Page 20 of Playboy

The roar from the crowd was enough to make the ground shake, making it obvious they were thrilled with who won.

Tristan grabbed Playboy’s shoulder. “Come on. She’s coming in. Let’s all go meet her.”

As the two teams jogged over to the secured area where the helipad was, the cameras were showing Gabby and James as they celebrated.

They didn’t have to wait long before the black helicopter landed, and Gabby and James emerged filled with smiles.

Playboy smiled as he watched Gabby’s team swarm her as she exited the helicopter. They lifted her up into the air and werecheering, making the crowd go wild. She deserved every bit of the recognition.

The best part was seeing that beautiful smile of hers on full display. She should be proud. She stepped into a competition predominantly made up of men, showed them what she was made of, and reminded the world that the Coast Guard, which was often overlooked, stood right up there with the other branches of the military.

He was about to take a step when the hairs on the back of his neck stood up. That only happened when he sensed danger. As he scanned the crowd for a possible problem, his eyes landed on one person. Standing off to the side, away from the crowd, was Vice Admiral Alley. With his arms crossed in front of his chest and an angry look on his face, he watched with narrowed eyes as Gabby got a celebratory hug from her Captain.

After what Gabby’s team had told him, Playboy had a feeling that the target on Gabby's back may have gotten bigger.

He was pulled from his thoughts when he felt the small hand on his back. When he turned around, he was met with Gabby’s smile. He wanted to scoop up all five feet three of her and hug her tight. Even in uniform and with her long platinum-blonde hair pulled back in a low bun at the base of her head, she looked amazing. With her head tilted back, their eyes met, and he felt a pull deep inside of him.

His lips lifted into a smile, and he took a step, closing the short distance between them. Right at that moment, he felt so many emotions—happy, proud, possessive, and protective. Before he could rethink his actions, he wrapped his arms around her waist, being mindful of her hip, and hoisted her up against his chest as he hugged her.

Hearing her small gasp, followed by her laughter as she held onto his shoulders, made his smile grow.

When she pulled back, and he looked deep into her bright cobalt blue eyes as he held her in his arms, he almost lost all control and kissed her right there.

Smiling, he kissed her cheek instead. “Congratulations, Gabby. You were awesome.” Her cheeks turned a shade of pink, but she kept that smile on her face.

God, she was fucking adorable.

“Thanks. Sorry, Cruz didn’t win.”

“Are you kidding me? We didn’t want to see him win.”

It was obvious that his comment had surprised her, as her eyes widened and her jaw dropped. “Really? But I thought you guys would be rooting for your own.”

Playboy set her back down onto her feet, even though he didn’t mind one bit holding her.

“I’m being serious. Cruz is an asshole. We all came to watch you.”

“Oh!” she said, appearing shocked.

Oliver came over and tapped Gabby on her shoulder. “Gabby, the organizers of the event are looking for you. They want to do the trophy presentation.”

“Oh. Okay.”

She turned back toward Playboy and smiled. “I guess I better head over there.”

He gave his head a slight nod. As she started to walk away, he called out to her.

“Hey, Gabby?”

She turned around.

“Yeah?”

“Will you be at Bayside tonight?” He asked, knowing that everyone from the competition was planning on meeting up there.

She gave him a coy smile and lifted her shoulder. “Maybe,” she teased him before turning back around and disappearing into the crowd.

“I guess it was a good thing we were all meeting tonight at Bayside for Duke and Hannah’s welcome home dinner,” Bear said, looking at Playboy with a shit-eating grin.

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