Agent in Training by Jerri Drennen

Iron Britches herself.
     
    Shiloh knew Hank Dawson and Nicholas were the only two unassigned agents, and even though she’d been given the option of more seasoned men to guard her, she refused. She couldn’t see pulling in agents when all her other operatives were on important cases. She had to settle on Nick and Hank, although doing so turned her life into one big movie-of-the-week.
    How was she going to be alone with Nicholas without wanting to attack him at every turn? The man was a walking sex machine. A sex magnet. She couldn’t believe she’d had the strength to get up and leave him at the ice cream parlor. She definitely hadn’t wanted to, but to have sex in a public place was risky and she just couldn’t do that. Though she wanted to and was sure it would have been the best sex she’d ever had in her life.
    What was she going to do if they were alone in her apartment? She’d go insane knowing he was in the next room, half-naked and wanting her.
    Every time she ran into him, she tried not to check out Nicholas from head to toe. But that was impossible. His hair always seemed to be wet and sticking up everywhere, and all she could think about was running her hands through those blond spikes to try and tame them.
    God, she was in trouble.
    "I imagine you’d like to discuss our assignment?" Hank’s words pulled her out of her fantasy. "I think Nick should take nights, and I’ll do days."
    The censoring look Nicholas gave Hank was clear and she could only assume he wasn’t happy about that plan. Well, neither was she, but could she voice that without giving him a valid reason? She’d just stir his suspicions.
    “All right,” she said through clenched teeth.
    Nicholas narrowed his eyes at her, but said nothing. Good. Because right now, she wouldn’t know how to handle any of his wise-ass comments. She was sure he had some, and was probably running them through his head right now. Ice princess. Iron Maiden. She’d heard all of them through the grapevine and knew where they’d started. It was mean-spirited and hurtful. Nothing less than what she had come to expect from the men in her field.
    “I guess I’ll go by my apartment and get a few things. I’ll meet you downstairs at five-thirty.” He glanced at Hank, scowled, and left the room.
    He was pissed, and he didn’t try to hide it from her.
    Shiloh smiled at Hank but felt uncomfortable. What would he think about Nicholas’ reaction?
    “I’ll wait in the outer office. If you need to go anywhere just let me know.” Hank headed for the door.
    Shiloh sat back and closed her eyes. She had to visit her father tonight and Nicholas would have to tag along.
    She sighed. Why was this happening to her? All she wanted was to do her job to the best of her ability and take care of her father. Was that too much to ask without someone trying to take it all away? She certainly hadn’t asked for this.
    Tears filled her eyes, but she quickly brushed them away.
    If she gave into her fears, this person would win. And she refused to allow that. She was tough and she’d get through this… just like everything else she’d had to get through in the past.
     
    Nick grabbed his leather satchel and stuffed socks and some sport shorts inside. He was still angry at Hank for assuming he’d want to spend the evenings with the director. He knew Hank just wanted to spend all his off-work time with Sandra.
    Could Nick blame him?
    His eyes zeroed in on the box of condoms tucked under a pair of socks in his dresser. Should he bring some? He had one in his wallet, his just-in-case condom that had been there far too long.
    How many months had it been? Eight… nine months. Man he was slipping. He hadn’t had such a dry spell since puberty.
    He threw the box into his bag. Maybe he could talk Shiloh into allowing him to have a sleepover. That thought made Nick smile.
    He finished packing and headed out, grinning from ear to ear. He could get even. He owed Shiloh one. He could