had cast on me, and for a moment I was free of his gravitational pull.

“You’re rude,” I said. “You want to marry me but haven't asked my advice. ”

My words only made him tighten his eyes. At the spot where most people stop and respect personal space, he took two more steps.

I could smell him as he...