Free Fire and Ice by Taylor Lee Page A

put you on probation, I’ll fire your ass!”
    Annika shrugged and Sam saw the glimmer of a smile tugging at her lips.
    “Then I guess I better not say what I was about to say.”
    “No, Lieutenant, you better not.”
    Nate folded his arms across his chest and glared at her, but his eyes were twinkling. “And don’t forget, you’re going out tonight with Erin and me. Tonight’s our big Friday night bash at the Pub.”
    Annika startled. “I… I forgot about that, Detective. I know Erin wanted me to come but… it’s been a long day and I’m really not much for parties.”
    Nate glared at her.
    “So now you’re gonna play the ‘poor tired little woman’ card? The hell you are. Erin and I will pick you up at 8 o’clock. Be ready.”
    “Is that an order, Detective?”
    Nate shook his head, and his mouth tipped up in a genuine grin.
    “Yes, Lieutenant, that is an order. Christ , woman. Does it require an order from your commanding officer to get you to come out for a night on the town?”
    Annika flushed and looked down, avoiding Sam’s eyes.
    “No. I guess not.”
    “Good. Be ready at 8 o’clock sharp. And wear your dancing shoes and your shortest skirt.” He nodded at Sam. “Make this guy a little crazier than he already is.”
    After the door closed behind her, Nate turned to Sam with an aggrieved look.
    “Jesus, Sam, are you sure you’re up to her? Did you see her with those men? And after I kicked them out? Hell, I’ve had veteran officers twice her size shakin’ in their boots after a scare like that. Then when I give her an order, she just glares at me and says “Thank you very much but I’ll drive my own damn car.”
    He shook his head in disbelief. When he saw Sam’s grin, he nodded.
    “Okay, hotshot. I know you like a challenge. But for what it’s worth, my money is on the lieutenant.”
    “So’s mine, Nate.”
    Sam shoved down his uneasiness and faced Nate with more confidence than he truly felt.
    “Call me crazy, but I think the Ice Princess is starting to crack. I’m betting she’s ready for a guy who’s not afraid to light a fire under her. Free the hot woman locked inside all that ice.” He shrugged. “Only problem I see is that she doesn’t know it yet.”
    Nate considered him with narrowed eyes and a thoughtful frown.
    “You’re on to something, hotshot. Erin said the same thing last night, I shit you not. Said if anyone could get to Annika, you could.”
    “What more do I have to say, Nate? How many times have you told me that Erin is the smartest woman you know? I just hope she and I are both right.”
    Nate heaved a heavy sigh and glanced at his watch.
    “C’mon, hotshot. What do you say we get our asses down to the gym and get in the ring? I need about ten rounds with the best fighter I know to shake off this day. And from the look on your face, you could use twenty.”

Chapter 9
    “All right, dammit! Nate says I’m supposed to wear my dancing shoes? Fine! How about these, Mr. Smart Ass Detective? And is this skirt short enough?”
    Annika twirled in front of the mirror, and a tiny satisfied smile crept across her face. So what if it had only taken her two hours to decide what she was going to wear? The top of her bed, littered with every item of clothing she owned, testified to the task. But each time she’d lost her nerve her eyes landed on the short flared skirt and lacy cropped top she and Erin had spotted at the mall boutique. She would never have bought them except that Erin had shrieked and clapped her hands in delight when she saw them on Annika. And as she was learning, no one said no to Erin.
    “Girl, that skirt was made for you. Damn, I thought my legs were great. But you give me serious competition. And, Annika, I swear until I saw that halter on you I wouldn’t have known you have a full cup size on me. Best news is you won’t even have to wear a bra. Now, honey, all we need is a pair of ‘fuck-me shoes’ to set off that skirt and you’ll be