Even when...

Ryder gives a shout as his own head goes into the cold water. "Aw, you little..." His eyes catch Katie's, and he blinks, keeping the water from stinging them. "You're one tough croc, I'll give you that."

He's just about ready to give up on the antics and straightens to turn around. But there's just not enough room. His leg is pressed up against the side of the tub and without warning, he loses his balance. "Aw, cr..." Falling, he pulls Katie right along with him.

Landing in a heap Ryder winds up on his back, half in, half out of the tub, with Katie right on top of him. The water is still coming full-blast, now the knobs completely out of reach.

Ignoring the cool temperature, Ryder's hand slowly makes it's way to the side of Katie's face. Both were totally drenched. He stares into her eyes for a moment, a slight smile lingering on his face. "Even when I feel like an idiot... and even when I apologize for it later... I just can't help it, Katie Pent."

His face moves closer, his eyes never leaving hers.


Con's own voice raises. "Maybe I'll trust you when you realize that I'm not out to selfishly keep Laura from any other man's love... when you realize that when I say you're not to see her it's because she wants it that way. You've got a lot to learn, Nate. You want to fly off the handle and then go running to her rescue, you go right ahead. And I guarantee you that Laura will not appreciate it right now and you'll only make things worse. If you don't believe me, go ahead and find out the hard way. But don't blame me when things fall apart because you didn't listen."

He doesn't flinch when Nate takes his anger out on the desk. Instead, he just continues to glare. Watching Nate head for the exit, he folds his arms across his chest. He would be leaving too, if he still didn't have to tell Reese what was going on.

"You realize if you let him go, you're letting him commit murder."

Only hearing a voice but not understanding the words, Con whirls around to see Gunner. "How long have you been standing here?" he growls.

"Long enough." Gunner shakes his head. "Cut the personal agenda and the he-man crap and get out there yourself before Nate kills somebody."

"I still need to tell Reese."

"I will."

Con hesitates, then spins on his heel, sprinting for the door. Hitting the outdoors again, he skids to a stop, shouting after Nate. "You hothead! Don't go out there on your own!"