Fatal Descent by Beth Groundwater

the camp. It was riddled with caves about halfway up, a three-story climb. “You’ll get an awesome view of the river from those caves, so be sure to take your cameras.
    “For those who aren’t feeling so daring, Kendra will lead a short hike back into the canyon. You can take photos there of the wildflowers, the beautiful amphitheater formed by the cliff walls, and any wildlife you see. And, of course, you have the option of doing nothing and hanging out here. Rob and I will stay here to cook dinner. Now, who wants to go with Kendra?”
    Kendra stepped away from the group and held up her hand. As Mandy expected, Diana and Hal Anderson walked toward her. Their daughter Amy did, too, as did Tina Norton. That surprised Mandy, since both of Tina’s parents seemed to be opting for the more adventurous climb.
    “Don’t you want to hike with your daughter?” Elsa asked Paul Norton.
    He shook his head. “I’ve always wanted to try climbing. It’s one of the reasons I came on this trip.” When she frowned, he said quietly, “Let’s just try to get along.”
    That left eight clients with Cool and Gonzo. “Can you handle so many?” Mandy asked Cool.
    Cool began tossing helmets to the people in his group. “Sure, we’ll rig up two belay lines, with Gonzo in charge of one and me in charge of the other.”
    Elsa sidled over next to Cool, and with a sigh, Paul stepped toward Gonzo.
    After explaining how to fit their helmets to their heads, Cool addressed the climbing group. “This will be a short, easy ascent to those caves, to give your climbing muscles a first stretch. After some time for photo ops, we’ll rappel down. This will prepare you for more challenging climbs later.”
    “Just be sure you’re back before dark, so folks can organize their tents before dinner,” Mandy reminded him.
    He gave a quick nod. Then he looped a gear harness across his chest and over a shoulder that clanged with carabiners, removable anchors and other hardware. Next, he shouldered a large backpack stuffed with ropes, gloves, and belay harnesses. Gonzo did the same. After making sure everyone had a full water bottle, they headed for the boulder hill at the base of the cliff.
    In the meantime, Kendra had waited patiently until everyone in her group had dug out a camera and filled water bottles. Though she didn’t need to wear much sunscreen to protect her own black skin, she reminded the others to be sure to put some on. Once everyone was ready, with a nod to Rob and Mandy she led her group into the canyon.
    “Ah, alone at last.” Rob snaked an arm around Mandy’s waist. “Come here, mi querida. ”
    After a quick glance around to make sure they were alone, Mandy joined Rob in a kiss that deepened and lasted until she was reeling and wanting more.
    Rob pulled back and gazed into her eyes. “I needed that.”
    “Me, too, and I wish we could finish this in the tent.” Mandy gave his butt a squeeze before releasing her hug. “But we’ve got a lot of work to do.”
    With a finger to her lips, Rob said, “Save my place. We’ll pick this up again later.”
    He winked and headed for the gear pile. They both knew this was the way it would be for the rest of the trip. Quick snatches of alone time when they could find it. But as Mandy watched the muscles bunch in Rob’s sexy thighs while he hefted the camp stove, she smiled. She could always watch him—and anticipate the nights when those thighs would be next to hers.
    They worked companionably together, comparing observations on the clients while they set up the kitchen, handwashing station, three-stage dishwashing station and folding camp tables and chairs. Rob agreed with Mandy that Les Williams was proving to be an ass, but Rob thought he could handle him.
    “You’ve done a good job with him so far,” Mandy said. “I just wish the whole Anderson family would pitch in more.”
    “Hey, they’re on vacation,” Rob said with a shrug. “If they don’t want to pitch in,