“Does anyone want dessert?” I ask the two men. “Or another drink?”

“I’m stuffed,” Raylan says.

“Me too,” Dean says, less truthfully. He only ate half his chicken. I think he’s had enough of this strange date.

“I’ll get the check,” I say.

“I already paid it,” Raylan says.

“What? When?” I demand.

“I gave the waiter my card last time he came around.”

“You’re not supposed to buy my meals,” I inform him. “If anything, you should be getting reimbursed for yours.”

Raylan shrugs.

I know he was probably trying to avoid the awkwardness of Dean feeling obligated to pay for all three of us. But Dean seems more annoyed by this outcome, where Raylan has shown him up in foresight and chivalry.

“Let’s get going then,” Dean says brusquely. “Are you coming back to my place, Riona?”

That’s our usual routine, the one or two nights a week that we meet for a proper date. But I don’t really see how that’s going to work with Raylan tagging along after me everywhere I go. Is Raylan going to lurk in Dean’s living room, while Dean and I head upstairs to the bedroom to knock boots?

“I think I’d better not,” I say, with a glance toward the obvious impediment.

Dean gives a huff of frustration. “Of course,” he says. “I’m leaving then. I assume Raylan can help you call a cab.”

With surprising consideration, Raylan hangs back so I can have a little privacy walking out with Dean.

“How long is this going to go on?” Dean demands.

“I don’t know,” I say honestly.

“Is there something you’re not telling me?” he says. “What’s the reason for this? Because if he’s some old boyfriend, or—”

“Don’t be ridiculous,” I snap. “I was attacked last night.”

“You . . . what?” Dean’s expression changes from annoyance to alarm. “Why didn’t you tell me that?”

“I don’t want anyone making a fuss. Especially not you. But that’s why he’s following me around for now.”

“Are you alright?” Dean asks, more gently.

“I’m fine,” I say. “You’ll just have to be patient with a third wheel for a while.”

Dean sighs. “Alright,” he says, kissing me softly on the forehead. I really don’t like when he does that, but I tolerate it because I know this wasn’t the most pleasant evening for him.

“I’ll call you tomorrow,” I say.

“Please do.”

I watch him jump in his Porsche and speed off in the direction of his house up in Streeterville.

I can feel Raylan standing behind me, close but not so close that he’s towering over me.

“Back home, then?” he says.

“No.” I shake my head. “Let’s go meet up with my brother. I want to know what he’s found out about that diver. No offense, but I don’t want to make this a permanent arrangement.”

“Sure.” Raylan smiles. “I get it. I spoil the romantic ambiance. I bet Dean is a real charmer when it’s just the two of you.”