Page 18 of The Female Warrior & The Charming Gentleman

“I am a gentleman,” he reminded her, tempted to tell her that was why he hadn’t broken free of her hold, but that wouldn’t be gentlemanly. Maybe Eli’s defense training would’ve failed him and he wouldn’t have been able to get free, but would’ve injured her or himself. “I’ll wait until you’re in your room for the night.” He’d given in on the truck door because they were outside, but he wasn’t giving in again. Especially after she’d almost broken his arm. He had to prove he was a man and a brave one at that.

“I’m your bodyguard,” she said with exasperation. “I will make certain you’re safe in your room, and then I will go in mine. Speaking of.” She rolled her eyes and muttered, “Don’t move. I need to sweep your room.”

He nodded.

She strode into his room, and he couldswear he heard her say something about ‘distraction’. He was distracting her? He liked that. Even if it killed him or broke his arm.

A minute later, she returned. “Your room is clear. Now please go to bed and don’t give me grief.” She folded her arms across her chest for emphasis.

Jarom also folded his arms across his chest. His right arm, shoulder, and elbow were tender. He hoped he kept the pain off his face. He leaned against the wall.

“Sass before charm.” He gestured to her door.

“Skills before slick talk.” She gestured to his.

“Beauty before brains.” He smiled, hoping he didn’t offend her, but she was already upset.

“Toughness before style,” she flung back.

“I’m tough and I like your style.”

She only rolled her eyes.

“Are we going to stand here all night then?” he asked.

“Jarom Love,” she bit out. “You are the most frustrating man I have ever met in my life.”

“Truly?” He arched his eyebrows. He would’ve preferred charming or alluring or handsome, but he could work with frustrating. He was getting under her skin, distracting her. He prayed it was in a good way. “I drive you crazy with need and longing? Is that what you’re trying to express, my beauty?”

“Argh! Go into your room. It’s after midnight and I want to sleep.” She pointed at his room.

He smirked at her. “You first.” He walked to her room and pushed open the door, leaning against the doorframe and waiting for her. She might knock him flat to the ground or break his arm this time, but he wasn’t backing down. He was one of the most successful men in the nation, and though he couldn’t beat her in a physical fight, he’d win this battle of wills. Thatprobably made him no gentleman, which was laughable as that was what had started the contest.

Her eyes narrowed.

“I promise I will go in my room and shut the door as soon as your door is closed behind you,” he said, giving her at least that concession.

She studied him and then she smiled, which was concerning and alluring at the same time. Sauntering toward him, she had him spellbound with those golden eyes. She reached the doorframe and brushed against him. His pulse skyrocketed and his body flushed with heat, even as he waited for her to knock him down or spin him around and choke him out. He resisted the compelling impulse to reach for her.

“Fine,” she said. “You win this round. Don’t plan on winning again.”

“I won’t.” He grinned, loving this banter. This was a million times more fun than flirting with any other woman. What a challenge. What a woman. Had he finally met his match?

Autumn smiled sweetly. His pulse spiked at the beauty of her full lips calling to him and her golden eyes sparkling just for him. Maybe it was the moment to give in to his desire to have her in his arms.

She dodged at him and he thought she might knock him down. Instead, she pushed him against the doorframe and gave him an enticing kiss on the cheek. Jarom’s breath rushed out. He wrapped her up in his arms, more than ready to extend that kiss. She dropped to the floor, rolled away from him, and leaped to her feet.

He forced breaths in and out, dizzy at the missedopportunity.

She smiled bigger, knowing she’d won this round. “Goodnight, sweetheart.”

“Goodnight, love,” he returned. His voice was low and husky. He needed her in his arms and she wasn’t complying.

Winking at him, she pranced into her room. Jarom eased back and softly closed her bedroom door.

He walked slowly into his own room. Luckily it was right next door and a distance of five feet. He quietly shut the door behind him, leaning back against it, breathing in … and out … in … and out ... praying and wishing he knew how to break down her walls.

The sound of her doorknob told him her door opened again.

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