It was a unique thing, to see Vanity showing so much uncertainty. In the time he’d known her, and especially since she’d propositioned him, she’d been balls-to-the-wall on everything. She said what she thought without holding back, went after what she wanted, full steam ahead.

But now, she appeared anxious about the outcome of her visit. Did she seek out his mother because she missed her own? Sure, his mom was great, but he’d never had a date work to befriend her before.

That is, until Whitney had tried to worm her way back into his life by kissing up to his mom with fake concern. Back when they had been a couple, her interest in his family had been nonexistent, with the obvious exception of fucking Phil. But Stack wasn’t stupid, and neither was his mom. They’d both seen through her ploy.

Whitney was as transparent as glass, but as usual, he didn’t understand Vanity’s motives, and that made him wary. Being near her always made him hot. And seeing her like this, so eager to please, left his heart full.

One way or another, Vanity kept him in emotional turmoil.

Her cheeks colored, and she looked again at the tote bag. “I, ah...”

“You brought my mother a gift?” Stack asked gently.

As if the suspense had been killing her, she went limp. “Yes.” Then in a rush to his mother, “It’s just a little thing. Well, I mean, the gesture is little. Clearly the gift is not.” She gestured at the oversize tote. “Not too big either, at least, I hope not. I hadn’t planned it, but then I was inspired, so I just went with it. I don’t expect you to hang it or anything. And if you don’t like it, that’s okay. Seriously. But I thought—”

“Wow.” Stack couldn’t believe it when he peeked into the tote.

Vanity went quiet.

Lifting out the painting, Stack took in the impression of Norwood and Maggie. He had no words. The exact way Norwood’s tongue hung out of his mouth, the way Maggie let one ear droop, the glimmer in their dark eyes, the barely suppressed energy and happiness—she’d captured it all.

Slowly, he turned it so his mother could see.

She stared while Vanity chewed her bottom lip.

Amazingly, tears stung his mother’s eyes.

Well, what do you know? It took a lot to make his mother well up, and Vanity had done it...with consideration.

“It’s beautiful.” Hand to her heart, Lynn sighed. “Oh, my, just beautiful.”

“Really?” Vanity laughed as she blew out a relieved breath. “I’m so glad you like it.”

“I love it, and I know exactly where to hang it.”

Vanity glanced at him, and there wasn’t a damn thing he could do about his wide smile.

“I know the dogs aren’t really yours,” she explained. “But it’s clear you love them and they love you—”

“If Tabby would give them to me,” Lynn swore, “I’d keep them.” She stared at the painting. “This is the next best thing.”

Stack had no idea how Vanity had completed the painting so quickly, but he liked his mother’s reaction. When she left her seat and went to Vanity, taking her hands and drawing her up, Vanity freely accepted her embrace.

“Thank you, Vanity. Thank you so much.”

Vanity squeezed her back. “You’re very, very welcome.”

Stack met his mother’s gaze and saw happiness along with the same emotional uproar he often felt.

Vanity had that effect on people.

Feeling the need to remove himself from the disturbing overload, Stack set the painting aside. “I need to get going.”

His announcement separated the women, but they both continued to smile.

Looking happier than he’d ever seen her, Vanity said, “This was fun. I’m so glad I stopped by.”

His mother laughed. Stack had the same reaction. How could Vanity consider so much imposition on her life fun? She not only babysat his sister’s dogs, dragging them around with her nearly everywhere she went, but now she was cooking for them, and bearing gifts, as well.

“I want to go home now, just so I can get the painting hung on the wall.”

“Not yet,” Stack cautioned. “You promised to stay put a few more days.” He carried the painting to the room his mother used. When he returned, Vanity was bundled back up in her hoodie.

“I need to get scooting, too.” She picked up the leashes and called the dogs to her.

“You’re coming to the rec center?” Stack asked her. After her impromptu visit, he wanted her more than ever.

“Yes, but I have to get Norwood and Maggie back to my place first.” She hooked the leashes to each dog’s collar, then allowed them to go to his mother for goodbyes.