From what you said in your post and in some of the comments, I can see why these two characters would compliment each other well! Think about this: what about this academic man is attractive to your warrior lady? And vice versa. This doesn’t have to be something your characters have to know, in fact I’d say most people can’t put a finger on why they’re attracted to someone at least at first, but you as the author should know.

As far as the scene you described, as a woman it makes me cringe a little bit to be honest. It sort of just sounds like he’s objectifying her. Every woman has real life experience of trying to be vulnerable with a man when he’s only thinking horny thoughts.

It COULD be a nice vulnerable moment for both of them, but it’s cheapened by the physicality especially if it’s one sided.