After a long week, all Olivia wanted was a quiet drink in the Rovers and after ordering her usual, she found a warm corner to tuck herself into. While she loved her friends, tonight she wanted a little bit of solitude.

However, this seemed impossible when a man occupied the seat beside her, bumping the table as he did so, and Olivia looked at the stranger with furrowed brows, though from the look in his eyes, almost crazed, her gut feeling was telling her to run.

"You are a fine-looking woman." He attempted to flirt, and in his drunken mind it probably seemed like a good ice breaker. But she had been nursing your drink for over an hour and after having her solitude broken by a drunken man who fancied his chances with her, his stare making her skin crawl, all she felt was disgust.

"Is that it?" Olivia asked, holding her head high.

"Feisty, eh?" He reached out to touch her hand and she recoiled, aggravating him. "What's your problem?"

"You are."

Olivia looked at Robert, surprised as she hadn't noticed anyone approach, but relieved to see a familiar face.

"Back off, I'm talking to her." He jabbed his finger in the brunette's direction and she bit the inside of her cheek anxiously.

Robert shook his head, "You've spoken to her. Now leave."

The man stood up and Olivia's eyes widened as the two men squared up to each other. Robert never wavered as the drunken man got in his face. "And what are you going to do if I don't?"

She noticed then that they had garnered the attention of everyone at the bar and stood up, gasping when the man tried to punch Robert who deflected it, twisting his arm and dragging him to the doors, which were held open by two of the locals as Robert tossed out the drunken stranger.

She exhaled shakily, unable to meet the stares of the bar. Robert approached the brunette, reaching out to touch her arm, but thinking better of it. "Are you alright?"

Olivia lifted her head, nodding. "Yes, um, thank you for -"

He shook his head, "No one deserves to be pawed by a bumbling idiot." He said, offering her a small smile. "Let me buy you another drink." He cast his eyes to the glass that had been knocked over during the scuffle and Olivia glanced over before meeting his gaze.

"No, no, I should be buying you a drink." She told him.

He chuckled, "You can buy the next round?" He suggested.

Olivia considered it for a moment. She had entered the bar seeking solitude but now, she couldn't think of anything worse. She nodded and Robert sent her a smile, picking up the glass before walking to the bar.

Gemma came over to clean down the table and Olivia thanked her, looking up at Robert when he arrived with their drinks.

"Was it any good?" He asked, taking a seat at the table.

Olivia picked up the book that she had dropped when she stood up during the confrontation, holding it out to him. "So far, so good. The last page however I don't think I took much in."

Robert read the title aloud before opening to the first chapter. Her lips were pulled upwards as he began to read. The two hadn't spoken often, only when she was in his bistro making an order. Olivia wasn't sure why he decided to join her tonight, perhaps out of pity, or because he could see she was still shaken up. Whatever the reason she was thankful as he spent the next two hours making her laugh.

They were saddened that they had to cut the night short, realizing the time, and agreeing that it was getting late. They left the Rovers, their conversation returning to the book Olivia was reading.

"To appreciate it you have to read it." She told him with a smile, buttoning up her jacket.

"Well maybe we can trade." He bargained.

She lifted her head when he reached out, meeting his gaze as he sorted the lapels on her jacket. Olivia held his gaze, taking in his features, finding comfort in the scent of his subtle scented cologne.

"I had a great time tonight." He told her. "Talking to you has been..."

"Great?" Olivia suggested when he trailed off, never finishing his thought as he held her gaze.

He nodded, "Yeah." He cleared his throat, "It's just, tonight must've been horrible for you. And I don't want you to think that I-"

Olivia knew where he was heading and cut him off, easing his worries. "My night started off badly. But the rest of it? Well, it was great. Thanks to you. And I could never think badly of you. And I feel the same way."

His shoulders relaxed and he sent the brunette a smile. "I'd love to take you out for dinner."

"When?" She mirrored his smile.

"Tomorrow?" He suggested.

She nodded, "Tomorrow. Six o'clock?"

Robert nodded, his hand rising to her cheek, and the brunette stepped closer, tilting her head up, closing her eyes when he kissed her. Olivia rested a hand on his arm as he deepened the kiss, his hand moving to the nape of her neck.

When they pulled away, he caressed her cheek, and she was excited for what tomorrow would bring.

"Tomorrow at six." He stated with a small smile.

"Tomorrow at six." Olivia returned the smile, closing her eyes when he kissed her cheek.

Robert sent her a smile before they parted ways. Olivia looked back over her shoulder, meeting his gaze. Her cheeks warmed, and she sent him a small wave which he returned.

They knew tomorrow night would be great.