Chapter 1

                 Lt. Chris Burnett followed his friends into Spanky's, a popular local nightclub. Spanky's was well known for it's clientele; hot, single women and Navy men. It's close proximity to the Port of San Diego made it the sailors favorite pick up spot. Chris had been there on many occasions. Tonight the guys were celebrating their first night home and hoped they wouldn't be spending it alone.
            It was Saturday night, so the club was full. The guys made their way around the dance floor, weaving through the crowd. Hungry women eyed them. The cutest guys were always gobbled up quickly.
            Chris made it to the bar first. Leaning over, he asked for a beer. He was casually surveying the room when Jim Ward and Kyle Sweeney appeared. Jim was a fellow navigator, Kyle his pilot. The two had been a team before Burnett and Stackhouse. They all hung out together whenever possible.
            "See anything interesting?" Jim asked.
            Chris shook his head. "Not yet".
            "Don't be too picky", Kyle warned. "I plan on leaving here with a woman. You two had better find another way home".
            Chris chuckled. Kyle never left a club alone, he knew that for a fact. Still, Chris never had a problem picking up women himself, not if he really wanted to. Unfortunately tonight, his heart just wasn't in it. He was tired and regretted not staying home. He was nursing his beer when a wispy blonde appeared.
            "Kyle!". She had a high pitched voice and a Southern drawl. She pressed herself against the handsome pilot. "You weren't planning on leaving here without me tonight, were you?" Her arms circled his neck.
            Chris and Drew watched uncomfortably. All of the flyers new Christie. She was what they called a sure thing. There was no substance but she gave them a good time. That was all she was interested in anyway.
            Having scored, Kyle was done for the night. "Looks like you guys better get busy. We're outta here". With a wink, he and Christie were gone.
            Drew watched a minute before spotting an old friend. "Hey, Gina!" He patted Chris' chest as he took off. Chris stood alone, drinking his beer.
            The music was giving him a headache. He wanted nothing more than to sit down. Pulling a few bills out of his pocket, he turned around and laid them on the bar. As he came back around to leave, he bumped into a woman. She was slight and curvy with brown hair and deep green eyes. He couldn't stop looking into her eyes.
            "I'm sorry. Excuse me", the woman said.
            Her voice was smooth and deep. "No. It's my fault", he replied. "I wasn't looking where I was going". Once again he became mesmerized by her eyes.
            The woman began to feel a little uncomfortable by this guy's stare. She put a hand out to introduce herself. "I'm Denise".
            Chris took her hand, smiling. "Chris. Chris Burnett".
            Denise tilted her head thoughtfully. "Burnett? I know that name".
            Embarrassed, Chris explained. "Probably the news. I was shot down over Bosnia a while back".
            "That's right. Your pilot was killed. You barely got out alive". She had heard the story many times. It was just the man's name that had thrown her. She had never been good at remembering names.
            "Well", he told her, "that was a long time ago. Or at least it seems like it".
            Denise looked at the man. He was tall, thin and muscular. His blonde hair was regulation Navy. His eyes, deep blue pools. She found herself staring helplessly into those eyes.
            After a few awkward moments, Chris found the courage to speak again. "Can I buy you a drink?"
            Denise knew she shouldn't, but couldn't help herself. "Sure. That would be nice".
            They took their beers to a small table in the back of the club where it was dark and quiet. They drank in silence at first. Chris couldn't remember ever being this nervous around a woman before.
            "So, what do you do?" he asked, trying to jumpstart the conversation.
            "I'm a reporter". She noticed Chris seemed genuinely impressed by that. "I work for the San Diego Post".
            "Wow. Then you're smart". His eyes twinkled when he smiled.
            Denise laughed. "I don't know if it's being smart of being lucky that got me the job. But at least my four years of college didn't go to waste".
            Chris found her sense of humor refreshing. "I think my parents would have preferred it if I had went to college instead of joining the Navy. I think my dad wanted me to be a lawyer or a doctor". He shrugged.
            "But I'm sure they're proud of you".
            "Yeah. They are". Chris knew his parents backed him no matter what he chose to do. "I just don't like them worrying so much".
            Denise knew the sleepless nights that came with being a military family. Even during peace time the risks were there. It was something no one could fully understand unless they had a loved one who served.
            "Well let's just hope you never have to worry them again". She raised her bottle. Chris tapped his lightly against hers.
            "I'll drink to that".

             Chris and Denise talked for hours. The club was beginning to clear out and they had drank several beers. They were both feeling a little tipsy but neither of them wanted to say goodnight.
            "I think we're gonna get thrown out of here soon", Denise began.
            Chris glanced around. There weren't more than a handful of customers and the staff was beginning to clean up. "Yeah. I guess you're right". He grabbed her hand and stood up. His head was spinning. "Come on".
            Denise felt a little light on her feet too. "Where are we going?" She leaned on Chris as he led her to the door.
            "I'm taking you home".
            Propping each other, they made their way to the parking lot. Chris looked around a minute before remembering an important fact. "Damn it!"
            Denise looked at him with surprise. "What? What's wrong?"
            Chris put his hands out and let them drop dramatically to his sides. "I don't have a ride home".
            Denise burst out laughing. Chris watched her quizzically. "What's so funny?"
            She had to catch her breath before she spoke. "Neither do I. My friend left hours ago with some guy". She burst out laughing again. Tears rolled down her face. Chris joined in. People passing by looked at them like they were crazy.
             After a bit, Chris calmed down. "How about I walk you home?"
            Denise felt the air would do her good. "I think that's a great idea".
            They started off down the street, hand in hand. The night air was cool and the long walk gave them a chance to talk and clear their heads. They joked and laughed like kids. It took forty minutes to reach Denise's apartment. By the time they reached the front door, Chris was beginning to feel a little nervous. He was having the time of his life and he didn't want it to end.

            Denise put her key in the door while Chris waited patiently behind her, hands in pockets. He was trying to decide whether he should kiss her when she turned.
            "Chris. This has been a great night".
            He agreed. "I know. I was thinking the same thing".
            She gave a nervous laugh as he stepped forward. He took her by the shoulders and pulled her close, till their lips touched. The kiss was tender and sweet. Denise pulled him closer. The kiss became more urgent. Their tongues teased and probed each other's mouths. Denise felt her head spinning, but it wasn't from the beer. She was drunk on Chris. His hands began to feel her; first her breasts, then down to the curve of her hips. She pressed against him tightly, feeling the stirrings within. Then without warning, she pulled away, leaving Chris panting.
            "I, I think we should go inside", she warned.
            Chris looked around. He was so lost in the moment that he too forgot they were outside. "I think you're right. We're getting close to an indecent exposure charge".
            Denise laughed and slapped him. He followed her as she entered the apartment. There was a small, dim lit foyer. Denise shut the door and locked the bolt. Before she could turn, Chris was pressed against her. She felt his hardness in the small of her back. His hands reached around for her breasts, his mouth on her neck. She let out a moan. Goosebumps broke out over her entire body as his mouth followed the nape of her neck. She shuddered.
            Chris began unzipping her skirt. He let it drop to the floor. His hands grabbed the hem of her blouse, pulling it over her head to expose her bare breasts. Only her black panties remained. His fingers pushed them down, lingering around the softness between her legs. She was moist with anticipation. She couldn't wait much longer.
            With Chris' help she pulled off his shirt. Her hands traced the lines of his abdomen, hard and firm. Her fingers worked at his belt. It came flying out of the loops with a tug. His hands were already working his jeans down his hips. He stepped out of them, hard and firm.
            Chris penned her against the door as her tongue searched his mouth. He thrust his way into her, pushing her body against the door. Her hands dug into his back as the motion of his thrusting lifted her off the floor. She grabbed him tighter, wrapping her legs around his waist. She wanted to feel him deeper still.
            With one swift motion, Chris turned and laid them on the floor. He was on top of her. They moved in unison, panting and thrusting. Denise clutched at him, head thrown back, hips rising to meet him. She gasped and moaned. Chris' breathing came in short gasps. In a sudden, violent shudder, they came together on the floor. When it was over, neither of them moved. They lay quietly listening to the beating of each other's hearts.   
            Later Chris and Denise moved from the floor to the bedroom. They made love again. This time it was slow and methodical, taking time to explore each other as they went. When they were tired they slept wrapped up in each other's arms.

Chapter 2

             Chris awoke the next morning alone. Denise's side of the bed was cold, the apartment quiet. He got up and wondered around. It was clean, tastefully decorated, but sparse. Denise was obviously a very organized person, unlike Chris.
            Denise returned to the apartment to find Chris in the shower. She had walked to the corner market for orange juice and fresh rolls. Setting them down, she trotted off to the bathroom. It was hot and steamy. Chris sang as he soaped up. Denise giggled at his attempts to sing "Unwell". Don't give up your day job, she thought to herself. With a swift yank, she pulled open the shower door. Chris froze, mouth dangling open between words. After a moment, a blush came over his cheeks.
            "Hey sailor. Show a girl a good time".
            Chris pulled her in, clothes and all. Denise squealed as the water rushed over her head. "You bet". Chris' wet body was against hers. She arched her back as his lips found her breast. "Oh no", he said. "Now you're all wet".
            Denise looked into his eyes. "You bet I am", she replied.
            Chris pulled off her clothes and made love to her again. Denise had never before become so intimate with a man she had just met, but she couldn't help herself. This one was different and she knew it.

             Chris wolfed down the last of a raspberry danish. He was famished from all the physical activity. Denise sat curled up in a fuzzy pink robe, drinking coffee as she read the morning paper. Chris hated the thought, but he knew it was time he went home. His parents always worried when he stayed out for the night. He definitely needed an apartment of his own, but he was rarely home long enough to warrant the expense.
            He walked over and sat next to Denise. "I gotta go". Denise loved the little pout on his face.
            "I know. I guess I've kept you long enough".
            Chris was surprised. "Do you see me complaining?" he laughed and leaned in to kiss her.
            "I don't think anyone was complaining". His kiss was long and lingering.
            Chris had to be the one to stop things before it went too far. "Ok. Now I've really got to go". He held onto her hand as he stood up. She gave him a half-hearted smile.
            "Will I see you later?"
            "Just try and stop me", he answered with a wink.
            She followed him to the door. As he stood ready to say a final goodbye, Chris noticed some mail laying on a small wooded table. He clearly saw the name on the letter; Denise Riegert. An alarm went off into his head.
            "Riegert? Your last name is Riegert?"
            Denise felt a lump in the pit of her stomach. She answered hesitantly. "Yes. It is".
            "Any relation to Admiral Riegert?" he asked, dreading the answer.
            She looked him straight in the eye. "He's my father".
            Chris felt a little nauseous. "Admiral Riegert is your dad? Oh my God! Why didn't you tell me?"
            Denise grabbed onto his arm. "Chris. It doesn't matter".
            Chris' face said otherwise. "How can you say that? He was my commanding officer!"
            Sadly Denise's position had chased off men before. She didn't want the same thing to happen with Chris. "Chris. He used to be your commander. Not anymore".
            His head was down. He couldn't believe his luck. They had made a huge connection and now it was all threatened. "I don't know", he said shaking his head. "It just isn't right".
            Denise forced him to look her in the eye. She wanted him to see her, the same woman he had spent the last 12 hours making love to. "It doesn't matter to me. It doesn't change how I feel. Why can't it be the same for you?"
            Chris reflected on it. She had a point. Admiral Riegert was retired. He had held the utmost respect for him as a commanding officer and a man. But his daughter was a grown woman, capable of making her own decisions.
            He put his arms around her, hugging her tightly. "You're right. You're right. I'm sorry".
            Denise was beyond relieved. "Don't worry Chris. We've done nothing to be sorry for".

Chapter 3

             A trail of clothes led to the water's edge. Chris plunged into the ocean feet first. He was clearly intoxicated and completely naked. Denise watched from the safety of the beach.
            "Chris", she called.
            Submerged up to his neck, Chris turned around to face her. "Come on in", he waved. "It feels great".
            Denise laughed nervously. Chris was having a good time, but he made her nervous. He was too drunk to think clearly.
            Splashing around, he continued his attempts to coax her in. "Awww, come on. You know you want to".
            She had to admit that the offer was tempting, but she was determined to hold her ground. "Forget about it, flyboy. I like my feet firmly on the ground".
            Chris watched her take a seat. A little pout formed on his lips. "You're no fun, you know that?" With his hopes dashed he began heading for the beach.
            Denise watched the handsome aviator emerge from the water; skin wet and glistening, his hair slicked back. She had to remind herself to breath as he reached in front to grab a towel. Chris was the most beautiful man she had ever met, inside and out.
            He dropped to his knees as he toweled off, partly to be closer to her, partly to keep from falling. Tucking the towel around his waist, he rolled over and dropped next to her, laying his damp head on her shoulder. She smiled.
            "Why do you always have to play it safe?" Chris wanted to know. He admired her practical side, but he wanted to see her relax more.
            "Because you take enough risk for both of us".
            Chris reflected on her answer. "Don't you ever just wanna let go, say to hell with everyone else? I mean really, what would it hurt?"
            Denise pushed his head away. "What do you mean? I do that every time I go out with you".
            Chris threw his arms around her, lowering her to the ground. He looked deep into her eyes. "Then what do you say we throw caution to the wind, right here, right now?" His eyes twinkled. A grin spread across his face.
            Denise wanted him right now too. "What if someone comes along?" The idea of making love on the beach was scary but exciting. Somehow, Chris made it seem worth the risk.
            "Then I guess they get a show". Before she could speak, Chris' lips were on hers. She felt the urgency in his touch. His hands groped, sending chills down her spine. Her body's response was uncontrollable. Denise relaxed and let Chris sweep her away.

             "Lieutenant, may I have a word with you?"
            Chris caught the eye of his pilot and best bud, Drew Snowden. The two had been partners since Burnett's return to duty after the shoot down over Bosnia. Although it had taken Chris a while to warm up to a new partner, Drew was a perfect fit to Burnett's wise-cracking ways. Snowden enjoyed playing the straight man and nothing Chris did got by him. He was like a mother hen.
            "What?" Chris said, reluctant to encourage his friends' interrogation.
            "So, spill. Tell me everything". Drew was far too excited by Burnett's time off.
            Chris tried to dismiss him. "There's nothing to tell".
            "Don't give me that bull". Chris began walking away, forcing Drew to jog in order to keep up.
            "I'm serious", Chris assured. "Just another quiet weekend".
            Drew knew better. "That's not what I heard". Chris stopped dead in his tracks.
            "What did you hear?"
            Drew had a cat that ate the canary look on his face. "Oh, nothing really. Just that you had another date with a certain ex-Admiral's daughter".
            Chris put a hand to Drew's face. "Sshhhhh". Drew couldn't help but laugh. "I told you to keep quiet. I don't need anything getting back to Riegert".
            Drew was amazed. "Oh my God. You're really worried about the old man".
            Chris scoffed. "Man, I don't need this shit. I got work to do". He was off again. He heard Drew call out one last time before he stepped into the elevator.
            "You can run, man, but you can't hide".

             Denise slapped Chris' hands. "Stop it. I'm never going to get dressed if you keep it up".
            "That's the point", he said smiling. Chris was fresh from the shower with nothing but a towel around his waist. He was determined to get his lover back into bed.
            Denise tried to wriggle from his grasp. "Don't you ever get enough?" she laughed.
            "No. Not really".
            His devilish smile made her heart skip a beat. She felt her reserve slipping. Chris' hands were sliding up her dress, caressing her thighs. She was about to give in when the doorbell rang.
            Chris froze. Were they expecting someone he wondered?
            "Saved by the bell". Denise slipped free and headed to the door. What was on the other side was a huge surprise.
            "Daddy!" she cried, jumping into his arms. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"
            Leslie Riegert only softened around two people; his wife, and his daughter. "Because that would have ruined the surprise". He patted her on the nose just like he did when she was a child.
            "Well I'm happy you're here. I want you to meet someone". Denise pulled her  father through the door as Chris rushed in.
            "Denise, who was at the d...." His voice trailed off as he saw his ex-commander.
            Riegert gave him a quick once-over. Chris was dressed but his hair was still wet. It was obvious to an over-protective father that he had been doing more than visiting with his daughter.
            "Sir", Chris said, coming to attention.
            Denise was trying to break the ice. "Chris, Daddy dropped in to surprise me. Isn't that great?"
            Chris wanted to reply but wasn't sure what his response should be. "At ease son", Riegert commanded. "I'm retired now".
            Chris allowed himself to relax a little. "Yes, sir".
            A painful silence followed. Not one of the three people knew where to begin. Time ticked away. Finally, Denise took the lead.
            "Daddy, Chris and I were going to dinner. Why don't you join us?"
            Riegert looked from Chris to his daughter. "I don't want to disrupt your plans".
            "Oh, Daddy! You aren't. Right, Chris?" Denise had her arms intertwined with Dad's.
            Chris cleared his throat. "No. Of course not, sir. We'd love for you to join us".
            Riegert looked at his smiling daughter. How could he say no. "It's settled then. Dinner for three".
            "Good", said Denise pecking her dad on the cheek. "I'll get my bag".
            For a few moments, Chris and Riegert were alone. Tension filled the air. Chris wasn't sure what Riegert was thinking, but he was sure he wouldn't like it.

             Chris and Denise took her father to their favorite restaurant, a little Italian place near the beach called Guiseppe's. Denise and her father chatted away, leaving Chris entirely out of their conversation. Feeling like a third wheel, he wished the night were over.
            Somewhere between the meal and dessert, Denise excused herself politely and went to the ladies room. The two men were alone. Chris kept his head down, staring at his fingers as they traced the cup handle.
            Riegert cleared his throat. "How are things going for you, Lieutenant?"
            Chris looked up, startled. "Fine. Fine, sir".
            "How long have you been seeing my daughter?"
            "Almost six months, sir". He could see Riegert wince. "We wanted to keep things quiet until, uh, until we knew if things were going to work out".
            Riegert was curious. "Did they?"
            "Did they what, sir?"
            "Things", Riegert asked, "Did things work out?"
            Chris was about to attempt an answer when a hand touched his back. Denise had returned to the table, all smiles. She was happy to see both of the men talking.
            "Hey, I see you two are getting along".
            Riegert beat Chris to his feet and pulled out his daughter's chair. "Of course. Lieutenant Burnett and I were just getting reacquainted". He shot Chris a stern glance.
            Chris gave a quick smile. Denise reached over and took each man's hand in her own. "My two favorite guys. What more could a girl want?"
            Riegert raised a hand, motioning for the waiter. "Well, I know one thing; more wine". To the waiter, "Bring us a bottle of your house wine", he ordered. "We're celebrating".
            Denise and Chris exchanged puzzled glances. "Celebrating what, Daddy?"
            He watched as the waiter returned with the wine and began filling their glasses. He picked up his glass and tested the bouquet. "We're celebrating your happiness". He motioned for them to join them in a toast. "To my lovely daughter and her admirable suitor. Cheers!"
            They touched glasses. Denise was all smiles but Chris had a strange feeling in the pit of his stomach. Something in Riegert's demeanor told him that all wasn't well. But for tonight he would play along. Far be it for him to rain on Denise's parade.

             After saying goodbye to Riegert outside the restaurant, Chris and Denise returned to her apartment. Denise noticed how quiet he was on the ride home, but she chalked it up to moodiness. Inside the apartment Denise slipped off her shoes and headed to the bedroom. She wanted to get out of her dress. Chris went to the fridge and removed a beer. Denise heard him call from the kitchen.
            "Do you want a beer?"
            Coming through the doorway in her fluffy pink robe, she glanced his way before taking a seat on the couch. "I've already had too much wine", she answered, picking up the remote.
            Chris popped the top and took a long swig. "Did you know your Dad was coming over tonight?"
            Denise was dumbfounded. "What?" She noticed Chris seemed angry but she couldn't understand why. "Don't you think I would have told you?"
            Chris shook his head. "I don't know".
            Denise tossed the remote onto the couch and got up. She crossed the room, stopping in front of Chris. Her hands reached out to caress his shoulders. "What's wrong, Chris?"
            He lowered his head, embarrassed. "I guess I'm just jealous".
            "Jealous?" Denise picked his chin up. He looked away.
            "It's stupid, I know".
            Denise threw her arms around him, laughing. "Oh, Chris. What am I going to do with you?"
            Chris hugged back with all his might. Denise was the first woman to make him feel completely safe.
            "You don't have to compete with my Dad. I love you both, but you're the one I want to have babies with".
            Chris pulled his head back, eyeing her quizzically. "I hope so, cause the alternative is sick and gross".
            Denise slapped him playfully. "Hey, watch it!". Then, "Seriously, I didn't know he was coming, but I'm glad he did. Now everything is out in the open".
            Chris was glad of that. He didn't like sneaking around, but he wasn't as optimistic as Denise regarding her father's acceptance of their relationship. "Still, I have a feeling we haven't heard the last from you dad. Things went way too easy tonight".
            She hesitated a moment. "Well, we'll know for sure this weekend".
            "Why? What's this weekend?"
            "Dad invited us to the house. I'm off to bed. You coming?" She kissed him on the cheek and fled the room. Chris stood dumbstruck. His instincts rarely failed. The other shoe was about to drop.