Page 87 of Playboy

The drive from Bear and Jocelyn’s house to the condo seemed longer than usual, each passing minute amplifying her anxiety. She wanted to let her walls down, to be vulnerable and intimate with Playboy in a way she hadn’t been since losing her leg. But the fear of how he might react to her stump still gnawed at her.

When they finally pulled into their parking spots at the condo, she took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

Moments later, Playboy was there opening her door for her.

“Are you okay?” he asked gently.

Gabby nodded, forcing a smile. “Yeah, just…thinking.”

He gave her one last look, but thankfully, he didn’t press her further. Instead, he took her hand and helped her out of the car. As they walked to the condo, Gabby’s mind raced with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Could she really do this?

As soon as the front door was unlocked and they were safely inside, Playboy pulled her into a tight hug. As she wrapped her arms around him, she could feel the tension in his body.

She knew he was worried. And she wanted to take those worries away.

“I’m okay,” Gabby murmured, running her hands soothingly over his back. “And you’re here with me now.”

Playboy sighed, still holding her close. “I know, it’s just unnerving.”

Without giving it any more thought, she tilted her head up and captured his lips in a kiss to silence his worries. The kiss quickly deepened, and she felt his tension begin to melt away as his arms snaked around her waist, pulling her closer to his body.

“Bedroom,” she mumbled, breaking their kiss for just a second before latching back onto his lips.

Playboy’s hands moved down over her hips. Bending slightly, he gripped the back of her thighs and lifted her up. Her legs went around his waist, though her left leg made it a little awkward. But Playboy didn’t seem to care as he carried them down the hall to the bedroom.

Pulling back, Playboy smiled.

“Are you trying to distract me?” he asked.

“Maybe,” Gabby replied, running her fingers through his thick hair, making it stand up. “Is it working?” she asked, a playful smile pulling at her lips.

“Anything pertaining to you is a distraction, but this is a much-welcomed distraction.”

“Good to know,” she said and winked at him, making him laugh.

He set her down on her feet before taking her face into his hands and kissing her again. When they both came up for air, Gabby’s heart was pounding in her chest.

The small lamp on the nightstand provided just enough light for a warm, romantic atmosphere.

Playboy looked at her with a mixture of love and desire. She felt a flutter of nervousness in her stomach, but it was quickly overshadowed by the warmth in his brown eyes.

He stepped closer, his hands gently resting on her hips before sliding up her sides, his touch sending shivers down her spine. His fingers brushed the hem of her tank top, and she knew what was coming next. She held her breath as he slowly lifted it, hismovements unhurried and deliberate, as if he wanted to savor every moment.

“Gabby,” he whispered, his voice full of rasp, “You’re so beautiful.”

She blushed, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks, but his words eased the tension in her. She raised her arms, letting him slip the top over her head. As it came off, she felt a rush of cool air against her bare skin, but it was nothing compared to the warmth of his gaze. His eyes roamed over her, taking in the sight of her in just her white lace bra and grey lounge pants. And the way he looked at her made her feel like she was the only woman in the world.

Playboy tossed the top aside, his hands returning to her waist. He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her collarbone, then another just above the edge of her bra. Her breath hitched, and she instinctively arched toward him, craving more of his touch.

He moved slowly, deliberately, his fingers tracing the outline of her bra strap before he slipped it off her shoulder. “Do you know how long I’ve wanted this?” he murmured, his lips brushing her skin as he spoke. “To be with you like this?”

Gabby’s heart swelled at his words, and she reached up to thread her fingers through his hair, pulling him closer. “I’m sure our timeframes are similar,” she whispered, her voice barely audible.

As his hands made their way to the waistband of her lounge pants, Gabby froze, her heart rate spiking. It wasn’t that Playboy hadn’t seen her leg. It’s just he’s never seen it during a time like this.

Playboy noticed her worry and paused, his eyes soft and reassuring. He cupped her face in his hands.

“You’re the most amazing person I’ve ever met. Your leg doesn’t change that. You’re beautiful inside and out,” he said quietly. “But if you’re uncomfortable, we can stop.”

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