CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

The days were filled with resupplies, and Mike had little to do other than supervise and be available when problems arose. The main work on the engine overhaul was starting and Andrea warned him that he wouldn't see much of her until it was done. Captain Williams had supplied a handful of extra bodies to help with his crew and he was grateful for that. He just hoped that the overhaul went without issue and was done in the five days they thought they needed to get it done.

It was late in the morning and Mike was leaving his stateroom to make his rounds on the ship when he stopped in his tracks and frowned. Rachel Scott was walking towards Tom's stateroom. She noticed him and her face looked stricken. She glanced around wildly as if searching for somewhere to hide. Mike felt a weight on himself. Damn it, Tom, what did you screw up this time. He walked up to her.

"Aren't you supposed to be with the captain?" Mike asked quietly. Rachel nodded slowly then motioned towards Tom's stateroom. Mike nodded in return, then opened the hatch and let them both inside. Mike closed the door behind them, and Rachel walked over to the couch and dropped heavily down. "So, what happened?"

"It went really badly," Rachel mumbled as she picked at the couch covering.

"Worse than he thought?" Mike asked. Rachel looked up at him and frowned. Mike gave her a sheepish smile. She had to know that he and Tom talked…right? "We may have talked."

"Worse than either of us thought."

"Well, maybe some space will do both of you some good."

"Maybe," Rachel said. Mike could see the exhaustion in her. Something that he was seeing in a lot of people lately.

"Give him time, he's trying I know that much."

"I know he is, Mike. Being in that house, with his children, it was…I felt like I was competing with her," Rachel said. Mike nodded slowly

"How did the children take it?"

"Sam was fine with it. Didn't really react and was a pleasure to be around. Ashley…she was angry. Felt like he was cheating on her mother."

"I can understand that."

"It was part of the problem. I felt I couldn't stay in the house anymore. And Kelly's house was just next door, too close. So, I came back here."

"Well, if you ever need some company just look for me. I'm around and until the crew comes back there's not a ton to do," Mike replied. Especially with Andrea working on the engine overhaul he thought.

"I'll keep it in mind, Mike, thank you," she replied. He nodded and then walked out of the stateroom. He could tell she was on the verge of a breakdown but he didn't know how to handle that, so he bailed. He washed a hand over his face and sighed.

He hoped Tom could deal with the demons while he was on leave at home. He knew those two were good for each other, Tom just needed to figure out his headspace.

Mike made his rounds and the day progressed. Later in the evening after he had checked in on the progress in engineering, he made his way to the wardroom. Andrea would be tied up for another few hours. When Mike entered, he found Rachel sitting at the table. He grabbed some food and sat down next to her.

"Hey," she said in a forced cheery voice. Mike studied her for a brief second before he smiled.

"How's it going?"

"Better than this morning," she forced a smile at him and Mike nodded. "I've been working in my lab. I think there's enough there to keep me busy for a while."

"Yes, we were able to secure everything on your list. We should get the last two deliveries tomorrow and the next day."

"I'm impressed that everything was found," Rachel said, and Mike could hear the relief in her voice.

"Power of the US Navy," Mike said with a chuckle. Rachel smiled. Rachel was studying Mike's face.

"Can I ask you something?" she asked in a quiet unsure voice. Mike licked his lips and nodded slowly.

"Can't guarantee I'll answer it, but you can ask me anything," Mike replied with a nod. Rachel shifted her eyes to the table for a moment then looked back at him. He waited for her to ask what she wanted.

"You've known Tom a long time," Rachel started. Mike nodded.

"Yes, we've known each other a long time."

"Do you think he can get over…" Rachel began. Mike held up a hand to stop her question.

"Listen. Tom is a very loyal man. Right now, he's struggling with the fact that…he's in love with two woman. I shouldn't be telling you this, I feel like I'm betraying his confidence."

"I won't tell him," Rachel breathed out softly. Mike nodded and took in a deep breath before he continued.

"He still loves his wife, but he also knows she isn't coming back. So, he's willing to explore his feelings for you. I think this space right now is the best thing for him. He'll be able to face what he needs to. I just hope he doesn't bottle it up like Tom's prone to do."

"I've noticed," Rachel chuckled. "I really feel like I'm competing with her at times."

"She meant a lot to him, and they were together a long time."

"I know that. I think one of the issues is that…I've never had that," Rachel whispered quietly.

"You've never had a long-term relationship?" Mike asked.

"Not a serious one…no. Quincy was right. I've never allowed myself to…it's never been in the cards for me I suppose."

"Too career driven?"

"Maybe. I'm not really sure why I've never committed other than…yes too career driven I suppose."

"And now?" Mike asked. Rachel looked up at him and frowned. He could see the turmoil in her eyes.

"And now there's Tom Chandler."

"Tom only knows how to do serious relationships."

"That doesn't surprise me," Rachel chuckled. Mike nodded.

"Promise me one thing?" Mike asked suddenly. He needed to know that Rachel wasn't going to drag his best friend's heart through the ditch. She looked at him curiously.

"What?" she finally asked cautiously. Mike took a deep breath.

"Don't toy with him. When he gets his shit together? Be all in. I don't think Tom Chandler can take another heart break."

"I…" Rachel stammered, and Mike could tell he hit a nerve and she was a little angry with his words. He closed his eyes and shook his head.

"I know you love him. Hell, we all saw from the beginning how attracted you were to him," Mike started. He heard Rachel gasp and look at him with wide eyes. "It was just a matter of time and a little bit of fate to make this jump. He's got some pretty intense feelings for you; he's talked about it to me. But there's a lot going on in Thomas Chandler's mind right now. So…when he gets his shit together? Don't ditch him. That's all I ask. He's a lot more fragile than he projects."

"I…I've never felt about anyone the way I feel about your best friend, Commander Slattery," Rachel replied. Mike smiled.

"Good, because I think you're just what he needs," Mike replied with a smile. Rachel smiled and nodded at him.

Over the next four days Mike saw very little of Andrea and it was killing him. He got to see her when he checked in with engineering for progress reports, and then she'd come to his stateroom and promptly pass out before getting up the next morning and doing it all over again.

The good news was the engine overhaul was going according to plan and there were no major issues with it. They should also be done on schedule which was a relief. Mike was missing her, but he found an unexpected friendship in Rachel Scott. After their conversation that first night, they had shared the wardroom every night. They had made an effort to get to know each other. Mike knew that Tom was serious about her, so he was making an effort to get to know her. If his best friend was going to date her, he should probably make an effort.

The ship was fully restocked, the engine overhaul was completed, and the generators were almost completely done. The crew was slowly coming back to ship with the rest scheduled to return in the next few days. Most of the bridge crew had returned today and that was where Mike was spending his time. He knew Tom was due back on the ship today as well.

He was on the bridge talking to Gator as they were catching up on what Gator had done on his leave. Granderson, who had returned the day before, announced the captain had joined them on the bridge and Mike turned to look as Tom came next to him and smiled.

"Well don't you look refreshed," Mike asked with a wider smile. Tom gave him a warning look, and Mike knew Tom wanted him to keep it professional in front of the bridge crew. Mike nodded that he understood.

"How are things going?" Tom asked

"Better than expected. The crews are ahead of schedule, and we are just about ready to ship out two full days early."

"Good to hear. We've made sure everything is restocked and packed away?"

"Yes, Sir," Mike replied as Gator stepped away from them. Mike watched Tom look around the bridge. Tom then motioned Mike to follow him to his at sea cabin so they could talk more freely. Once behind the closed door, Tom turned to face Mike.

"Anything to report while I was gone?"

"It was smooth sailing for the most part. I was a little surprised to see Dr. Scott back so early," Mike said dryly. Tom gave him a look then blew out a breath.

"Yeah, that was…it didn't go so well while she was there."

"That's what she said."

"So, you two talked," Tom said. It was a statement not a question.

"We did. Don't worry I'm not moving in on your girl," Mike replied. Tom shook his head at him.

"I hope not. I'm finally in a good head space."

"Does she know you're back yet?"

"No, I haven't seen her yet. I finished the shore paperwork with Captain Williams then I came to see you."

"I'm honored," Mike said with a chuckle. Tom raised an eyebrow.

"She seem okay since coming back?"

"She seemed like she needed a break," Mike replied honestly with a shoulder shrug.

"I know. I regret some of the things I said and did. But things are better now, and I understand more of what she was going through."

"That's good."

"How are you doing?"

"I'm fine, why do you ask?" Mike asked suspiciously.

"Just making sure you're ready for another run. Have we received orders yet?"

"No. Other than the ones to restock and refuel."

"Hopefully we find out soon what they want us to do."

"It'd be nice to have a plan. Hey, Tom?"

"Hmm?"

"Go see her," Mike said nonchalantly. Tom looked up at him. "Take the evening. Come back on duty tomorrow."

"Thanks, Mike," Tom replied with a smile.

"My pleasure."

"I think you just want to steal my command."

"It's crossed my mind," Mike said as he turned and left the cabin. He heard Tom laugh behind him. Mike stopped on the bridge and watched as Tom left the at sea cabin and then walked off the bridge. Mike checked the clock and sighed. He made his final rounds for the day and was happy the ship was fully restocked, and everything was secured and stored. He knew that Rachel had finished in her lab the day before as well.

The only thing not quite done was the generator overhauls. He made his way to engineering and paused when he saw Chung and Andrea standing in a group with the extra hands provided by Captain Williams. They were all smiling.

"Good news?" Mike asked as he walked up to the group. All heads turned and looked at him. Chung and the others snapped to attention as Andrea slowly took the stance, her eyes locked on his. "At ease. Update on the genies?"

"Work complete. All generators working at full capacity. Engines overhaul complete. We really need to take her on a cruise to test everything, but I'm told we don't have the time," Andrea replied.

"We have two days. We'll be receiving orders sometime in that span. Once we receive our new orders, we can make a decision on what to do," Mike replied. Andrea nodded but he could tell by her face that she didn't like the idea that they couldn't test the engines out.

The rest of the group broke up and left the engine room leaving Mike and Andrea alone. Mike stepped into her, and she practically collapsed against his side. He looked around as he wrapped his arms around her.

"You've earned a couple days off, Commander Garnett," Mike whispered to her.

"Good to hear, because I missed the entire leave fixing this damn ship."

"I know," Mike breathed out. "I'm sorry."

"It's okay. Next leave we find a hotel and never leave the bed," she whispered seductively, and Mike felt his body react. He groaned.

"That sounds amazing," he hissed.

"I'd like to fuck you in a full-size bed for once," she said breathily, and Mike felt the heat flash inside him.

"Fuck," he ground out as he swallowed harshly. She smiled up at him and winked then pulled away. They walked to the wardroom and got something to eat before they retreated to his stateroom. Mike was shocked that they had gone this long without anyone figuring it out.

Once they were in the room, Mike could tell Andrea was exhausted as they sat on the couch. He thought she was just going to fall asleep again, but she surprised him by climbing onto his lap and capturing his face with both of her hands. She leaned down and hungrily captured his lips with hers. The kiss was hot, needy, and passion driven and Mike felt his body reacting in kind. She ground her center down over his thighs, then reached down between them and stroked his dick through is pants.

He groaned and felt his hips buck slightly. She smiled against his lips then dove into another passion fueled kiss with lips and tongues and teeth. She continued to stroke him over the fabric on his pants and he felt himself growing hard.

"The big bed will have to wait but this couch will do for now," she breathed against him. He reached out and started to unbutton her uniform. He pealed it back to reveal the dark blue Nathan James t-shirt below it. His right hand went to her breast as he kneaded it through the fabric. Her hands were undoing the buttons on his uniform now as he reached with his left hand and pulled her shirt up from the hem. She raised her arms and tossed the shirt aside before finishing up his buttons and shoving his shirt roughly down his arms.

She leaned down and kissed a line down his jaw to his neck as her hands reached for his undershirt and pulled it up his body. He raised his arms and tossed it on the pile of shirts on the floor.

They resumed kissing, slowing down to a more explorative kiss instead of the needy passion fueled one. His hands found her bra clad breasts and continued to knead and squeeze them. One of her hands curled around the back of his neck while the other dropped between their hips again and stroked him. He grunted and reached around unhooking her bra and letting it drop. He dropped his mouth to her left breast and took the nipple into his mouth as her hand on his neck feathered upwards into his hair. Her head arched back as he continued to suck. Her other hand unhooked his belt and worked his pants open. He pulled his mouth up and looked her in the eyes as her hand slid into the opening of his pants, snaked into his boxers and her finger wrapped gently around his dick.

She squeezed gently, then run her index finger along the length, her touch feather light. Mike felt his eyes roll back and his eye lids close as the sensation that rocked through him made his brain shut down for a second. Her fingers took a firm but gentle grip on him as her thumb gently caressed the tip of his penis and he felt his hips buck forcing her hand to slide along his shaft.

"Andrea," he breathed out as he reached down and undid her own belt and pants. His hand slipped into the fabric, and he found what he was looking for. His fingers brushed against her pussy lips, and he felt the slick moisture. His eyes locked on hers and he smiled. "We need less clothes on," he ground out and he pulled his hand out and then shoved at her pants. She stood up off his lap and kicked off her pants and panties as he shoved his pants and boxers down his hips and the kicked them off his legs. She straddled him again, while lining him up with her entrance.

When she sunk down on him, he tried to keep his eyes open and on her, but the sensation was too much and he felt them rolling back again. He let out a soft groan as her heard her stifled moan. When he finally did open his eyes again, she was bent down, with her head on his shoulder, her face pressed against his neck.

He started to move as he felt her move as well. They locked into a frantic rhythm as his hands came to her hip to steady her and help her. It didn't take long as they both pushed for their release. As he felt her insides flutter around his dick, he felt her teeth sink into the soft flesh on his shoulder.

It was enough for him, and he felt himself explode in her. They rocked together a few more times as they each rode their orgasm to the end then she was slumped against him breathing heavily. He closed his eyes and tried to regulate his breathing as he wrapped his arms around her.

They sat like that for a while and Mike wasn't sure if Andrea was still awake. He shifted a little and he felt her burrow against him, holding him in place. He chuckled.

"Damn, Shortie," he whispered. "That will never get old."

"I hope not," she mumbled. Mike looked over his shoulder at the bed. He made the decision and stood up, still holding onto her. She pressed her face deeper against his neck and he felt her tongue swipe at the sweating skin there. "You taste good." He smiled as he turned and settled into his bed. She shifted to a more comfortable position and then snuggled into him. "Don't ever leave me," she whispered, the sleep heavy in her voice.

"Never," Mike whispered back as he kissed her hair.

To Be Continued…