Page 56 of Playboy

“Hey, Clover. Thanks for keeping her company,” Playboy said, genuinely grateful. It was clear Clover had done Gabby some good.

Clover turned to Gabby and hugged her. “I’ll give you a call or stop by in a day or two, alright?”

Gabby smiled warmly. “Thanks, Clover. I’d like that.”

Once Clover left, Playboy set the bag of food down on the small table, turning his attention to Gabby. She sat there, looking at him with that familiar mix of vulnerability and strength. His first instinct was to go to her and hug her, but before he could move, she was already closing the distance, standing up on one leg, and she launched herself into his arms.

“Hey, hey, easy,” he murmured, but his arms wrapped around her instantly, holding her tight as she buried her face in his chest. He could feel her body trembling, the weight of everything crashing down again as she clung to him.

“I’m so sorry,” Gabby whispered, her voice thick with emotion. “I’m so sorry for how I acted yesterday. I was awful.”

Playboy held her closer, his hand gently rubbing her back. “You don’t have to apologize, Gabby,” he said softly. “I know you’re going through a lot. I’m not mad at you. I never was.”

She sniffled against him, and he could feel her relax just a little in his arms. “I didn’t mean to push everyone away. I just… I don’t know how to handle all of this.”

“I know,” he whispered, kissing the top of her head. “But you don’t have to handle it alone.”

They stood like that for a while, the world outside fading as they held onto each other. Slowly, Gabby’s breathing evened out, and when she pulled back, her eyes were red but calmer. He wiped away the few stray tears on her cheeks, smiling softly at her.

“Come on, I brought something that’ll cheer you up,” he said, stepping over to the table and pulling the containers out of thebag. “I stopped by Bayside and got us the Friday night prime rib special.”

Gabby’s eyes lit up with surprise and gratitude. “No way. You didn’t.”

“Oh, I did. Figured you’d be missing it by now.”

She laughed, the sound lighter this time. “I’m starving. This is perfect.”

They sat down together, and as they ate, Gabby opened up about her conversation with Selena the night before. “Selena basically told me I’m being an idiot for pushing everyone away,” Gabby said with a small smile, shaking her head. “But she’s right. I’ve been so focused on what I’ve lost that I didn’t realize how lucky I am to have people who care about me.”

Playboy chuckled. “Sounds like you made a new friend.”

“Yeah,” Gabby admitted. “She’s blunt, but I like her. I needed that.”

As they ate, Playboy noticed how much more relaxed Gabby seemed, and the tension that had clung to her for days was finally starting to ease. He was grateful for that.

“So, what were you and Clover talking about?” he asked casually.

Gabby paused, chewing thoughtfully before answering. “Clover was telling me a bit about what happened to her. How she was forced out of the military after getting shot but ended up working for a private security firm flying helicopters.”

“Rockwell, Inc.,” Playboy added, nodding.

Gabby’s eyes widened in surprise. “Wait—thatRockwell? I’ve heard about them. Their owner, Tink, has quite the reputation.”

Playboy leaned back, grinning. “Yeah, Tink’s a badass. He actually served with my commander. They go way back. Rockwell is one of the best firms out there. Clover’s in good hands.”

Gabby nodded, absorbing the information. “I didn’t realize… It’s kind of amazing how things turned out for her. I guess maybe there’s hope for me too.”

“There’s always hope, Gabby,” Playboy said, his voice steady. “You’re strong. You’ll figure out what’s next, and whatever it is, you’ll be great at it.”

They talked a little more as they finished eating, but eventually, Gabby yawned, her eyes drooping with the kind of tiredness that went deeper than just physical exhaustion.

Playboy smiled, standing up. “Looks like it’s time for someone to get some rest.”

???

Gabby had to admit, she was tired.

Playboy leaned in and gave her a peck on the lips. Hethen slipped his boots off, climbed in her bed, and patted the spot next to him.

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