Chapter 7

Chapter

Seven

Autumn was revved up as she paced her room, quietly so hopefully no one would hear her, until after two a.m. She was angry at Jarom, angrier at herself, and so drawn to the charming, handsome, exasperating billionaire she wanted to storm into his room and kiss him goodnight like he’d taunted her about.

It was only for a notch on his belt and because no woman turned him down. He was a player and not hiding it one bit, proclaiming it in fact. She’d agreed to them both not being the type to settle down, but it ticked her off that he kept proving she was nothing special to him.

Ooh! Why did he get her goat up so badly? Why did she want him so badly? Sure, he was her celebrity crush, but Jarom was already so much more to her. He was genuine and enticing. She’d met famous people the world over. Many of them were prideful and the exact opposite of their public persona. Jarom was a million times better than she’d imagined. A very dangerous crush. How could she keep resisting him?

When he’d been so close she could almost taste him and inhale that intoxicating mix of sweet, manly spice, the cologne made just for him, she thought she’d pass out. Then he’d asked her for a goodnight kiss. When her defenses were low. She’d lashed out because she felt … not scared. She couldn’t admit to that. Cornered.

Thankfully he hadn’t really asked in a sweet, charming way. He’d mocked her, saying since they were both players it should be no big deal.

It was a big deal for her. Kissing him would be the best moments of her entire life.

Not for him. Not even close.

Jerk.

Yet he wasn’t. He was sweet, thoughtful, funny, alluring, and surprisingly uncomplaining and tough. For her, it was a must to have a man be strong. She’d thought of Jarom as her celebrity crush, which was safe. She’d never meet him and know him and he was a confirmed pretty boy. Now she had met him, she felt like she knew him on a deep level, and he was blowing up all her resistance. She’d almost broken his arm and he hadn’t so much as squeaked. Jarom had been in pain, he couldn’t hide that, but he hadn’t bowed forward or cried out. Impressive.

The way he’d handled Easton at their first meeting was also impressive. He was sincere in his praise of the bull rider and one-upping Easton with his kindness. He was all around superior in her mind.

What woman didn’t want a man who was so confident he could praise and compliment other dudes without feeling threatened and without being any less? Jarom blew her mind .

Autumn wasn’t looking for a man. She stood on her own. Always. Even if the billionaire bachelor of the year was asking her to kiss him and was more entrancing in the flesh than she’d let herself daydream about.

She couldn’t give away her heart. She trusted Aiden, Paul, and Nick, but she didn’t fully let her guard down around anyone. She never had. Paul was definitely her closest friend, but with him finding the love of his life they’d grown more distant by necessity. Shay needed to be Paul’s best friend now.

As she thought about Paul and their many conversations on flights or jobs, she remembered times he’d asked her about her childhood or teenage years and she’d never shared much. He knew she’d been abused and forced to hide from her mom’s boyfriends, but that was all. He’d asked her to turn it over to Jesus so often she zoned him out about the subject now.

Had she ever said anything about Jarom to him? She searched and prodded her memory and … Yikes! She almost cried out, but bit down on it and paced quicker, wrapping her arms around herself. Paul had caught her watching an Instagram reel of Jarom donating clothing to refugees from Venezuela, meeting them and bringing smiles to all of their faces with his beautiful charm. She’d thought Paul was focused on a security camera. He’d teased her as they always teased each other. She’d eventually admitted to a crush on the famed playboy philanthropist. Paul had told her Jarom was a charitable Christian and a good man.

Oh, no. She’d pushed that memory away and now what if it came back to bite her?

Jarom and Paul had been leaning close and talking in hushed tones as she greeted Easton. She’d noticed out of the corner of her eye as she’d been unable to take her gaze off of Jarom. She was his security, after all, and he was so nice to look at.

What if Paul had told him about her crush? No. Not Paul. He wouldn’t do that to her. It wasn’t as if she’d sworn him to secrecy, but she hadn’t planned on being assigned to the billionaire heartthrob. Ah, shoot. Now if she asked Paul about it, it would be too telling. He’d probably forgotten anyway.

She forced herself to lay down on the bed and tried to sleep.

At a little before six a.m. she was out in the hallway, pacing. She had on a T-shirt, running tights, socks and shoes, her Sig 380 in her running pocket. She struggled sleeping more than five to six hours; nightmares from her childhood and teenage years almost always woke her. How long would Jarom sleep? She had to stay by his side and wait for him, but she wanted to head outside and run in the cold morning air, or find logs to lift or boulders to throw or something. She needed a workout, needed some energy expended. Hadn’t Paul told her that the Colevilles had a nice home gym and sparring ring somewhere? That would be ideal.

She’d checked her emails and texts earlier. No news yet and the guard, Garrett, was tighter than a drum. They’d learned nothing before they had to turn him over to the authorities because of the explosion.

June, one of Aiden’s tech team, had forwarded Jarom’s emails and texts to Autumn’s phone. She’d had to create a separate folder for them but had seen the stream of texts coming in on his phone, most from feminine friends begging him to call or hang out or saying they missed him. She couldn’t even imagine what she’d read or see if it had been his SnapChat stream. Ugh!

A door opened and closed downstairs and a few seconds later 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 spun to 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?”

“Yes.”

“Thank you. Now let’s go.”

Goodness. Men!

Jarom gave her a smile that should’ve been illegal. Thinking of his bare chest and lean muscles made it even worse. He gestured for her to walk in front of them. At least his ‘gentleman’ behavior fit what she needed to do. She could lead the way and Easton could take up the rear.

None of them said much as they made their way out of the house, through the dark, chilly pre-dawn October morning and into the barn. The interior of the barn was warmer than outside but not by much. She noticed horse pens and massive bull pens. She wanted to ask Easton if these were the bulls he rode, but it felt too quiet in the barn to disturb it.

They made it to a back room. Easton swung the door wide and flipped on a light. They all filed in and Jarom shut the door behind them. Autumn looked around at a rack of dumbbells from twenty-five pounders up to eighty-five. They had benches and squat racks, bars and plates, even a full cable machine. In one corner, there was a sparring ring. She wanted to spar with someone, but Easton would think it was an invitation to get handsy and flirt and she would decimate Jarom. Despite wrenching his arm last night, she didn’t really want to hurt him, and she certainly didn’t want to humiliate him. It wouldn’t bother her if she won, but she knew male ego and could bet it would bother him.

“This is a fabulous set up,” Jarom said.

“Thank you.” Easton bowed slightly.

Autumn headed for the cable machine. She could bet Jarom had ten times the equipment and a hundred times more expensive equipment in each of his homes, but he was gracious and humble about his wealth. That intrigued her.

Charles Etherington IV had treated her like a queen, but his family had been reluctant about her background and career. The night she’d rescued Charles and herself from four gang members, killing two of them and wounding the others, was the night Charles had opened his eyes. He’d realized a cold-hearted security agent who’d grown up with abuse and darkness could never fit in with his family and his world. He’d gently broken up with her and from the photos she’d glimpsed on social media before she blocked all of his accounts, he’d moved on to a beautiful sweetheart quickly.

She would never again trust her heart to a wealthy woman magnet from a different sphere than hers. She and Jarom had agreed to meaningless flirtations. She needed to stick with that plan. It was much safer for her long-term heart health that way.

Easton turned on some country music. She wasn’t a huge fan of country, but she didn’t mind it. Better than acid rock at least. They all focused on their workouts, working around each other but trying to stay out of each other’s way. There was plenty of room and enough equipment to go around.

Her eyes didn’t stray from Jarom. Far from straying, her gaze was magnetized to him. Her security buddies would tease that he had ‘pretty boy’ muscles, not functional strength. She didn’t care. His lean muscles were more than pretty; they were breathtaking. He was focused on a lower body workout but using hand weights or bars to accomplish it. Did his arm not hurt from last night?

He noticed her staring and held her gaze captive every time she looked his way. If he or Easton asked why she was gawking at him, she could claim she was making certain he was safe.

The song playing was catchy, something about ‘there was this girl’. Jarom caught her gaze and mouthed, ‘there was this girl’. She danced a little bit and grinned back at him. The look he gave her in return lit up the morning.

Suddenly Easton darted to her, grabbed her hand, and started whirling her around.

She laughed but pulled away from him. “Dance with somebody else, brother. I’ve got a workout to fit in.”

He chuckled, not seeming bothered. She glanced at Jarom. He seemed a little bothered. Biting at her lip and focusing on her anterior deltoid raise, she could admit she liked that.

An hour and a half later, they headed back inside. As they entered the house through the front door, she could smell cinnamon and sugar. Millie Coleville was cooking. She’d figured Millie would be a cook, a baker, a loving and protective Mama. The woman despised her because the first time Autumn and Easton saw each other was on a video chat call between Autumn and Paul while Paul protected Shay Cannon here at the Coleville’s ranch. Autumn may have said the words ‘shallow hookup’, teasing the handsome bull rider Easton and having no clue ‘Mama’ was within earshot. The mama bear did not like that. Not at all. Autumn’s face flared red.

“I’m going to head up and shower,” she said quickly. “Easton, will you stay with Jarom?”

“Jared said I wasn’t to leave your side,” Jarom reminded her.

Her hot face got even hotter. “Jarom,” she chided. “Easton is very capable of protecting you.”

“I know.” He folded his lean arms, the defined muscles catching her eye. “But I’m following Jared’s orders.”

“Oh my.” She let out an exasperated breath.

“Come eat breakfast first. Then we can all go shower,” Easton said. “Mama is looking forward to meeting you in person.” His smile was as broad as ever, but there was something in his blue eyes. He wasn’t telling her the truth.

“Oh, I’ll bet she is,” Autumn snipped back at him. Mothers were a trigger for her. “I’m not hungry.” Her stomach growled, undermining her. In her defense, she hadn’t eaten since lunch yesterday. The afternoon and evening had been busy and life changing.

“Is there something I don’t know about?” Jarom asked, leaning one shoulder against the wall and looking like the picture of casual elegance. How would he look in cowboy boots and jeans? Different from his normal style but still fantastic.

“Mama reprimanded Autumn for flirting with me on a phone call.” Easton lifted his hands. “It was no big deal. Mama’s forgotten about it, I’m sure.”

Footsteps pranced from the kitchen, through the living area, and right into the entryway. “Well, there you all are.” Millie beamed at Easton and then Jarom. Her gaze landed on Autumn and she visibly tightened. “Hello, Autumn. It’s nice to finally meet you.”

Autumn felt stiff and awkward as could be. She had faced down vicious, murderous criminals, but she could admit to herself she was scared of Millie. No normal person should be intimidated by June Cleaver. The lady thought Autumn was a brash, too-forward female. She didn’t care what anyone thought about her, but that hurt for some reason. She’d never had a mother figure that was concerned for her; she didn’t know why she cared to find one now.

“You too,” Autumn said. “Thank you for hosting us.”

Thankfully, Millie didn’t try to touch her or hug her or anything.

“Of course, dear. I pray you’ll enjoy your stay.” Millie turned toward Jarom, and her eyes lit up. She clasped her hands together in front of herself. She obviously wanted to throw herself at Jarom, or at least get introduced to him. “Hello.” Her voice quavered slightly.

Jarom stepped forward and extended his hand.

“Mama,” Easton said. “This is Jarom Love.”

“Well, sweetheart, I know who he is,” Millie said in an undertone, fanning her face with her free hand.

Jarom grinned. “It’s an honor to meet you, Mrs. Coleville. Thank you for so graciously inviting us into your beautiful home.”

Millie’s smile encompassed her entire face. She’d thankfully forgotten Autumn was there as she clasped Jarom’s hand and stared doe-eyed at him. Autumn didn’t mind keeping it that way.

“We’re the ones honored, dear. And please, you have to call me Mama.”

“Thank you, Mama.” Jarom was of course as comfortable as could be. Was there a situation he wouldn’t be comfortable in? She’d like to see him surrounded by burly men thinking he was a plaything, taunting with the men and eventually beating all of them up. She tilted her chin. So there. She was accomplished too, simply in different arenas.

“Come on back to the kitchen now. I’ve got all kinds of breakfast ready.” Millie gestured them through.

“It smells like heaven. We’ll be right behind you,” Jarom said diplomatically. “I need to ask Autumn something.”

“All right, dear.” Millie smiled, turned, and bustled away.

Easton followed Millie, glancing back only once.

Autumn turned to Jarom. “What’s up?” she asked shortly. She wanted to suffer through breakfast, shower, and then what would they do with themselves? She needed to talk to Aiden and figure out what the plan was. Would she be stuck in the picturesque mountains of Montana trying to resist Jarom, discourage Easton, and keep Millie from cussing her out again?

“Are you all right?” he asked softly, easing a bit closer.

“Yes,” she said, tilting her chin up. “Why would I not be?”

“You were visibly uncomfortable around Mama.” His blue eyes searched hers.

“Some of us aren’t billionaire heartthrobs who everybody is dying to meet and gush over.”

His smile was patient and understanding. “Don’t worry. Mama’s a very nice lady, and she’s uncomfortable as well. If she lays into you, I’ll stand up for you.”

“Oh.” She had no words. Paul or Aiden would stand up for her. If she ever asked them to. Her buddies would protect her. If she let them. But Jarom would stand up for her if Millie ‘laid into her’. It was very thoughtful of him. Even more kind was him recognizing she was uncomfortable and making the effort to let her know he was on her team. He couldn’t even know about how uncomfortable she felt around mother figures in general. What kind of dark-souled person felt like that?

Miraculously, Jarom noticed her insecurities and would stand up for her. She always stood up for herself, but at this moment it felt incredible to know she could rely on him.

“Thank you,” she managed. She wanted to throw her arms around his neck and cling to him, lean into his emotional resiliency and unique strength, but she wasn’t ready to let down her guard that completely. So she turned and walked toward the kitchen, ready to face Millie. It surely wouldn’t be that bad. Especially with Jarom by her side.

His hand rested on her lower back, and he escorted her through the living area with an arched opening into the huge dining room and kitchen area.

She felt safe and protected with Jarom escorting her. That was crazy as she was protecting him, not the other way around. She didn’t need some man keeping her safe.

Yet somehow … she needed Jarom.