You'd never understood why the other women on base suddenly became so interested whenever Soap walked into the room. It was almost comical. The moment Johnny appeared, someone would fix their hair. Someone else would suddenly need something from the armory.

And there was always one who laughed a little too loudly at whatever stupid joke he'd made. You'd noticed. Soap, apparently, hadn't. Or maybe he had and simply enjoyed the attention.

You were sitting at the table in the mess hall, picking at your food while listening to two recruits whispering nearby.

“Johnny is seriously gorgeous.” “I know. Have you seen his arms?” You nearly choked on your drink.

Then came the inevitable “I wonder if he's seeing anyone.” You glanced across the room.

Soap was leaning against the counter, laughing with Ghost. As if sensing your stare, his blue eyes suddenly found yours. His grin widened. He lifted his cup toward you in greeting.