A Special 'Ops and Cops Christmas Read online

  A Special Ops and Cops Christmas

  Sizzling Romantic Suspense

  Holiday Novella

  Praise for A Special ‘Ops and Cops ‘Christmas…

  “The cast from The Blonde Barracuda Collection and the All Fired Up Collection come together to celebrate Sam and Annika’s wedding. What could be more perfect than a Christmas wedding? Ask the terrorists who plan to keep ‘Happily Ever After’ from happening.”

  ~ Action Junkie

  Annika is a beautiful, complicated cop who came from a dirt poor family. The day before she’s to marry her drop dead gorgeous fiancée she meets his family and discovers to her dismay that the Carters make the Cosby family look like paupers.

  ~ J. John

  “Taylor Lee does it again! Great characters! Snappy, outrageous dialogue! Terrific interplay among the guys from The Blonde Barracuda Collection and the All Fired UP Collection. One of the steamiest and most touching love stories I’ve read.”

  ~ David Adams, Author, Samsara

  Main Menu

  A Special Ops and Cops Christmas

  Start Reading

  Afterword

  Other Works by Taylor Lee

  About the Author

  Contact Information

  Copyright

  Table of Contents

  Chapter 1

  “Is… is this your house, Sam?”

  “Uh… not now. But, yes, it is the house I grew up in.”

  Annika sucked in a deep breath, not sure where the next one would come from. She didn’t have to look at Sam to know he was concerned. His voice said it all. As intuitive as Sam was, he’d know how upset she was. It was bad enough that a liveried driver picked them up at the airport in a stretch limousine. Or that the smiling black man kept referring to Sam as Mister Sam. That should have been her first clue. Now this? This house?

  The tree-shaded cobblestone driveway looked at least a quarter of a mile long. That was once you passed through the palatial gates manned by two burly uniformed guards. Both men tapped on the hood, their faces lit with broad smiles and saluted Sam—as though he were royalty. Annika swallowed realizing that in a way he was. Her fiancé, that she was supposed to marry two days from now—in this house no less—was a fucking prince. The prodigal son returning home with his bride to be.

  Turning the corner on the seemingly endless driveway, Annika got her first full view of the house, no-make that country estate. It was a two story brick structure with a twenty-five-foot porch marked by columns and fifteen-foot carved doors. Annika couldn’t begin to imagine how many square feet the house boasted. From the front and side angle that she could see, it had to be 10,000 square feet plus. Across the manicured lawn was what looked to be a garage. Only, unlike most garages, this tribute to speed and excess had six bays. Knowing the level of automobiles that Sam and Nate discussed in glowing detail, Annika guessed that the beauties nestled inside the garage were likely the equivalent of ten years of her northern Minnesota lieutenant cop salary.

  If the house was impressive, the group standing on the front step was breathtaking. Particularly when Annika acknowledged with a shiver that the four people, a man and woman and two young women, were Sam’s family. And soon to be her in-laws.

  The older woman stepped forward, her stunning latte-colored face beaming with a smile. Annika marveled that the tall willowy creature who might be one of the most beautiful women she’d ever seen was Sam’s mother. The two young women crowding behind her were gorgeous replicas of their mother. Even Annika, no clothes pony herself, recognized the designer labels on the women’s casually expensive clothes.

  The man standing beside Sam’s mother was tall although not as tall as Sam. His skin was at least three shades darker than Sam’s, but still the resemblance was clear. The imposing man was definitely Sam’s father. Unlike Sam, who was rarely without a smile or better yet a cocky grin, his father was scowling. The furrows etched on the older man’s brow and the deep caliper lines on either side of his full lips confirmed that the scowl was his customary expression. Annika had heard Sam chortling about his father’s police chief reputation. They called him Samuel the Slammer for his penchant to throw badasses in prison on their first strike—the heck with three strikes. He insisted the sooner they learned about prison the better. Said his tough love stance weeded out the ones who had a chance to make it from the “irredeemables.” But that was in Samuel Carter the 3rd’s former life. Before Sam’s father became Chief Justice of the California Supreme Court.

  A chorus of girlish voices rang out as the three women bounded toward the limousine. The driver jumped out and opened the door for Sam and Annika. Sam leapt out of the car and tugged on Annika’s hand. He didn’t seem to notice her reluctance. But then how could he, captured by three eager women?

  Sam’s mother’s excited greeting, “Sam, you’re here! Home at last!” was echoed by his sisters enthusiastic squeals, “Sammy, Sammy, finally, you’ve come home!”

  Capturing all three women in a group hug, Sam leaned down and kissed his mother’s cheek. His voice reverberated with excitement.

  “Yes, Mom, I’m home. And very glad to be here.”

  Still holding his mother close Sam turned to his sisters.

  “Damn, Callie! And Jesus, is that really you, Vanessa?”

  He took a step back and whistled in appreciation.

  “I can’t believe it. You two look almost grown up. What the hell, I’ve been gone for less than a year. When I left you were a couple of clumsy college girls carrying backpacks filled with books. Now you both like you could be runway models. How the hell did that happen?”

  Looking over their shoulders, Sam eyed the stern man in the background.

  “Seriously, Pops, I thought the least you could do in my absence was to keep these two from growing up. You know what happens to gorgeous young women who look like a million dollars.”

  Samuel Carter growled. “Yes, Sam, I do. They meet scallywags like you and there’s not a damn thing their father can do about it.”

  The glowering man strode toward Sam and threw an arm around his shoulder.

  “It’s about time you got home, Son.”

  Ignoring his father’s gruff tone, Sam returned his embrace.

  “I’m glad to be here, Pops. I’ve missed you. All of you. But I didn’t come alone.”

  Tugging on her hand, Sam pulled Annika close to him. His voice was filled with pride. Gratified by the adoration in his dark brown eyes, Annika took a deep breath and pasted a smile on her face. She hoped that it wasn’t as plastic as it felt.

  “Mom, Pops, I want you to meet Annika Nilsson. Annika is the woman who’s made me the happiest guy alive. The only thing that can make me happier is when she marries me two days from now.”

  Annika managed to murmur what she hoped was a pleasant greeting. She needn’t have worried about making conversation. Sam’s mother, who insisted that Annika call her by her first name, Margaret, captured her from Sam and hugged her tight.

  “Welcome to our home, Annika. Sam’s father and I are delighted to meet you after all this time!”

  She shot a reproving glance at her son.

  “We’ve wanted to meet you for at least six months since Sam told us that he’d fallen in love with a beautiful woman. I don’t have to tell you that we were surprised when he sprung on us that fact that he was getting married.”

  Annika couldn’t hide her dismay at Margaret’s bold statement.

  The gracious woman quickly added, “Don’t misunderstand, Annika. We’re thrilled. It’s just that, as this charming man’s mother, I had about given up hope of having a daughter-in-law… much less grandchildren.”

  She whirled on Sam a
nd shook her finger.

  “The only problem is that with two weeks’ notice, it’s been challenging to say the least to prepare for a wedding!”

  Sam jumped in, tightening his grip on Annika.

  “The two weeks’ notice was intentional, Mother. I treasure my manly parts and knew I’d be unable to give you grandchildren if Annika and I dared elope as we both preferred. I figured that with only two weeks’ notice I could keep you from planning an extravaganza.”

  At his mother’s mock outrage, Sam turned to his father.

  “Pops understands, don’t you? Tell me, were you able to contain this force of nature who would have created an event worthy of Prince William and Kate Middleton if I’d let her?”

  Sam’s father arched a brow. “Your intent was obvious, Son. But you’ve been away from home too long. Nothing but nothing, including two weeks lead time, prevents your mother from doing the impossible.”

  Sam groaned and tightened his grip on Annika’s arm. His voice was firm.

  “Mother, I hope Pops is exaggerating. I told you fifty guests maximum and that includes all of us and the special people Annika and I invited.”

  Margaret Carter raised her chin and sniffed.

  “Let me put it this way, Samuel Dennis Carter. Your wedding to this exquisite girl will be the smallest and least ostentatious event I’ve ever planned.” She smiled and reached for Annika’s hand. “But don’t you worry, dear. Even though it is miniscule compared to what we usually do, it will be among the loveliest events we’ve had. That is, if the weather holds out as those ridiculous weather men have promised. But don’t worry, dear, if we aren’t able to use the garden, we have a backup plan. Although the arbor would be sensational, the ballroom is quite nice—”

  Sam interrupted.

  “Mother, please. Annika and I have flown across the country to be here. Plus Annika was on duty until 11 p.m. last evening. If you would be so kind…”

  Margaret’s hand flew to her mouth. She grabbed both of Annika’s hands and pulled her toward her.

  “Oh my dear child. Of course, I keep forgetting that you are a policeman, I mean policewoman, or is it person? Things have changed so much since my husband was on the force.”

  Annika nodded and gave her a bleak smile.

  “Actually, Mrs. Carter, I’m a detective. That makes it easier.”

  Sam’s mother reared back.

  “Oh no, you don’t. My name is Margaret and I insist you call me that. As for Sam’s father, we all just call him Chief. It covers a lot of his bases. He was the police chief and of course now is the Chief Justice, so Chief seems to work…”

  When Sam cleared his throat and sighed audibly, Margaret shot Sam a disparaging glare and huffed an aggrieved sigh.

  “Fine. I’m sorry if I’m talking too much. But it’s not every day that I get to meet my prospective daughter-in-law.” She pinned Annika with a frown. “Sam is right about one thing. You look exhausted.”

  Turning to the two young women who were watching the byplay between Sam and their mother with barely disguised humor, Margaret gave an imperial nod.

  “Callie, and you too Vanessa, please take Annika up to her quarters. I’ll have Deke bring your luggage my dear. For now, you need to rest.”

  “Sam, I’ve arranged for Annika to be in your old bedroom suite. Your other friends will be in the same wing. I wanted Annika to have the most special room, the one that looks out on the azaleas. They’re blooming now and the fragrance alone is intoxicating. I’ve arranged for you to be—”

  Sam unwound Margaret’s hand from Annika’s arm. Placing himself between Annika and his mother, he smiled down at his mother.

  “That’s wonderful, Mother. I don’t mind a bit staying in my old bedroom. I’ve always loved the azaleas. I’m pleased that you remembered that. Annika and I will both enjoy them.”

  Margaret flushed and looked confused. She recovered and gave Sam a slight smile.

  “But of course, dear. I have to admit I’m accustomed to dealing with your sisters. I guess you are saying that you and Annika….”

  Sam interrupted with a hearty laugh.

  “Cover your virgin ears, Mother. Annika and I have been living together for seven months now. Indeed, we’ve discovered that neither of us sleeps well without the other. Although when we are together…”

  He gave his mother an audacious wink. She flushed and shook her head.

  “I’m sorry Sam, I’m so excited you’re here. And yes, I know you are a hardened Veteran and a famous detective in your own right. It’s just that… I keep thinking of you as you were….”

  Sam hugged her.

  “It’s okay, Mom. We’re all treading carefully here. But most important, Annika needs a break from all of us. Callie and Vanessa, please show Annika to our room and then beat it. You hear? I need to connect with Detective Stryker and Col. Lang. They are due to land any minute.”

  He glared at his sisters. “I repeat…”

  Vanessa stepped up and saluted Sam. The mirth bubbled in her voice.

  “No need, Sir, to repeat your orders, Sir. Vaunted detective hotshot, special ops hero, and tough-ass brother, your peon sister hears you loud and clear, Sir.”

  At Sam’s snort, Vanessa took Annika’s hand.

  “C’mon, Annika. I’ll take you to yours and Sam’s room.”

  As they headed into the impressive house, the young dark-skinned beauty leaned over and spoke in a conspiratorial tone, loudly enough for the others to hear.

  “Sorry, my family can be a tad overwhelming, but they are great people. You have to understand, you’ve captured the biggest prize this California haven has to offer. My brother without a doubt is the most eligible and sought-after bachelor in this high-end enclave of super stars. If you think you’re hearing anguished screams, you are. It’s all the women who’ve been fighting over him for years tearing their designer underwear to shreds. ”

  Her voice dropped further. “And that includes my mother. No, don’t look shocked. I’m not saying it’s, like, Oedipal or anything. That she’s after his ass like 90% of the women in Monterey are. No, it’s just that she has doted on him for his entire thirty-four years. No way she can stop now. Just be glad that she’s accepted that he’s chosen you. It could be worse, you know. Instead of focusing on planning your wedding, she could be focusing on you.”

  Annika closed her eyes for a split second, then gathered her strength. Placing herself in front of the bedroom door, she made it clear to the flippant young woman who was clearly enjoying their tete a tete that she was not inviting her into the room.

  “Thanks for the heads up, Vanessa. I presume you wanted me to know what I’m up against. The last thing I’d want is to be unprepared. If you don’t mind, I’ll see myself inside.”

  Closing the door firmly behind her, Annika gazed at the opulent bedroom suite which at first glance appeared to be as large as her entire condo. She forced herself to appraise each of the three rooms. The bathroom included a dressing area, an enormous shower and a Jacuzzi bathtub that could easily hold a party of six. She couldn’t help but wonder if Sam had hosted some of the ‘90% of Monterey women’ who were after him in the exotic bathtub. Staring at her pale face in the wall length mirror, she shot her reflection a sympathetic glance then closed her eyes to shut out the reality of her situation. When she opened her eyes and saw that nothing had changed, she muttered aloud, “Jesus fucking Christ. What have I gotten myself into?”

  Chapter 2

  “Nate, Erin, Luke. Damn, am I glad to see you three.”

  Sam scrubbed at the fancy trademark facial hair decorating his chin and appealed to the trio who were regarding him in amazement. He focused on the dark-haired beauty hovering next to Nate.

  “Especially you, Erin. Annika is upstairs. She’s… uh… a little… overwhelmed. Any chance you could look in on her for me? I promised my father I’d join him in the library…”

  Nate Stryker, the police detective who’d put the Northern Minneso
ta sleepy college town of Chicadia Falls on the front page of every police journal in the country grinned his trademark grin and scoffed.

  “Overwhelmed?” He waved at the palatial surroundings and whistled. “Damn, bro. What did you expect? Hell, I’m not easily wowed, but Christ, man. You coulda given us a heads up. We all knew you were a prince among men… but we didn’t know you were a real prince. What African nation do you people rule?”

  Sam grimaced. He was accustomed to Nate’s over the top banter, but remembering Annika’s pained expression made it challenging to respond in kind. Knowing that Nate would never give up he aimed for a modicum of humor.

  “Hell, dude. You know some of us come from the ‘house black’ side of the slavery equation. According to the family tales, my great, great, great grand-pappy managed the books for his plantation and wrote himself into his Massa’s will.”

  Nate scoffed. “Even if you’re full of shit, makes a hell of a good story, man. Although I’m gonna stick with the African Nation version of the truth. Either that or that father of yours is a financial genius as well as a hard ass police chief who wrangled his way onto the California Supreme Court, or hell, maybe he played incognito for the Lakers.”

  A deep baritone voice thick with laughter reverberated through the cavernous hallway, echoing off the marble tiled floor.

  “Let’s assume that I’m all three, except for the stint on the Lakers. You didn’t mention brilliant. Specifically that rather than play on the court, I was smart enough to marry into a bougie–ass family that happened to own the basketball franchise. The fact that Margaret is the most beautiful woman in the world regardless of color played a role. Unfortunately her beauty had a fatal flaw. She was too sheltered to recognize a charlatan when she saw one. Somehow I managed to convince her to marry me—to my everlasting joy and her father’s chagrin.”

  Sam shook his head in mock dismay and gestured to the impressive man standing in the doorway.

  “Nate, Erin, Luke, meet my father. Samuel Carter the 3rd. What my pops didn’t mention is that he enjoys intimidating people, especially smart-mouthed special ops guys who also happen to be cops. Which means, Erin, you are the only one here that my father will treat gently.” He added a warning to his irrepressible father. “Correct, Pops?”