Rinoa caught the shoulder glance but misunderstood its origin. Which was surprising, considering that she half-expected Squall to show up, too.

This would be why she hadn't told him. To minimize the chances of that.

She glanced around the stairwell herself and frowned. "Not all that romantic," she decided. "My manly charms suggest we find a bit more atmosphere."

Yes. Manly charms were totally fueled by romance.