Ch 7. A good start
Two weeks later
The training was completed and Nikki had made up her for her date with Pete. Before leaving she found an email of Kate in her inbox.
Dear Nik,
I'm fine. Life is going on as usual, although the dark cloud of the dismissals hovers over the ship. Everyone is talking about it. Actually I don't know what's going to happen with me, but I trust that I'll get posted elsewhere. Maybe on the same ship as you. It would be great, no?
I hope you are not concerned by these dismissals.
See you.
Bye.
Kate
Perched on her heeled t-strap sandals Nikki was hurrying towards the restaurant as fast as she could. The wind was playing with her sleeveless sundress and her shiny black hair. She looked at her watch as she reached the restaurant.
Just in time! I don't want to be late again. Luckily I took my heels in consideration and left early. Relax! You're as nervous as can be. Don't act as an adolescent.
She peered inside and he noticed her. Pete stood up and waved his hand. She walked to him and he gave her a kiss on her cheek.
"Hi Nikki, you're looking gorgeous again, same as last time", he said.
"Thanks Pete. You too!", she replied trying to hide a blush.
They sat down and she looked at him.
Hmm, the reddish-brown shirt and the jeans makes him even more handsome…
"A drink and then the menu. I'm starving and you?", he said.
"Yep, I'm starving", she said as she grabbed the menu.
After ordering a white martini and a beer they made their choice accompanied by a of red wine bottle.
"How was the training going?", he asked her.
"Oh, quite a heap of information. Most of the things I already knew from Hammersley. There, cases were happening under your nose. And your training?", she replied.
"Great, new things about missiles and artillery", he replied. "You're looking at me so intensively", he noticed.
"I was looking forward to this evening. I'm glad we've dinner now because I can't imagine waiting another two months before we can see each other again", she said.
Pete gave her a smile, "Me too Nikki, me too".
"So let's enjoy this evening. It will take another two months before we can date again", she said.
He looked at her with a mysterious smile, but she didn't notice.
"Do you already know where you're going to be posted?", she asked again.
"Nope, I'll know it tomorrow morning", he said.
The dinner ended, they left the restaurant and looked at each other with uncertainty.
"May I take you home?", he asked.
"Come!", Nikki said and grabbed his hand and they started to walk to her flat.
In front of the entrance door they looked at each other again.
"It won't be long", he said.
Nikki sighed, "I know Pete, but now it seems long ", she said softly and in the same fit of love they leaned over and their lips united in a soft kiss. Nikki had a radiant smile, she put her arms around his neck and passionately kissed him. The familiar attraction was there .There was electricity in the air, it was palpable, it vibrated between them and attracted them to each other. He returned her kiss with an equal fervour to hers, his arms wrapped her and he squeezed her tenderly against his heart. ou his chest.
A few moments later they broke apart and Nikki said panting : "We'd better no do this on the doorstep you know. Inside it's more cosy!"
"As you wish", he replied as she took the key out of her handbag.
On the third floor of the apartment building she opened the door of her flat and let him in. Nikki followed and closed the door with her bum. Pete walked into the living room and turned around to look at her. She smiled at him, rushed to him throwing her handbag in the closest club chair. Nikki wrapped her arms around his neck and they kissed each other passionately again. He caressed her back from the bottom up. He found the zip of her dress and lowered it to slide his hand inside to caress her back. She slid her hands under his shirt to explore his back. With both hands he slid the dress off her shoulders. It landed at her feet and she stepped over it.
"Wow you're gorgeous and sexy!", he said as he looked at her underwear in red lace that didn't hide much of her body, a sight for sore eyes.
"That was the intention!", Nikki giggled and started to unbutton his shirt that she threw on the couch. While he was pulling off his trousers she was undoing her sandals.
"Catch me!", Nikki said and she ran to her bedroom.
"It's just a word!", Pete replied with a smirk and he chased her…
When Pete woke up the next morning he was a little confused because he didn't recognize his bedroom decor. He noticed a slight pressure too and saw that Nikki was sleeping wrapped around his body. He smiled and stroked her hair.
This is going to work. I just feel it. Finally the girl of my life?
Nikki began to murmur incomprehensible words and finally opened her eyes. A broad smile appeared when she saw him.
"Good morning little donna", he greeted her.
"'morning big fella", she replied and she turned on her back. She lifted the sheet, glanced and giggled when she saw that they were completely naked.
"It was great and hot last night Nik", he said.
"Yeah great, I feel reborn", she answered.
He noticed that the room was bathed in the rays of the sun that the windows let in.
"Hehe, did you know that we forgot to close the curtains yesterday evening? We've made a show for a big part of Sydney", he said by tapping on her thigh.
"Hmm? Yep, but we didn't turn on the lights", she deadpanned.
They lay both next to each other. He had grabbed her hand.
"Pete?", Nikki asked.
"Hmm?"
"You're probably imagine all kinds of things about me now? After what we did last night…", she said and her voice fainted at the end of the sentence.
He looked at her, "Not at all! It's a good start. It brought us closer", he replied and he leaned on one elbow to give her a kiss and she wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Oh Pete! I'm already looking forward to see what is going to come!", she said with a twinkle in her eyes.
"Me too Nik, me too", he said as he leaned again on his elbow.
All of a sudden she scowled a bit, "What time is it?"
"Uh? Almost 8.15.", he said looking at his watch.
"Then we must hurry. I agreed with my commander that I'll be at the Sydney at 11.00 and I still have to pack everything", she said.
"You're right. I've to be at Navcom to know on which ship I'll be posted", he added.
"But first a good breakfast", Nikki said and yanked the sheets away and she stood up. Too late she remembered that the curtains weren't closed and that she stood in front of the window, naked.
"Oops!", she shrieked and sank down on the floor to start walking on all fours towards the bathroom whereas Pete roared with laughter.
"Shut up! Your turn is coming because the curtains are still open!", she replied with a grin.
10 minutes later she poked her head back into the bedroom.
"Pete, your turn. I've put a set of towels for you there. Unfortunately I don't have a shower gel for men anymore. You'll have to settle for the smell of lily of the valley. Meanwhile I'll fix some breakfast", she said.
"Great, thanks, I'm coming", he said as he pushed back the sheet.
When he padded to the living room he felt the smell of fresh coffee and found the table set with a basket with doughnuts and croissants. Nikki was busy in the kitchen and he noticed that she was wearing a T-shirt, a short pale jeans skirt and flat open-toed slippers. Her loose hair fell freely on her shoulders.
So common, just what I like! That makes her so beautiful!
"Hi!", she greeted him with a broad smile.
"Hi Nik, you're stunning!", he said.
"Pete, come on. This is nothing special, on the contrary. Just day-to-day stuff", she said while putting the coffee jar on the table.
"Well, that makes you just special", he replied as he sat down.
While they were eating he noticed that she scowled. "You're looking worried", he pointed out.
"Oh? I wasn't aware that you could read it on my face. I was thinking about my new job and also Kate", she said between two bites.
"Kate? Have you heard from her recently? I haven't seen her since I've left Hammersley", he replied.
"It has been a long time since we've met because one of us is still at sea, but we often send emails."
"And?"
"She doesn't say it out loud, but she's worrying about her job", Nikki said.
"She? If there's one who should not be afraid, it's Kate. She's the best of us all", Pete replied fiercely.
"Yep, I know it is and hopefully they both can stay together", Nikki answered with a shrug.
"Huh? What do you mean?", Pete asked frowning.
"Don't you know that? Mike. Mike and Kate are a couple", she said.
"What?! Really? And since when?", he replied baffled, his croissant lingered in the air.
"Since Mike was injured after the Samaru incident".
"Wow! It's been a long time and I've never noticed it!", he replied still baffled, putting down the croissant.
"No, of course not. The fraternisation rules. They remained professional", Nikki said after taking a sip from the coffee.
"It must be terrible. To be required to be around each other and work together without being able to have some privacy. But, on shore?", he asked. His face was one question.
"Of course not. If someone had seen them in public, then… one plus one equals two, no?", Nikki deadpanned.
"Hmm, and outside Cairns, or behind closed doors, have they never…", he mused.
Nikki rolled her eyes, "I assume or I better said, I hope they did it, otherwise it would have been really cruel if it wasn't the case. "
"Uh, were they still together on Hammersley?", he asked.
"Yep", she replied with a cheeky smile.
"Jeez! I left Hammersley for a while already and they're still on it together? Pfft. How can they stay calm?", he wondered.
"Kate isn't. You can scrape her off the ceiling", Nikki replied with her mouth full of doughnut.
"I can picture it! She has always been an impatient person", he replied before emptying his cup of coffee.
They both finished their breakfast thinking about the Mike-Kate relation.
"Ready!", Nikki said as she stood up.
They cleared the table and carried the dishes to the kitchen.
She looked at the clock and told him. "Sorry Pete, I wished that I had more time but I need to be at the ship shortly and I still have to pack my luggage".
"No problem Nik, I also have to go to Navcom to hear where they're going to send me".
She poked him on his chest, "Next time, bring a few things that you can leave here. It would be more practical you see", she said with smile.
"Yep, I'll do and it's the same for you", he also replied with a smile.
"Deal!", she said with a twinkle in her eyes.
"So lieutenant commander, I hope you'll have a good trip!", he said before giving her a kiss.
Nikki returned the kiss by wrapping her arms around his neck.
To be continued