Page 12 of The Female Warrior & The Charming Gentleman

“I can see that. She isn’t nearly beautiful enough for your angelic magnificence, but with your superior warrior skills she is an ideal fit. I’ll call you Athena if you like.”

“I’m not angelic.” Before he could protest, she went on, “You are the king of pet names, aren’t you? Where did you get that habit from? Just knowing it would entice women into falling for you?”

“I was a Casanova from day one. My mom says I claimed to have hundreds of girlfriends and would drop lines on girls and older women alike.” His lips lifted in an appealingsmirk. “Also, my mom is the queen of pet names. ‘Sugar, sweetheart, pumpkin, darling, lovey, honey …’ The list goes on.”

Autumn smiled back at him, though her stomach turned over uncomfortably. Of course his mom was a sweetie and adored him. Even if they hadn’t set the parameters that they were only flirting and there was no chance of developing a relationship, she could never be the woman for a man like Jarom. He came from wholesome, happy, and inspired from heaven above. She came from evil, misery, and gunning for eternal torment. His mom would instantly dislike her just like Millie Coleville did.

“Tell me about how you became interested in the career of a female bodyguard,” Jarom insisted when she didn’t comment on his mom and pet names. “Because of your MMA neighbor?”

No way could she tell them how she’d dreamed of righting all the wrongs she’d seen and experienced during her childhood and teenage years. She’d done a lot of good, but it never seemed like enough.

“Yes, he started the seed. Then I was able to get into University of Michigan-Dearborn and they have an incredible law enforcement program.” She continued talking through being hired with the Detroit Police Department and then the FBI, working her way up before Aiden had stolen her two years ago after they’d worked together on a case. Of course the famed security expert had been impressed with her and had begged her to be on his team. Jarom didn’t tease her about that. He agreed with a complimentary smile on his face.

She told him more than she’d told anyone in her life. What was it? The comfortable airplane, nowhere to go, he was a good conversationalist, the captivated look in his blue eyes as if she was the most impressive and special woman on earth? Or wasthere something special about Jarom Love, a connection she could not explore?

“Aiden Porter. What a phenomenal mortal, eh? Well, some aren’t convinced he is mortal.” He grinned. “I’m sure he’s thrilled to have an exceptional female bodyguard on his roster. When you stood in for Lieutenant Hays West’s sister and Benjamin Oliver’s men captured you …”

She nodded; she remembered that op.

“I watched from the other side as Benjamin claimed his men would kill you to manipulate Hays and Elizabeth, but you …” He grinned. “I’ve never been so amazed. You looked half the size of your captor, but you winked at the camera, showed us your unbound hands, and took your kidnappers out. The camera unfortunately went haywire so we didn’t see it all, but we could hear it. You are simply incredible, my love.”

She basked in his praise and had no desire to tell him he couldn’t call her his love.

That was nuts—she’d never be his love, and she received high-level praise all the time. She was only twenty-eight and had career and field experience most in law enforcement and security only dreamed about. She knew part of her opportunity and success was her gender. She was a unicorn and criminals the world over had underestimated her, and upright law enforcement and security icons like Aiden competed to have her on their teams. Sutton Smith himself had contacted her, with Aiden’s permission, and explained he had a place for her if she was ever so inclined. She revered the legendary Smith, but she was loyal to Aiden.

“Thank you.” She looked him over. He was luscious to look at, but there was a lot more under the surface than she ever would’ve guessed with her celebrity crush. “Andyou played the part of Elizabeth Oliver’s fake fiancé that evening, standing up to her horrific father.”

“I did.”

“That was very brave of you.” And had ultimately led him to this situation.

His blue eyes reflected his gratitude, but she could tell he didn’t like being on the receiving end of too much praise and seriousness. Leaning closer, he gently touched her cheek. “I’m incredible at the fake fiancé ploy,” he said. “You and I could try it, my beauty. For my protection this time?”

She laughed. Unsteadily, but still a win for her. She would give up her molar teeth to be engaged to Jarom Love. And she had to pretend she didn’t long for a commitment with him. Keep it light just as they’d agreed.

“Good one, handsome. But I already told you I’m going to be flirting with you and Easton Coleville. There will be no cameras around so no need for the fake fiancé tactic.”

“Disappointing, angel. Very disappointing. The offer is always on the table.” His gaze trailed over her face and he seductively trailed his fingertips along her cheek and just under her bottom lip. “Always,” he added huskily.

Longing swirled in the air between them. Autumn was entranced by him, surprised by the manly huskiness, and completely in his power. She leaned toward him as his hand smoothly cupped her jawline and tilted her head up. Their lips were centimeters apart and she’d never wanted any kiss like she craved Jarom’s.

“Buckle up for landing, please,” Paul’s voice said over the intercom.

Autumn jumped and her nose knocked into Jarom’s. Shepulled back, cupping her stinging nose and hoping it wasn’t bleeding. She didn’t feel any moisture, just a bit of pain.

“Paul.” She said her friend’s name like a curse word.

He had cameras up there in the cockpit. Did he see they were close to a kiss and he wanted to interrupt? That didn’t fit her thoughtful buddy. Paul liked to tease her, but he was in love with the swimmer Shay Cannon. They were adorable together and both wanted Autumn to find ‘happily ever after and her faith in Jesus’. She had to remind them often that neither would happen. Miracles. Faith. Love. Trust in heaven or another human. Not for her but nice for other people, she supposed.

“You all right?” Jarom asked, tilting her chin to look at her nose.

“Fine. You?”

“Just disappointed.” His nose looked a little red. “That was almost a perfect moment. We’ll get back there soon.”

His words were a promise. Her heart raced and she had to look away, out at the dark sky and a few pinpricks of light in the small city after midnight.

Paul’s interruption stunk, but it was for the best. She flirted and teased and sometimes allowed a handsome and appealing man to kiss her, but if she kissed Jarom … She shook her head. He was too entrancing, and there was a connection between them she had to break. No kissing him, even if they both knew they were ‘players’ and had no hope of a relationship or a future together. That might fly for him, but she couldn’t stay strong if she kissed him. He’d know he was her heart’s desire and she’d become even more invested.

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