Intentional (3 page)

I say the words, but I don’t mean them. I haven’t dated anyone for almost three months. If office gossip is preventing Mattie from saying yes to a date with me, I’m going to find out exactly what she’s been told. Hopefully, I’ll be able to clear up any misconceptions.

I’ve called every interior-design business in Sedona, with no luck. I know I can’t ask Sarah about it; for some reason, I think she might be the cause of Mattie’s reluctance to go out with me. I’m mulling over other possibilities—fashion design, perhaps architecture?

I look online, trying to spark an idea. I come across graphic design. That seems like a real possibility. Now I just need to find out if there are any new listings. I call information, and, yes, there is a new listing for Sedona Graphic Design. I ask for the address. Whoever owns this business isn’t too far from my house. I’ll go check it out after work tonight.

I’m feeling nervous as I park next to the graphic-design building. I try to calm myself; this might not even be where Mattie works. I can feel my body tense as I get out of the car. What am I doing? I must really like this girl, because I have never done anything remotely like this.

I walk through the front entrance of Sedona Graphic Design and look around, taking in the scene before me. It’s her—I’ve found Mattie. She’s sitting on the floor, her hair is mussed up, she’s wearing sweats and a T-shirt, and she’s leaning over some pictures of a water park. She takes my breath away—she’s stunning.

Mattie

I hear the bell chime as someone enters the office. I’m sitting on the floor with a big mess surrounding me. I couldn’t decide which pictures I’m going to use for the water-park ad, so I decided to spread them around me, thinking I’d get a better perspective. I’m wearing my usual disgusting sweats and T-shirt because I’m not expecting any clients today. I look up from my work, startled.

My heart skips a beat as I look at the person coming through the door. Oh no—it’s Jeremy! My first instinct is to run and hide somewhere. I can’t believe I’ve been caught looking like this! I can’t do anything about it, though, so I decide to man—uh, woman—up and deal with it.

“Hi. May I help you?”

Jeremy has a huge smile on his face. “Hi, Mattie. It’s good to see you again.”

I smile back—I can’t help it. “It’s nice to see you too, Jeremy.”

He walks over and sits down next to me cross-legged, just like I’m sitting. “Um, aren’t you worried about your suit?” The floor is a mess, and he’s probably wearing a thousand-dollar suit.

“Nope, not at all,” he responds, still smiling. He asks, “So, what are you doing with this?” He points to the pictures I’ve scattered about.

I’m really confused. Why is he here? I decide to just go ahead and answer him. “Well, I’m working on an ad campaign to launch a new water park that’s opening up next month. It’s about a thirty-minute drive from here.”

He looks interested. “The pictures look great. I have a few nephews who would love something like this. Do you have a flyer I can give to my sister?”

I get up and go over to my desk. “Sure, here you go.” I hand him one of the flyers I’ve prepared.

Jeremy is looking at me intently; he hesitates and says, “You know, I have another question I want to ask you.” This is what I was afraid of. What will I say? He looks at me nervously; I notice him rubbing his hands on the side of his pants. Are his palms sweaty? I know mine are.

He clears his throat. He looks so sweet, it’s hard to believe that he’s the player that Sarah has described. “I know that you didn’t want to give me your number, but I’m just wondering why.”

This is majorly uncomfortable. How do I answer this? Do I go for the truth? He looks so vulnerable standing in front of me, waiting for my answer. I decide to answer him with a partial truth.

“It’s just that I didn’t think it would be a good idea to go out with anyone from Sarah’s work. If things didn’t work out, it might be uncomfortable for her.” There. I said it.

He looks thoughtful for a moment. “That’s a better reason than what I thought you were going to say. I was worried that you had heard some untrue rumors about me.”

Did I just hear him correctly?
Untrue?
I decide to investigate. “What are the rumors you thought I heard?” I ask.

“That I had a girlfriend or something. I don’t have one—a girlfriend, I mean. Actually, I haven’t been out on a date for almost three months.”

I can’t help the look of surprise on my face. Jeremy laughs. “I knew it! Mattie, what did you hear? Can you please tell me?”

This is great news. Sarah is usually accurate with information, since she’s an attorney and all. I’m so glad she’s wrong. I answer, “This is a little embarrassing, but part of the reason I didn’t want Sarah to give you my number was that I was led to believe that you were a serial dater.”

He looks relieved. “I know Sarah is probably just looking out for you, but she’s got it all wrong. Sure, I’ve had a few girlfriends, but nothing serious. I’ve been so busy with work lately, I haven’t had time for anything.” I nod, considering his answer.

He looks at me hopefully. “So, have I changed your mind?”

I answer with a question of my own: “I have a question for you first. How did you find me?”

I see an unknown emotion flicker cross his face. I’m trying to figure out what it is, when he answers, “I had to do a little research.”

That’s interesting. “What type of research?”

He clears his throat. “Internet. I looked up your business.”

I know Sarah didn’t give him the address. I place my hands on my hips. “Continue, please. How did you know about my business, because I’m pretty sure Sarah didn’t tell you about it.”

He smiles and looks a little bit uncomfortable. “She gave me enough.”

I consider his response. He must have gone to some trouble to track me down. “You pretty much get what you want, don’t you?”

He looks at me with a sheepish grin. “Yes, I do.” I feel my heart start to accelerate. Darn this attraction. I love a man with confidence.

He continues, “To be honest, I can’t remember wanting anything as much as I do this.” He’s pointing back and forth between us. That does it. I’m melting.

He’s waiting for me to answer. I need to stop and consider this. Can I handle this? I already know this guy is way out of my league. He’s older and more experienced. He knows what he wants and goes after it. I’m drawn to him, and I want to run like hell.

“Why? I mean, why me?” I ask.

He laughs. “I could give you lots of reasons. The bigger question is, why not?”

Jeremy

I’m literally begging this woman to go out with me. I have never had to go to such lengths before. I have to admit that the women I usually date make it easy for me. Most of the time, it’s they who ask me out and sometimes even plan the dates.

There’s something about Mattie that’s different. I feel energized and alive when I’m around her. I want to get to know her. This feeling is uncomfortable, but I like it.

I’m waiting for her answer. I’m sweating and my heart is pounding. What is she doing to me? I can’t take the suspense. “Well?” I ask.

Mattie smiles brightly at me. “Okay. Why not?”

We plan the date for the upcoming weekend. I can’t remember a time when I’ve looked forward to something so much. We’ve decided on a movie and dinner. I’m picking her up at 4:00 p.m. so we can make the 4:30 p.m. show.

When I pull up to the curb, I notice Mattie sitting on the porch steps of her house. This is a good sign—she’s all ready to go. I notice her glancing back at the house as she walks out to the car to greet me. She’s wearing casual clothes: jeans and a white T-shirt with a yellow sweater. Her dark hair is pulled into a loose ponytail, showcasing her beautiful features. She looks good—no, make that great.

She approaches me and starts to smile. “Can I ask you a favor?”

“Sure,” I respond.

“Do you mind if we change things up tonight? I’ve been inside all day, working on design projects, and it would be great to get some fresh air. I haven’t been to Oak Creek Canyon yet. Have you been there?”

This is a welcome surprise; I haven’t been to the canyon in ages. “Yes. It’s one of my favorite hikes. We should have a few hours of daylight left. Are you sure?”

She looks so excited. “Really? It’s okay with you? This will be so fun—I’ve wanted to go since we’ve moved here. I just haven’t been able to talk anyone into going with me.”

This is perfect. I knew from the start that Mattie wasn’t a typical girl.

We stop at a nearby Chinese restaurant and order takeout for our hike. Once we get to one of the trailheads, I park the car and grab a blanket from my trunk. We wind our way down the path to the creek, carting the blanket and the delicious-smelling Chinese food.

We settle in right next to the creek and get comfortable, preparing to enjoy our meal. Luckily, we’ve made it just in time for the sunset.

I look over at Mattie. This is the first time I get to really study her. The red and purple hues from the disappearing sun are reflecting on her face. I look closer and see a smattering of freckles across her nose that I haven’t noticed before. “You’ve got freckles!” I exclaim hastily.

Mattie’s cheeks start to flush. I quickly add, “They’re adorable. I love them!” Dear God, did I just say
adorable
?

Mattie is covering her face, laughing. “I usually cover them with makeup. These freckles haven’t seen the light of day for months. If there was a procedure to remove them, I’d be first in line.”

I try to rebound. “That would be a shame. You are a natural beauty. I don’t think you should ever cover them up.”

She smiles shyly. “Thanks.” I notice her shifting uncomfortably.

Mattie looks at her chopsticks with hesitation. “So, do you know how to operate these chopstick things?”

I’m surprised. “You’ve never tried to eat with chopsticks before?”

She laughs. “I’ve only seen other people use them. They can’t be too hard, right?”

I watch as she tries to maneuver her chopsticks over her plate of food. I can’t help laughing as she drops most her kung pao chicken on her lap. She looks up at me with an embarrassed smile.

“Did they happen to pack forks in there?” she asks. I look in the bag and hand her a fork. “Thanks. I think I’ll practice my chopstick skills another time.”