As she rushed onto base, she sees Price waiting, arms crossed, his glare fixed on her. “You’re late,” he snaps.

“I know, Captain. I’m sorry,” she says, out of breath. “Got held up at home.”

“‘Home,’ huh?” His voice is sharp. “Remind me again why you’re not living on base?”

She paused. “Well…I have a husband, sir. Living off base was the compromise so we’d actually see each other.”

“A husband?” Price’s brows lift, then his expression hardens. “And this is just now coming up?”

She nods choosing her words carefully. “You always said living off base was fine if it didn’t interfere with work. I didn’t think—”

“Yeah, well, it’s interfering now,” he cuts me off. “Either you’re on base, fully committed, or I’ll find someone who is. No more excuses.”

Her heart sinks as she nods, knowing she’ll have to explain this to her husband. “Understood, Captain.”