Page 83 of Playboy

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 aprickling 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.”

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