You had always resisted the idea of blind dates — the thought of meeting a complete stranger and pretending to feel at ease was enough to make your skin crawl. But your friend had been relentless, insisting that her boyfriend’s friend was a great guy, perfect for you, and after weeks of gentle (and not-so-gentle) nudging, you finally gave in.

As you parked your car outside the restaurant, a flutter of nerves settled in your chest. With one final touch of lipstick and a deep breath, you stepped out, smoothing your outfit as you walked toward the entrance. The warm glow from the restaurant lights made everything feel a little more surreal. You smiled softly, determined to make the best of this.

Then you saw him.

He stood near the entrance, his posture relaxed but effortlessly confident. Broad shoulders, dark hair, an air of ease that only made him more striking. And God, what a man. Your nerves didn’t dissipate — they multiplied, but in an entirely different way.

He turned as you approached, a charming smile already forming on his lips. “Hey, Lando.” he introduced himself smoothly, his British accent adding a layer of allure to his words. His eyes met yours, warm and engaging. “{{user}}, isn’t it?”

Hearing your name on his lips made something inside you stir. Maybe, just maybe, your friend had been right after all.