Lunch together was incredible

Hailey was resolved to stop dating certain kinds of guys, and Kevin was a totally different kind of person.

The daters: Hailey and Kevin

Hailey says: “At the time of this date I had given up on guys pretty much. I was only open to finding my ‘unicorn.’ I was always attracted to the worst guys, who I made excuses for. Looking back on it I knew it wouldn’t turn out well, right from the start, but I still went for it. I was more interested in the experience and the adventure than anything else. I decided the next guy I dated and my next relationship was going to be totally different.”

How we met: At work

Where we went: A restaurant Kevin and I met at the office. We didn’t work together, but we both took part in the social life of our office and had those ‘water-cooler conversations’ that never happen around a water cooler. I wasn’t instantly attracted to him, but it didn’t take long.

“He had ‘small town’ written all over him”

I was resolved to stop dating certain kinds of guys, and Kevin was a totally different kind of person. He had ‘small town’ written all over him. He was shy and clearly very intelligent. I could tell he had less experience with dating than I did, which I admit I liked! I knew he would become my boyfriend.

I pursued him on the down-low. It was really fun because I knew he was into me, and he was really enjoying the attention. Pretty soon we were actually dating and having a great time. It surprised me how easily it had worked out. He was different than anyone else I’d been with. It felt like we were having a torrid affair because the situation was so different. I actually think we were both pretty surprised it was working out.

“It really added an element of excitement”

No one at work knew we were dating. No. I would definitely not let that happen. There were many reasons for keeping it quiet. It was a corporate environment and I already felt like I had to keep my real self hidden there. I was new to this office and didn’t want to jeopardize my position or reputation. I also had other friends in the office from before I worked there, and I didn’t want them to judge me.

Kevin didn’t seem to have a preference either way, and he understood where I was coming from, but for me it really added an element of excitement to a pretty normal relationship.

There was one day where our departments were going to be at the same event. It was really just a boring work thing, but I was so excited. Kevin and I were right in the thick of the early part of the relationship where you’re still obsessed with each other. It was so hot to be in the same room as Kevin and not interact with him at all, except for making eye contact here and there.

I got this idea in my head that I wanted to make out with Kevin in a broom closet or something like that. I wouldn’t have gone through with that, but it planted a seed.

“I think he was surprised that I asked”

The next week, I asked Kevin to have lunch with me on a workday, at a place that was close to the office but not a popular lunch destination. It was somewhere I went after work sometimes with my work friends. I think he was surprised that I asked. It was a really cute, hip, cheap-and-cheerful kind of spot.

We had a great lunch, and Kevin appreciated the food and the invitation. We were actually the only people there, which made the next part all the more cloak and dagger: I asked him if he wanted to go to my apartment, after lunch, before going back to work. He got my drift and hastily agreed.

“It was exhilarating!”

I lived close enough to the office that we were able to get there, spend the second half of our lunch hour in my bedroom and get back to the office with a few minutes to spare. It was exhilarating! Kevin is a very logical and cautious person, but he was totally up for it and didn’t hesitate in the least.

I had a smile on my face all afternoon. I was so happy that our relationship wasn’t public information, because my friends not knowing what was up made it all the sweeter. The midday date also made me feel very tender toward Kevin, because I was appreciative that he was up for something a little wild and out of nowhere.

It was one of the most memorable dates I’ve ever been on, and it was definitely my most memorable lunch hour!