Page 53 of The Female Warrior & The Charming Gentleman

Then she was gone. It was the first mama hug Autumn had ever had. Maybe the last. She wanted to cling to Mama, tell her she’d prayed, tell her why she couldn’t stay with Jarom, and have Mama counsel with her about it. Of course Easton was her priority. She didn’t blame Mama at all and appreciated the taste of maternal caring the lady had given her.

Her phone rang. Aiden. She nodded to Clint, the FBI guys, and Jarom, and walked outside to answer. The air was crisp and helped clear her mind.

“Hey, boss.”

“I hear great things about you,” Aiden said in his lilting tone.

“As if that’s something new?”

“Not at all. I’m proud. As always. Benjamin Oliver finally in prison.” He blew out a breath. “Is it wrong that I wished you’d just plugged him?”

Autumn laughed. “I’m with you.” She almost had.

“I’m still whirling that it’s over. That man has been the focus of my stress for too long.”

“Will it be a relief or will the mighty Aiden Porter be bored?”

“Too much evil to allow any boredom.” Hisvoice was light, but sadly she knew it was true. “Speaking of … I’d love for my best female operative to join Nick in bringing down a trafficking ring from the inside in Venezuela. Paul is on his way to pick you up. He’ll drop off Mr. Love in Colorado first.”

“Do I get to say yes or no?”

“Autumn?” Aiden’s voice registered his confusion. “I apologize. I’ve never known you not to jump at the next chance to right wrongs. You’ve always been a machine that needs no break. Do you need a vacation?”

Autumn closed her eyes. He was right. But he wasn’t the one having to say goodbye to Jarom Love.

“I was teasing,” she said too quietly. “I don’t need a vacation.” Who would she even vacation with?Jarom, her heart cried out. He could take her to the Swiss Alps. It was a beautiful dream but as elusive as a rainbow.

“What’s happened?” Aiden’s voice was urgent.

Could she share?

“Mama Millie hugged me, and I prayed … and Jarom is incredible.” It wasn’t near enough but too much at the same time.

“Autumn. Did you fall in love with Jarom Love?” Aiden’s voice was incredulous now. He probably assumed Jarom was not her type, that she wanted a man with twenty-two-inch biceps who could shoot a bullseye at a hundred and fifty feet. She only wanted Jarom.

“It doesn’t matter,” she insisted. “Nothing can come from it.”

“It does matter,” Aiden said. “I want you to find your match and be happy.”

“Getting too deep now, boss.” Her heart thudded off kilter. “I’m not going to settle down and make babies.” Though thatsounded amazing with Jarom. “When will Paul be to the airport?”

“He’s ninety mikes out.”

“Okay, perfect. We’ll head out soon. Thanks.” She hung up on her boss. And she didn’t answer when he called back.

She walked back in and asked Clint if he could drive them to Kalispell. He agreed. She avoided looking at Jarom and revealing everything she felt for him. The job was done. It was time to move on. Maybe she wouldn’t have to face Jarom rejecting her. She’d simply go on to the next job.

The FBI guys said their goodbyes and she, Clint, and Jarom loaded up. They stopped at the ranch so she could pick up her suitcase. She found she didn’t like saying goodbye to this location. She felt like a different person than when she’d come here only a few days before. She loved the homey feel and the love of the family and most of all the memories made with Jarom.

Returning to Clint’s truck, she thanked Jarom as he got her door, climbing into the passenger seat before he got in the back. The drive to Kalispell was quiet. Not uncomfortable, more reflective, but she was ultra-aware of the man sitting behind her. Was he quiet because he realized she was a killer?

Paul was waiting next to the plane and watching her perceptively as Jarom escorted her out of the truck. Paul and Clint shook hands and exchanged greetings. She thanked Clint and shook his hand. Jarom did the same and they walked with Paul to the Gulfstream. Jarom had her suitcase in one hand.

“It’s good to see you, Paul,” Jarom said.

“You too.” Paul smiled broadly. “You two took down Benjamin Oliver. We should be celebrating or something.”

“It does feel very anti-climactic, doesn’t it?” Jarom asked.He glanced at her.

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