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

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

Gabby had arrived at Bear and Jocelyn’s house at seven sharp that morning. The sun was just starting to rise when she pulled into their driveway.

She had been so excited for their girl's day and to get a start on the mural that Jocelyn wanted pained on her bedroom wall.

She had spoken with Jocelyn the night before and talked to her about the mural that she wanted painted on her bedroom wall. Jocelyn was ecstatic that Gabby said she would paint it for her.

The wall in Jocelyn and Bear’s bedroom was massive. It was more than enough space to recreate the memory of Chad, where Bear and Jocelyn had rekindled their relationship. Jocelyn had given her a photograph of the desert landscape, pointing out the details she wanted incorporated into the mural. There was a small building with two doors, with an outdoor shower set up on the side with a sign that read “she shower,” and a water pump well. Gabby grinned as she visualized how everything would come together.

Pencil in hand, she sketched on the wall, the smooth gray graphite flowing effortlessly as the scene came to life in her mind. The stark beauty of the desert, the sand shifting against the buildings, the water well—Gabby was in her zone. It felt good to be creating something so meaningful, something so personal for her friend. Her heart warmed at the thought of how special this mural was for Jocelyn and her family.

Hours flew by. She had been going up and down the ladder, adjusting the lines, making sure each element of the mural fit perfectly within the space. But after a while, Gabby felt a familiar ache in her leg. It wasn’t unbearable, but it was a reminder that she still had to pace herself, especially when she got lost in her work. She sighed softly, stepping down from the ladder and giving her leg a gentle rub. “It’s time for a break,” she mumbled to herself.

As she walked out into the living room, the sweet smell of something baking greeted her. Clover was in the kitchen, peeking into the oven as the scent of cinnamon and sugar drifted through the house. Gabby’s stomach rumbled in response. Whatever Clover was baking, it smelled amazing.

In the living room that was tastefully decorated for Halloween, Jocelyn and Hannah sat with Amira, who was focused intently on her Halloween costume. Amira wanted to be both a black cat and a witch, and she had excitedly declared herself a Cattitude Witch. Jocelyn was helping her sew little ears onto a black witch hat while Hannah held baby Izzy, who was cooing softly, already charmed by all the activity.

Gabby took a seat at the island that separated the living room from the kitchen.

She lifted her nose in the air and sniffed. Her mouth began to water.

“Clover, what are you baking? It is literally making my mouth water,” Gabby asked, trying to get a peek inside the over from where she sat.

Clover donned a Halloween oven mitt and carefully removed a large tray. She set it on a hot pad that was sitting right near Gabby. She looked at Gabby and smiled. “These are my famous and delicious chocolate cinnamon cookies. They are similar to snickerdoodles. Do you want to try one?”

Did she want to try one? Hell, she was already imagining how that gooey chocolate would taste so sweet.

She looked at Clover and quirked her eyebrow.

Clover threw her head back, laughing. “I guess that was a stupid question to ask you, considering one of the main ingredients was chocolate.”

Gabby snickered and reached for one of the small paper plates. She then used a spatula to scoop up a cookie and put it on her plate.

She didn’t care that it was still hot, she wanted that damn cookie. She brought it to her lips, and the sweet mix of chocolate and cinnamon filled her nose. She took one bite, and as soon as the sweetness hit her tastebuds, she couldn’t hold back the moan that escaped her lips.

Clover started fanning her face with her hand. “Damn, Gabby. I don’t know what was hotter. The heat from the oven or watching you eat that damn cookie.”

They both started laughing. Once Gabby got herself under control, she looked at Clover.

“This is delicious.”

“You better enjoy her desserts because that is all that she can make,” Jocelyn teased.

Gabby looked at Clover. “You don’t like to cook regular food?”

Jocelyn laughed even louder. “Oh, she tries to cook, but she sucks at it.”

Clover chuckled. “She’s right. I think I even burnt water once.”

Gabby laughed. “Come on, you can’t be that bad.”

“Wanna bet,” Jocelyn called out from the living room. “One Thanksgiving, her mom let her attempt to make the green bean casserole. When she brought it out to the table, it was tragically deflated, resembling more of a swamp than a side dish. It looked like it had given up on life hours ago.”

Clover nodded, though she was laughing too. “It’s true. It was awful. From that day on, my only responsibility during any dinner is dessert.”

After Gabby finished her cookie, she decided to really rest her leg. Pulling up her pant leg, she cringed as she popped her prosthetic off. But as she started to rub the stump, she closed her eyes as she began to feel instant relief.

When she opened her eyes, Amira was standing in front of her with her head slightly tilted to the side. The little girl looked worried, but she also looked like she had questions as she stared at Gabby’s leg.

Gabby hoped that her stump didn’t frighten Amira.

“Ms. Gabby, does your boo-boo hurt?”

Gabby smiled warmly at the little girl. “Sometimes. Like right now, it is a little sore.”

“Is that bad?”

“No. It just means that I probably overdid it a little too much today.”

“Mommy and Daddy said you were hurt protecting Daddy and my uncles from the bad guys. Daddy said that you were brave.”

She would take brave over stupid, as Alley had been overheard calling her.

“Being brave is just part of our job.”

“That’s not what daddy says.”

“It’s not?”

“Nope. I heard Daddy telling Mommy that he’s seen some real chicken shits compared to what you did.”

“Amira!” Jocelyn gasped from her seat in the living room. “That isn’t a nice word to say.”

Amira leaned close to Gabby and cupped her mouth as if she was going to tell her a secret.

“Daddy says shit a lot.”

Gabby bit her lip to keep from laughing. This little girl was going to be the death of her.

“Amira! I heard that. That is a bad word,” Jocelyn repeated.

“If it’s bad, then why does daddy say it all…the…time?

Gabby turned her head because she was literally ready to explode with laughter. The moment was just too funny.

Clover didn’t hold back her laughter.

“Amira’s not wrong, Joce.” She then looked at Gabby. “That is one of my brother’s favorite words.” She winked at Amira, and Jocelyn sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose.

“Clover, you are not helping.”

Clover gave her shoulder a shrug. “I’m not wrong.”

Clover then handed Amira a cookie and walked her back over to where her costume was. She started asking her questions about Halloween to get Amira’s focus off the word “shit.”

Jocelyn got up and walked over to where Gabby was sitting. She glanced at her leg.

“Gabby, I didn’t invite you over just to put you to work on that wall. I feel bad. You’re supposed to be relaxing and having fun with us.”

Gabby waved her off with a smile. “Are you kidding? I’m loving it, Joce. Ever since Tanner mentioned it to me, I’ve been excited about it. Besides, it feels good to get lost in something creative besides a canvas.”

“But your leg—” Jocelyn started.

“It’s fine,” Gabby interrupted gently. “I’m pacing myself. I promise. It’s just a little sore. And it isn’t because of this. I’ve been pushing it a little hard the past few weeks with the PFT coming up.”

Jocelyn gave her another look. “Alright. But if it’s too sore, just wait until you’re feeling better. The wall isn’t going anywhere,” she teased.

Clover walked back over and joined them at the island.

“Is your leg the only thing that is bothering you?” Jocelyn asked.

“You seem a little tired,” Clover added.

Gabby shook her head and laughed softly. “It’s not that I’m tired. It’s more like frustrated, you know? I’ve just got so much on my plate right now between the PFT coming up and that medical review board hearing. I feel like I’m constantly underwater. Stressed out of my mind.”

Jocelyn tilted her head, concern etched on her face. “Have you talked to Playboy about it?”

“No, not really,” Gabby admitted, staring down at her hands. “I think he knows something’s off. He’s tried to get me to open up, even pulled that ‘I’m calling you out on your stress’ routine, but I’ve been dodging it.”

“Girl, why dodge it?” Clover asked, a mischievous glint lighting up her eyes. “Do you know what they say is the best stress reliever?”

Gabby looked up, a confused frown creasing her forehead. “What?”

Clover’s grin spread wider, like a cat who’d just caught a mouse. “Sex!”

Gabby choked on her drink, coughing as she wiped the drops from her chin. “Clover!”

“I’m serious!” Clover laughed, clearly enjoying Gabby’s reaction. “You’re telling me you’re stressed out, and you’ve got Playboy sitting right there? Girl, jump his bones!”

“I don’t know. I still feel a little self-conscious about my leg. I mean, I know he’s seen it. But being intimate with it seems different.”

Jocelyn giggled, leaning in closer. “First, Clover’s right. Sex is one of the best stress relievers. Second, Playboy would never judge you for anything—especially not your leg. That man’s crazy about you.”

Clover nodded emphatically. “Exactly! We can all see that he loves you, Gabby. He doesn’t care about the leg. When he gets back, you should surprise him. Like—bam! Full-on seduction mode! Take control. You need this, and trust me, so does he. Do the guy a favor!”

Gabby flushed, a mix of embarrassment and amusement heating her cheeks. But as she sat there, Clover’s words started sinking in. Maybe Clover was right. Maybe she was overthinking everything and letting her insecurities get in the way. Playboy wouldn’t care about her leg. If anything, he’d be the most understanding guy in the world. She bit her lip, her mind wandering to thoughts of him.

“Jump his bones, huh?” Gabby murmured, half to herself.

Clover gave her a knowing look, wiggling her eyebrows. “You know you want to.”

Gabby let out a breath, laughing softly. “Maybe I do...”

Right at that moment, Amira came running into the kitchen and hopped up onto the stool at the island next to Gabby. And just like that, all talk about sex had ceased.

“Mommy, can I go out front and kick my soccer ball around?” Amira asked Jocelyn. Gabby tried to hide her smile as Amira threw some serious puppy dog eyes toward her mom.

“Is your brother going out with you?”

“No. He’s working on his science project in his room. I promise that I’ll stay in the yard.”

“Sweetie, you know that we don’t like you going outside by yourself.”

“Please, mommy…”

“I can go outside with her,” Gabby found herself saying.

“Really?” Amira asked, looking hopeful.

“Gabby, you don’t have to,” Jocelyn told her, but Gabby smiled and shook her head.

“Seriously. I don’t mind. Plus, I could use some fresh air.”

Jocelyn looked between Gabby and Amira, appearing like she was thinking about it.

“Alright. But just an hour. I’m getting ready to start dinner.”

Amira squealed as she hopped off the stool and hugged her mom. “Thank you, Mommy!”

Jocelyn hugged her back, and the sight nearly choked up Gabby, watching a mother and daughter share that special bond. She missed having those moments with her mom.

“Come on, Ms. Gabby,” Amira said, grabbing her hand and pulling off the stool.

Gabby laughed. “Hang on, kiddo. I think I’m gonna need my leg to play with you.”

Amira glanced at Gabby’s prosthetic, then smiled at Gabby. “I think you’re right.”

◆◆◆

Forty-five minutes later, Gabby was exhausted. The sun was beginning to set, but Amira’s giggles filled the air as she and Gabby played a game of tag. The soccer ball was forgotten about twenty minutes ago.

“Gotcha!” Gabby said, gently tagging Amira, who squealed with delight and ran off.

“Ms. Gabby, you can’t catch me!” Amira taunted, her tiny legs carrying her around the yard with surprising speed. Damn, the girl should think about track or cross country.

Gabby laughed, enjoying the carefree time with Amira. Being outside in the cool fall temperatures was exactly what she needed. She inhaled, breathing in the fresh air.

She glanced around, making sure Amira stayed within the confines of the yard. As she did, a strange feeling washed over her. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up, and she felt a prickling sensation like she was being watched. It was a feeling she would never ignore if she were working an op.

She slowed down, scanning the surroundings more carefully. About four houses down the street, parked near the corner, was a dark car with tinted windows. It seemed out of place in the otherwise serene neighborhood.

The prickling sensation got worse, prompting Gabby to call out to Amira. “Amira, sweetheart,” Gabby called, trying to keep her voice calm, “why don’t we go back inside.”

Amir stopped running and looked at Gabby with a confused expression. “But I’m not tired yet. We still have fifteen more minutes till Mommy said I have to be back inside,” Amira protested, her face scrunching up in a pout.”

Gabby gave her a reassuring smile. “I know, but I think it’s time for a little break.” She pointed to her leg. “My leg is hurting a bit,” Gabby lied as her eyes darted back to the car. “I promise I’ll make you a lemonade slushie after dinner.”

“Okay.” Reluctantly, Amira agreed, and Gabby took her hand, leading her towards the house. As they walked, she kept an eye on the car. It hadn’t moved, but its presence unnerved her.

Once they were inside, Gabby closed the door and locked it. She took a deep breath and turned to Armira. “Why don’t you go wash your hands and get ready for dinner? I think your mom made your favorite macaroni and cheese.”

With a smile on her face, Amira rushed out of the room and up the stairs. Gabby took a moment to compose herself before heading to the kitchen, where she found Jocelyn and Clover chatting while Jocelyn finished up dinner. Hannah had already left to go home.

“Hey,” Jocelyn greeted her, smiling. But her smile slowly faded as she met Gabby’s eyes. “Is everything okay? You look a little shaken.”

Gabby hesitated for a moment before speaking. “I’m not sure. While we were outside playing just now, I felt like someone was watching us. When I looked down the street, I saw a car with tinted windows parked near the corner. It didn’t feel right. And when I looked again, I noticed the window was cracked, and I could see someone inside.”

Jocelyn’s smile faded, replaced by a concerned expression. “Are you sure?”

Gabby nodded. “I’m positive.”

Clover, who had been listening quietly, spoke up. “That does sound suspicious.” She looked at Jocelyn. “Maybe we should call Derek, just in case.”

Jocelyn nodded in agreement and reached for her phone on the island. “I’ll call him right now.”

As Jocelyn dialed Derek, Gabby glanced out the window, her eyes scanning the street for any sign of the car. But it was gone. However, the uneasy feeling persisted.

After a few minutes, Jocelyn hung up the phone. “Derek is tied up at the base, but he is calling Tink. He’ll send someone to check it out. Derek said, for now, to stay inside and keep the doors locked.”

“That’s good,” Gabby said, her voice steady despite the worry gnawing at her.

As if sensing her worry, Clover wrapped an arm around Gabby’s shoulders. “You did the right thing, trusting your instincts and bringing Amira inside.”

Gabby nodded. “I just hope it is a false alarm.”

“Well, the least we can do is feed the guys that Tink sends over.”

◆◆◆

Gabby nervously paced the living room. She couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling she had. Jocelyn and Clover were sitting on the couch, their expressions mirroring her concern.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang, making Gabby jump. But she quickly composed herself and went with Clover and Jocelyn to answer it.

When the door opened, Tink stood there, flanked by two other men.

“Hi, Tink. Thank you for coming over,” Jocelyn greeted him.

He offered a small smile. “No worries. You all know that I’m always a phone call away.” He said hello to Clover and then turned his attention to Gabby. “Hi, Gabby. It’s nice to see you again,”

Gabby nodded and smiled. “It’s nice to see you as well. However, I wish it were under different circumstances.”

He nodded in understanding. “So, where were you and Amira when you noticed the car?”

They all walked out onto the front porch, and Gabby showed the guys where she and Amira were playing. She told them about the feeling she got and then pointed to the spot down the street where the car had been sitting.

Tink told Gabby, Jocelyn, and Clover to go back inside while he and his men checked things out.

Minutes felt like hours as they waited for Tink to return. Gabby kept glancing out the window. Her mind was racing with different scenarios.

Finally, the door opened, and Tink walked in, his expression serious.

“Well?” Jocelyn asked.

“I had one of the guys drive around to see if he could spot the car, but he didn’t see it. However, we did find these.” He held up a small evidence bag containing nine cigarette butts. “Looks like whoever it was had been sitting there for a while.”

Jocelyn frowned. “I wonder who it was.”

“I don’t know. There is also the possibility whoever it was couldn’t been watching another house.”

That thought had crossed Gabby’s mind, too, but something deep down told her that whoever was in that car was watching her.

“But we’re not going to take any chances. I’m going to have my two guys stay here with you ladies until your men get here. I am also sending one over to Duke and Hannah’s.”

Gabby pinched her eyebrows. “But we don’t know how long the guys are going to be away.”

Tink grinned and looked at Jocelyn. “I guess Derek didn’t tell you when you spoke with him. The guys are on their way home.”

Gabby’s heart skipped a beat when Tink casually mentioned, “The guys are already on their way home.”

She froze for a second, processing the words. A rush of emotions hit her all at once—relief, excitement, and a pinch of anxiety. She’d been holding her breath for days, knowing Playboy was out there, doing what he did best, but the constant worry gnawed at her. She couldn’t wait to see him and welcome him home.

Plus, with all of this happening, she would feel better and safer having Playboy by her side.