Page 36 of Matched with Her Runaway Groom

And there’s the electric current from when we dated. It’s like a magnet drawing me into him. I need to fight it, but I don’t want to.

“Do you need me to get you something? Ibuprofen or a drink?” His gaze is so earnest, I debate whether to allow him that much.

I smile, letting my gaze drift to his lips. “I should be–”

“Landon! I’ve been looking everywhere for you,” a high-pitched voice calls, reminding me a little of that woman Chandler dated onFriends. What was her name again? Janice?

I turn to find Savannah running toward him, her hair and makeup done like she’s ready for an awards show, only in a bikini instead of a formal gown.

When she jumps into his arms, I turn around, willing my insides to not react at all. Tiffany grabs my hand and tugs me past the pole and toward a couple of chairs.

“He’s not dating her,” Tiffany says, adjusting her sunglasses as she glances toward the sun.

I roll over on my chair to look at her. “What do you mean? Did you not see the way they fit together?” I pause, realizing how that sounds. “I mean, if I cared at all what he’s doing with his life now.”

Tiffany gives me a knowing smile. “Rachelle, if they’re together, I’ll buy you ice cream for the next six months. There’s no way.”

“I’m going to hold you to that.” Then I won’t have to worry about getting a sugar fix.

I let out a groan and lay back on my beach chair. There is too much comparison between me and Savannah happening in my brain, and I need to stop it.

“I’m just saying you can tell he’s uncomfortable around her because of how stiff he is.” She pauses a moment and I know she’s studying the scene before us. “See, he put her down nicely and then took a step back.”

“Well, if he’s not with her, why doesn’t he tell her that?” I growl, closing my eyes. I take a deep breath and hold it for a few seconds before blowing it out. A little more relaxed, I’m hoping to scrub out the memory of Landon’s hands around Savannah’s back.

But he’s not mine to claim, and I don’t want to. I shouldn’t even be jealous. But there’s no way around that right now.

It’s like telling myself I no longer eat cookies. Impossible.

* * *

After changing and grabbing lunch in the buffet section, we head out to the go-karts. No matter what I do, I can’t get the image of Landon catching Savannah out of my brain. I’d seen that brief glimmer of the way we used to be at the top of the slide, and now I have to put that out of my mind forever. He’s moved on and so should I.

Savannah doesn’t seem like his type, but then again, I’m not his wife either. People change in a few months, let alone a year, so maybe I don’t know him like I thought.

“Hello, ladies. Are you here to race?” A guy in a shirt one size too small says from behind the counter. It takes some work, but I’m able to keep from laughing, turning around to cover up my smirk when he glances down at his paperwork. He’s the epitome of what my sister would call a beefcake. I bet the size of his legs are toothpicks compared to his veiny arms. Yuck.

“Okay, come through here and watch this short instructional video. We’ll get the papers signed after.” He motions us through to a small room where several folding chairs are set up.

We’re seated in front of a small screen on the opposite wall, and the lights dim. For a few seconds, it’s pitch black and my eyes take time to adjust. Then the screen comes on, a blinding sun making my eyes water a bit.

“Oh, I was hoping we’d run into you at some point, Rachelle,” a female voice says from behind me.

I turn to see Isabella and Roman sitting in the plastic chairs behind us.

“It’s good to see you again,” I say, giving her a soft smile. It seems I can’t get away from Landon or the people who remind me of him.

“Are you excited about driving the go-karts? I can’t wait,” she says, elbowing her husband.

I nod and gesture next to me and say, “This is Tiffany, my cousin. Tiffany, this is Roman and Isabella. I met them at dinner last night.”

“Oh, when I bailed? Oh, it’s so nice to meet you. Thanks for taking care of my cousin. What brings you two here?”

Roman smiles at Isabella and says, “We’re here for our company retreat. Rachelle knows one of our employees. Landon Higgins.”

The delight on Tiffany’s face is legendary. “Yes, we definitely know him. I have to say I’m glad you all came on this cruise. Maybe the two of them will finally work things out.”

I lean over and pinch Tiffany on the thigh. She jumps and glares before it turns into a grin.

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