Page 5 of Matched with Her Runaway Groom

The guy pulls off his helmet and I’m pretty sure everything around me freezes. Those brown eyes and light brown hair cause my stomach to twist. My instincts were right about the mysterious figure. I pull off my helmet and aim for him, using my fingers to toggle the trigger.

Three orange paintballs hit him in the chest. His team starts yelling but I wait for him to glance up and see me before I turn around and walk out of there.

My brain is completely void of any words and I’m pretty sure my hands are shaking now. All I can think of is getting out of this suit and into my car. Kenzie runs up alongside me, the most surprised look I’ve ever seen on her face.

“Who? What? What was that?”

We make it into the small dressing/lobby area and I don’t say anything, focusing on staying calm and taking off the binding suit.

“I can’t believe you hit someone that close while his mask was off. Do you know him?”

“Oh yeah,” I say, not even turning to look at her. “He’s my ex-fiancé.”

CHAPTER2

Landon

Stunned doesn’t even describe what I’m feeling right now. I haven’t seen Rachelle in 356 days, and looking at my watch, about 14 hours. I know it’s ridiculous to know something that well, but she’s the one I’d planned to spend the rest of my life with. Things just didn’t turn out how they should’ve. And it’s all my fault.

My brain doesn’t focus on the conversation in the small room where we’re undressing. I can hear the tone of Savannah’s voice chattering up a storm near me, but my mind keeps playing the entire scene on loop.

That was not how I expected to see Rachelle again. She was never into anything extreme, but maybe I was too protective.

Believe me, I’ve planned out several scenarios, but being shot with a paintball gun at close range is not one of them.

I can still feel the sting of the paintballs hitting my chest, but at least I can finally breathe again. Not just from being hit but because of the shooter.

“Thanks for coming, guys. And thanks for defending me when, uh—”

“When the crazy lady shot you?” Ron asks, swiping at the sweat beading near his hairline.

“Yeah,” I say. “I’ve got to head out, but I’ll see you all tomorrow at the office. Drive safely.”

Not the best wrap-up for a bunch of real estate agents at a team bonding event, but my brain can’t concentrate at the moment.

I saw Rachelle. She was here. And she looks amazing. Ninety-five percent of me is grateful that she’s not still moping about our breakup, but there’s that five percent of ego that takes a hit.

But she deserves better than what I can give her.

I grab my keys and make my way out of the building.

“Landon, wait up!” I let out a soft groan. Savannah is the last person I want to talk to right now. “Do you think you can give me a ride home? My ride won’t make it until tonight, and I’d rather not be here all afternoon.”

I hesitate. I’m not in the best state to be driving someone home. My brain clicks into overdrive, searching for a valid reason to avoid company on the ride home. “I’m really sorry, Savannah. I promised my sister I’d fix something at her apartment and if I don’t get over there right now, my name is Mud.”

She blinks a few times. “Mud? Your name is Landon.” She smiles at me with bright white teeth.

The doors to the paint balling center open and out walk a few of the guys from the team. “You could ask Ron if he can give you a ride.” Without waiting for her to respond, I yell out, “Ron, can you give Savannah a ride home?”

The guy doesn’t smile often, but he’s ear to ear grinning at my suggestion. “Of course. I’m just parked over here.”

Savannah gives me a terrified look and says, “Okay, um, thanks.”

I’ve had my suspicions for a couple weeks, but this confirms Ron has a crush on her.

Savannah takes a few steps away and then stops to ask, “So, who was that girl?”

“What girl?” I say, unlocking my car.

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