Chapter 188

Ethan stood tall at 6'2", towering over Evelyn's 5'7" frame.

The height difference between them made him frown.

Letting a petite girl carry him?

Absolutely not.

"I'll carry you," Ethan declared firmly.

A bridal carry through an obstacle course for five minutes would be too much for Evelyn's slender arms.

Evelyn tilted her head, studying him. She poked his arm lightly. "You sure?"

His muscles tensed instantly.

No man could tolerate being questioned like that.

"Of course," he stated without hesitation.

Years of fitness training and martial arts had honed his strength.

Ethan rolled up his sleeves, revealing well-defined arms. "Want to test the merchandise?"

A teasing glint flashed in his eyes.

Evelyn hummed and actually squeezed his bicep.

The firmness impressed her.

But she arched a brow. "Your arms are solid, but—"

Before she could finish, Ethan grabbed her hand and pressed it against his abdomen.

"Abs too," he murmured, voice thick with pride.

Evelyn felt every ridge of his sculpted stomach.

Not one to back down, she yanked his hand to her own toned midsection. "I have them too."

Ethan recoiled as if burned.

"Don't be reckless!" His ears turned pink. "A lady shouldn't let just anyone touch her."

He had indeed felt firm muscle—but her boldness sent his pulse racing.

Evelyn narrowed her eyes. "But you can?"

"That's different." His voice roughened. "Only you get this privilege."

The heat in his gaze could melt steel.

Evelyn laughed softly. "Such a prude?"

She deliberately drawled, "Plenty of people have felt my obliques. They all said they're perfect."

Ethan's expression froze.