There was nothing professional about the way he looked at her then. Nothing awkward either and certainly far more than familiar. She had never seen Karl look at her like that before, part anticipation and part appreciation and part something else she didn't dare name.
...and then he said good night and turned away, like that, like nothing. Alyssa stared at his back for a moment, a cross between a glare and reluctant admiration. She clicked the lights off.
Out of sight, out of mind.. If only. "Good night," she said when she was sure her voice wouldn't sound as hollow as the words felt. Moving deftly through the dark, Alyssa navigated her way back to her bed. It was still warm where Karl had lain on it, and she rolled her eyes and stifled a groan of frustration.