Field Stripped: 15 Steamy Military Romances

by Marissa Dobson

  “Thanks, Blondie, But I am going to warn you, I know he will soon become a fixture, and you will be begging me to send him home.”

  Chapter Four

  A few hours later a server, whose name tag stated her name was Emilie, walked up to order drinks for a table, but she didn’t look very happy about it. Jake got ready to fill the drink orders, but she didn’t walk to him, she went right to Blondie.

  “Ms. Blondie,” she said, “I don’t know how to tell you this, but I got an order for two drinks one is vodka and cranberry juice and the other is a whiskey sour.”

  “Ok, Em there is nothing wrong with those drinks why are you upset, was the person ordering rude to you because you know we don’t deal with that here.”

  “Well, the problem is… She said as looked down at her shoes, the drinks are for James, and he is here with another girl, and it doesn’t look like a business dinner. They are sitting pretty close, and I saw him kiss her… I don’t think he should do that if you are dating him.”

  Jake, couldn’t believe what he was hearing some guy who Blondie is dating is kissing another woman in her bar. What type of shit is that?

  “Don’t worry Em, I will take the drinks to the table, you did the right thing honey. Why don’t you let the others know that James and I broke up this morning, and he doesn’t get anything for free or half price anymore, then you can take your break.”

  Emilie looked up relief in her eyes, “Ok Ms. Blondie, she said,” I will tell the others. Honestly, I think you're better without him…he was kind of weird anyway.”

  Jake couldn’t see the table that this James guy sat at, but he wanted to see the type of guy who would let a knockout like Blondie go.

  After Emilie had left Blondie started to mumble to herself, “I can’t believe that dickhead has to gall to come into my bar after saying I am not classy enough for him and dumped me over text message.” Oh, I will fix James and his little date that is for sure.” Come in my bar, will he, that tight wad is going to pay that is for sure.”

  Jake didn’t dare say anything as Blondie fixed the drinks; she didn’t even notice that he was there and could hear her mumbling.

  “Really, that Dickwad said she wasn’t classy enough?” If Blondie didn’t fix him, Jake was surely going to. It was crazy as he just met her this morning but Jake just knew that Blondie was going to be his.

  Blondie went to grab the most expensive bottle of whiskey she had in the bar, a bottle of 20-year-old McCallen’s single malt whiskey. She was going to fix that motherfucker the most expensive drink she made at thirty dollars it didn’t seem like a lot, but she knew it would piss James off to pay more than ten fifty for his normal drink. She ended up brushing by Jake finally noticing that he was standing there. Her face went red when she realized that he heard her bitching about having been dumped just this morning.

  “Need me to make the cranberry and Vodka… Graygoose isn’t as expensive as that 20-year-old McCallen but is a couple of dollars more than the house vodka,” Jake said with a wink.

  Blondie gave Jake a small smile which became bigger when he said, “I will deliver them if you want… that way the backlash can’t come back on you… after all, I am new.”

  “I would appreciate if you would please do that for me, Jake, because I will most likely make a scene and that is what he wants. Also, make sure he takes a drink if he does that asshole is buying it. He wanted classy he better pay for it.” Blondie told him.

  Oh, I will make that asshole buy it, and he will not be coming back, don’t worry on that Babydoll.

  Blondie looked up as Jake called her that, her eyes connecting with his. She saw the flash of want in his eyes, his jaw firm and determined. “Jake, you really shouldn’t call me that, I am your boss,” she said but her words lacked the heat it needed to be taken seriously.

  “Fair warning, Blondie… I take what I want and now that I know you are available; you will be mine. I won’t rush you, but I want you to know that you are beyond classy… You are in a class in itself. You are beautiful and sexy as hell; don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise. I want you Babydoll; my dick has been hard since the moment I saw you this morning. But for now, I am going to deliver these drinks to a certain limp dick asshole and let him know just where he stands regarding class.”

  Jake grabbed the tray of drinks, and started towards James’ table.

  Blondie stood there shocked at Jake’s words; she always liked a dominate man. Jake was dominating alright, he put her in her place, her panties wet at the thought of his hard dick. Shit, she thought how was she going to keep this professional after his declaration. She wished Nikki was here so she could at least watch Jake put James in his place… knowing James if she watched he would make a huge scene, and she didn’t need a scene in her bar.

  Jake scanned the dining room; he locked on to the only couple sitting there. The man was of medium build, he had light hair and was wearing dress pants and a polo shirt, very business casual. His date had her dark hair pulled back in a French twist and could be mistaken for a Stepford wife.

  What had Blondie seen in this guy, Jake asked himself. He walked up, and said, “Hello, I am Jake. I am sorry your server went on her break; I brought you your drinks from the bar. Are you ready to order?” as he placed the drinks on the table.

  Jake, stood there as Blondie’s ex glanced across at his date and said, “Mandy would like a salad, wouldn’t you dear.” Mandy looked up a blush coming to her face, “Yes, James, that would be wonderful, Thank you.”

  James continued as if Mandy hadn’t spoken at all, “I would like the house ribeye medium rare with steamed vegetables.” Make sure you tell that cook. I want it medium rare, or I will be talking to the owner.”

  Jake watched as James took a drink of his whiskey sour, James’s brows wrinkled as he said, “This is pretty good, it isn’t my regular whiskey sour, but I like it.”

  Jake smiled and said, “No sir, I was told to make sure all drinks were of a high caliber to fit even the classiest of guests. I will put your order in, and let the cook know what you said, Sir.”

  Jake, walked away, smiling to himself oh he was going to talk to Big Al alright.

  “Hey Big Al,” Jake called as he went into the kitchen. “I need for you to make me a ribeye that is medium rare… it is for our special guest. Just make sure it is medium rare. Don’t want this guy even talking to Blondie.”

  “Oh I got something for Mr. James,” Big Al said… He will get his steak the most beautiful ribeye I have… He didn’t say what ounce did he?

  “No, as I think about it, he didn’t say what ounce, so bigger is always better… We are gonna make him the classiest meal he ever had at Teufel Hundens. However, make sure the salad is the normal house, can’t overdo it,” Jake said laughing.

  “Seriously Jake,” Big Al said. “Make sure this guy doesn’t come back… I can’t believe what he did to Lil Mary, that jackass didn’t realize what a good thing had. I am happy she is not with him anymore… I think he cost her more money than I will ever know as he took advantage of being her boyfriend and made sure all of us knew it.”

  “Pretty much everything he ordered here was either half priced or free, even his business meals. That is why he came here for his business lunches because he could act as he paid for everyone’s meals when it was my Lil Mary footing the bill.”

  Jake, stood to the side as Big Al did his cooking magic, he could see why Ham loved the burger, Al enjoyed cooking, and it didn’t matter who it was for. One of the kitchen staff placed the salad on a tray, all that was left was the mouthwatering ribeye and steamed veggies that Al was plating now.

  “Here you go Jake,” Big Al exclaimed as he handed Jake the serving tray, “All done, now go serve Mr. James for the last time.”

  “Will, do Big Al, he won’t be back,” Jake called over his shoulder as he went to serve the Blondie’s ex.

  “About time,” James said as Jake brought the food to the table,” I was just about to get
someone to see what was taking so long.”

  “Sorry for the wait,” Jake said, as he served the food,” The Cook wanted to get this just right, please enjoy. Do you need another drink, Sir?”

  “Yes, that would be fine.”

  “Ok, I will return with your drinks and check on you in a few.”

  Jake was having such a hard time being nice to this asshole when all he wanted to do is grab him and toss him out the door. He needed to go check on Blondie and make sure she was doing ok.

  Twenty minutes Later Jake was ringing up James’s bill rang up and was trying to keep his temper in check. He couldn’t believe the gull of Blondie’s ex, asking that it be put on his tab. Jake had to laugh at James expression when he informed him he no longer had a tab at Teufel Hundens, and that Ms. Blondie was the one that informed everyone that he no longer had a tab. Well, now it was time for the cheap ass to finally pay for a bill, and be told he wasn’t welcomed at Teufel Hundens.

  “Sir, Sorry for the misunderstanding with the tab, here is your bill,” Jake said with a smile as he presented James with his bill. It wasn’t a lot but when you never pay a bill seeing a hundred and twenty-five-dollar dinner bill will most likely make someone upset.

  “What is this crap,” James exclaimed as he looked at the bill, “I am not paying this as I didn’t ask for that drink. I want to talk to the owner.”

  Jake got down, right in James' face and said in the most condescending way possible.

  “Yes Sir, you are going to pay that as you ate and drank all of it… You will not be talking to Ms. Blondie ever again. Also, this will be the last time you step foot in Teufel Hundens because from now on you are banned… You step foot on the property the police will be called. You have an outstanding tab which the owner as paid on the condition that you do not return.”

  “Who the fuck are you to talk down to me… your nothing but a has-been Marine working in a fucking bar,” James said with as much venom and disgust as he could.

  “Oh you will find out who I am, just you wait and see. “Jake said with a smile, “Cash or Credit sir.”

  Jake stood back as James stood up telling his date it was time to go and Jake that he doesn’t know who he is messing with as threw the money on the table.

  Jake picked up the money and said with fake sadness in his voice, “No tip… Ouch, that really hurts, Sir.”

  Jake went back behind the bar, meeting Blondie’s worried eyes with a smile and said, “All taken care of Babydoll, he won’t be back.”

  “Sorry Jake,” Blondie said, “I know this wasn’t what you thought your first day working here would be like.”

  “What would a first day be like if there weren’t hiccups? Jake asked as walked by, grabbing a glass from the bar shelf. “No need to worry only a few more hours left and then we are done for the night. Tomorrow will be better Blondie, I promise,” Jake said as he filled the glass with draft beer for a customer.”

  Chapter Five

  Smoke and screams filled the air, there was blood all over his camies, Jake reached his hand out to the left, grabbing for the man next to him. Pain ripped throughout his body as black spots filled his eyes. Jake called Ham’s name over again as the sound of screams filled the air.

  Jarred awake from his dream due to the sound, his heart beating Jake realized it was his own screams that woke him. Drenched in sweat Jake sat up in bed and turned on the bedside lamp, glancing at the clock he shook his head when he saw it was only 4:30 in the morning. Running his hands over his face, Jake knew he wouldn’t be going back to sleep so he might as well get out of bed.

  Reliving the past and having vivid nightmares was something that he dealt with. Usually, he would have taken his meds, but he got home at 2:30 in the morning after helping close the bar and didn’t think he would need them. This was the first nightmare he had in a while. Grabbing a pair of lounge pants from his dresser, Jake slipped them on and decided to go to the main floor and watch some TV.

  It didn’t really surprise Jake when he saw Ham watching TV in the main living room, both of them must have had rough nights.

  “Is there anything good on TV Ham?” Jake asked as he sat down on the couch

  “Not really, just old reruns but I found Walker on TV… nothing like watching Chuck Norris take down some bad guys, Texas Ranger style. Kind of had a rough time sleeping, and I crashed after dinner, so my body told me it was time to get up but to damn early to do anything besides watch TV.”

  “Know what you mean, Ham. I got a few hours… thought I didn’t need my damn pills and I woke up screaming. Figured Coffee and TV sounded good. You want some?”

  “Yeah coffee would be awesome, after sun up I figure I could go swim, you said you had a pool right? Wait a second you didn’t take your pills? Dammit Jake, you harp on me enough about taking mine it goes both ways. What was the dream about and do you need to call your doctor?”

  “Hold up Ham,” Jake said as he held his hand up, “I didn’t take my pills because it was 2:30 in the morning when I got home and way past my pill taking time. I didn’t have them with me at the bar, but I will take them with me tonight, No I don’t need to call the Doc as I didn’t have an episode it was just a nightmare. I dreamed about when our Humvee got hit, and it was pretty spot on. Lastly yeah man I got a pool it is beach entry pool so you will be able to get in and out pretty easily.”

  “Sorry brother, you know we only have each other, and we have to keep each other on track even if it fracking sucks. How about getting us some coffee from that neat coffee pot thing you have then sitting down and watching some Walker, I don’t really feel like putting my leg on right now.”

  “No problem Ham, I’ll make the coffee plus my neat coffee pot thing is called a Keurig, and it is pretty damn awesome. What type of coffee do you want regular or extra dark?” Jake asked as he walked into the kitchen.

  “Extra dark man, and don’t kill it with anything either the stronger the better. After coffee, I plan on hitting the pool and then just relaxing the rest of the day.”

  Jake made their coffee and walked back to the couch, sitting next to Ham he handed him his cup.

  “Thanks man, sorry again for going off on you,” Ham said as he grabbed his cup of coffee. Taking a sip, he breathed in the aroma and said, “Yep this is the good stuff. Nothing like that chow hall coffee that is about as drinkable as tar.”

  Jake laughed at that, “True very true Ham… Next time you will have to make your own though because there are tons of other strong coffees in the cabinet.

  “You mean there are other flavors, and I have been stuck drinking chow hall and hospital coffee... I really need to check out those kitchen cabinets, you been holding out on me Man,” Ham said with a huge smile.

  “Seriously, though if there is something you want to eat and it’s not there put it on the list by the fridge, and I will get it. I typically go grocery shopping once a week.”

  “So,” Ham said as he glanced sideways at Jake, “Blondie, Man she is smokin’ hot. Is she single? If not that really fracking sucks.”

  “To answer your question… Yes, she is single, and I already laid claim to her so back off Playboy, she’s gonna be mine,” Jake stated with determination.

  Ham, started laughing as he reached for his prosthetic, “Just wanted to make sure you were interested man… I’m going to go get some trunks on and do some laps in the pool, are you gonna come down.”

  “No sorry Ham, I have check my messages from the board and see what events and meetings I have coming up, as we are supposed to be launching a new resort in the area. Truth be told, Ham I really want to have my own resort but have it free of cost for disabled veterans and their families sort of like those CREDO retreats that married Marines go on for the weekend. It would be more like a bed and breakfast with classes to help cope and learn new techniques to adapt. I plan on only have four or five families at a time so that the veteran isn’t overwhelmed.”

  “I think that is an excellent idea Jake,” Ham
said thoughtfully. “I am up to help out any way you need me to. I decided last night that I am going to take the medical retirement when I get done cleared in a few weeks.”

  “Nothing is set in stone yet, Ham it is just an idea… but I am going to see if my Uncle will back me on this and if I can get the rest of the board to agree. I am optimistic though,” Jake stated as he rose from the couch.

  “I will be upstairs in my office dealing with that, as I still got to work tonight so I need to get things situated with the company before I go to Teufel Hundens. I will be down in hour or so to see what we want to do for lunch.”

  Jake proceeded to go to his office, sitting down in his desk chair he turned on his laptop, ready to go through the emails. As he went through his emails from the board, he noticed that the emails were all financial statements and formal invites to fundraisers and dinners. He knew he could pick and choose which ones he wanted to go to, but those could wait as there wasn't a real need to RSVP at that very minute. Jake picked up the phone and dialed his Uncle’s number knowing that he would be awake. His Uncle Pete answered after the second ring.

  “Hey Jake, what’s going on Buddy... Topsail treating you good?”

  “Yeah, it actually is Uncle Pete the house is perfect and my friend Richard Hamilton is going to be moving in with me after he gets medically cleared,” Jake answered knowing his Uncle knew of his close relationship with Ham.

  “That is great, I know that you have been worried about him, you guys have been through a lot. I know you didn’t call to talk about that so what is going on Jake?”

  “Well, it is actually about the resort that is supposed to be built in the area. Here is my idea, I understand that there are already plans to build a condo type resort, and that project is already under way. However, I really want to have my own resort and what I imagine is a bed and breakfast type resort that caters to Disabled Veterans and their families, offering some of the same amenities that our resorts offer but with additional classes and activities that will be of use to the veteran and their families. It would be based on the Marine Corps CREDO retreats but be exclusively for Disabled Veterans, Wounded Warriors, and their families.” There is not to be any cost to them for their weekend stay. The amount of stress these families and disabled veterans go through, and what they sacrificed for our country, I think they deserve a little bit of a vacation if only for a weekend.”