How does John Steinbeck create tension in the fight scene in chapter 3

By chapter 3 Steinbeck has already established tension whenever Curley enters the picture. George has told Lennie to stay clear of Curley wh has a major case of small guy-complex. So when Curley walks into the cabin in a half arguement with Slim, we sense tension in the air. Curley is a bully who backs down from people who stand up to him. As he backtracks from Slim, we know he is going to want to save face and Lennie is an obvious target. Curley has accused Slim of eying his wife, a charge which Slim and the others laugh off. Lennie, who is still dreaming about the rabbits, also smiles, which leads Curley to confront him aggressively.