Dylan rubbed her arm. “I get it. It hurts, right here.” He thumped his chest. “Jack was an asshole and I don’t like talking about him either. I wasted enough time dealing with his shit when he was alive, to say nothing about what I’m dealing with now that he’s gone. You wouldn’t believe what he’s making me do. But that’s not the point. The point is, I’m a good listener. Hit me up whenever you want.”

Joy looked at him with interest. “What’s he making you do?”

Dylan turned his head to look out the windshield.

A black pickup truck pulled into the lot. He glanced at his watch. “Right on time.”

Joy spotted the DESERT ADVENTURES decal on the truck’s door. “Should I be scared?”

“Not yet.” Dylan grinned playfully and got out of the car. Joy locked the doors and followed him across the parking lot. She repeatedly rubbed damp palms over her hips. She had no idea of what to expect.

Three men simultaneously exited the truck and Joy’s step faltered. They were tall, burly, and clothed as if ready for a day hike: blue DESERT ADVENTURES logo shirts, khaki shorts, and reflective shades. What had Dylan gotten them into? The driver approached Dylan and grasped his hand. “Been a long time, bro. How’s Chase?”

“He’s good. Working in London as we speak.”

“Tell him ‘hey’ for me.” The man looked at Joy and introduced himself. “I’m Griff.”

“Joy.” She shook his calloused hand.

“That’s Ben and Matt,” Griff said as the other two men came over and shook their hands. Joy glanced warily at Dylan, wondering what was going on that required three men to meet them at a bridge in the middle of nowhere.

Griff planted his hands on his hips. “You guys ready to jump the bridge?”

“What?” Joy exclaimed, her voice shrill. She looked at Dylan.

He held out his hands. “Surprise!”

Was he serious?

Joy’s gaze shot to the truck where Ben and Matt were unloading harnesses and a monstrous-size bungee cord.

“No. Not happening.” Joy waved her hands in front of her, backing away.

Dylan grasped her shoulders, making eye contact.

“You got this, Joy.”

“Are you kidding me? This is what you had in mind?” She looked at the bridge bracing the Colorado River that flowed five hundred feet below. Five. Hundred. Feet. The last time she’d plunged that depth she’d woken up without a sister. Joy freaked. She tried to shake off Dylan’s grip.

“Look at me,” Dylan said. He had to repeat the request before Joy did. He nodded slowly. “That’s it. Breathe.”

She was breathing. She sucked in big gulps of air.

“Slowly or you’ll pass out.” He kept a hard lock on her eyes. She couldn’t look away if she tried. “Breathe with me. Inhale. Exhale.”