Page 28 of Playboy

She stepped back, “Now what?” She asked, gazing up at him.

He took her hand and then opened the door for her to enter the restaurant. “Now, we have dinner. Then, afterward, you and I can make plans for a real date.”

She playfully quirked her eyebrow. “A real date?”

He grinned. “Yes. Our first real date. Now, come on, I think we’ve attracted enough attention,” he said, looking toward the big window.

Gabby followed his eyes, and she felt the blush hit her cheeks when she saw his team, along with three women watching them with smiles on their faces.

This should make for an interesting evening.

As they walked inside, Gabby still felt a little breathless from that kiss. Playboy had his hand on the small of her back as he led them to the long table just inside the door.

Gabby knew the guys, but Playboy still introduced her.

“Everyone, I’m reintroducing Gabby. Officially, this time,” he said with a smirk like it was some inside joke. “Gabby, you know the guys.”

Bear was grinning as he looked at Gabby.

“Gabby, I speak for all of us when I say we’re damn glad to see you two together finally. For months, we’ve all witnessed Playboy acting like a lovesick puppy. And honestly, it was getting painful to watch.”

Everyone laughed, including Playboy, though Playboy shot Bear the middle finger when the kids at the table weren’t looking.

“Anyway,” Playboy continued, “these ladies here are Jocelyn, Bear’s wife; Clover, Joker’s girlfriend as well as Bear’s sister, and then Hannah, Duke’s wife.”

Gabby waved at the women, feeling a little nervous but trying to play it cool. She at least recognized them from the gala. They all congratulated her for winning the competition.

Jocelyn smiled. “Come sit here so we can talk,” she told Gabby, pointing to the two seats across from her.

With his hand still pressed against the small of her back, Playboy guided her to the two open seats across from Jocelyn, Clover, and Hannah.

Just as she was about to sit down, she heard that whiny, grating, and impossible-to-miss voice.

“Oh, Playboyyy…” Vicky’s voice sliced through the air like nails on a chalkboard, making Gabby cringe inwardly.

Gabby immediately looked up at Playboy and saw the annoyed expression.

“I swear to God, that woman must have a radar for whenever I’m within five feet of you. She pops up faster than an ad for something you didn’t evenGoogle,” Gabby muttered.

Playboy chuckled and kissed the top of her head. “Obviously, she didn’t see the show we put out on the patio.”

When they both turned around, Gabby wanted to laugh as Vicky’s hopeful expression quickly fell flat the moment her eyes locked onto Playboy’s arms wrapped protectively around Gabby. Still undeterred, she put on a saccharine smile and tried again.

“I wanted to see if I could buy you a drink later,” she said to Playboy as she turned her pointy nose up at Gabby.

Gabby clenched her jaw, willing herself to stay calm. She didn’t want to cause a scene, and before she could even think about saying anything, Playboy spoke up his voice firm.

“Listen, Vicky, I’ve tried to be nice in the past when I told you that I was not interested. I never have been, and I’ve never led you to believe I was interested. Now, I’m telling you for the last time to please leave me alone.” His tone was a bit harsher than usual, but Gabby could tell he was doing it to drive the point home. He looked down at her, his eyes softening, and then added, “Besides, I’m already taken.”

Gabby’s heart melted at those words. For months, they had danced around each other, but hearing him say it out loud made her feel secure like she finally belonged in his world.

Vicky’s face twisted into a sneer as she glared at Gabby before turning her venomous gaze back to Playboy. “Fine,” she spat, “but I’ll be waiting when you get tired of her.”

That was it. Gabby couldn’t hold back anymore. She pulled away from Playboy and stood in front of him as if she were shielding him from the vile woman. Her voice was calm but laced with steel.

“Let’s be real, Vicky. Save yourself the embarrassment and walk away with whatever dignity you’ve got left. ”

Vicky’s eyes flared with anger, but she knew when she’d been beaten. With a huff, she spun on her heel and stalked off, leaving the group in stunned silence.

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