Chapter 6

Chapter

Six

They pulled up to massive wrought-iron gates and a serious fence stretching away from it about an hour later. Easton spoke to the guard, laughing with the man. The gate opened and they drove through. Jarom couldn’t see much in the dark night but imagined the forest and mountains would be fairly similar to the setting of his Aspen home.

“Mama’s going to have you both stay in the main house,” Easton explained.

“Keep your enemies close,” Autumn murmured.

Jarom’s neck prickled. He arched around the seat to see her more clearly.

“You’re not her enemy,” Easton said, chuckling as they pulled up to a brightly lit, large and rustic cabin.

“You sure about that?” Autumn smiled, but Jarom could sense her trepidation.

“She simply wants to save your soul and make sure your intentions are righteous toward her favorite son,” Easton said .

Autumn held her smile but flinched slightly. Easton flung his door wide and hopped out. Jarom wasn’t letting him win this time. He shoved his own door open, dodged around it, and caught her door as she opened it.

“Jarom,” she admonished. “You have to let us watch out for you.”

Easton came up to stand next to him.

“Here?” He glanced around at the stillness of thick forest and a remote location. The only sounds were crickets chirping, a slight breeze rustling the brittle leaves remaining in the trees, and the occasional horse or cow sound.

“I know it’s not easy for you not to be a gentleman,” she said, still seated in the truck but turned to face him. “Situations like this could help you practice. If you undermine my need to protect you at the wrong time, you could get hurt.”

He shrugged.

“I know it’s hard, bruh,” Easton said.

Jarom forced himself to look at his competition. Easton was probably trying to be understanding, but Jarom’s jealousy of the man made it feel placating. “But Autumn is an incredible bodyguard and if you don’t listen to and trust her, you could endanger her.”

That hit him harder. “Understood, and I value your insight,” he said, nodding to Easton. “I’ll do better,” he reassured Autumn, stepping in closer and reaching for her.

She let him help her from the truck but stepped away from him and scanned their surroundings. Easton grabbed her suitcase out of the back and the three of them walked around the truck, up a concrete walkway and up the porch steps.

“Mama wanted to stay up to greet you, but Papa forced her to go to bed. She wears herself out going a million miles an hour.”

“She didn’t need to stay up for us,” Autumn said.

The front door opened and a tall, built, middle-aged man gestured them inside. They all walked in and the man, he assumed Easton’s ‘Papa’, shut the door and then extended his hand. “Jared Coleville. Pleasure to meet you.”

“Jarom Love.” He shook the man’s hand, a nicer experience than shaking his son’s. “It’s wonderful to meet you, sir. Thank you for opening your lovely home to us and assisting Autumn in my protection.”

“’Course. Happy to do it. Let me show you where you’re staying. I’ll walk them up,” he said to Easton, extending his hand for the suitcase.

Easton looked disappointed but handed over Autumn’s suitcase and tipped his head, his cowboy hat in his hands. “I’ll see you in the morning, Autumn, but you’ll be in my dreams all night long.”

“Easton,” Jared ground out like a reprimand. “This way.” He gestured to the stairs, not waiting for his son to reply.

“Night, gorgeous.” Easton grinned.

“Goodnight,” Autumn said, her cheeks darkening as if the flirt had made her blush.

“Thank you, Easton. Can’t wait to see you show some bulls who’s boss tomorrow.” Jarom forced himself to be diplomatic and not tell the man he was acting like a hormonal teenager. Autumn didn’t seem to mind, which made Jarom mind even more.

“You know it.” The cowboy grinned at him and tossed him a salute.

Jarom waved and they preceded Jared up the stairs and to a wide hallway. “There are four suites up here, a theater and a game room. Downstairs is the living room, kitchen and dining, laundry, a security center and a separate office for the ranch, as well as our master suite.” He stopped at the far end in front of two doors. “You each have a bedroom and bath ready here. Mr. Love, my boys put some clothing, boots, and such in the closet for you.” He tilted his head to the right and rubbed at his jaw. “We usually have young ladies coming in with no clothing or toiletries, not young men. I’m sure there’s a toothbrush but no fancy frills like you’re used to. Holler if they missed anything you need and we’ll have Clint’s gal, Lily, pick it up from Kalispell.”

“Thank you.” Jarom had only had a brief thought about not having clothing or toiletries of his own as Autumn rushed him from his burning house. Some men would be insulted by the implication that he was prissy, but a well-meaning person like Jared didn’t intend that. Jarom didn’t think of himself as snooty, but he liked his high-quality, designed-for-him-and-by-him clothing, and comfortable, appealing, and expensive footwear. He liked the smell of the cologne his team had created for him, and the other toiletry products his esthetician sent home with him from each appointment.

Scaling a rope out of his own balcony, rushing from his property, and then losing everything in his master bedroom, closet, and bathroom to an explosion became even more real and hit him like a punch to the gut.

“’Course. Millie has more food than you’ll ever eat waiting in the kitchen. You all sleep in and you’re welcome to eat anything that sounds good, day or night.” He gave Jarom a piercing look with his blue eyes. “You don’t leave your bedroom or go anywhere without Autumn. Understood?”

“Certainly.” Did they think he was going to take valuables? Jarom wasn’t going to protest as he wanted her by his side.

“She’ll keep you safe,” Jared reiterated.

Oh, yes. His safety. Wasn’t this ranch safe and secure? Especially the main house. He supposed there could always be weaknesses. Hours ago, he would’ve thought his home was safe and secure.

“Thank you, Jared,” Autumn said. “We’ll see you in the morning.”

Jared dipped his chin to her, murmured, “Night,” and strode down the hall. He was a lot more serious than his son but obviously a tough, impressive, and good man.

Jarom turned to Autumn. Alone again at last.

“Does it hurt your pride to have a woman protecting you?” she asked.

Jarom’s eyebrows lifted. “Not when I know I have the very best. Aiden wouldn’t settle for anything less.”

“Thank you.”

He nodded.

“Sleep as long as you want,” Autumn repeated what Jared had said. “I’ll either wait in the hallway for you or I’ll leave my bedroom door open once I’m awake.”

Jarom eased closer to her, taking great satisfaction in her pulling in a quick breath and backing into the wall behind her. “What if I wake up first, love? Should I come jump on your bed?”

“No monkeys jumping on my bed,” she said.

He grinned. “I’m teasing. I would let you sleep. Even though my beautiful Athena doesn’t need to be any more brave, tough, or gorgeous.” He would like to watch her sleep, but that sounded like a creeper thing to say so he held it in .

She rolled her eyes, but her golden spheres were warm. “I don’t sleep in, so don’t worry about that.”

“Neither do I. Despite what the world portrays, I am a busy and accomplished businessman, not just a playboy.” Why he felt like he needed to tell her that was beyond him.

“It’s obvious you work hard, or you wouldn’t be wealthy independent of your parents’ fortune, correct?”

He loved when she revealed that she knew a lot about him.

“But you are with a different date every evening, or has social media got that all wrong?”

“Does that bother you, love?” He rested both palms on the wall, framing her shoulders. The pulse point in her neck took off. How gratifying.

“Of course it doesn’t,” she said quickly. “How many times do we have to establish that we’re both flirts and players?”

He would give up flirting with any other woman to tease with her and be close to her every day for the rest of his life. Rather than terrifying and confining, the idea sounded inspired. Was the good Lord finally sending him the angel his parents had prayed for since the day he graduated Colorado State with his MBA and they imagined his bachelor years were winding down?

“Understood,” he murmured, not wanting to debate with her or define lines right now. He eased closer and bent down until their breath intermingled. Hers came tellingly quick. Was it his imagination or did she arch toward him just a bit? He’d use the ‘only flirting’ ploy he’d instigated to change her world and give her a vision of their future. “If we are both confirmed players, a goodnight kiss should be no big deal for either of us.”

She sucked in a breath so quick he felt the intake against his own lips. He smiled, loving that he affected her and praying she’d agree. He’d convince her with this kiss that he was done being a player, he was done being anything but the man she wanted by her side the rest of her life.

She leaned back slightly, studying him and searching his soul. He tried to convey that his line may have been flippant but his intentions were not. Heaven above had brought them together. He could feel it. Could she? He caught a glint of fear in her eyes, almost as if she were cornered.

Before he could react, she moved.

Dodging underneath his arm, she whipped around behind him, grabbed his right arm, and yanked it behind his back and up. He winced in pain as his shoulder blade was almost popped out of socket and his arm bent in an unnatural position.

“Whoa,” he muttered. “I barely noticed you were moving and suddenly my arm’s dislocated from the socket.” He took a steadying breath. “Nice one, Athena.”

“Keeping you on your toes, Adonis,” she breathed against the back of his neck.

“Perfect,” he grunted out, the pain reaching an excruciating level.

Eli had taught him how to break a hold similar to this, but he didn’t want to do anything that could hurt Autumn. ‘Gentleman’ was part of his breeding and his makeup. Even if he hadn’t been obsessed with gentlemanly behavior, he wouldn’t want to hurt Autumn. She was special to him. Ironic, because the pain in his arm and shoulder proved she had no problem hurting him.

“I’m guessing this means no goodnight kiss?” he asked, humiliated that his normally deep voice pitched up.

“You’re a fast learner,” she said. The warm breath on his neck almost distracted him from the near-future breaking of his arm or shoulder dislocation. He wasn’t certain which would give first or which injury would be worse to recover from. He loathed downtime from work and exercise.

“Don’t try to kiss me again,” she warned in a conversational tone, “or this agony will feel like a love tap.”

Jarom held his silence and his breath. He wouldn’t agree to anything, even if she did break his arm.

When he was certain he couldn’t take one more second without begging her for mercy, Autumn released his arm. She sprang away from him.

He slowly turned to face her, not shaking out his arm or cradling it against his abdomen with his other hand like he really wanted to. Thank heavens tomorrow was leg day. If he could even find equipment to work out with.

Her face was as closed off as he’d ever seen it. She was hurting internally, and she’d lashed out to protect herself.

“Well, goodnight then.” Her voice was falsely bright. She shooed him into his room with her hand.

“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 could swear 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. That probably 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 missed opportunity.

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.

He smiled at her diligence and bullheadedness. He wished she was on his team at work but more importantly in his personal life. He could find dedicated, talented, and hard-working employees. He’d never found a spicy, mesmerizing, and irresistible woman like Autumn before.

“I’m in my room, Autumn,” he said.

“Good,” she snipped, then she quietly shut her door.

He chuckled.

She was now a couple points ahead in the banter and flirtation battle. He’d let her win any battle.

If only he could win her heart.