Ryan was determined to make the most of the evening. He wanted Felix to remember him after she rode into the arms of her former lover. He knew she wasn't interested in rekindling that toxic relationship, but it didn't make the idea easier to stomach. He also couldn't shake off his worries about Felix getting in over her head. He really wanted to keep her around. Donovan's motives for taking out Jenny still weren't clear, but now that she was no longer an option, Ryan knew Felix was the backup. Donovan needed her alive, which offered Ryan's tortured mind some relief.

"So, what's on the agenda before I take Precious out for an evening stroll?" Felix's voice reminded him they were walking, approaching his neighborhood. Damn. He had wasted five minutes bouncing around inside his own head. Ryan stopped Felix in front of 'Rush Hour Diner' across the street from his building.

"How do you feel about pie? This place serves the best pies."

"I'm partial to pie." She gave him a knowing smile, like she had been expecting him to buy her a slice of pie.

They entered the restaurant and Thelma waved at him as she spoke to a customer. He gestured to the farthest corner and she nodded. Once seating had been arranged, Ryan walked Felix to their table.

"Thelma has been serving pie to the fine residents of Chicago for seventeen years," he told Felix. "She tells it like it is, and she's one of the few people I trust in this neighborhood."

"Hi, Sugar," Thelma said as she sashayed over. "I haven't seen you in a couple of weeks, Ryan. I hope you haven't replaced us with another diner." She didn't give Ryan a chance to answer before she greeted Felix with a smile. "Unless you've replaced us with this lovely lady. In which case, I approve. Hi, Sugar. I'm Thelma."

"Hi, Thelma. I'm Felix. Ryan tells me your waitressing skills are legendary."

Thelma pressed her hand to her chest. "Oh, Ryan. I do like this girl." She handed them each a menu before turning to wave at another customer coming in the door. "All right, you lovebirds, can I get you something to drink to start your date. This is a date, isn't it? You two haven't taken your eyes off each other since you walked in."

Ryan watched a grin bloom on Felix's face, and he reached over to take her hand. "Yes, it's our first date, and I'd like coffee. Not my usual decaf. I have a feeling it's going to be a long night."

Thelma smacked his shoulder playfully. "You little devil. And what can I get you, Felix?"

"The same."

"You got it." Thelma winked at her before sauntering away.

"I like her," Felix said as she opened her menu. "I hope they have cherry pie. That's my favorite."

"I'm sure they do. They tend to rotate them, but cherry is almost always available."

"What are you going to order?"

"I usually go with a cream pie. They're featuring a key lime today, so that's what I'll get."

Felix closed her menu and turned to stare at him. "I'm glad you brought me here. I thought we were going straight back to your place to... Well, I had a few ideas, but none of them were pie."

Ryan grinned, wishing he didn't have to hold back the not-so-subtle pie reference he wanted to make, but their conversations were no longer private now that Felix was bugged. "How do you know this wasn't what I wanted to do? Who doesn't like pie?"

Felix kissed him, and when she started to pull away, he slipped his hand behind her head, extending the pleasure. He loved kissing her mouth, and he imagined tasting other parts of her as he took liberties with his tongue. Excalibur was in danger of blowing his cover when Thelma returned with their coffees.

"Okay, you two. Wait until you get home," she said. "You're going to steam up the windows. Have you decided what you want to eat?"

"Yes. I'll have a slice of key lime pie, and Felix wants cherry." Ryan looked at Felix as he spoke. She had the most beautiful eyes. "Would you like ice cream with your pie?"

Felix offered him a crooked smile. "Ice cream with cherries sounds delicious."

Thelma chuckled. "I'll get those right out to you. I can tell you're anxious to take your date to a more private venue."

The clock on Ryan's phone said ten PM when they walked into his building. Not enough time to do what he really wanted to do before Felix got on the road, but he damn sure wasn't going to waste any of it. Just his luck, deadbeat Dave from 3B had the stairs blocked, and Ryan scowled when Dave gave Felix's body a long once-over.

"So, this is the friend you were visiting?" Dave said to Felix as he shoved a few bills into his pocket, no doubt heading to Grundoon's.

"Have you two met?" Ryan asked. Felix looked annoyed.

"I saw this pretty lady in the laundry room," Dave said. "We compared tattoos. Why don't you two join me at Grundoon's? I'm heading there after I stop for cigarettes."

"Thanks for the offer, Dave, but she and I already have an engagement." Ryan gestured to the stairs Dave was blocking, waiting impatiently for the guy to get a clue, and when Dave finally stepped out of the way, Ryan hauled Felix up.

Dave gave a throaty chuckle behind them. "Enjoy your engagement."

When they reached Ryan's door, Felix pulled her hand out of his grip. "Damn, Ryan. You nearly crushed my fingers dragging me up the stairs."

"Sorry about that. Dave is a douche, and I didn't like the way he was looking at you."

"Yeah, he did the same thing when I ran into him in the laundry room, but I'm not helpless. I was prepared to wipe the obscene smile off his face."

"I don't think you're helpless, Felix."

Ryan opened the door, leaving his comment at that. He had experienced her strength first hand, but he knew she wouldn't want to be reminded of it. He checked the time on his phone, cursing deadbeat Dave for sucking up precious time. Then his phone rang in his hands, causing him to curse again.

"It's my mom," he said as he read 'Mom' on the screen. "She's probably calling to check on you."

Felix gestured for him to answer as she headed to the bathroom.

"Hi, Mom."

"Hey, sweetie. How's Felix? Is she out of trouble?"

"She's fine. And I'm good, too. Thanks for asking."

"Don't be so flippant, Ryan. You know I wasn't just calling to check on Felix, but I have been wondering if she's still there with you."

"Yes, she's still here." Ryan felt his stomach cramp around the key lime pie as he sat heavily on the couch.

"So, it's serious, then? You like her?"

"Yes, I like her."

"Oh, I'm so glad. I was starting to get worried. You're going on twenty-five and I haven't met a single girl who stayed past the first 'Hello, Ryan's mom. It's nice to meet you'."

"Did you call to tell me what a crappy son I am for not giving you grandkids yet?"

"Of course, not. I just want you to be happy, and I think Felix will make you happy. I already know what a nice girl she is, and she comes from a good family. We need to invite them all over for dinner. See if you can arrange that."

Ryan glanced at Felix as she took a seat next to him. Her face looked pale, making his stomach seize up again. "Okay, I'll try to arrange something. I don't have time to talk right now, but I'll call you tomorrow."

"Sounds good. Have a nice night, sweetie."

"You too. Bye, Mom."

Ryan set his phone on the coffee table, devoting his attention to Felix. "What's wrong, Felix. Are you worried about this meetup?"

Felix started to bite her lip then stopped herself. "Yes, but it's more than that. I've been dying to talk to my mom. I miss her so much... and I might never see her again after..." Moisture gathered in her eyes, and she lifted the collar of her shirt to dry them.

Ryan picked up his phone. "Here, call your mom. There's no risk using my phone."

"Thanks, Ryan, but I have a phone I use to call my family. I just don't do it very often. They ask too many questions I can't answer without lying."

Ryan offered a sober nod. "I understand. Why don't you make an exception tonight? It might make you feel better."

Felix sighed as she pushed up from the couch and walked to his bedroom, returning with another phone. "I won't talk long. I know you had plans for us before I leave."

"Take all the time you need."

"You've really gone above and beyond the call of duty for me. I owe you, big time."

Felix planted a soft kiss on his mouth before walking toward the window. As Ryan watched her take refuge behind the curtain, all he could think about was how much he owed her.