Insta-Family by Linda Kage

Author:Linda Kage [Kage, Linda]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Linda Kage
Published: 2021-12-27T18:30:00+00:00

23

LUCY

It wasn’t until Vaughn wrapped his warm fingers around mine that I realized how big of a mistake shaking hands with him was.

Suddenly, all I could remember was the bruising and amazing way those very hands had felt when they’d gripped and coasted over me, how his mouth had taken from mine, and his tongue had plundered.

Then, I recalled the regret and horror I’d seen in his eyes when he’d lurched back, realizing what he’d just done.

And that’s why it struck me at that very moment that I had indeed not come to terms with the idea of being single for the rest of my life nor had I made peace with such a reality. But I had, in fact, already discovered the one and only person I wanted to be with, even though a future with him was impossible. The ghost of his brother sat quite firmly between us, preventing that very future from happening by manifesting his memory into a cute ball of baby that was currently chewing on her toes and drooling all over Vaughn’s knee.

I slid my gaze to Ava and reluctantly pulled my hand from Vaughn’s.

I supposed, if I couldn’t have him, then she was the best consolation prize a girl could get.

“I’m guessing we have terms to discuss, and there’s a lease agreement for me to sign somewhere, right?” he asked, retracting his hand as well and using it to stroke Ava’s head.

I nodded, my focus on his fingers as they petted my daughter. Then, I lifted my gaze. “Uh, yeah. I’ve got all the paperwork. But we can go over it later, after you’re settled.”

He nodded and opened his mouth to reply, but my brother popped his head into the room and tapped the wall to get our attention. “Hey! You two better get outside and grab some pizza before it’s gone. Besides, the trucks have returned from their last run, and we’re going to clear this room next, so we kind of need you out of the way.”

“Oh! Okay, then,” Vaughn answered, immediately pushing his way to his feet and naturally shifting Ava in his arms so he could hold her with her back to his front. It was her favorite way to be held. She liked being upright and facing out so she could see everything with her legs dangling for maximum kicking power.

It melted a gooey spot into my soul to see Vaughn indulging her.

But I needed to stop looking for reasons to fall for this man, so I stood as well, plopping my hands onto my hips to face off with my brother. “Wow. All this power and command has gone straight to your head; you’re so bossy today.”

“What’re you talking about?” He grinned with mischievous innocence. “I’ve always been this bossy. Bentley just rarely lets me unleash it.”

“Smart woman,” I muttered as I trailed the two men from the room.

Just before exiting, however, I glanced back, taking in the bare walls and piles of boxes.

I really, really hoped

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