Page 68 of Matched with Her Runaway Groom

“Hey, I haven’t seen you in a while,” Roman says from behind me. He walks over and takes one look at me before sitting down. “What happened?”

“Oh, you know. Just wanted to see some movies.”

“Have you been here for more than one?”

I wince, shifting in my seat. I’m just now realizing that my lower legs are numb from sitting for one movie this morning already. “Maybe.”

“Did something happen with Rachelle?”

“Yes, I mean no. She’s amazing. I’m an idiot.”

Roman turns a bit and sits in silence, waiting for me to expound on that, I guess.

“There are so many things I regret, like even listening to her sister about our relationship and then botching the breakup by leaving a note.”

Roman cringes next to me. “A note?”

I sigh. “Yes, believe me, I’ve replayed that a million and a half times wishing I could go back and do things differently. But we’re here, together, on a cruise.”

“Okay? Is that significant?”

Thank goodness for Roman’s patience because I’m struggling to get this all out.

“I was planning to take her on her first cruise for our honeymoon.”

Roman nods. “Okay, got it. So you two being here together is pretty important. And there are mutual feelings happening?” He moves his hands back and forth to emphasize the question and I have to hold in a laugh. The CEO of the Hamilton Group is not a small man, but he almost looks like he’s entertaining a child.

“Yeah, I think so. We kissed on the first island. Then we went on the tour together and enjoyed the day.”

“I’m sensing a but in there.”

I blow out a breath before relating the part about Savannah calling me away and then searching to find Rachelle at the skydiving simulator.

“So Rachelle is afraid of heights and she went on that deathtrap simulator,” he says, not looking too excited about it. “Explain to me why you’re here instead of looking for her?”

“Because she doesn’t need me. I’m not her safe place anymore. I mean, what qualities do I have to keep her around?” I hear the self-pity, but I need a few more minutes before I can work myself out of it.

Roman’s hand slaps against my shoulder and I do my best to not react to the sting of it. “Landon Higgins, do you think I would’ve asked you on this cruise if I didn’t think you have the potential to one day become a partner of this firm? Well, I might not have thought all that the day I invited you, but everything I’ve learned about you in our meetings and from your sister and ex-fiancé, I think you’d both be lucky to have each other.”

I shake my head. “I’m not so sure. I mean, Rachelle has all the makings of an amazing, influential woman. She can do anything, build a business from something she loves or travel the world to influence change. Sometimes I wonder if I’m still just the kid whose dad died and is trying to keep everyone together while it tears me apart.” I pause, getting control of the emotions surging in my throat. “I’m sorry, you probably didn’t want to hear about my personal problems this morning.”

Roman chuckles, and it echoes around the theater. “Landon, you’d be surprised that listening to people about non-work things, within reason of course, can actually help someone be a better employee. They trust more and know that you care.” He lifts his hand to his head and points. “Something to remember when you’re running your own branch of the Hamilton Group.”

I blow out a deep breath, trying to picture myself in that role. “I’m not sure I’d be able to handle that much pressure.”

“Not to discount your abilities, because I promise, I believe in you, but there is power in having a strong woman at your side. There are days in this business where you’ll feel like everything is falling apart and holding in the frustration only gets you so far. Having someone who’s willing to work through the hard times with you is someone to keep. Remember that.”

The doors open and several people walk in as the next movie cues up.

Rachelle is someone who could probably shoulder some of that burden now.

But would she want to? And how can I show her how much she means to me without scaring her away?

“Thanks, Roman. That really means a lot.”

Roman nods and claps his hands, facing the movie screen. “I can’t wait for this movie.”

“Where’s Isabella?” I ask.

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