Page 72 of Playboy

Playboy walked over to her and placed his hands on her hips. “The only plans I have are with you. And trust me, I’d rather be here with you than back at the barracks.”

Gabby gave him a look. That was one thing she didn’t know. “You live on base?” she asked him.

“Yeah. Since it is just me, and I never know when we’ll get called out, it’s just easier, at least for me.”

Gabby thought about it for a second. She really didn’t want to be alone. And her idea would give them more time to get to know one another.

She placed her hands on his chest and looked up into his eyes.

“Why don’t you just stay here with me?”

He was quiet for a minute, and she took that as he wasn’t interested.

“I mean, it was just a thought,” she started to say when he leaned down and kissed her. The kiss was soft and gentle at first as if he was savoring every second. But slowly, it started to deepen, not with urgency but with purpose, like a promise wrapped in the softness of their touch. Gabby could feel the quiet intensity behind it, the assurance that he would be there, that they weren’t just sharing this kiss but an understanding.

His lips moved against hers, patient, deliberate, as if telling her that there was no rush, no need for words right now. Each brush of their mouths felt like a vow, one filled with care and quiet devotion. Her hand slid up to rest against his chest, feelingthe steady beat of his heart, and at that moment, she knew this wasn’t just a kiss. It was a promise of something real, something lasting.

After what seemed like minutes, Playboy released her lips, his hands now cupped her cheeks, and his brown eyes staring into hers.

“I would love nothing more than to stay with you. I already told you that it is hard being away from you.”

She smiled. “So, you’ll move in?”

“If that’s what you want.”

“I know it may seem early in our relationship to take this step, but something deep inside me tells me it’s the right thing to do. I don’t like being away from you either,” she told him.

“Then it’s settled. I’ll stay. Let me go grab my go bag from the car.”

“Okay.”

He gave her another peck on the lips before he disappeared out the door.

As Playboy went to retrieve his bag, Gabby made her way to the kitchen. She couldn't believe how well-stocked it was. Their friends had clearly thought of everything. She smiled as she spotted spaghetti noodles and the ingredients to make sauce. Cooking had always been a comfort to her, and right now, she needed that more than ever.

By the time Playboy returned, she had already started chopping vegetables for the sauce. He walked into the kitchen and grinned when he saw her.

“What are you doing?” he asked, amusement in his voice.

Gabby looked up and smiled. “Making us dinner. I thought spaghetti would be nice and easy.”

Playboy’s eyes lit up. “Can I help?”

“Sure,” Gabby said, gesturing to the counter. “You can get the bread ready if you want.”

“On it,” he replied, rolling up his sleeves.

They worked side by side in the kitchen, and the easy camaraderie between them made the task enjoyable. They made small talk, discussing everything from favorite foods to funny stories about their friends. The smell of the sauce simmering filled the air, blending with the scent of garlic bread in the oven.

“You know,” Playboy said, glancing over at her, “I didn't think I’d ever see you this relaxed.”

Gabby laughed softly. “Me neither. But I guess being here, cooking...it feels normal. And I need that right now. Plus, the company is great.”

“Well, I'm glad I can be a part of your normal,” Playboy said with a genuine smile.

As they finished preparing the meal, Gabby felt a warmth in her chest that had nothing to do with the food. Despite everything that had happened, she was grateful for this moment of peace and the company of someone who genuinely cared. They set the table and sat down to eat. They had opened the balcony doors, allowing the sound of the ocean to provide a calming backdrop to their conversation.

???

---