But she couldn’t let Mark learn the truth of Judy’s death. Her parents didn’t know, and Joy wouldn’t risk the chance of them finding out. They’d never forgive her, and Joy would lose more than a sister. She’d lose her family.

Dylan stared at her for a moment, then said, “I don’t think this one counts.” He tapped the crossed-out fall in love bullet item. “Shouldn’t everything here happen on Route 66? That’s the purpose of a travel bucket list. You have to do it while on the trip.”

Joy pushed back her shoulders, bristling at the direction of their conversation. Why were they discussing her love life? Leaning across the table, she yanked the list from under his fingers. “Doesn’t matter. It’s not going to happen.”

She didn’t understand why Judy had added that item in the first place. She’d been in love with her boyfriend, Todd, and filled with dreams of marrying him when she wrote the list. And Joy already loved Mark. As far as she was concerned, she intended to keep that line item crossed off.

Dylan’s food arrived. The waitress asked Joy if she’d like dessert.

“No, thanks. Just my check, please.” She should get back on the road if she wanted to make it to Flagstaff by dinner. She’d promised Mark that she wouldn’t drive at night. He didn’t want her to be too tired or else she might fall asleep at the wheel. She’d also call him in the morning before she got on the road and again in the evening after she’d checked into her motel. It was part of their deal. She felt safer and he’d worry less.

Dylan bit into his burger and wiped ketchup off his chin. “So, I’m thinking . . . ,” he began, taking another bite. “We’re both heading east. I have to be in Flagstaff by nightfall. I have a gig. Can I hitch a ride?”

Joy had started shaking her head before Dylan finished his sentence. No. Absolutely not.

“I don’t know you.” Mark would freak if she picked up a stranger on the road. She wasn’t sure she was comfortable driving this guy. He might be crazy good looking, and she might be a smidge too attracted to him, but she’d be alone with him. What if he was a rapist or serial killer? She also didn’t want to put up with his intrusive and obnoxious attitude for the four-plus hours it would take to get there.

Besides, she didn’t drive with passengers unless she absolutely didn’t have a choice.

Dylan ate half his burger, watching her. Daring her, Joy surmised, given his open expression. His gaze dipped to the bucket list. She folded the paper and tucked the list into her purse, out of his sight.

“What if you could check something off that list?”