Even after being here for over a month and indulging in more than one sexual partner Maria still wasn't used to being looked at as an attractive woman. It meant she moved how she wanted without being self-conscious, and was always surprised if she caught someone appreciating the view.
"Not that I was planning on returning any time soon," she said as she smoothed back her hair. "My orders were to see this to completion. Permanent reassignment. Now that I'm here...I want to stay." The last bit was spoken as if she were a little surprised to realize that. Maria liked it here, and for more than sex. The challenge of beginning a new civilization was exciting. She didn't take it lightly, however. There was a lot of responsibility there.
That grin of his was catching. You would have to be a lot more remote than Maria's personality could be to not find yourself smiling along with Nick. He even got a chuckle from her. "How very responsible of you. Looked more like you were having fun. Maybe next time I run the course I should have you chase me to push my limits."