Finally Us (Next Generation #5) - J.M. Walker Page 0,29

could feel it. Vince was intense. I had seen the same thing in his father. Whenever he looked at Vince’s mom, Creena, it was like she was all that mattered. While he loved his kids, his wife reached a part of him that no one else ever could and I wanted that.

A gentle tap on the window made me jump.

Ashton Donovan opened the driver door. “You just going to sit there or are you coming in and helping us?”

I scowled and left the vehicle. “It’s not my fault you guys are behind because we got some new volunteers that you can’t stop drooling over.”

He chuckled, wrapping me up in a hug. “How’s it going?”

“Not too bad.” I squeezed him, my heart warming. Ashton gave perfect hugs. They were firm enough where you felt safe and protected in his arms, but they never became inappropriate. Although, maybe it had just been me. He once had a thing for our friend Luna, and slept with both Piper and my sister for a short time. He got around but I knew there was someone out there for him. He just had to find her.

“Gigi.”

I jumped at the deep voice coming from behind me.

Ashton released me, glancing over my head. “Problem?”

“Nope.” Vince came up to my side, lightly brushing his fingers over my hip. “You good?” he asked me.

“Yeah.” My body heated at the subtle touch coming from him. It wasn’t like we had ever announced whatever this was that we were doing. We never made it public or even put a label on it. But I liked that he touched me in public, not caring at all who was around.

Ashton glanced between us. “This is new.”

“Nope,” Vince repeated. “Not new. Just continuing.”

“Really.” Ashton scratched his jaw. “Interesting.”

“Alright.” I rolled my eyes. “If you two are done. I have work to do.” I turned on my heel and headed toward the large building that I had been volunteering at for as long as I could remember. The Dove Project had been a part of our families before us kids were ever born. It was a part of us, and I knew even after our parents were gone, the center would continue to grow and expand and be there for people in need.

When I entered the large building that now looked more like a compound than anything, I waved to the receptionist and passed a couple of girls putting up flyers on the activity board. I made my way to the office, put my purse in one of the lockers, and grabbed a bottle of water from the mini fridge we kept stocked.

“Well, I don’t know what you want from me, Angel. The center is growing, and I’m needed here.”

I stood up straighter at the sound of Mom’s voice coming from down the hall.

“I know, baby. Yes, I’ll let the girls know.” She laughed. “I think they’ll be able to handle us going away since we never really got a honeymoon. Yes, we’ll do it after Ryder leaves. God, do you not know me at all?” Her laugh deepened. “Fine, fine. Meadow isn’t coming in today. The little one had a rough night, so she’s tired.”

I left the office, finding Mom leaning against the wall.

Her head snapped up, her gaze landing on me. She smiled. “Gigi’s here. Yes, I will. Okay, love you too.” She said her goodbyes and shoved her cell in her back pocket. “How are you doing?”

“Good.” I gave her a hug, reveling in the feel of being in my mom’s arms. That single moment relieved some of the stress of not knowing what the hell was going on between Vince and me.

“Your dad said that Vince was at your place the other morning.”

My stomach flipped. “Uh…yeah. He came over to make sure I was okay.”

Mom leaned back, searching my face. “Your father may believe your lies but I’m not stupid, Gigi. You’re more like me than your sister and brother.”

I pulled away and tugged at the end of my t-shirt. “It was nothing. I went to Luna’s, had a little too much wine and Vince picked me up and drove me home.”

“And?”

I sighed, hating at the moment how well Mom knew me. “He spent the night, but nothing happened.”

She gave me a small smile. “You don’t have to justify your actions to me, sweetheart. It’s not like Vince is some random guy.”

“I know.” I looked down at my feet. “It’s just…it’s complicated.”

“I get that.” Mom hooked an arm around my shoulders,