store for him, and I can see how much that’s getting to him. His back is stiff, he’s jittery, and doesn’t seem to be able to hold a conversation as I drive. He likes to be in control of everything. Today isn’t just about giving him a glimpse of my childhood—it’s also about getting him to relinquish some of that control he feels he always needs to have. I have to admit, though, the boating trip last night was nice.
Everything about last night was nice. Conversation flowed easily between the two of us. I felt like we made a real connection and I was surprised to see the real him. I’d always thought the side of him I saw at work was the real him, but last night showed me that wasn’t the case. I saw past his control issues, insecurities, and cocky exterior. I saw his life through his eyes. I saw what made him the way he is—the way he thinks he has to be. I saw past all of that and saw a good man with a kind heart . . . he just needs to be coaxed out a bit.
The weather last night was beautiful. It was a cloudless night with a sky full of stars and a big, bright moon. There was a soft breeze, but not enough to make you cold—just enough to keep you cool. The water was smooth, allowing for an easy drift. And then there was Matthew in a relaxed mood. When his arms enveloped me and he pulled me against his chest as we danced, it was like he sucked the air from my lungs. I was left breathless. When our eyes locked, my heart skipped a beat and my whole body flooded with need. I’m sure it showed in my eyes, and I’m thankful he didn’t notice.
But now, here we are on our way to a blast from my past. We make the drive out of the city to Rowdy Ronnie’s Extreme Sports. The sign is big, with the letters written in white and covered with paintball splotches.
He looks over at me, confused. “This is where we’re going?”
“Mm-hmm, they have the best course for paintball,” I say, parking the car.
“Paintball? We’re shooting each other with paintball guns?” I’m not sure if he’s upset by this or excited.
“That’s right. I used to spend every weekend here. I’m a bit of a local legend.” I flash him a smile.
He laughs but doesn’t seem to believe me—that is, until we walk in and the owner, Ronnie, greets me with open arms. “Ah, the prodigal daughter returns!” He pulls me in for a hug and I can’t help but laugh.
I pull back. “Ronnie, this is Matthew.”
“Matt,” he corrects, shaking his hand.
“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Matt. You must be special to this one here if she’s bringing you around. She’s never brought anyone here.”
I roll my eyes. “That’s because I knew if I brought any of my boyfriends here and kicked their ass at paintball, they’d break up with me. This has always been my little secret. The only people who know I come here are the ones who already come here.”
Ronnie looks down at me proudly. “Well, you’ll have your work cut out for you today. There’s a new gang running the ship.”
I look up, all playfulness now gone. “Who are they?” I rush around the counter to view the monitors.
“Oh, they’re harmless. They’re just a group of high school boys, but they’ve been battling it out with everyone else in the hope of replacing your picture on the wall. I hope you’ve been practicing.”
I snort as I examine the screens. “I don’t need practice. I’m naturally talented. Let’s get going, Matthew. We have a war to win,” I tell him, grabbing the things Ronnie lets me keep under the counter. I grab my gun and start loading it full of paintballs. Next, I wrap my bandana around my head, making sure I keep my hair out of my face so it won’t distract me. I pull my goggles over my eyes and look at Matthew, who’s still standing there, looking at me with a dumb expression, like he has no idea what world he’s stepped into.
He’s smirking a bit—like he can’t believe what he’s seeing. “Are you serious?” he asks as Ronnie starts handing him gear.
“Like a heart attack. I can’t let those kids take my title. I’m the queen around here.”
He pulls his goggles over his eyes. “You know,