Dating by Design Series Box Set

by Jennifer Peel

  “It’s not my job.” And I had other valid reasons that didn’t need to be mentioned.

  “That doesn’t cut it. And what happened to your, we are a team attitude?”

  “Maybe we could bypass the test date stage. I mean, you know him well enough, right?”

  “Wrong,” he replied. “As attractive as he is, we’ve never dated and isn’t it you who said dating someone gives you a unique view of a person?”

  I shook my head. “Did I say that?”

  He pulled back and looked into my eyes. “Kenz, you can do this. Take one for the team.”

  “I don’t understand why this can’t wait.”

  His eyes narrowed and his brow crinkled like it did when he was upset. “Why do you always have to be so stubborn?”

  “Why are you being so cold to me lately?”

  His eyes softened. He reached up and stroked my cheek. “Kenz, it’s time for you to move on.”

  “And how does my doing this factor into that equation?”

  “You need to step outside your comfort zone. Try living again. You were really good at it once.”

  Talk about a knife in the heart. “I can’t. Not him.”

  He shook his head angrily. “You mean you won’t. Fine. Go home, spend your hour on your elliptical, read your books, and keep hiding from life.”

  My eyes stung with tears. Why was he talking to me like that?

  He rested his hand on my warm cheek. “I’m not trying to hurt you. I’m worried about you.”

  I pushed away from him. “You have a funny way of showing it.”

  He picked up my hand, but I yanked it away. He knew how to push my buttons. I took my chair back and tried to go back to work.

  He didn’t get the hint and sat on the edge my desk. He reached over and wiped the one tear that had escaped down my cheek. “Kenz, I’m sorry. I’ve tried babying you. We all have. Someone needs to push you and that’s going to be me. Taking out Jason isn’t a real date. You know that. It’s just part of your business. It would be a good experience for you. I know you can do it.”

  I almost told him about the compatibility percentage, but then I would have to own up to having a profile, and what was on it. “Zander …”

  “It’ll be fun. Remember what that was like?”

  “Kind of.”

  He pulled me up and to him again and squeezed tight. “Have a good time during your business … transaction.”

  “That makes me sound like a hooker.”

  “It could work for you. You do have leopard print underwear.”

  I smacked the back of his head.

  He laughed deeply.

  “So, what do I do?”

  “Aren’t you the president of this company?”

  I gave him my I’m-not-in-the-mood-for-sarcasm look.

  He grinned. “All you have to do is go over his profile so you get a good feel for him. And when you have dinner with him, see if it matches up. Mentally note any discrepancies. You’re a smart woman, you can do that.”

  I nodded guiltily, since I already knew what his profile said. “Where do I meet him?”

  “Eva didn’t say, but I’m sure she logged it in the system.”

  “Are you sure about this?”

  He kissed my head. “Positive. Relax, and like I said, try and enjoy yourself.”

  I rolled my eyes. “I can’t believe I’m doing this.”

  “Me, either.” He kissed me on the cheek and left me standing there in disbelief.

  What had I agreed to? I was supposed to be avoiding Jason. And I didn’t date, even if it was fake.

  I sat down at my desk, and my shaking hands logged me into the schedule. I was already thinking how I could back out, but Zander’s disappointed face kept popping up in my head. He had never talked to me that way before. I guess I could do it. I would just pretend that it was like getting pizza and going bowling. I was hanging out with a friend. Who cares that, according to my software, we were practically made for each other? It’s not like anyone but me knew that.

  It looked like I was supposed to meet Jason at six thirty at a local bar and grill. I sent the info to my phone and looked at the time. It was only four thirty. I never left the office that early, but I felt like I should go home and prepare, or at least put on some casual clothing. I had worn a pantsuit to work that day that certainly didn’t say “bar and grill.”

  I gathered up my stuff and headed for the exit. Meg looked confused when she saw me approach. This was a very unusual occurrence, I knew.

  “Meg, I had something come up. Do you remember how to lock up and set the alarm system?”

  Her eyes lit up like I had given her a treat. “Yes. I would be happy to close up this evening.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I hope everything is okay,” she called out to me.

  It wasn’t, but she didn’t need to know that. I waved in acknowledgment and hurried out the door. I had barely gotten to my car when my phone rang. It was a Texas number. A number that had been texting me.

  “Hello,” I said uneasily.

  “Kenadie, it’s Jason.”

  “Yeah.” Why was I so nervous?

  “Zander called and told me the good news. I guess I lucked out.”

  “How’s that?”

  “For starters, I get to take you out tonight.”

  I tried to refrain from coughing violently, or vomiting. I cleared my throat. “Well … I suppose it’s me taking you out. The company pays for the … uh, dinner.” I couldn’t bring myself to say date.

  “That’s what Eva said, but I figure since you’re grading me on how I behave on a date, I think you should get the whole picture. So I’ll pick you up at six thirty.”

  “No, no, no. I’m supposed to meet you there.”

  “I would never let a woman I asked out meet me there. What kind of gentleman does that make me? I’ll pick you up,” he repeated.

  “But you didn’t ask me out.”

  “I can remedy that. Kenadie, would you please have dinner with me tonight?”

  “Well, uh … yeah … I guess.”

  “You’re kind of bruising my ego here.”

  “Sorry, I’m not used to this part of the job.” Or men asking me to dinner.

  “Let’s pretend this isn’t part of your job.”

  That was one thing I was definitely not doing. This was all business.

  “I’ll see you soon.” He hung up before I could respond.

  I felt like I was having a full-blown panic attack. I swear I couldn’t breathe and my heart was about ready to beat out of my chest. I hadn’t been on a date in over seven years. I wasn’t sure I could do this. I climbed into my car and tried to take several deep breaths. I was short on air.

  How I got home, I don’t know. I headed straight to my closet as soon as I walked in. I knew I should change, but my mind wasn’t functioning properly. I stared blankly at my clothes. I ended up wearing some jeans with a white three-quarter sleeve tee, paired with a coral scarf. I threw on some leather flats to complete the look. I also spruced up my hair and make-up. I felt ill. I kept telling myself it was only a business dinner. He wasn’t interested in me. I was the gatekeeper to other women. Yeah, that worked.

  Zander texted me, Take a picture of yourself and send it to me. Clothing is optional.

  Why are we friends?

  Fine. Keep your clothes on. I want to give my seal of approval for your date tonight.

  It’s not a date.

  So what are you calling it so you don’t freak out?

  He knew me too well. Don’t worry about it. And don’t worry about what I’m wearing. I know how to dress myself.

  Don’t wear black, unless it’s your underwear.

  I’m not wearing black. Don’t you have a date tonight?

  Yes, and I’m wearing black underwear.

  I laughed at the idiot. Thanks for calming me down.

  You can do this, Kenz.

  Love you.

  Of course, y
ou do.

  And I did.

  Time passed at warp speed, which was probably a good thing. I wanted to get this over with as soon as possible.

  At six twenty-five, there was a knock on my door. Breathe, I told myself. I grabbed my purse and headed for the door. I closed my eyes and hesitated before I opened it. This is just a business dinner, I repeated to myself. I opened the door and found myself face to face with a beautiful bouquet of pink and white oriental lilies. I looked up into Jason’s smiling eyes.

  “Hi.”

  I took a deep breath and let it out. “Hi.”

  He pushed the flowers forward a tad. “These are for you.”

  I bit my lip. “You didn’t have to do that.”

  “I want to make sure I pass the test.”

  I took the flowers. “This isn’t a test.”

  “If you say so.”

  “I do. Come in while I put these in some water.”

  “You’re already inviting me into your home? You move a little fast for my taste.” His eyes twinkled with delight.

  It was disarming, and I felt like I could at least breathe. “In that case, I guess you’d better wait outside.”

  He decided against that and followed me back to my small kitchen. “How was your day?”

  It was fine until two hours or so ago, but I went with the generic, “Good. How about you?” I searched for a vase in my cupboards. I hadn’t had flowers in the house forever.

  “Just good?” he questioned.

  I looked back at him. He was standing near my island. “Sure. What’s wrong with good?”

  “It doesn’t give me much to go on.”

  “Okay … Um … I’m getting closer to having my software patented.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “That’s exciting.”

  “I guess so.”

  He cocked his head. “You have to be excited about that.”

  “Yeah, I am. I’m trying not to get my hopes up. My lawyer has cautioned me that it’s not a done deal.”

  “We’ll have to celebrate when it is.”

  “We will?”

  His cheeks pinked up. “You know, with Zander.”

  “It will probably be a while. Anyway, how was your day?” I filled the glass vase I found with water.

  “We set a date for the model homes to open.”

  “So you get to show off your work.”

  “Yeah, it’s pretty gratifying. I got to take a tour of the final product today.”

  “Do you have any more pictures?”

  “I should have thought to take some.” His shoulders slumped, but then his eyes lit up. “But … I could do one better and give you a tour.”

  “Really?” I loved touring model homes. It was kind of like a hobby.

  “Yeah, just let me make a call.”

  “You mean tonight?”

  “Sure. Why not?”

  I tried to think of a good reason. I wasn’t sure why. Oh yeah, this was a business dinner. “What about dinner?”

  He grinned like a man with a plan. “I have the perfect solution. Give me a second to call the realtor.” He walked back to my living room.

  I stayed in the kitchen, dumbfounded, and arranged the beautiful flowers in the vase. What just happened? I thought. I could hear him laughing and talking easily. It sounded like he was given the lockbox code.

  It didn’t take long for him to join me again in the kitchen. “We’re all set. Are you ready to go?” He looked so content standing there in his nice fitting jeans, purple polo shirt, and deck shoes. He was a handsome guy. I found myself wishing I could be happy like him, the kind of happy that shows on your face.

  “Yes,” I replied.

  His smile widened.

  “By the way, thank you for the flowers.”

  “You’re welcome, Kenadie.”

  Maybe this sounds weird, but I liked the way he said my name.

  We made our way out to his car, and he opened the door for me. This time I didn’t act like a dork; I got right in. I had prepared myself for the fact that he would be opening my doors.

  He turned to me as soon as he got in on the driver’s side. He had that look of a kid in a candy store. I made a mental note. He needed to be set up with someone who had a cheerful disposition.

  “So, how does Chinese food sound?”

  “Perfect.” I loved Chinese food.

  “Do you mind if we get it to go?”

  “Not at all.”

  “Let me know if at any point I’m not passing your test.”

  I shook my head. “Really, this isn’t a test. Just be yourself.”

  “You could be asking for trouble.” He winked.

  “Bring it on.” Wait. Did I say that?

  He raised his left eyebrow. “You asked for it.” He didn’t sound playful at all. If I didn’t know better, I would have said it was a little on the seductive side, but that was a ludicrous thought.

  I put my seatbelt on and took another deep breath. Here we go, I thought.

  “I probably should have said this first,” he pulled out of my parking lot, “but you look very pretty tonight.”

  I could feel myself blush. “Thank you.” I stared into my lap.

  “Does that make you uncomfortable?”

  I looked over to him. “No, it’s just been a while.”

  “Zander seems to pour on the compliments.”

  “That’s different. Does that make sense?”

  “I think I get it. But I’m surprised you don’t get more compliments.”

  “Really, this isn’t a test. You don’t have to butter me up.”

  He looked over my way for a brief second, but it was long enough for me to see he was serious. “You are a beautiful woman, Kenadie.”

  I tucked my hair behind my ear. The way he said it was definitely earning him points. I again made a mental note. “Thanks,” I whispered.

  “So, here is what I propose. We pick up dinner, head over to the model home, and enjoy our meal there. Does that work for you?”

  “I think I can handle that.”

  “You’re such a difficult woman,” he teased.

  He made me laugh and smile.

  “Is this a typical first date for you?” I figured I should ask some business-related questions.

  He barked out a laugh. “I knew this was a test.”

  “Well, it is my job.”

  “So, now you’re my personal relationship manager?”

  “Well, no …”

  “What do you mean, no? Who else is going to help me?”

  “Eva.”

  “How can she? She knows nothing about me.”

  “I’ll fill her in.”

  “That’s not what your brochure says. It says I will get personalized help from the beginning to the end from my personal relationship manager. Here you are at the beginning. You have to see it through.”

  “Believe me, you don’t want my help.”

  “Why not? You’re the perfect person. Isn’t this business your idea?”

  “Well … yes, but …”

  “I want the best.” He gave me a quick wink.

  I looked out the window. This was not going how I planned.

  “Kenadie?”

  “Yeah.” I spoke to the window.

  “Am I making you uncomfortable?”

  I turned toward him. There was something comforting in his words that made me want to spill my guts. “I don’t know if I’ve been comfortable for the last seven years.”

  He glanced my way and smiled. “Maybe it’s time to change that.”

  “Maybe. I’m sure Zander’s told you all about me. So you have to know I’m the last person who’s qualified to give relationship advice.”

  “Why don’t I believe that?”

  “Dense?”

  He laughed loudly for a moment. “From what Zander says, you’re pretty intuitive and you have a knack for pairing people.”

  “And what else did he say?”

  “Probably things you d
on’t want me to repeat.”

  “That sounds like Zander.”

  “How about this: we’ll see how tonight goes and then you can decide whether or not you want to help me?”

  “Okay, but I’m not making any promises.”

  “Yet.” He smiled.

  Chapter Ten

  We arrived at the model home with chocolate cake and more Chinese food in hand than two people ever needed. I was instantly in love when we pulled up. The pictures he had shown me hadn’t done it justice. Between the home and the landscaping, it looked like something out of a movie or catalog. I almost expected to see ladies in ball gowns with parasols strolling about the grounds. It was a Southern home to the core. The pristine white columns and second story wraparound balcony were picture perfect.

  “You do good work,” I said to Jason, who had come around to open my door. He was a complete gentleman. He even made me let him pay for dinner. We almost caused a scene over it because I insisted I put it on my corporate card. After all, that was the way this whole business dinner thing worked; it was part of the package. He, on the other hand, had demanded I let him pay because that is what he would have done if this were a real date. The poor woman at the take-out register had gotten quite the show as I handed her my card and Jason trumped me by throwing down cash and then picking up my card and handing it back to me, all while grabbing the food and trying to pull me away. I would have had my way, too, if I hadn’t wanted to cause more of a scene. Jason found great amusement in it. I think he mentioned something about my picture being under the word stubborn in the dictionary.

  “I did have some help, you know,” he responded to my compliment.

  “I’m sure you did, but this vision all came from your mind.”

  “Well, when you put it that way, I guess I am amazing.”

  I laughed, and not for the first time that night.

  “Do you want a tour first or eat?”

  “Definitely food first.”

  He raised his eyebrow at me. “A woman after my own heart.”

  “So, where are we going to eat?”

  “I have the perfect spot in mind. Follow me.”

  I followed him on the brick-paved path, lined with multiple colors of pansies, around to the back of the house. If I had thought I was in love before, I was mistaken. There in the backyard stood a gazebo with white pillars to match the home, surrounded by hydrangeas and greenery. And to top it off, it was lit up with twinkle lights. Perfect for a spring evening.