Page 16 of The Female Warrior & The Charming Gentleman

“I know it’s not easy for you not to be a gentleman,” she said, still seated in the truck but turned to face him. “Situations like this could help you practice. If you undermine my need to protect you at the wrong time, you could get hurt.”

He shrugged.

“I know it’s hard, bruh,” Easton said.

Jarom forced himself to look at his competition. Easton was probably trying to be understanding, but Jarom’s jealousy of the man made it feel placating. “But Autumn is an incredible bodyguard and if you don’t listen to and trust her, you could endanger her.”

That hit him harder. “Understood, and I value your insight,” he said, nodding to Easton. “I’ll do better,” he reassured Autumn, stepping in closer and reaching for her.

She let him help her from the truck but stepped away from him and scanned their surroundings. Easton grabbed her suitcase out of the back and the three of them walked around the truck, up a concrete walkway and up the porch steps.

“Mama wanted to stay up to greet you, butPapa forced her to go to bed. She wears herself out going a million miles an hour.”

“She didn’t need to stay up for us,” Autumn said.

The front door opened and a tall, built, middle-aged man gestured them inside. They all walked in and the man, he assumed Easton’s ‘Papa’, shut the door and then extended his hand. “Jared Coleville. Pleasure to meet you.”

“Jarom Love.” He shook the man’s hand, a nicer experience than shaking his son’s. “It’s wonderful to meet you, sir. Thank you for opening your lovely home to us and assisting Autumn in my protection.”

“’Course. Happy to do it. Let me show you where you’re staying. I’ll walk them up,” he said to Easton, extending his hand for the suitcase.

Easton looked disappointed but handed over Autumn’s suitcase and tipped his head, his cowboy hat in his hands. “I’ll see you in the morning, Autumn, but you’ll be in my dreams all night long.”

“Easton,” Jared ground out like a reprimand. “This way.” He gestured to the stairs, not waiting for his son to reply.

“Night, gorgeous.” Easton grinned.

“Goodnight,” Autumn said, her cheeks darkening as if the flirt had made her blush.

“Thank you, Easton. Can’t wait to see you show some bulls who’s boss tomorrow.” Jarom forced himself to be diplomatic and not tell the man he was acting like a hormonal teenager. Autumn didn’t seem to mind, which made Jarom mind even more.

“You know it.” The cowboy grinned at him and tossed him a salute.

Jarom waved and they preceded Jared up the stairs and to awide hallway. “There are four suites up here, a theater and a game room. Downstairs is the living room, kitchen and dining, laundry, a security center and a separate office for the ranch, as well as our master suite.” He stopped at the far end in front of two doors. “You each have a bedroom and bath ready here. Mr. Love, my boys put some clothing, boots, and such in the closet for you.” He tilted his head to the right and rubbed at his jaw. “We usually have young ladies coming in with no clothing or toiletries, not young men. I’m sure there’s a toothbrush but no fancy frills like you’re used to. Holler if they missed anything you need and we’ll have Clint’s gal, Lily, pick it up from Kalispell.”

“Thank you.” Jarom had only had a brief thought about not having clothing or toiletries of his own as Autumn rushed him from his burning house. Some men would be insulted by the implication that he was prissy, but a well-meaning person like Jared didn’t intend that. Jarom didn’t think of himself as snooty, but he liked his high-quality, designed-for-him-and-by-him clothing, and comfortable, appealing, and expensive footwear. He liked the smell of the cologne his team had created for him, and the other toiletry products his esthetician sent home with him from each appointment.

Scaling a rope out of his own balcony, rushing from his property, and then losing everything in his master bedroom, closet, and bathroom to an explosion became even more real and hit him like a punch to the gut.

“’Course. Millie has more food than you’ll ever eat waiting in the kitchen. You all sleep in and you’re welcome to eat anything that sounds good, day or night.” He gave Jarom a piercing look with his blue eyes. “You don’t leave your bedroom or go anywhere withoutAutumn. Understood?”

“Certainly.” Did they think he was going to take valuables? Jarom wasn’t going to protest as he wanted her by his side.

“She’ll keep you safe,” Jared reiterated.

Oh, yes. His safety. Wasn’t this ranch safe and secure? Especially the main house. He supposed there could always be weaknesses. Hours ago, he would’ve thought his home was safe and secure.

“Thank you, Jared,” Autumn said. “We’ll see you in the morning.”

Jared dipped his chin to her, murmured, “Night,” and strode down the hall. He was a lot more serious than his son but obviously a tough, impressive, and good man.

Jarom turned to Autumn. Alone again at last.

“Does it hurt your pride to have a woman protecting you?” she asked.

Jarom’s eyebrows lifted. “Not when I know I have the very best. Aiden wouldn’t settle for anything less.”

“Thank you.”

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