Page 37 of The Female Warrior & The Charming Gentleman

“I am thrilled that you follow me on social media,” he said, coming around in front of her and cupping her waistline with his hands.

“I’m sure you are. One more fan girl to add to your very long list.”

“Autumn.” Jarom’s voice got deep and husky. “You are no fan girl, and I think you should know the ploy to flirt and tease and move on was destroyed almost immediately after I spoke those words.”

His blue gaze was sincere and penetrating. Her heart raced out of control. Was he telling her the truth?

“I hoped the idea would help you let downyour guard, and it is my usual mode of operation. But with you, a shallow dating relationship could never work. The thought of ever ‘moving on’ from you is ridiculous. I believe you could be the woman I’ve never known I was searching for.”

Autumn was stunned. He’d said earlier he was falling in love with her. Now he was saying she was the woman he wanted to be with. He wasn’t just playing and flirting. He was sincere and reversing their ploy. She almost fell into his arms and admitted she felt just as strongly about him.

She teetered but then remembered their differences and the pain she could cause him, and that he could cause her. She shook her head and pulled away. “I can’t.”

“Why not?” Jarom bent closer. She knew her answer meant everything to him. She knew he was letting down walls and not just flirting or being charming like he usually would do. The only thing she didn’t know was how to respond.

“You don’t know what you’re saying.” She clenched her hands into fists and looked away. “I’m not girlfriend material, especially not for someone famous and well-loved and filled with faith like you are.”

He gently touched her chin and directed her gaze to his. “There was a whole lot loaded into that sentence. Can we dissect?”

Autumn held herself in tight control. Even the simplest touch had her wanting to let down her guard with him. She finally nodded. They could discuss it. That didn’t mean she’d change her mind.

“My fame and religion bother you?”

“Immensely.”

Jarom studied her until she thought she’d break. Break and do what? Kiss him for a long time? Beg him to give her a chanceand share his faith, love, and happy world with her? She pretended to be happy, sassy, and have everything under control, but it was all a lie.

“I can’t change my faith or my fame,” he said softly. “Though I could stop all social media posting, social appearances, and being the face of my business.”

“You would do that for me?” she demanded, almost angry that he’d offer that. It was too much. He couldn’t be that invested in her. He didn’t know her. Not like he thought he did.

“I would do anything for you, Autumn.” His blue eyes were so sincere that fear rippled through her. Fear he would claim her heart, change her life, melt all her iron. Only Jarom had the power to do that.

“No.” She shook her head and backed away. “You’ve got to stop.” She pushed out a heavy breath. “You’re a charmer and a flirt and never going to settle down with one woman, especially not a woman like me.”

His gaze didn’t change. “You are exactly the woman I want to settle down with.”

Autumn’s stomach hopped happily, and heat filled her. She was a moment away from telling him all she felt for him and begging him to love her forever.

Chapter

Thirteen

Ugly and terrifyingreality slammed into Autumn.

Her and Jarom … nothing was right about them being together. Nothing. She could never be the right match for such an inspiring and beautiful man. He was beautiful inside and out, and she was only beautiful on the outside. She was ugly and twisted, cold and vengeful on the inside.

“No,” she cried out, throwing her hands in the air. He was too much, moving too fast, and though he seemed as sincere as the day was long, she didn’t know if she could trust him not to move on, or trust herself not to darken or destroy his light. They could never be together long term. She was lying to herself even imagining it. She had to stop this insanity. Her usual instinct to prove how superior her wit or fighting skills were didn’t work with Jarom. She loved their banter, but she didn’t want to hurt him or best him.

“Please, Jarom. Stop. Let’s … change the subject. Change the day. This is much too heavy.” She gestured between the two of them and then searched around for something to do to distract herself and him, most of all to not keep staring into his eyes and being a second away from making commitments she’d never be able to keep. “Let’s go off the rope swing.”

“Into the freezing lake?” He pointed at the icy blue. It did look cold.

“Are you too much of a pretty boy?” she challenged, surprised he’d let her change the subject and unable to miss the disappointment in his blue eyes. He was brave and a true gentleman. Though he’d shared his feelings with her, risking her hitting him and rejecting him, he wouldn’t push her too hard.

“Certainly not.” He winked, gallant and teasing again. “But I would hate to ruin these fabulous boots.” He lifted one foot up. She was more drawn to the polished billionaire, but the cowboy look was nothing to complain about, especially on Jarom. She was convinced he could wear any style, make anyone his friend, conquer even her hardened heart.

No. Not the last one.

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