Page 82 of Playboy

“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!”

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