Page 80 of Playboy
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 tospend 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.
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 fitperfectly 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?”