Page 56 of Side Trip

He laughed. “See? Interesting career choice for someone who doesn’t seem passionate about the product.”

“I won’t be working just with lipsticks.” Her objection sounded like a pout. She slumped beside him and Dylan sensed fun Joy fading. Not yet ready to lose that Joy, he asked, “What’s left on your bucket list?”

Joy pulled out the list and read off the remaining items. “Do something spontaneous, do something daring, sleep under the stars, and dance in the rain.”

Dylan peered at the sky. “Doubtful you can do that one anytime soon.” The sun was getting low, but the sky was crystal blue.

“True,” she agreed. “But I’m checking off a different one as soon as that family leaves.” She pointed across the beach area.

Dylan glanced over his shoulder at a family of five. They were the last kids left at the swimming hole, and the parents were packing up their picnic. A few other couples, including Joy and him, remained.

He looked at the list in Joy’s hand. “Which one are you going to do?” He had no clue.

“You’ll see.”

She intently watched the parents fold their beach chairs and lead their kids away. Then she folded the list with trembling hands and returned it to her purse. Nervous energy rolled off her.

“Joy ... What are you doing?”

“I told you. You’ll see.” She bolted into the water.

What the hell was she up to?

Dylan stood, hand raised against the glare of the setting sun.

She’d better not do something stupid like climb up the side of the waterfall and jump. Even he wasn’t that insane, and she’d already checked offdo something dangerous.

Before he could figure out what she was up to, her bikini bottom landed at his feet with a splat.What the—?

Her bikini top followed. Splat.

Dylan looked up, slack-jawed. Joy waved from the center of the swimming hole, naked, albeit underwater, but totally butt-ass naked. And he wasn’t the only one who noticed. Two guys off to his right had seen Joy toss her suit at him. They catcalled.

“Want some company?”

Dylan saw red. “Stay the fuck out of the water,” he yelled at them. “Joy, what the hell do you think you’re doing?”

“Something daring!”

No shit. Damn her. Why skinny-dipping? Why not something a ton less provocative and a hell of a lot safer? She could have totally rocked a handstand in the middle of Route 66.

“Get out of the water. No, wait. Don’t move.” He rubbed his face with both hands. He didn’t like the idea of her naked with SpongeBob and Patrick nearby. He didn’t trust them. Obviously she hadn’t thought this through.

He let his arms fall. “Okay, you’ve had your fun.”

“Toss me my suit.”

And risk exposing her boobs when she tried to catch it? Not a chance in hell.

Dylan picked up her suit and waded into the water.

Joy’s eyes bugged out. She crossed her arms over her chest. “What are you doing?” she squeaked.

Something daring.“Bringing you your suit.” Obviously, he wasn’t thinking any straighter than Joy.

“Stay right there,” she ordered when he came within arm’s reach.

He held out her suit, letting it dangle from his index finger. “You didn’t put much thought into this, did you?”

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