IceMan had a meeting with a few colleagues from TopGun. A crew was out together for a tactical run through of a mission to Russia. Word had come of a hidden Russian submarine base that was building extremely high tech underwater war machines capable of near silence. Their weapons systems are unparalleled to any other. Capable of carrying nukes anywhere there oceans would take them. The US government wanted the base destroyed and all subs sunk before they could do harm to any countries. IceMan was in his dress uniform for the meeting, hair spiked and clean cut as always. Amber didn't see him walk in, her back was to the door as she put away the glasses she had been drying. She had music running in the background and it was seven in the evening. The late crowd had only just started filtering in. Amber saw a man sit down at one of the corner booths in her peripheral vision and then a moment later three more came in to join him. Allowing them all a moment to get settled, she grabbed four menus and took out her pen and pad from her apron. She knew they were all Navy, it was a bar on base. They had some civilians, but four uniformed men was just a normal occurrence there. 

Amber walked up to the round corner table, ready to pass out the menus when she locked eyes with Tom IceMan Kazanski. He looked just as shocked as she did.

“Good evening gentlemen. My name is…”

“Amber…” IceMan answered.

Her eyes were glued to him, he looked sharp as ever in his dress uniform. She had to clear her throat. “Pardon me, here are some menus. I'll give you a few minutes to take a look and I'll be back to take your order.” She passed around the menus, and hesitated when she got to Ice. She tried like hell to shake it off. She hadn't seen him in ages. Years! He still looked the same. Fit, tall, that same spiky dirty blond hair. Those sharp icy blue eyes. That sharp jawline. Broad shoulders.

Amber went to the bar and cashed out a young couple. As she closed the register she was greeted by a throat clearing off to her left. A deep voice spoke.

“Shadow?”

She looked up into those eyes,”Iceman. Been a long time.” Her heart was pounding. 

He nodded.”It has. How are you?”

“I'm good! And you?” she tried not to let her annoyance come through as she spoke.

“I'm good. I'm back at TopGun.”

“No shit?”she couldn't believe her ears.

“Viper retired.”

“Wow. That's an end of an era. Good for him though. Good for you then too.”

He grinned,”Yeah.” He kept his eyes on hers,”You look great!”

“Can it Ice. You can be nice, that's fine, but don't even think of trying it.”

A look of hurt crossed his face,”Try what?”

“I know how you operate. Just forget it.“ she said harshly.”Don't bother.”

“I just wanted a moment to say Hi Shadow. As you said, it’s been a long time.”

She shuddered,”God, I haven't been called that in years!” she shook her head.

Penny suddenly came up to her side.

“You have GOT to be kidding me! Ice!!! My GOD! How long has it been?”she grinned from ear to ear.

“A long time! How are you Penny?” He grinned. 

“I'm great! It's so good to see you!”

Penny went around the bar and gave Ice a hug. Amber watched. Completely bewildered by his presence. She couldn't stand him.

“I should get back to the table. My colleagues and I have some business to discuss. Ladies, it's great to see you.” his eyes lingered on Amber's.

“You too Ice! Make sure you say goodbye before you leave!” Penny said.

“I will.” His eyes flashed back over to Amber once more. He never could figure out what her problem was.

“I have to go to the ladies room…I'll be back out in a sec to take their order.” Amber stammered.

“Hey! You good? You look like you've seen a ghost! It's just IceMan! What's the deal?”

“I just…” she was trying to find the right words.

Penny grabbed Amber's arm.”Hey. What's wrong?”

“All right, listen, for years…and I mean years, Ice has tried to ask me out.”

“He's a great guy! What's wrong with that?” 

“He's so full of himself! I can't stand that! I've seen women throw themselves at him. It's disgusting! On principle I promised myself I'd never go there. Especially after all the times I had to see you say goodbye to Maverick. It's heartbreaking to watch someone go through that. I can't do that to myself.”

“Well, yeah he's full of himself, he's a pilot, they have to be ballsy. But he really is a good guy! I swear! And anyway, he's back at TopGun, looks like he's a Captain now. And he's an instructor, he's grounded so to speak. He's not going to be running out for more missions. He's a teacher now!”

“Well, either way. I'm not interested. Not one bit. He's probably married anyhow.”

“I did not see a ring…” Penny smirked.

“Whatever. I'm not interested.”

“You're being silly. And besides, when was the last time you even went on a date?”

“I don't know, last 4th of July? I think? I've been busy here working with you!”

“You really can't stand him that bad huh?”

“Maybe. He knows he's the hottest guy in the room. It's obnoxious.”Amber said cautiously.”I just need a sec to get my composure. I'll be right back out.”

“All right hurry up, they look almost ready to order. AND hottest guy in the room??? You hate him, but you think he's hot?”

“I just need a sec. And, all right, he's easy on the eyes. But he's annoying as Hell! I'll be right back!”

Amber hurried to the restroom and took out her lip gloss and gave it a touch up. She looked at herself hard in the mirror. Gave her hair a quick fluff. Took a deep breath and went back for her pad and pen. Now she was ready to take their orders. Walking past the bar. Penny watched as her friend walked by. Amber's shoulders were straight and she moved a little stiffly. 

“Give him a chance…” she said as Amber walked by with her pad and pen ready to go.

“Penny, I'm not looking for anything right now.” Amber walked to the table doing her best to compose herself. She straightened her back and put on her customer service smile. 

“Gentlemen, are you ready to order?”

They all were and she went around the table, leaving IceMan for last.

Once she had everything written down she went to the kitchen and gave the slips to Darren that evenings cook. She went about her normal business trying to ignore the elephant in the room until she had to take their food over. She could swear that she felt his eyes on her, she blushed because she was so anxious. Back over in the booth he did watch her. He couldn't get past how she'd reacted to seeing him. He never understood what her problem with him was. But it made her even more of a mystery to him. His meeting went well. Their food was delicious. He was looking forward to seeing Penny to let her know that he enjoyed his visit. Once the meeting was through and the rest had left, Ice was ready to go visit with Penny.After bills were squared up he went to the men's room and checked himself. Nothing was amiss. Hair,perfect,uniform,perfect. He was sure of himself, standing tall and confident he washed up and strolled up to the bar. Picking a stool,he sat. Penny grinned and came over to him. 

“Was your dinner all right?” She wiped down the bar as she spoke.

“It was excellent. Thank you.” he smiled.”How's business?”

“Fantastic, you flyboys keep us busy always! Captain now?” She knew the ranks, her father had been an admiral. 

“Yes! When Viper retired they let him pick his successor. He picked me.”

She nodded,”That's great! Do you love it?”

He looked uncertain.”I don't get to fly half as much as I would prefer.”

Penny nodded. She knew his type.

“You and Mav, never happy unless you're going Mack 4 with your tail on fire!” She laughed.

He laughed,”It's true! I still get to fly drills with the kids though. Show them who the best of the best is. TopGun.”

From the other end of the bar there was a disgusted voice.”Oh God!” Amber had accidentally spoken her thoughts out loud. She clapped a hand over her mouth, eyes wide. She looked at Penny who grinned.

“What is your problem with me?” He asked calmly. 

“Nothing! Never mind! Penny I'll be out back helping Darren close down.”

“Nah, don't worry about that, I'll help. I think you and Ice should have a chat. It's clear that there's something on your mind!” Penny was at times an instigator.

“Penny! No!” Amber was mortified.

“Yes! I'll go help Darren out back before the dance crowd comes in. It's quiet. Sit! Talk!”

Ice watched as Amber stood completely mortified. She looked like a doe standing in the middle of the road with the headlights shining in her eyes. She was frozen in place. 

He got up and slowly walked toward her end of the bar. Bringing his scotch with him. He took a sip, but he made full on eye contact with her.

“Shadow, what's on your mind?”

“It's nothing.”

“It is NOT nothing. We've had this back and forth for years. What is it?”God he was so direct.

“Do you really want to know?”

He did. He stood on the other side of the bar, but his height was intimidating to her. His voice was so deep that it cut right through her. She was nearly trembling, he could see it.

“Yes. I would like to know why you hate me so much. What did I ever do to you?” He was calm and level headed. A reason they  called him IceMan. He stood there, his glass rested on the counter now. 

“Listen. I don't want to be mean.”

“So don't be. Be honest. Honesty I can deal with.” 

She met his light green eyes, took a deep breath.”The reason I would never go out with you? It's because you're incredibly arrogant. So full of yourself! I can't stand that! Why would I want to go out with a guy who knows he's the hottest guy in the room? It oozes off you! And it just irritates me the way women throw themselves at you. It's gross!” Suddenly she stopped, she had fully spoken her mind and now she was mortified.”Oh my God…I should go…” she went to turn to walk away but his hand caught her arm.

“Don't go!”he said calmly.

She froze at his touch. His hand was warm on her arm and she just couldn't move. 

“May I speak now?”

“Okay?” She said quietly and turned back to face him.

He took a breath. This encounter had thrown him through a loop. He knew he was arrogant. It was true, he'd always been cocksure. Ever since he was a teenager. Then it got worse when he joined the Navy. He knew it was true. But he'd always thought she was pretty. He knew she was smart, they had some mutual friends. So their circles occasionally bumped into each other. Ice called her Shadow for the way she just always blended into everything. She wasn't a star of the show, she managed to be noticeable in more subtle ways than others.

“Haven't you ever wondered why I asked you out so much?”

“No,because you were in between conquests! I knew why.” 

He shook his head to the negative,”That's NOT why!” He had released her arm. He found himself  wanting to show her there was more to him.”I have always admired your brains. You're interesting. Intelligent. Sure if I wanted to get laid, it'd be easy. That's not what I wanted from you. I wanted to converse with you. We have some of the same friends. They shared plenty of stories about you. I heard you wrote a book. I wanted to go to your book signing but I was on a mission.  I was going to come if I had not been called out!”

“What?” she could not believe her ears?

He nodded.” I wanted to congratulate you! Getting published is no small feat! That's a lot of work!”

“You have to be joking!”

“Not at all. I only know a few people that have been published in any format, and mostly it's officers and naval bullshit. You wrote an actually novel!”

“What the? I can't honestly believe my ears.”

“You never gave me a chance to get to actually know you. You always hid in the shadows! I may be arrogant, it's true. But you never even gave me a shot at just a conversation or a friendship.Let alone anything else.”

“I. I…” she was speechless.”Fuck. You're right. I never even gave you the time of day.”

“Just a conversation would've been nice. I tried, but you just shot me down before even having any real conversation. You built some major walls.” He didn't say it to make her feel bad. But it was the honest truth He watched her as she struggled with her thoughts. Just then Penny's voice rang out across the room.

“Amber!! INCOMING!!!” 

Amber's head snapped to the door. She could see her ex-husband walking up to the door.

“SHIT!!!” OH NO!” now she looked terrified again and Ice didn't like it.

“Hey! What's wrong?”

“My Ex-husband!!!”she threw her towel down.

“Ex-husband?” His eyes turned toward the door. 

Penny hollered out. “Ice? GET HER OUT OF HERE! NOW! I called the cops and they're on their way!”

Amber stood there, frozen again. Ice knew that Penny meant business and for her to act the way she was that it was a bad situation. He went into action. Reaching for Amber's hand he spoke in his Admiral voice.

“COME ON! LET'S GO! NOW! I don't care how much you hate me! We need to get you out of here!” He ordered her as if she were one of his students and next thing he knew she pulled her hand from his and literally jumped up over the bar and he caught her so she didn't fall. He sheltered her with his body, his arm around her back and he looked back toward the door. He wanted to know the face of the asshole that had her so scared and Penny up in arms. IceMan was going to get to the bottom of this situation. And fast. But for the moment he was all about getting her the Hell out of the bar and to safety. He led her briskly to his Mustang and watched over his shoulder as he unlocked the passenger door for her.

“Get in!” he ordered.

“I am! I am!”  Amber was frantic. As he closed her door he looked inside and saw the man's head snap toward the sound of the car door. He got inside and  he pushed the ignition button to start the car immediately. Locking the doors. He was worried about Penny until he saw her pistol in her hands, he knew that she knew what she was doing. She'd be fine. Police sirens were blasting close by. Two cops pulled in in SUV’s screaming past them. He floored it and got them on the road. Not even knowing where he was about to take her. She was shaking. They were silent. And now he could tell that she was actually crying. He decided to take her home.

“What the Hell was that?” He asked sternly.“What did he do to you?”he took a deep breath releasing it through his nose. She looked over at him, but stayed silent, and was white as a ghost.”I'm taking you somewhere safe. Then we really need to talk.”

“I'm so sorry!” She squeeked. She was hugging herself in the seat next to him, she buried her face in her hands and sobbed.

“DO NOT be sorry. I'm not letting anything happen to you.” He calmed his tone.”Amber! Look at me!” He turned his head for long enough to see her snap hers toward him.”You're safe!”

Tears streamed down her face. She sniffed,”Thank you!” She sputtered. 

IceMan drove her to his home. He knew that if the ex was after her, it was highly likely that he'd go to her home. They pulled up to his condo and he turned off the car then turned to her. 

“Come inside. I want the full story.” He said as he got out of the car. He went to her side and opened the door. Amber got out and looked up at his condo. It was clean and crisp, just like him. She took a quick moment to try and wipe her eyes. 

“Come inside.” IceMan said in a hushed tone, keys in one hand he strode to the door.  Thunder suddenly sounded in the distance.  The night sky was cloud covered and the wind had picked up. Lightning flashed. 

“Thank you Tom.” Amber said softly. It was unusual to use his proper name but she felt that he deserved the respect for getting her away from her dangerous ex.

“You're welcome.” He unlocked the door and switched on an overhead light. 

“May I use your bathroom?”

“Of course. It's this way.” He switched on lights as he guided her through the condo. 

Ice stepped aside so that she could use the bathroom. He went to the kitchen and grabbed glasses and his best scotch. Setting up the drinks while he waited for her. He went to the living room and looked outside at the oncoming storm. In the bathroom Amber tried to clean herself up and splashed some cold water on her face. Trying to gather her composure she took a few deep breaths as she took one last look in the mirror. Ice had seen her cry, what did it matter now? She tried to be brave but being so close to him felt strange. She knew that he was right though, she had never given him a single chance to see what kind of person he truly was past his flyboy exterior. She knew she had been in there a long time. It was nerve wracking trying to summon the courage to have the uncomfortable talk that she knew was coming. Recounting her past was extremely uncomfortable.

 Finally she opened the door and stepped out, looking around trying to find Ice. Walking back the way they had come she found him holding a scotch glass looking outside. Lightning flashed on and off.Tom's condo was on a small lake and he could look out over the lake from the living room. Amber spoke quietly.

“Thank you for the moment to myself.” She stood in the entryway. Ice spoke before turning around.

“You're welcome.” He went to the mantle and took the second glass down, walking toward her.”Scotch?”

“God, yes. Please.”

He passed it to her. Her hands shook as she accepted the glass. There were dark circles under her eyes now and her eyes were red rimmed and puffy. “It'll help. Let's sit.” He went to the sofa but didn't sit until she did.

“I can't imagine what you must be thinking right now.” Amber said.

“What the Hell was that?” He watched her. 

“I have a restraining order on my ex.” She started. Looking down into her glass.”He's dangerous.”

“How dangerous?”

Amber looked back up.“He put me in the hospital.I pressed charges. For now I have an order of protection, we still have one more court date before the court decides his fate.”

“What did he do to you to put you in the hospital?” Ice asked quietly.

“Beat me up…and some other things…” she couldn't meet his eyes. she took a sip of the scotch. And her hands shook.

He took a deep breath and let it out slowly. Searching her eyes. He noticed a scar now, on her cheek bone. “Is this,” he reached out slowly and barely touched it,”From him?” He hadn't noticed it earlier.

She had to set the glass down on the coffee table, her hands were shaking badly. She flinched at his touch, her eyes welled up as she answered,”Yes.”

He nodded. Taking a gulp instead of a sip he finished his drink. 

 No wonder she was so guarded.

“I'm so sorry.”he said humbly. He watched her. No judgement, only compassion on his face. He was angry, his brows furrowed in anger,lips pressed together tightly.Nobody deserved what she had endured. And now he understood her a bit more. “You didn't deserve that.”

“I wish he felt the same way.” She said. Tears streamed once more down her cheeks. She went to turn away, embarrassed.”I wish I had been stronger…” she buried her face in her hands again. 

Ice reached out and rested his hand on her shoulder. She jumped.

“Men are not supposed to hurt their women,”he said quietly.

“I tried SO hard. I fought.He has scars from me too. I couldn't get away though. I wasn't fast enough.” She spilled her whole story to him. The beating and the rape. She told him all of it.

Ice was horrified by her account. He wanted to punch something or someone.Ice stayed quiet. He was horrified by her story.

“When is your court date?”he asked.

“It's still a couple weeks away.”she wiped at her eyes. 

“You can't go home. He'll be waiting, watching for you.” 

“I have to, my belongings are there.” She reached for the glass once more and did as Ice had, gulped the scotch. She trembled. 

“You're not going alone.We will go tomorrow. Together. And you're going to pack up whatever you need to survive until your court date. And you're coming here. He doesn't know me. He doesn't know you're here. I have a spare room that you can use.You will  be safe, here.”he saw her sigh in relief.

“After the way I've been to you. How can you be so kind to me?” she looked up at him. She truly couldn't understand.

Ice shifted,”Because, you finally have opened up to me. You're finally at least looking past my exterior and being real with me. My call sign may be IceMan, but I'm not cold hearted. Maybe, you will finally see that there's more to me.”

She felt so guilty for how awful she'd been for so many years. “I'm sorry for passing such judgement on you. You didn't deserve that.”

“No. I didn't. But maybe we can fix this.”

“You really are willing to do this for me?”

“Yes.” 

”I truly am sorry for being so rude.”

He smirked,”I was kind of obnoxious about the pursuit. I'm sorry for that.”

“Thank you.”Amber said,a half smile spread across her lips.”You were relentless.”

“You're welcome.” He answered.”I would like to actually know you. If you'll let me.”

“I'll try…”she said.”Can you be patient with me?” 

“I can.”At just that moment as the storm had begun to grow, the power went out.”Shit.”

“Damn.”

“Sit tight. I have an oil lamp. I'll be right back.”he went to his office and lit an antique oil lamp, bringing it into the living room.”This should help.”

“You're into antiques?”Amber asked.

“Some.”he set the oil lamp on the coffee table.”More scotch?”

“Yes, please. I promise not to gulp it this time.” Amber said.

“It's all right. We had some difficult things to discuss. It helps take the edge off.” He sat back down next to her after pouring them each a second glass. They sat quietly for a little bit.

The storm continued on. Wind rattled the siding on the house. Thunder roared up above. One particular strike was so loud Amber jumped .

“Sorry!” She chuckled.

Ice chuckled too.”I’ve got you.”he said softly. His arm shot around her reflexively. She dipped her head, unable to look at him. His arm felt really nice around her…she didn't want him to see that it affected her that way. She was grateful for the dimness of the room, she didn't want him to see her blush.

 He laughed gently.” This just made me feel like a kid again, taking a girl to a scary movie so I could try and put the moves on her!”

“You're disgusting! This is part of what I was talking about.”She shrugged out of his grip. He let up immediately.

“Oh please, like you never watched a scary movie with a boy just so you could cuddle up to him?” he cocked an eyebrow at her in suspicion.

“No, actually I didn't. I was a goody two shoes…”she said. 

“Not once?”

“No! I lived in a very strict household. My parents kept me on a tight leash! Did it ever really work for you?” She had to know.

“Sometimes.” He grinned.

“Not always? Not with that IceMan bravado?”

“I wasn't always arrogant, I was a young guy once. Now I know it's a 50/50 shot. Back then,it was more like 30/70 percent chance of working. There was this one girl that turned and slapped me when I finally had worked up the nerve to put my arm around her. I was twelve, I think.”

Amber laughed,”She slapped you?”

IceMan nodded and laughed with her.

“Yeah!”

“How long did it take you to do it?”

He thought about it for a moment.”Well the plan going into the date was always to try and kiss her by the end of the night. But you start small. Get the big popcorn so you can share, and that gives you lots of chances to touch her hand. Hoping that she'll eventually wanna hold hands.”

“What if that doesn't work?”

“Well then you gotta try harder. First you do the move where you lay your hand on your lap closer to her,palm up of course hoping that she'll take it. Then, if that actually works, that's when you wait for the scary part to come up…see me and the guys went to the movie the week before. So I knew when the scary parts were coming. So I know it's about to happen, and when she flinches, that's when I put my arm around her and snuggle her up close…” A huge crack of thunder sounded and at that moment Amber flinched and she felt his arm go around her again.”Exactly like this…”he said softly, his voice was deep and it stirred something in her. She's had ducked her head toward his shoulder. Amber tipped her head up then to catch him watching her thoughtfully. The close contact made her tremble. He felt her shaking.

“I swear I didn't plan this…” he gazed at her. 

“You didn't order the power outage and raging thunderstorm?” She asked teasing him. 

“Nope.”

His phone started ringing.  He unwrapped his arm from her shoulders and reached for the phone. He saw that it was Penny .”Penny?...She's here with me. Listen, I brought her to my place to keep her safe. I'm not letting her go home until tomorrow.  I'm going to go with her and I'm having her pack some things to stay in my spare bedroom. I don't want her ex to show up there. It's not safe. He could be waiting for her. We're doing all right. The powers out. So we're talking by oil light. You want to talk to her?” He turned toward Amber,”She wants to check on you. Here.” he passed her his phone

“Thanks.” she now directed her voice to Penny,”Hey.”

“Hey. The cops got him out of here and took him downtown for violating the restraining order. Which is at least good ammo for you in court. Are you all right?”

“Yeah, sort of. Ice has been pretty good. Mostly.”

“Oooohhh….hmmm?” Penny was intrigued.

“We're talking. There's not much else we can do right now…no power and all…”

“ I can definitely think of something you could be doing!  Soooo…he's being pretty great huh? Didn't I tell you? He's a good man. He's keeping you hostage???”

“Not hostage! Just safe.” she rolled her eyes at Him. He smirked.

“Are you finally giving him a chance?”

“I'm trying.”

“Good! I just wanted to make sure you were safe. I think they're going to hold him for the night but you might want to make a phone call in the morning.”

“Thanks Penny. I appreciate it. You're a good friend. Always have been.”

“You're welcome. We had a quiet night other than that, you didn't miss much at all.”

“Oh that's good. I'm glad it wasn't a busy night. I would have felt even more terrible.”

“Yeah the dancing crowd was pretty sad. All right. You  kids…have fun…he’s a good man…I'm telling you…”

“I get it. Thanks for calling. Do you want to talk to Ice?”

“Yeah just for a minute.”

“Okay, here ya go. Good night Penny.”

“Good night Amber.”

Amber handed the phone back to Ice.

He answered,”Yeah?”

“You be careful with her. She's been through a lot. I know you won't mistreat her. But patience is a virtue…” she guided him.

“I will. We're just talking. It's been an interesting night. I'll talk to you later.”

“Ice, be kind.”

“Yes ma'am. Good night Penny.”

“Good night Ice.”

They hung up. He set his phone on the edge of the armrest. The thunder sounded again, and a crack made their ears ring. Then there was a boom like something fell.

“What the hell?” He said,”I think that a tree was just hit.” he bolted up off the sofa.

Amber got up and followed him  in the dim light to the windows. He started to survey his property, sure enough, off to the right of his shed a tree smoldered a little. 

“That was a bit close! I can't tell if it's on fire or just smoking…” he said.

“That could've taken your shed down!”Amber had joined him at the giant plate glass windows.

“I was about to say that it's getting late, but I'm not going to be able to sleep through this. It's too loud. Do you want to camp out here until it's over?”

“You scared?” she grinned.

“Of property damage? Yeah! And I just want to be sure that you're all right.” He looked down into her eyes,concern was plainly displayed. Suddenly she was aware of his body next to her,so close, but not touching. His presence was solid and reassuring. 

“I'm doing better than I was. And I don't think I can sleep yet either. Maybe hanging out here is a good idea.”

“Lets get more comfortable then. I'm going to get you something to sleep in. I definitely want to get out of my uniform…Come with me.” He picked up the oil lamp,leading  her back to his bedroom. 

“Ice…” she said hesitantly. She figured where he was taking her.

“I'll get you some pajamas. I'm not being a perve.”he sounded offended.

“Sorry I guess I just judge you by default…I'm sorry. I'll try and work on that.”

“If it weren't you, I probably would've tried to make it a romantic moment and seduce you. But you ARE you and I'm not doing that to you. Just going to get you something comfy to change into.” He set the lamp on the dresser. Then he started to rummage through the drawers. He found some cotton lounge pants with a drawstring so that she'd be able to  cinch them as tight as she needed. Then he came up with a lightweight sweater. “Here, this should get you through the night.” He brought them to her. 

“Thank you.” She took them. 

Ice dug out lounge pants and a tee shirt for himself.”You're welcome. Would you like a moment? I can step out into the hall so you can change.”

“Yes please.” She answered.

“Take your time. I'll be right outside.” He turned with his clothes draped over his arm and stepped into the hall closing the door behind him. Amber undressed quickly and as she felt the soft sweater she brought the neck up to her nose, it smelled like him. She inhaled deeply and sighed. 

“Ice? I'm ready!”

The door opened, he had decided to change in the hallway while she was changing and had gotten his pants on, but had not put his T-shirt on yet, he was barechested and Amber sucked in a breath.

“Um, where can I put my clothes?” She tried so hard to just maintain eye contact but good Lord her eyes couldn't be stopped from taking in those broad shoulders and that be shaped torso. He noticed her eyes movement and tried hard not to smirk. He knew that look. She appreciated what she saw. 

“Over there on the chair for now. I'd put them in the wash for you, but there's the pesky no power thing happening right now.”

“Thanks.” She took the folded clothes over and dropped them on the chair as he directed. 

“I swear, I'm not being a perv,but I. Think that sweater looks far better on you than it does on me. It suits you.”

“It's really soft.” She said.

“Cashmere.”

“Nice. Thanks.”

“You're welcome. Wanna go back out?”

“Sure. I need to sit back down. The scotch is working.”

“You feeling ok?”he was worried, not wanting her to be drunk if she was not wanting to be drunk. 

“Yeah…just a little buzzed. No big deal, but sitting would be great.” 

He had brought his uniform in and hung it back up while they chatted.

“Good. I don't want you to be uncomfortable.”

“Thank you.”

Ice brought the lamp with him and they went back to the living room. He set it down in the same place as before and went to a basket near the fireplace grabbing a blanket. 

“Would you like more scotch?”

She shook her head no.”No, that was really good. You enjoy the best don't you?”

“The best of the best.”he chuckled.

She laughed.”Oh my God! Shut up!”

“You set me up!”

“I hate you!” She giggled.

“No you don't…” he said softly.”You hate the idea of me…’ 

Amber looked away. His comment rang true. The truth was, she thought that he was actually out of her league, even though he'd repeatedly tried to get her to go out with him. She figured he just wanted a fuck. Not anything of substance and she was not about the casual fling. She wasn't in her 20’s anymore.

“Hottest guy in the room? I think that's what  you said earlier…”he watched her reactions to his words. He knew he was getting under her skin.

She took a deep breath and let it out slowly.

“I never said that I didn't think you were attractive…” she said, getting up from the couch, there was an energy sparking between them that she wasn't sure she was ready for. She felt a charge,a jolt, every time he touched her, but just sitting next to her it was building and she was becoming overwhelmed. She stood at the window as he had earlier, looking out over the lake. Ice got up and stood beside her.

“I’m sorry. Sometimes I can be too direct.” He said quietly.

“No,it needed to be said.”

“No. I think I was just trying to push you to get you to open up more.”

“It's fine.” 

“Would you come sit back down?”

“Yeah.” 

“It's late.” 

“It is.”

“We can stay out here if you want. Or if you want I can show you to the spare bedroom.”

“Can we stay out here?”

“Sure. But only if that's what you're comfortable with.”

“Yes, let's stay out here.”

“You think I'm attractive?” He asked.

“Oh my God…”

He nodded. And smirked,but he let it go for the moment. He wanted to chuckle a little about that but he didn't. The storm continued to roll, the thunder and lightning unrelenting.

“I wonder how long this is supposed to last.”Amber said changing the subject.

Ice tossed the blanket on the back of the sofa. He pulled out his phone to check the radar app that he had.

“At least three more hours.”

“Holy shit. That's pretty brutal.”

Ice nodded.”Let's get comfy. I'll bring the ottoman over so it'll be a little better.” 

“Okay.” Amber took a seat and Ice moved the coffee table out of the way to make room for the big rectangle ottoman. It was wide enough for both of their feet. He sat back down, and threw the blanket over their laps. 

“Are you sure this is all right?” Ice asked. He kept thinking about the things she told him. He didn't want to overstep. He wanted to be respectful of her boundaries, though there were a few moments that he felt an energy between them.

“Yeah, it's ok.”she said. Though she was hyper aware of the heat coming off his body. It did make her a little nervous being so close.

“So…who would've thought we'd end up sitting together in the dark tonight?”

“Definitely not me.”

“How long since your divorce?”

“Only about 6 months. It's still pretty fresh.”

“I see. I won't ask about anything more than that. I'm sorry I brought it up. I was just curious.”

“No, don't be. It's ok. I've been seeing a therapist to help me through my issues. A bit of PTSD to work through. It sucks.”

“You didn't deserve what he did. I have friends in high places, if you ever need anything I can call in a favor.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that. Hopefully he'll end up in jail with our next court date. I just keep praying that's how it goes. I was not the only person to testify about the abuse, he had others that he did it to. And they actually came forward and we stood together.”

“That's great! It's good that you didn't have to be alone.”

“Penny was there with me for moral support. She's been my best friend honestly.”

“Penny's a good woman. Hopefully things will stay good between her and Maverick. They were always hot for each other, but I know him leaving was hard on her.”

“It really was. But she's a very strong woman too. We always lean on each other.”

Ice nodded,”Yes she is.” He needed to stretch,”I need to stretch my shoulders, is it all right if I put my arm on the back of the couch? You are welcome to lean on me if you want.”

“Sure, yeah it's ok. Thanks for asking.”

“You're welcome.” He then stretched and his arm went around her shoulders which in turn kind of drew her in so she had to rest her head on him.”I promise this isn't about me making a move on you just because I've finally got you alone with me.”

“Ice, what you did for me, bringing me here, that was a very kind move. And I appreciate being safe. Maybe I'm trying to get used to the idea of trusting you. And Penny vouched for you. That's important.”

“That's kind of her.”he said.

“She's a good judge of character. I trust her, and if she trusts you…I know that means something.”

A flash of lightning lit up the whole room again.

“God!” Amber said as she ducked into him again.

He chuckled softly,”This storm keeps trying to bring you closer to me. I don't  mind it, but I am trying to be respectful.”

“I appreciate that.” She sighed “I'm tired.” 

“Snuggle up, rest your head, I'm not going to cop a feel on you. Try and close your eyes, sleep if you can.”

“What about you?”

“Ah I'll try and sleep, but not until the danger of property damage is over. Try and relax Shadow.” He said softly.

She sighed again and leaned into him. He pulled the blanket up over them and wrapped his arm around her. “Try to sleep.” He said. 

“Thanks,Ice.” She rested her hand and head on his chest. He felt solid beneath her. He stroked her back lightly, and she let the rhythm of the movement coax her to sleep. He could tell that she was asleep when her breathing changed. Then he just rested his hand on her. It was a good while before the storm finished, but as it calmed down. Ice finally slept too.

In the morning Ice woke first. Some of her hair had fallen across her face and he moved it to the side so he could watch her. His finger brushed her cheek.It was strange being there. So many times he'd tried to get her to go out with him, but nowbhere she was curled up next to him, her head on his chest. It felt strange, but he couldn't help it, he liked it. Now he knew more about her and why she was the way she was. He'd have to change tactics with her. Do things that he'd never done or rarely done before to try and gain her trust. He wanted an opportunity with her. Only time and patience would tell if she would allow it. He knew that Penny was pushing her towards him though, he overheard a little of their conversation that night. She had been resistant. Penny would be a good ally to have on his quest to gain a shot with Shadow. Ice had been the one to give her that nickname. It suited her though. Amber started to stir. She lifted her head sleepily and looked up at him.

“Morning.” He said.

“Morning.” she started to move.

“You don't have to get up yet if you don't want to. I'm quite comfortable.”

She sat up though. 

“I'll be right back.” She really had to pee. 

“Ok.” He stretched and sat up , putting both feet on the floor. He raked his fingers through his hair. 

Amber came back out and sat down. 

“Want some coffee?” He asked.

“Yes please.” She said. “Did you look outside yet to see the damage?”

“Not yet. Thought I'd wait for my coffee to kick in before I look at it.”

“I don't blame you. That sounded awful last night. I haven't been through a storm like that in quite some time.”

“I haven't either. I'll be back in a few minutes.” He got up and made them a huge pot of coffee. When he came back he saw her at the windows looking out.” coming up behind her, he hadn't meant to startle her. However, at the sound of his voice she jumped.

“How bad?”

“God! Sorry. It's pretty bad.”

“Oh,yeah…that's going to cost a bit to clean up.”

“Definitely.” She turned to him.”Thank you for last night. I owe you.”

“No you don't. I'm glad I was there. What could've happened if I hadn't been?”

She shuddered,”I don't want to think about it.” She said quietly. 

“I shouldn't have brought it up. I'm sorry.”

“I brought up last night, it wasn't you.” She paused,”Ice?”

“Yeah?” He watched her. 

“I know I all ready apologized, but I really am sorry for shooting you down all those times…”

He reached out and placed his hand on her shoulder  gently. “It's all right. I was very obnoxious about it. I was younger then.  I just never understood you. I think I understand better now. So are we trying a friendship? At the very least or what?”

“Yeah, that would be nice.”