The bar was almost empty by the time I realized how late it had gotten.

Rain streaked the windows. The low yellow lights above the counter made everything look softer than it was. Most of the regulars had already left. Only a couple of people remained at the far end, and the bartender was busy restocking. I sat alone on a stool near the corner, nursing the last of my drink, legs crossed under the short black dress I had worn without thinking too much about it.

I felt him before I really saw him.

A presence settled onto the stool beside mine—close enough that his knee almost brushed my...