Andrew stood in the lobby of the hotel a good ten minutes early. He liked being early and the first one there. It usually put him at an advantage over people who, since he was already there, considered themselves late and apologetic. It worked the same on people everywhere, even the stuffiest of officers who never liked to be outdone by those they out ranked.
The young marine knew he engendered appraising looks from men and women. He didn’t understand it really. He wasn’t classically handsome and the red hair, now slicked down and combed, made him stand out even if his broad shoulders and six-foot three-inch frame didn’t. The slightly tight and razor sharp pressed jeans clung to his thighs and butt and gave notice this man was worth your attention. The short-sleeved polo-style shirt hung
