All in all, the dinner went very well.

Until his mother asked a few questions about Max Dixon.

“Why do you want to know about him?” Xavier narrowed his gaze. “You seemed friendly enough yesterday when you two were chatting.” He didn’t know why it should bother him that his mother had hit it off with Top, especially with he and Auggie trying to get her to date. Yet something about Top felt wrong to him.

“Wait, Max? As in, Top, our Super?” Justine asked, looking as poleaxed as he felt.

“Yes. He’s really a sweetheart.”

“Um, okay.” Apparently aware her response seemed half-hearted, Justine rallied. “He was a great part of our water fight. Last week, I got revenge on our teenage neighbors by water-balloon bombing them back. Then everyone got in on it.” Justine paused in thought. “You know, for an older guy, Top’s not bad looking. He’s in pretty great shape, actually.”

Xavier didn’t appreciate that she’d noticed Top’s assets. Oh my God. I’m jealous of Top?

“Older guy, ha.” Cynthia grinned. “I’ll have to tell him that.”

Flummoxed, he went on the offensive. “Tell Top that? Why would you tell him Justine thinks he’s hot?”

Justine flushed. “I didn’t say hot. I said he was fit. And yeah, he’s good-looking in a tough guy kind of way.”

Cynthia nodded and said to Xavier, “You might as well know he and I met yesterday for a movie. Then we shared dinner. He’s a great conversationalist.”

“Mom.” The other men he’d had in mind for his mom had been nice. Safe. Maybe even a little boring. Top would be anything but.

“I think it’s sweet.” Justine smiled. “Xavier, just think. Your mom may have met her prince charming, and all because of you.”

He felt a little ill. “Prince Charming? More like Beauty and the Beast.”

Cynthia scowled at him, though he could see the twinkle of amusement in her gaze. “Xavier, honestly.”

“But which one is the beast, that’s the question,” he said, causing his mother and Justine to laugh. “You know I’m kidding, Mom.” Come on, sound like you mean it. He cleared his throat. “I like Top. Max. But if he treats you wrong, I’ll break his kneecaps.” He could never forget how much she’d cried after his father had died. Heart wrenching sobs that had made his own grief even worse.

Justine sighed and batted her lashes at him. “My hero. A guy who takes care of his mom.”

“Don’t encourage him, Justine. He’s a little bully.” Cynthia snorted. “I mean, I’d expect that kind of talk from Auggie, but not my sensitive son.” She looked him over. “As if you could take Max down. That man looks pretty solid to me.”

“Me too,” Justine said in a loud whisper, glanced at Xavier, then tried to hide her laughter. “But not as handsome or in shape as my man.”

Xavier shouldn’t have flushed at hearing her call him that. But that easily, she flattered and pleased him with little effort. And if he happened to start buying into the fiction of his and Justine’s relationship, it was just two friends having some fun.