"I've said no three hundred times already, Johnny. Piss off."

"Come on, LT. Let's go. This girl seems good to me, I have a very good feelin' 'bout this."

"What does this have to do with me?"

"Because she's only comin' with a friend. Women's solidarity."

Simon hated himself for agreeing. He hasn't been on a date since... since forever. The idea of dating for a romantic purpose always seemed too expensive for him to spend time on it, which he often did not have. Because most of his schedule consisted of training, mission preparation, and then the missions themselves. And when he finally returned home to his half-empty house in a quiet neighborhood, the only thing he wanted was to sleep.

And then came the period that was his top priority. Sitting on the couch and training Riley, his German Shepherd, whom he rescued from a shelter a year ago. So between a soft sofa and a snuffling dog and arranging dates, he always chose the first two.

And he never had a problem finding a partner for the night if his hormones signaled a specific stress relief experience. It was never difficult for him to find a partner for one night at the bar he went to with the team. Because that was all he had to offer. And if the person wasn't intimidated by his balaclava and not particularly talkative manner of communication, he agreed. Mutual consent, the nearest motel, that's all the dates Simon Riley could afford.

Therefore, sitting at a table in a mid-priced restaurant and staring at the menu in a dim light, he regretted that he had agreed to this. Johnny got excited about dating after he downloaded some app, and since Simon refused to do the same, the Scot thought it was honest that his friend was going on a double date with him.

Shit.

" 'ere they are." Said Johnny, who was sitting behind him, and immediately stood up from his seat, raising his hand up.

Simon raised his head in the direction of the entrance to the establishment, and his gaze stopped on you. Next to your friend, you walked towards the right tables and, releasing your friend into a cloud of manners and a seductive smile named John McTavish, sat down in front of him. You even pulled out a chair for yourself while Simon sat and looked at you, trying to figure out at what moment the sound was turned off around you.

You gently pushed your hair off your shoulder and took off your bag, hanging it on the back of the chair in the most casual manner, and then immediately looked at the duplicate menu in front of you. For Simon, everything seemed to be happening in slow motion, but judging by the way you didn't even say hello to him, he could have guessed that you weren't thrilled with the idea of a double date either.

One thing that brings you strangers closer together. Check.

You quickly scrolled past the hot dishes and snacks section, as if you knew exactly what you were looking for. And finally, when your eyes landed on the right page, you finally spoke.

"I hope they have dark beer."

Let's hammer nails into his coffin lid. Because Simon already liked you.