As usual, he was rewarded with the little flash of pleasure in her gray eyes when he called her ma’am. Her lips pursed in the way they often did when she was around him, although he was starting to realize it was an expression almost unique to his presence. One which meant she was trying to hide what she was really feeling—possibly a smile? Arousal? He couldn’t be entirely positive but he was pretty sure it was a good thing.

“All right,” she said, pushing through the door ahead of him, which meant he was able to let out his feelings of triumph with a wide grin she couldn’t see.

Lexie was behind the desk, already waiting with both of their coats and a smile on her face. She was wearing one of Patrick’s t-shirts as usual—while she was often completely naked in the club, in the lobby everyone was required to wear clothes. Just in case any unsuspecting vanillas accidentally wandered in.

“Here you go, have a good night,” Lexie chirped as she handed over their coats, her blue eyes sparkling with a kind of mischievous glee that had Olivia raising her eyebrow. Lexie didn’t say anything though, just smiled innocently. As soon as Olivia’s back was turned, she winked at Luke. Smothering a chuckle, he winked back. Having the support of Olivia’s friends definitely made him feel better about all of this. They wouldn’t be so outspoken if they thought Olivia and Luke were a bad idea, he was sure of it. He might not have known them for very long but it was pretty clear they were high on getting in each other’s business and low on tact.

If they thought it was a bad idea, he would have heard about it. From multiple sources.

Winning over the friends—check.

Now to continue his quest to win over his chosen lady. Stay on target.

The night air was a cold blast to Olivia’s face, making her feel more awake as she stepped outside, Luke right behind her. The sky was clear and cloudless, the moon shining brightly and adding extra light to Stronghold’s already well-lit parking lot. There were only three cars left, Luke’s, Patrick’s, and hers. Not her van, but the little red compact she usually drove.

“Nice night,” Luke said, coming up beside her, his hands shoved into the pockets of his large gray coat.

“Nice and cold,” she countered, smiling. Her own fluffy red coat was nice and warm, and fortunately it wasn’t a bitterly cold night yet, but she wouldn’t call it comfortable either.

“I like the cold. Gives people an excuse to snuggle up.” He eyed her flirtatiously and Olivia pressed her lips together, trying to hide her smile.