Playboy (The Trident Series II: BRAVO Team #4)

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

Gabby was feeling very emotional but trying her hardest not to let it show. Her mom was already worried enough about everything that Gabby didn’t need her worrying about her emotional state.

On the one hand, she was thrilled to be getting out of the hospital and could get back to living with a little bit of normalcy. But on the other hand, what would normalcy look like now?

“I brought you a clean set of clothes to go home in,” Wendy said, handing Gabby a small duffle bag.

Gabby smiled. “Thanks, mom.”

She opened the bag to see what her mom had packed her. When her eyes landed on the baby blue thong, Gabby wanted to roll her eyes. She wasn’t a fan of skimpy underwear and only owned a few pairs in case she needed to wear it under something so she wouldn’t have any panty lines. Again, that was on a very rare occasion.

She dangled the scrap of material by her fingertip, looking at her mom.

“Really, mom?”

Her mom smirked, her eyes holding a slight glint. “What? It never hurts to be prepared?”

“Prepared for what exactly?”

“You and Tanner. I mean, he is giving you a ride home.”

“Yeah, he is giving me a ride in his car. I’m not riding him.”

Wendy laughed, and Gabby narrowed her eyes at her mom.

“Why are you laughing? You know what, don’t answer that. I can’t believe that I am having this discussion with you.”

“Why not?”

“Because you’re my mom.”

“So?”

“Unbelievable!”

“What’s unbelievable?” Gabby’s dad asked, walking into the room.

“Nothing,” Gabby said quickly, grabbing her bag and hobbling off to the bathroom to change.

“What was that all about?” David asked Wendy.

“Just a little something between mother and daughter.”

Having walked in on some of his wife’s and daughter’s conversations before, he knew when not to press for more information. So, he changed the topic. “I saw Tanner downstairs. He said that he was taking Gabby home.”

“I know. I asked him to.”

“Why? I thought we were taking her.”

She smiled. “I think the two of them need some time alone.”

“Alone? For what? They’ve seen each other every day.”

Wendy raised her manicured eyebrow, and when his eyes widened, she knew he finally understood.

“Oh…Oh! Wendy, do you think that is really a good idea?”

“Why wouldn’t it be?”

“Because she just got out of the hospital.”

“And?”

“And because she’s my daughter.”

She playfully slapped his chest. “David Allen, get your mind out of the gutter. I’m talking about them having some alone time to talk. Not to mention, she is twenty-eight years old.”

“Talk?” He asked, tilting his head to the side, looking confused.

Wendy smiled while nodding her head.

“Yes, to talk.”

“I can handle talking. Talking is good,” David replied. His reaction was still amusing to Wendy.

She could see that her overprotective husband was biting the inside of his cheek. No matter how old Gabby was, she would still be her daddy’s little girl.

She walked over, placed her hand on his chest, and looked up at him.

“David, we both know that Tanner is a good guy.”

He blew out a frustrated sigh. “I know he is. And I am happy for Gabby. Hell, I’m happy for both of them. But, you can’t fault me for being a dad.”

She smiled and leaned up on her tiptoes, and pecked his lips.

“You’re a wonderful father. And I know for a fact that Gabby thinks so, too. But it’s time to loosen that tether and let her fly.”

She then gave him an even bigger smile.

“What are you smiling about now?”

“Thinking about what our grandkids would look like.”

His eyes about bugged out of his head, and Wendy chuckled.

“Jesus Christ, woman. Can you please let me get used to the two of them dating before we start talking about grandkids?”

◆◆◆

Gabby sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window as Playboy drove her from the hospital to the condo.

“You’ll love the condo,” Playboy assured her as he turned off the main road down a side street. “Potter and Tenley really outdid themselves. It’s got an amazing view of the ocean. And it has a pool.”

The ocean and a pool. That Gabby could get used to.

Playboy turned his blinker on and turned left into a driveway. When they got to a gate, he rolled the window and down and entered a code into the keypad. Seconds later, the tall black iron gate started to roll back.

Gabby liked the idea of the complex being gated.

When he pulled into one of the two designated parking spots, Gabby was surprised when she saw her Bronco sitting in the other spot.

She glanced at Playboy. “How did that get here?”

“Your dad brought it over last night,” he told her as he got out of the car, came around her side, and opened the door.

As soon as Gabby exited the car, she closed her eyes and took a deep breath, letting the smell of the saltwater air and the sound of the waves crashing on the beach seep into her.

On their way up to the unit, Playboy showed her where a few things in the common areas were and how to get to the pool and the beach.

When they arrived on the second floor and stopped in front of the first door, Playboy handed her the key.

She smiled as she inserted the key and opened the door.

“Welcome home,” Playboy said to her as he allowed her to go inside first.

The condo was beautiful, just as Playboy had said. The living room was spacious and airy, with large windows that framed the ocean perfectly and big sliding glass doors that opened to a balcony. Gabby felt a sense of peace wash over her as she took it all in.

“Wow, this place is incredible,” she said, her voice tinged with awe.

Playboy smiled. “Yeah, it is. Let's get you settled.”

He helped her with her bags, carrying them into the master bedroom. Gabby sat on the edge of the bed, looking around the room that would be her temporary home.

She got up and opened the small walk in closet and saw that all of her clothes were already in there.

He looked at Playboy. “Everyone helped out last night and brought all your things her. Jocelyn, Clover and Hannah unpacked it all. They wanted everything to be ready, so all you had to do was walk through the doors.”

She felt emotional. They were all too nice.

Playboy walked over and hugged her from behind as if knowing she needed that hug.

“I don’t know how your team operates. But our group is more than just a team. We’re a tight knit community where we take care of our own. That includes family.”

She stared up into his brown eyes.

“But I’m not family.”

He pulled her close, cupping her cheek.

“Not officially. But I hope one day you will be. As for now, you’re with me. And the team knows what we have together is serious. They like you. But most of all, they respect you.”

She smiled, feeling her body temperature rise, sending a warming sensation through her body and ending at her heart. She even had the urge to cry, though she hated crying, especially in front of others. But she wasn’t going to deny that she had feelings. Playboy had the magic to make her reveal her emotions.

“I like them too. And the respect thing goes both ways. I look forward to getting to know your team and their families better.”

Playboy grinned before leaning down and kissing her.

When he pulled back, he smiled. “Come on, I’ll show you some things around the condo and show you how to work the alarm.”

About twenty minutes later, they were standing in the living room, which had gorgeous views of the ocean. On the other side was a breakfast bar that separated the room from the kitchen.

“You probably want to get settled in. So, I’ll get out of your hair,” he told her.

Gabby frowned, feeling a pang of disappointment. “Wait, you’re leaving?”

Playboy looked surprised. “I mean, I thought you might want some space. But if you want me to stay, I can.”

Gabby hesitated for a moment, then nodded. “ I’d like for you to stay if you’re okay with it. And if you don’t have any other plans.”

Playboy walked over to her and placed his hands on her hips. “The only plans I have are with you. And trust me, I’d rather be here with you than back at the barracks.”

Gabby gave him a look. That was one thing she didn’t know. “You live on base?” she asked him.

“Yeah. Since it is just me, and I never know when we’ll get called out, it’s just easier, at least for me.”

Gabby thought about it for a second. She really didn’t want to be alone. And her idea would give them more time to get to know one another.

She placed her hands on his chest and looked up into his eyes.

“Why don’t you just stay here with me?”

He was quiet for a minute, and she took that as he wasn’t interested.

“I mean, it was just a thought,” she started to say when he leaned down and kissed her. The kiss was soft and gentle at first as if he was savoring every second. But slowly, it started to deepen, not with urgency but with purpose, like a promise wrapped in the softness of their touch. Gabby could feel the quiet intensity behind it, the assurance that he would be there, that they weren’t just sharing this kiss but an understanding.

His lips moved against hers, patient, deliberate, as if telling her that there was no rush, no need for words right now. Each brush of their mouths felt like a vow, one filled with care and quiet devotion. Her hand slid up to rest against his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart, and at that moment, she knew this wasn’t just a kiss. It was a promise of something real, something lasting.

After what seemed like minutes, Playboy released her lips, his hands now cupped her cheeks, and his brown eyes staring into hers.

“I would love nothing more than to stay with you. I already told you that it is hard being away from you.”

She smiled. “So, you’ll move in?”

“If that’s what you want.”

“I know it may seem early in our relationship to take this step, but something deep inside me tells me it’s the right thing to do. I don’t like being away from you either,” she told him.

“Then it’s settled. I’ll stay. Let me go grab my go bag from the car.”

“Okay.”

He gave her another peck on the lips before he disappeared out the door.

As Playboy went to retrieve his bag, Gabby made her way to the kitchen. She couldn't believe how well-stocked it was. Their friends had clearly thought of everything. She smiled as she spotted spaghetti noodles and the ingredients to make sauce. Cooking had always been a comfort to her, and right now, she needed that more than ever.

By the time Playboy returned, she had already started chopping vegetables for the sauce. He walked into the kitchen and grinned when he saw her.

“What are you doing?” he asked, amusement in his voice.

Gabby looked up and smiled. “Making us dinner. I thought spaghetti would be nice and easy.”

Playboy’s eyes lit up. “Can I help?”

“Sure,” Gabby said, gesturing to the counter. “You can get the bread ready if you want.”

“On it,” he replied, rolling up his sleeves.

They worked side by side in the kitchen, and the easy camaraderie between them made the task enjoyable. They made small talk, discussing everything from favorite foods to funny stories about their friends. The smell of the sauce simmering filled the air, blending with the scent of garlic bread in the oven.

“You know,” Playboy said, glancing over at her, “I didn't think I’d ever see you this relaxed.”

Gabby laughed softly. “Me neither. But I guess being here, cooking...it feels normal. And I need that right now. Plus, the company is great.”

“Well, I'm glad I can be a part of your normal,” Playboy said with a genuine smile.

As they finished preparing the meal, Gabby felt a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the food. Despite everything that had happened, she was grateful for this moment of peace and the company of someone who genuinely cared. They set the table and sat down to eat. They had opened the balcony doors, allowing the sound of the ocean to provide a calming backdrop to their conversation.

◆◆◆

After dinner, Playboy and Gabby cleaned up the kitchen together, the comfortable silence between them occasionally broken by playful banter. He marveled at how natural it felt to be here with her, doing something so mundane yet so significant.

As they finished the last of the dishes, Gabby let out a small yawn. “I’m really tired,” she admitted, rubbing her eyes.

Playboy smiled gently. “Why don’t you go get a shower and get ready for bed? You’ve had a long day.”

Gabby hesitated, looking a bit guilty. “But you’re not tired.”

He shook his head. “Don’t worry about me. Go ahead and shower. When you’re done, I’ll take one, and then we can watch a movie together.”

After a moment, she nodded. “If you insist.”

“I do,” he said firmly, giving her a reassuring smile.

Gabby made her way to the bathroom, and as the sound of running water filled the condo, Playboy took a moment to reflect.He was incredibly lucky to have Gabby in his life. She was strong, resilient, and had a heart of gold. He would do anything to make sure she was happy and safe.

When Gabby finished her shower, he grabbed his go-bag and headed to the bathroom in the hall. He took a quick shower, the warm water helping to relax his muscles and clear his mind. Stepping out, he dried off and slipped into a pair of sweatpants and a T-shirt.

When he walked out of the bathroom, he saw Gabby heading into the bedroom, using a crutch as she hopped on one foot.

He followed her, and when he walked into the room, he was stunned to see her in her pajamas—a pair of long cotton pants and a light blue tank top.

She had already made popcorn and poured drinks. The bed in her room was turned down, a cozy invitation.

“You’ve been busy,” he said, smiling at her.

Gabby grinned. “Just thought I’d get things ready. I hope you don’t mind watching the movie in here.”

“Not at all,” he replied, taking the popcorn and drinks from her. “Let’s get comfortable.”

They settled on the bed, propping up pillows to lean against. Gabby snuggled into the blankets, and Playboy started the movie. As they watched, he found himself glancing at her more than the screen, marveling at how serene she looked despite everything she had been through.

Gabby shifted, and he saw her reach for something on the floor. When she sat back up, she had a pint of double chocolate ice cream.

He grinned. “Someone has a sweet tooth.”

Grinning back, she opened the container and scooped a spoonful of the cold and creamy treat. Playboy watched as she brought the spoon to her mouth. She closed her eyes and then moaned as she licked every drop of ice cream off the spoon.

Playboy swallowed hard. Holy fuck! He didn’t know that watching her eat could be so arousing.

He actually found himself amused by the situation.

“You know you shouldn’t be eating that. Your doctor wants you to eat healthy foods,” he reminded her, but knew she wouldn’t listen. Chocolate outweighs any other food in Gabby’s diet.

“Pfft…As long as cocoa beans grow on trees, I’ll keep considering chocolate as a fruit. Plus, chocolate doesn’t ask any questions. It simply understands,” she told him, grinning as she stuck another spoonful into her mouth.

“Want some?” she asked with her mouth full, and Playboy shook his head and laughed.

“You should be eating foods rich in vitamins to help you.”

“Maybe I just need some vitamin ‘U,”

She laid her head on his shoulder. “I think my meds are kicking in.”

“You think?” Playboy asked jokingly.

“I’m sleepy.”

Playboy burst out laughing as they continued to watch the movie, and Gabby indulged in her ice cream.

About halfway through the movie, he saw her eyelids begin to droop. She turned to Playboy, her voice soft and sleepy. “I’m glad that you’re here,” she told him right before her eyes fluttered shut. Moments later, she was asleep, her breathing deep and even. Playboy carefully adjusted the blankets around her and settled in beside her, watching over her protectively.

As the movie played on, he couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of contentment. Being here with Gabby at this moment felt right. He knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together. With that comforting thought, he finally allowed himself to relax, feeling truly at peace for the first time in a long while.

That was until Gabby shifted in her sleep and she up, rolling over and throwing her arm across his chest. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath to calm his raging hormones that suddenly came alive. Feeling her warm body pressed against him, along with her alluring fresh scent wrapped around him, was making it difficult for him to relax, never mind falling asleep.

He tried thinking about stuff that he needed to do, but that only turned into inappropriate thoughts of things he wanted to do to the woman who, in just a short span of time, had already stolen his heart.

Taking a deep breath, he ran his free hand down his face. He was so fucked.