Neil and Saoirse had worked in the same building for about a year and their flirting when they were alone together in the communal kitchen had steadily raised the sexual tension between them until Neil's usual line of questioning "Tell us this..." finally ended in "... what are you up to on Saturday night? Could I take you out to dinner?"
Neil's heart felt like it was beating out of his chest as he waited for what felt like days for Saoirse to respond. Her eyes were fixed on him and she tilted her head and smirked.
"Like a date?" Saoirse asked in a cutesy tone, raising her eyebrows and playfully pushing his arm with her hand. She wanted any excuse to feel his toned arms.
Neil pursed his lips trying to hide a smile and scratched his beard nervously, looking at his feet.
"Yes Saoirse..'like a date'..." he teased, mocking her tone as he looked up again. He raised his eyebrows at her as they locked eyes and she couldn't stop a coy smile spreading across her lips. "Say it." Neil demanded.
"Ha! Steady on, Neil!" Saoirse laughed. "Yes, thank you. I would like that".
Neil pumped his fist in the air, hissing "Yesss!" and left the kitchen, returning quickly to poke his head round the door "Train station, 7 o'clock, keep it on the DL." he whispered.
As the train pulled into the station, Saoirse spotted Neil waiting behind the barrier. He was very well groomed, his curly ginger hair had a fresh cut and held in place with wax and his beard was neatly trimmed. He was dressed smartly in dark jeans, boots, a fitted shirt and a woolen jacket. She took a deep breath and felt a shiver through her body.
Neil watched her step off the train and walk along the platform towards him. Her sharp auburn bob was straightened and styled to the side with her fringe slightly covering her left eye. She was wearing black jeans that perfectly accentuated her figure, high heels, a silky top and a velvet blazer. He hummed to himself in appreciation.
"Good evening." said Saoirse with a coy smile. "You look good!!" she said, exaggeratedly.
Neil laughed "Thanks but I think you look better."
Saoirse pretended to curtsy.