Kate greets Oliver in the balcony

On a whim, Kate decided to venture out onto her own balcony. The night air wrapped around her like a silk shawl, its coolness a gentle embrace against her skin. The serenity of the night was punctuated only by the soft rustling of leaves and the distant hum of the city.

As she strolled into view, her voice flowed casually like a meandering stream. "Warm night?" she inquired, her words soft and inviting.

Oliver pivoted toward her, his eyes carrying a subtle appreciation for her presence. "Yeah," he replied, a hint of intrigue in his voice. "Back in London, it's freezing cold, but here it's perfect." His eyes, she noted, left little to the imagination, tracing a subtle path over her form, acknowledging the nightgown that draped her figure. It was a silent dance of appreciation that Kate found herself strangely unopposed to.

In the subdued glow, she noted his physique. The dim lighting couldn't conceal the contours of his chiseled body, nor the tattoo on his upper chest, an enigmatic symbol that piqued her curiosity.

"Want a smoke?" he offered.

"Sure, why not," she accepted, catching the tossed pack of cigarettes and the lighter with ease. The soft glow of the flame revealed a hint of anticipation in Oliver's eyes, mirrored in her own. She inhaled deeply, savoring the mingling flavors of tobacco and conversation. "This is nice."

"The view is amazing," he offered, "I love how quiet it is." Oliver, his gaze shifting momentarily, confided in her. "I guess it's because I'm just starting to settle in. Well, the only thing is that I find myself missing my family. I've never lived anywhere else. So, I haven't really made any friends yet."

Kate sympathized with his predicament. "That's a shame," she replied, her words laden with empathy. "But I guess you'll have more time to meet people once you start working. It takes a while to get used to a new city."

Their conversation flowed effortlessly, like a river finding its course. They discussed politics, music, movies, and the occasional foray into sports. Oliver, it turned out, was not just attractive but also a genuinely engaging conversationalist. Kate felt a sense of comfort in his presence, a burgeoning connection that intrigued her.

Kate's cigarette dwindled to its final embers, and with a languid gesture, she cast away the remnant. Rising from her perch, she acknowledged the hour. "Hey, thanks for letting me hang out here for a bit. I have to head back to bed now."

Oliver, a flicker of regret in his eyes, responded with a parting wish. "No problem. I hope you have a great sleep."