Love or Lust (LOL): Part 1

Day 12

If I thought havingJace as a partner was going to be the highlight of my week, I obviously didn’t think about the fact that we get to face off at paintball on the day I’m paired with Lennon.

Not to mention, it feels like the teams are a little mismatched today except for Jace and Teegan. Still, I’m pumped to strap on my protective gear and start shooting people.

That sounds bad.

That’s okay. I mean it.

I’m not holding back. This is one activity where you don’t have to be athletic. It’s more about strategy and timing. And for only the second time since arriving, we’re leaving the ranch. Not that we’re going far, but it’s still a freeing feeling.

The ride to the outdoor complex is quiet. Everyone’s pissed at Gage. Kyra hasn’t spoken to anyone since she bolted yesterday aside from Callen. He was able to calm her down and get her to see it was Gage’s fault and not hers.

It doesn’t make me any less angry with him, but I have a way to combat that tomorrow when I’m partnered up with him. If he wants to be pissed, I’ll give him something to be pissed about. You don’t fuck with my friends. There’s no reason to be an asshole, and he’s about to find out just how much of an asshole I can be.

Karma and all.

“Your excitement is scaring me a little,” Lennon says as he helps me adjust my arm pads.

We’re decked out head to toe. Helmet with a face guard. Vest, arm and leg pads. It’s not as easy to move around in, but I’d rather be slow than hurting tomorrow.

“I may be excited to aim low on someone special,” I retort, my murderous glare falling on Gage.

“Thank God you’re my partner today. Not that I wasn’t already excited but, seeing the way you’re determined to take him out, I’d rather not be someone you’re aiming your gun at.”

“Take no prisoners,” I state with a devious smile on my face as I look back toward him.

“We’re going to win this, aren’t we?”

“You bet your ass. I’m a pretty good shot but, more than anything, I want to win and rub it in his face. Especially since he’s my partner tomorrow.“

Lennon lets out a sigh as he kneels and checks the pads strapped to my legs. I watch in fascination as he pulls the Velcro, tightens it, and secures it again. He moves to the other leg and repeats the process, never looking up at me as he says, “Are you enjoying the show?”

Rolling my eyes, I look away, catching sight of Jace and Teegan walking our way.

“You remember I’m not the enemy, right?” Jace asks.

“Today you are.” I wink at him, earning me an eye roll from Teegan.

“Just make sure you know who you’re shooting at before you take the shot. I’d hate for you to mistake me for Gage.”

“No promises,” I remark as Teegan begins dragging him away, scolding him for flirting with the enemy.

“Ready to take them out one by one?” I ask Lennon as he stands to his full height in front of me, causing me to have to lift my chin so I can see his eyes.

“What’s the game plan?” He sounds as excited as I feel.

Pulling him farther away from the rest of the teams, I take out the map we were given and explain my idea to him. After going back and forth on a few things, we have a solid plan in place to take out the first two teams and alternative plans to move on from there, hopefully taking out two more. We won’t be able to take everyone out, so I’m hoping the other teams can eliminate at least one group.

Plus, it wouldn’t be fair to have all the fun.

“It’s time to get started,” Ed announces. He hadn’t ridden in the van with us, so I wasn’t even aware he was going to be here. Not that I’m surprised he is. “If you’re not familiar with paintball, let me give you the short version. If you’re shot, you’re out. Each of you has a different color paint. We’ll be able to tell who eliminated you. Once you are eliminated, you need to leave the course. Although you are on teams, this is an individual game when it comes to elimination. Just because you’re out doesn’t mean your teammate is. You can cheer for them from the elimination tent.

“So, with that, please make sure you don’t purposely aim to injure anyone. The paintballs will sting if they hit you anywhere your gear doesn’t cover your body. Keep that in mind when shooting your opponents. You all have five minutes to take your assigned starting positions on the course. When you hear the horn, the game has started. Have fun and be safe!”

Lennon and I take off running to our starting position at the back of the course. As soon as we’re there, I double-check to make sure the safety is off and look around at the position of the other teams.

“We need to take out Drake and Natasha first,” I state. “They’re closest to us. I’ll aim for her. You aim for him.”