Page 20 of The Female Warrior & The Charming Gentleman

A door opened and closed downstairs and a few secondslater footsteps came on the stairs. Not cowboy boots, tennis shoes, but still male and on the large side.

Easton’s handsome face appeared in the dimly lit upstairs hall. He was in a T-shirt, shorts, and runners, with a pistol strapped on. It was odd to see him without the cowboy hat, jeans, boots, and a buckle. She’d never seen him unarmed. Easton was an ultra-handsome man, but she’d always been more attracted to the classy businessman type. Like Jarom in his tailored suits. Deliciousness. She sucked in a breath simply imagining it.

“Good morning, beautiful.” Easton grinned.

She forced a smile. She wasn’t up for flirting with anyone. Except for Jarom and he was off the table.

But Easton was safe. Innocent flirting. No hearts invested. Sadly, her heart was invested in Jarom and he’d never truly return the favor. If he did, he’d melt her iron heart and see how ugly she was inside. No way could that happen.

“Morning,” she returned. “How are you?”

“Better now that I’ve seen you.”

She managed a laugh at that one.

“Are you from Tennessee?” he asked.

“No.”

“You’re the only ten I see.” He winked.

She rolled her eyes. “You should hang out with teenagers.”

“I do. The rodeo is full of them, and they share all their funny lingo with me.”

“Nice.” She shook her head. “Hey, can we go workout? I’m dying to lift or run or whatever options you have.”

“For sure. I’ll have Papa watch for Jarom, and you and I can have some alone time at the gym.”

Jarom’s door flung open. Autumn spunto face him as he strode out. He was wearing the black T-shirt, joggers, and boat shoes from last night. “Good morning.” His smile was in place, but his mouth and eyes were tight. How long had been listening in? “Did somebody say something about a gym?”

“Yeah.” Easton nodded. “We have equipment in the barn. You both ready?”

“Sure,” Autumn said. She should grab a sweatshirt but she’d get warm lifting.

“Pardon me for being the needy houseguest,” Jarom said politely. “But the only thing in the closet is T-shirts, flannel jackets, jeans, cowboy boots and hats.”

“And the problem with that is …?” Easton lifted a brow.

Autumn hid a smile. It would be hard for the trendy Jarom to wear cowboy apparel.

Jarom spread his hands diplomatically. “I look forward to wearing each of the items, but are there any spare workout shorts and running shoes? I could sleep in the workout shorts and use them for exercise as well.”

Easton regarded him. “You don’t sleep in your underwear?”

“I do, but …” Jarom tilted his head toward her.

“Okay,” Autumn exploded. She did not need to picture Jarom sleeping in his underwear. “You two. That’s enough. Easton, can you please get Jarom some shorts and runners later?”

Easton nodded. “What size shoe?”

“Thirteen.”

“I think Clint’s a thirteen and maybe Papa,” Easton mused. “Walker and I are both twelves, but we’ll find some running shoes for you.”

“Thank you.”

“Jarom,” Autumn said. “Can you work out in joggers and boat shoes today?”

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