No More Waiting, She Chooses Love novel Chapter 439

"It's still tough," I added.

Ernest's jaw clenched tighter, but he didn't say another word, releasing his hold on me.

"Ernest," I caught him, "You're not going to get all petty and upset, are you?"

"No," he claimed, though his face clearly told a different story.

"Don't you want to know why I called you a rough and tough guy?" I tilted my head to look at him.

"I know, you don't have to say," Ernest spoke as he pinched my waist, gently settling me onto the porch swing at the hotel.

"What do you know," my legs swung, hooking around his waist to keep him in place.

Ernest's Adam's apple bobbed twice quickly, but he stood firm, untempted.

This side of him was truly amusing, revealing a charming side I hadn't seen before.

"Come on, tell me what you know," I teased, my legs causing a bit of chaos around his waist.

He remained silent, and I knew he wouldn't say, so with a bit of effort, I pulled him closer.

My naughtiness made the swing beneath us start to rock...

Ernest leaned forward, his hands catching the edges of the swing, while I lifted mine to clutch the collar of his shirt, drawing him closer to me.

"If you won't say, I'll tell you," I whispered in his ear.

He tried to move, but I held him in place.

"Rough means you seem carefree, not the type to treat a lady delicately," I said, and he moved as I spoke.

I held him firmly, not allowing any rebuttal, and declared, "No arguing. That was my first impression of you, and first impressions last. In my eyes, you're the epitome of rugged masculinity."

Though I was pressed against Ernest and couldn't see his face, I could feel his body tense.