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

CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR

Gabby sat on the balcony of the condo, the cool breeze from the ocean brushing against her skin. The stars shimmered against the deep blue sky, casting a soft glow over the quiet streets below. She leaned back in her chair, a steaming cup of tea in her hands, and stared out into the distance. The sounds from the ocean usually helped clear her mind, but tonight, it was crowded with indecision.

It was Friday night, and she was torn between two options for the weekend—camping with her teammates or a girl's night at Jocelyn’s house with Clover and Hannah.

The night before last, Playboy and the team had gotten called out for a mission.

She and Playboy had been snuggled on the couch watching a movie when his phone buzzed with the unmistakable ringtone, signaling he was wanted at the base. At that moment, Gabby’s heart had skipped a beat as she watched his easygoing smile fade instantly. It was replaced with a hardened expression.

She didn’t say anything at first, but her eyes followed his every move as he crossed the room to get his phone from the charger.

She saw the slight tightening of his jaw as he read the message. His body even shifted, becoming all businesslike. That was when she realized it was serious.

Gabby knew the drill. Being part of the MSRT herself, she was no stranger to classified missions or last-minute deployments. She’d been in his shoes more times than she could count—getting the call, grabbing her gear, shutting off all personal feelings to focus on the task ahead.

But this time, sitting on the other side, watching someone she cared about prepare to walk into the unknown, was totally different experience.

It felt strange, unsettling even, not to be the one going.

He had moved quickly, pulling his go-bag from the closet with practiced ease as a knot formed in her chest.

He moved silently and efficiently. No questions, no explanations. Gabby knew better than anyone—she wasn’t allowed to ask where he was going, what the mission was, or how long he’d be gone. She’d always understood the need for secrecy in their line of work, but that didn’t make it any easier now that she was on this side of things. Not knowing gnawed at her, and a quiet worry settled in the pit of her stomach.

She remembered as he crossed the room and cupped her face, as his thumb brushed gently against her cheek. His eyes were locked with hers, and for a brief second, his hardened exterior softened.

“I’ll be back,” he had told her. His voice was low but steady.

She nodded and swallowed the lump in her throat.

“I know,” she replied. Her voice was full of confidence.

And she did. She trusted him, trusted his skills, trusted his team. But there was something about watching him walk out that door, knowing she had no control over what would happen next, that made her heart ache. The worry she could normally compartmentalize so easily on a mission now crept into her chest, threatening to take root.

But Gabby didn’t want him to see that. Not when she knew exactly what kind of mindset he needed to have for whatever was coming. So she forced a smile, one she hoped was more convincing than it felt.

“Stay safe, okay?”

“Always,” he whispered to her before he kissed her forehead, his lips lingering for just a second before pulling back. His eyes had searched hers one last time. Then, with a nod, he turned and was gone.

Even though it had only been two days since he left, she missed him terribly.

Since the guys were all out, Jocelyn had extended the invitation to Clover, Hannah, and Gabby, suggesting they spend Saturday lounging at her house, watching movies, gossiping, and just being together.

It had been a while since she had seen the ladies.

Her gaze drifted down to her phone, where two texts sat unread—one from her team and one from Jocelyn.

Gabby sighed and took another sip of her tea. Camping or a girls’ weekend?

She then thought back to what Playboy had told her about her now being a part of their SEAL family. With everything Jocelyn, Clover, and Hannah have done for her since her accident, Gabby knew what she needed to be.

“Alright,” she murmured to herself, pulling her knees up to her chest. The girls deserved some of her time. Jocelyn had been so excited about the weekend, and Clover was always a blast. Hannah would probably bring her killer homemade snacks, and Gabby had a feeling she could use the company.

She tapped out a quick response to Jocelyn.

Gabby: Count me in for tomorrow. Looking forward to it!

As for the camping trip? She glanced at the message from her teammates and smiled, typing out a response to the group.

Gabby: Sorry, guys, I’m bailing this time. Catch you next round.

Her decision was made. She put the phone down and let the peace of the moment settle over her. It would be good to spend some time with the girls—laughing, relaxing, and, most importantly, giving herself a break from the constant grind.

Besides, there was something about being surrounded by friends that made everything feel a little lighter, a little easier.