"Oh man, you are a brave soul, aren't you?" She grabbed for the pizza menu, then for the phone. After quickly quizzing him on preferences, she placed their order. "And don't think I didn't see that laughter. I know I suck at domesticity. Always have." She led him out into the living room so they could sit together. "I get distracted by things."

Things like rangy Marines with secrets, for one. Or enemy plots in every corner. Or her own mind taking charge.