“Oh, no. We’re both going to be there. I mean, this is our mom we’re talking about.”

“Fine.” He thought about what he knew of Top. “Apparently, Top was married before. His wife died of cancer a while ago.”

“That’s awful.” Auggie blinked. “I’m still not going easy on the guy, but no poking into his past, I guess.”

“How magnanimous of you.”

She shook her head. “You try to act all smart—”

“I am smart.”

“—but we both know that’s obviously today’s word.”

He frowned.

“Remember who bought you that word-of-the-day calendar for Christmas, dumbass.”

“Now you’re just being truculent.”

“Huh?”

“Obstreperous. Refractory.” He gave her a smug look. “Obnoxious.”

“Ah. Okay, yeah. All that. But still. You’re so much smarter thanks to me.”

“Bugger off.”

She smirked. “With any luck, I’ll be doing just that while you’re at your girlfriend’s wedding.”

“It’s her sister’s wedding.”

“Ha. You admit she’s your girlfriend. Now quit being a wanker and make it real.”

“And you can thank me for that urban dictionary calendar. Wanker is new.”

“My word of the day, jackass.”

They glared at each other before Xavier sighed. “You win.”

“Don’t I always?”

“For now.” He warned, “But don’t think I won’t find out about you and your shaggy boyfriend.”

She shrugged. “Meh. Give me a few more days and he’ll be right where I want him. Under me in chains, begging to serve his dark mistress.” She gave a dark laugh and wriggled her brows. “Now where did I put that riding crop?”

“I think I need my brain cleaned out.” He gagged. “Must. Get vision. Out of. My head.”

“Detoxify, you mean. Yes, you should. Right after you get the check.”

CHAPTER 30

The wedding was lovely. Justine did as she was told and walked with Ted’s cousin down the aisle. Her sister made a lovely bride. Ted, keeping his mouth shut except to exclaim over his beautiful wife, made a decent enough groom.

Mallory was now Mrs. Ted Cochran. Their parents beamed, the handsome newly married couple basking in the crowd’s adoration as the party got underway.

“They sure do know how to throw a party,” Xavier said from beside her and handed her a glass of wine.

The reception was in full swing, the music a soft jazz that added to the classy ambience and guests. Though she’d recognized many of her father’s associates from work from the many parties her parents hosted, she also saw several of the city’s wealthier movers and shakers comingling under her mother’s watchful eye.

And of course, at the groom’s cluster of tables sat Mikayla and Mitch, looking debonair in a tux.

“Thanks.” She drank a sip of a smooth, red wine and gave her date a looksie. “Just who are you and what have you done with Xavier?” She leaned up to kiss him on the cheek, amused when he flushed. “You look so handsome, man of mine.” Every time she called him her boyfriend or acted possessive, everything in her settled.