Ryder heard his phone ringing, hurriedly shut off the shower, and grabbed a towel, water still streaking down his shoulders as he lunged for the counter.

“Hello?” he answered, voice rough, not checking the caller ID.

“Ryder?”

Her voice. His pulse jumped. “Isobel,” he breathed, almost a prayer. “How are you? Did you have a good time with Rose?”

“Always,” she said lightly, though he could hear the tired smile under it.

“What are you up to?” she asked.

“I worked a few ...