The air between them seemed to stretch for a moment, but Olivia turned away before their sexual tension could rise again. She didn’t want to use Luke as a distraction from her upset over her car, and right now she couldn’t be sure that wasn’t part of his attraction.

Olivia’s apartment was warmly welcoming with a lot of light, modern wood furniture and soft, relaxing colors. He’d expected a lot more red, but apparently she kept that particular color confined to her wardrobe. Everything in her apartment was cream, beige, a muted orange like a sinking sun, and dark forest green. The building had a front desk but that wasn’t much security considering there wasn’t even anyone standing behind it when they arrived, so he could understand why Patrick had wanted someone to go home with her and why she hadn’t protested.

From what they could see, no one had been by, but she’d invited him in for a drink anyway. One which he’d happily accepted. Nick had been happy to walk Molly, so Luke didn’t need to rush and he took Olivia’s invitation as a really good sign. He’d gotten a couple of really good openings with her tonight and he didn’t intend to waste a single one.

Even though part of him still wished she’d been the one scening with him during class, if not scening with him had resulted in the rest of it then he couldn’t really complain. Whatever made her more comfortable.

He sat on the couch with the beer she’d gotten for him, trying to casually look around her room without appearing too nosy as she settled into the chair across from him. Too much to hope she’d sit on the couch next to him, he supposed. But she looked good against the soft, dark green fabric of her armchair; even relaxed despite the button down shirt and dress slacks she was wearing. Leaning against one arm, she took a long sip of the white wine she had poured for herself before focusing on him again.

“So.”

“So,” he responded, with a small smile. “Eventful night.”

The small laugh he received in return warmed him far more than the beer did. Here, more than anywhere, she was a little different. Not softer exactly, but less guarded. Less obviously commanding. Relaxed.

“I still can’t believe that fucker keyed my car.”