“Most of the articles I read about him were written by you. You seemed to have information that others didn’t.” I bit my lip. “So I orchestrated a meeting in the lobby of your office building.”

“The classic woman-bumps-into-man-and-spills-coffee-on-him routine.” He spoke slowly as he remembered our first encounter.

“I didn’t mean to use you.” I sighed. “I wanted to be friends, but you were so nice and it just kind of became a dating thing.”

“So you used me for information?”

“I looked through your files on your computer.” I nodded. “I saw a list of companies that you said this businessman was thinking of purchasing.” I looked down at my lap embarrassed and not wanting to say Brandon’s name. “And I applied to all of them for jobs.”

“So my information was right?” Matt asked eagerly, and I wanted to laugh.

“Yeah. I got jobs at three of the companies. I chose my position based on an article you were writing. I knew then which company he was buying, so I accepted the job. And I started working there a month before it was even announced that he was buying the corporation. It worked out perfectly. Even my best friend didn’t know that I had taken the job there because I wanted to see him again.” I closed my eyes as guilt wracked my body. “But it didn’t work out. It was a mistake. I shouldn’t have done what I did. And I’m sorry. I’m really sorry if I’ve hurt you.”

“I can’t say that it feels great.” His eyes were blank. “I never expected this.”

“I’m leaving my job as well.” I hurried out, so that he knew that it had all blown up in my face. “I’m quitting tomorrow.”

“What?” This time his voice rose and he looked worried. “You can’t quit your job.”

“I have to.” I nodded and I jumped up as I felt myself becoming emotional. “I can’t work with this man anymore. He’s horrible. I can’t do it. I’m quitting and I’m never looking back.”

“Katie, please. I think you need to think about this.” Matt jumped up as well and I could see worry in his eyes. “You seem to love this job. You can’t just quit.”

“I can and I am.” I leaned over and kissed his cheek. “I need to go home now. I’m sorry. But I have to go.” I hurried to the front door and opened it, feeling awful. My insides were churning with guilt and I rested my head against the door. Matt had looked awful right before I left. He’d looked like his world was about to cave in, and that was because of me. I couldn’t believe how badly I had treated him. And for what? I shook my head and sighed. I had to go back and explain to him that it wasn’t his fault. I didn’t want him to hate me. I wanted him to know that there were things I had really liked about him. I didn’t want to leave the apartment with Matt feeling like he’d been used. I’d felt that way before, and I knew how horrible it was. I walked back toward the living room to apologize once again for how everything had gone, but he wasn’t there. I walked slowly toward the bedroom, half afraid that I would see him crying or something. I knew he was a man, but I’d never really witnessed how emotional men did or didn’t get at the end of a relationship. I reached the door of his bedroom and stood in the open doorway. Matt’s back was to me, and I reached to knock on the door to alert him of my presence when he pulled out his phone and dialed some numbers. I decided to wait until he was done with the call and just stood there for a moment.

“Mr. Hastings, please.” His voice was worried and slightly urgent as he spoke. “Hey, Brandon. It’s Matt. We have a problem.”

The End