IAN'S POV

　　As I proposed the deal to Leah, I could sense her surprise and confusion. "You want me to be your date?" she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why? There are so many other women who would jump at the chance to be your date. Why choose me?"

　　I could tell that she was having trouble believing that I was being sincere. But I knew that I needed to convince her if I wanted this to work. So I took a deep breath and tried to explain myself in the ...