Well bugger then, can I not attack after the dude attacks or something? Like time my strike?
Well, technically speaking.
With a standard short sword your speed is average. Your attack will automatically register BEFORE opponents with a slow weapon and AFTER opponents with a quick weapons, should they choose to attack. However you must state who you're attacking. Attacks with weapons of equal speed are resolved simultaneously.
So, you could call out an attack against a quick opponent and go after them. However, you would be exposed to attacks of normal or slow speed in doing so.
Also, if they choose not to attack their attack will be used to retaliate against incoming attacks. Unless said attack out ranges them.