In a romantic context, this usually refers to "playing footsie" or subtle physical contact under a table. It is a classic trope used to build sexual tension in a public or semi-public setting where the characters must remain composed while secretly interacting.
This implies the broader narrative structure. These stories typically focus on: leg sex tease
If you are looking for stories that feature this specific atmosphere, they often fall under these categories: In a romantic context, this usually refers to
A heavy emphasis on what is unsaid or under the surface . In a romantic context
Where a moment of physical contact creates a shift in the characters' perception of one another.