The silence between them shattered when Arthur’s phone buzzed. He glanced down—and froze. Ashley’s name lit up the screen. Damn, he’d completely forgotten to check in with her. Perfect. Now what the hell was he supposed to say?

“Where are you? I’ll come over right now!” Ashley’s voice shot through the line, making Arthur’s heart lurch for the second time that night.

Arthur flicked his eyes toward Valerie, silently begging for backup. But all he got was her wide-eyed ...