Page 77 of Playboy

As she painted, she noticed movement out of the corner of her eye. A couple had walked onto the beach, their hands intertwined, and their laughter over the sounds of the ocean was soft and intimate.

Gabby paused, her brush hovering in mid-air as she watched them. They strolled along the shore, their footprints trailing behind them, and a pang of nostalgia tugged at her heart.

Her mind drifted back to her first date with Playboy. They had walked the beach, hand in hand, the same way this couple did now. She could almost hear the sound of their laughter, feel the warmth of his hand in hers. That evening had been perfect, the start of something beautiful.

Gabby smiled as she focused on her painting again, adding the final touches to the sun, which was slowly disappearing.

With a final stroke against the canvas, she stepped back to admire her work. The sunset on the canvas looked almost as breathtaking as the real thing. She smiled, feeling a sense of accomplishment and a renewed sense of calm.

“Amazing,” a deep voice from behind her said.

She had been so engrossed in her work that she hadn't even sensed someone was standing behind her, which was unusual for her.

Startled, she turned around quickly and found a man standing a few feet away, his eyes fixed on her canvas. He was tall, with a tan complexion. But his business suit made him look out of place.

“Thank you,” she replied cautiously, her grip tightening on her brush. “I didn't realize I had an audience.”

The man smiled, but it didn't reach his eyes. “I was just walking by, and I couldn't help but notice your talent. You really captured the essence of the evening sky.”

Gabby forced a polite smile, feeling a knot of unease forming in her stomach. “Thanks. It's been a while since I’ve painted.”

The man took a step closer, his gaze now fixed on her. “It’s a good spot, especially this time of the day when it’s much more quiet without all the beachgoers.”

Gabby's unease grew the closer the man got to her. She glanced around, realizing how empty the beach was. “Yeah, it is,” she replied and glanced at her watch, acting as if she needed to rush home. “Anyway, I should probably pack up and head home.”

The man’s smile faded slightly, replaced by a look of disappointment. “Oh, please don't rush off on my account. It’s rare to meet someone so talented, not to mention beautiful.”

She began to gather her supplies, her movements quick and deliberate. “I appreciate the compliment, but I really do need to go.”

He took another step closer, invading her personal space. “What’s the hurry? The night’s still young. Maybe I could buy you a drink.”

Gabby's heart pounded in her chest. She could feel the intensity of his gaze, and it sent chills down her spine.Alarm bells rang in her mind. She looked directly at him, her voice firm. “I have plans,” she lied, hoping to deter him. “My fiancé is probably waiting for me.”

The man’s expression darkened, and he tilted his head, studying her. Shit! Could he sense that she was lying?

“You know, now that I get a good look at you. I think I've seen you before. You swim every morning at that pool,” he told her as he pointed to the gated area of the condo complex where the pool was.”

Gabby’s heart was racing. This guy was a creep! Had he been watching her? And if so, for how long?

“Look, I don't know who you are, but you need to leave me alone.”

His expression darkened for a moment before he forced a smile. “I didn't mean to scare you. I just wanted to admire your work.”

Just then, she heard his voice—Playboy!

“Gabby!”

Relief washed over her as she turned to see Playboy jogging towards her. His presence instantly made her feel safe.

The creepy man’s demeanor changed instantly. He took a step back, his eyes narrowing as he looked at Playboy. “Well, enjoy your evening,” he muttered before quickly turning and walking away.

When Playboy reached her, concern was etched on his face. “Who was that? Are you okay?” he asked.

Gabby exhaled, feeling the tension leave her body. “I’m okay now. He was just...weird. Thanks for showing up when you did.”

“When I got home and didn’t find you inside and then saw that your painting stuff was gone, I went out onto the balcony and saw you down here. I was going to leave you be, but then I noticed that guy.

She smiled as she looked up into his eyes. “Thanks for coming down. He was a little creepy. He made a comment about seeing me in the mornings as I swam in the pool.”

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