Chapter 2

Michael Fielding rolled from his bed when the alarm rang. Duty called once again. This day would be a milestone of sorts. It was a Friday and in addition to being a workday it was also the day he would be promoted to full Lieutenant, Supply Corps, USN.

When he threw the covers back on the bed he inadvertently hit the hips of a very beautiful female lying beside him. Tamara moaned and said, "GOD, can't you be a little quieter and more careful in the morning? This is the third time this week you've wakened me getting out of bed."

Mike grinned and leaned down to kiss the tussled head peering over a shoulder at him. "Sorry Honey. I don't mean to but you know I have to get up and to the ship by 0630. I try, I really do." He gazed at the beautiful sight of her bedhead and the gentle swell of her exposed breasts. Her nipples were hard little pebbles and he wanted nothing more than to crawl back into bed with her for a morning romp. He knew he didn't have time for that however so gave her one more admiring glance before he got on with his day's business.

Mike stood and then said, "Don't forget, formation is at 1300 today and you need to be there at least by 1130 if you're going to dine with us." He looked worried and continued, "You are still coming aren't you?" He looked at the pout on Tammy's face and read her feelings like she had spoken them. All she really wanted was for him to go away and leave her alone so she could go back to sleep. She habitually stayed up late and slept until nearly noon since she had been laid off from her last job. Her whole attitude screamed at him that she could care less. He wondered why he had thought this time might be different and quietly sighed. He was afraid their relationship was on its last legs.

Tamara sighed and said, "Of course I am dummy. I don't really look forward to all the rigmarole and climbing all over your dirty ship but I will be there for my man's promotion."

Mike frowned at her response. He knew there were many ways for clothing to become soiled on the ship. It probably wouldn't happen to Tam however because she would not be anywhere near the dirtier areas. He had tried in the past to give her a tour and she had declined. Mike knew some of the Navy's traditions were sort of silly but it was expected of a spouse or seriously significant other to be there for his or her sailor at certain functions. They were in port and this was promotion day ergo Tammy should be there for him since they were engaged. He felt once more her reluctance, almost resentment of the required social obligation to be there and it bothered him. Truthfully, in the last two months there had been several instances when he became worried about his relationship with Tamara.

When they had first met she had been like many other women and had almost rushed to his side. He was prepared to treat her like he did most women; with courtesy and respect but aloofness also. Even at first glance he had categorized Tamara as a party girl, high maintenance. She had been the pursuer for the first couple of months of their relationship. Every time they were in the same place together whether she was with someone or not she made a point of stopping and talking to him, touching him repeatedly to emphasize her points. She was flirty and made a full court press whenever she was able to get near Mike.

As he showered, Mike thought back to the beginning of his and Tamara's relationship. He was comparing his feelings then and now. He stopped soaping his under arm as the thought hit him. Tamara was displaying the same indifference now that he had seen at the party where they had first met. He had seen her enter the Officer's Club with a Lieutenant from the base and remembered how she acted. She had almost immediately begun casting around the room as if looking for someone. When their eyes met he had been mesmerized by her smile and felt his heart lurch when her gaze lingered on him before moving on. He remembered how she had licked her lips as if she could almost taste him.

It had only taken about ten minutes before Tammy had managed to walk near him and once again catch his gaze with hers. She was supposedly on her way to the Ladies room but she had not taken the most direct course. On her return she had once more walked past him, this time gently brushing him as she passed. When they touched she jumped as if in shock and turned to him. Her eyes were round and she stammered out an apology.

Mike grinned and assured her it was no problem. They introduced themselves and she drove the conversation. He had no memory of how long they talked but it must have been some time because her date came looking for her. When he walked up to them his face showed anger. He was not terribly mollified when Tammy explained why they were talking but seemed to accept it. Quickly thereafter he held her arm and guided her away from Mike. Even at the time Mike thought he was rougher than he needed to be.

After that evening Mike found himself thinking about Tammy. He remembered she had said she was there with a friend. She had never indicated the LT was her boyfriend. He remembered how much fun she was to talk to and how beautiful she had been. From time to time while out on the town he had seen her. Sometimes she was with several female friends, sometimes with the LT she had came to the party with, other times with another man.

A couple of times his friends told him she was asking about him. She wanted to know who he was, where he was from, his education and likes and dislikes. She made it known to his friends she was very interested in Michael. After he did a very little research on his own he decided she had been telling him the truth and she and the LT were just friends. Her girlfriends had told him she dated around and didn't have a steady boyfriend. They told him she was still looking for Mr. Right. Michael made his decision. He would give her a try. She was the most exciting woman he had seen or talked to for several months. The next time they met and talked she laid her hand on his forearm to emphasize a point. Michael felt himself harden. He decided to go for it and asked her for a date. She accepted and they were off.

The romance was hot, exciting and they seemed very well matched for a while. After Tammy agreed to move in with him though it seemed to Mike as if their romance began to sour. He found Tammy moody many evenings. She began to complain they didn't go out enough. She was unhappy with the way their social life was going. She began to run around with her friends alone at night more often. After several months she would receive a phone call and immediately walk from the room to take it. On those instances she talked softly. Mike felt as if since they were now exclusive they should spend the majority of their non work time together. Tammy thought she should be free to bar hop with her single friends two or three nights a week. Now Mike was beginning to wonder if he was seeing a repeat of what had happened when he and Tammy hooked up.

Later that day Mike was called to the Quarterdeck to escort Tammy to the Wardroom where his promotion was to take place. She seemed underwhelmed and was extremely careful not to soil her short thin summer dress. Mike was disappointed in her attire. When she stood in front of the sun her dress was translucent. She looked as if she was trolling for a man instead of celebrating her man's promotion. Her dress was totally inappropriate for this type ceremony and Mike made a mental note to tell her when they got home. He would have to talk to her about the proper way for Officer's women to dress.

After the ceremony there were hors d'oeuvres and non alcoholic drinks. There had been three officers promoted this day so the small reception continued for a couple of hours. The wardroom was very crowded. To Mike's chagrin Tamara spent a lot more time than he thought appropriate visiting with his brother officers. She spent a minimal amount of time with the women and married officers and the majority of her time flirting with unmarried ones. She seemed especially interested in the Chief Engineer (CHENG) who was a Lieutenant Commander. Mike was once again reminded of the day he met Tammy. He found himself moving to her and demanding she accompany him away to visit with his friends and the married folks in a different part of the wardroom. Tammy gave him a frown and he saw the Chief Engineer smirk as they departed the area he and Tammy had been in.

Three days later the engagement came to an end. Tammy was supposed to be with her friends from work once again. Supposedly they were going to a baby shower. He decided since Tammy was not going to be home he would stop at one of the local clubs for a drink and meal. His brother officers kept raving about the food served and the reasonable prices. Since he had not felt like going home, cooking and eating alone Mike went out of his way to try the place. He intended to take Tammy there if it was as good as he had been told.