Page 6 of Matched with Her Runaway Groom

“Really, Landon? The one who shot you point-blank in the chest. Is she an ex-girlfriend or something?”

“Or something,” I say, waving to her as I slip inside my vehicle. I lock the doors and turn the key in the ignition. It’s then that I pause for a few seconds, reliving the entire scene over again. The games had been fun, and it was something different than a typical team outing, which our team needs to help the varying personalities mesh. But all I can think about is a woman with long brown hair raising her gun to shoot me.

I glance around the parking lot, wondering if Rachelle is still here. I don’t recognize any of the cars, but she could’ve bought a new one.

I’m on autopilot as I drive down the road and on my way to where I’ve been staying since I got back to Boston. My younger sister, Dani, had a spot open when her roommate transferred to another university out of state. It’s not much, but it works until I can figure out the next steps.

And now I’m not sure what to do with Rachelle. I’ve always hoped I’d be able to correct the mess of our past. Which I made. Now that I’ve seen her, and been shot by several paint balls, my hope isn’t as bright.

I walk in the door and am accosted with both the smell of pasta and the proximity of my sister.

“What are you doing home so late? I thought you were going to be here an hour ago.”

I glance over at the clock. There had been little traffic on the way home, but it took me nearly ninety minutes to get back.

“There were some, uh, surprises at paint balling.”

Dani frowns, jutting her hip out and giving me the look our mother gives us when she waits to be answered.

“What surprises? You took your crazy team of agents paint balling. That’s a given.”

I have to laugh at that. My sister has never had a filter around me. And I shouldn’t agree with her, but we are an odd team overall.

Ron is a round guy with thinning hair, Angela is a mousy woman who I do not want to cross. Ever.

Then there are the Hempson twins and even after two months of being their team lead, I have a hard time telling them apart. Add in Savannah and we’re set for a reality television show. Not about the real estate we sell, but about everyday interactions.

“True, my team isn’t the most athletic, but we still won. Against Rachelle’s team.”

Dani freezes on her way back to the kitchen. She does quick spin in my direction and I flinch back, as though she’s going to high-kick me or something. She’s been trying out a kick-boxing class lately, so I never know if I’m going to be assaulted if I make her mad.

She walks within inches of me, her gaze bouncing back and forth between each of my eyes. I don’t know what she’s looking for, but I’ve got nothing to hide at the moment.

“You saw Rachelle. At paint balling?”

I shrug. “I know. I was so shocked I didn’t even say anything.”

“What did she do?” Dani’s eyes are dancing, like she’s truly enjoying this turn of events.

“She might have pelted me with a few paint balls while only a couple feet away.”

“That’s my girl!” Dani says, spinning and stalking into the kitchen.

“What do you mean? You’re my sister. Aren’t you supposed to be on my side?” I follow, leaning up against the countertop as I watch her stir the white sauce.

She shakes her head and rolls her eyes at me. “When it comes to Rachelle Stewart, I will always silently be cheering her on.” I open my mouth to say something when she raises a finger. “No, don’t tell me that’s unfair. That girl is the most amazing thing that’s ever happened to you and you just gave it all up, telling no one why. Not even me, your most favorite and best-looking sister. So while I will support you in every other aspect of your life, I’m not behind your breakup, at least not without a good reason.”

I run a hand through my hair, trying to figure out which direction to go with this. “I realized how little I can give her.”

“Since when did that bother you? You bought a ring and proposed. You had to have thought all that through.” Dani’s back to her assertive self and I sigh, not in the mood to continue this conversation. “Why were you so bugged I didn't come home earlier?”

Dani looks as though she’s a wax sculpture, not moving except for her chest to take in brief spurts of air. “So, there’s this guy who I think is stalking me.”

“What do you mean? Is he creepy? Do I need to hunt him down?”

Dani laughs. “Whoa on the questions, man. No, it’s not that bad. It’s just, I’m having a hard time telling him I’m not in a place to be in a relationship. Clay and I broke up a few months ago and—”

“And that’s one guy I’m glad is gone from your life,” I say, cutting her off. I point in her direction as if that will strengthen my case.

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