Page 40 of Vacation Friends

Josh took one of his hands off the wheel and unbuckled his seatbelt.

Maddie gaped at him. What was he doing? He needed both hands on the wheel right now.

“Jump!” he yelled.

The next instant, he launched himself out of the side-by-side and landed with a roll on the side of the trail.

As soon as he did, the vehicle barreled toward the cliff at a frightening speed . . . Maddie still inside.

CHAPTER

SIXTEEN

Panic raced through Maddie.

The UTV bumped down the mountain out of control. If it continued in this direction, it would plunge off the cliff within seconds—taking Maddie with it.

How could Josh have jumped out and left her? Hadn’t the guide said always stay in your vehicle?

Now she was here on the passenger side. Unable to reach any of the pedals. Barely able to reach the steering wheel.

Maddie grabbed the wheel and tugged it, barely managing to veer the vehicle back onto the path.

The rest of the group—including Josh—stood at the bottom of the hill, watching with wide eyes and ready to dive out of the way—whenever they figured out which direction that would be.

Their guide yelled something, but Maddie couldn’t make out his words.

She only hoped that everyone moved before she crashed into them.

Unless she rammed into a tree first.

Or went off the cliff.

None of the possibilities seemed good.

Someone began sprinting up the trail toward her.

Brody.

No . . . what if she hit him?

She gestured wildly for him to get out of the way.

But that didn’t slow him down.

He reached her, let the side-by-side pass, and then jumped onto the back.

A moment later, looking like a stunt driver, he climbed through the top and lowered himself into the driver’s seat.

Just as the vehicle began to edge toward the cliff again, Brody slammed on the brakes.

With a lurch, they came to a dead stop.

Red dust flew around them as Maddie’s heart pounded out of control.

Was she really safe? Had Brody just saved her?

Shock consumed her until nothing made sense.

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