“Does it matter? You’re with Mitch. I’m with Xavier and couldn’t be happier.” If only it were real. “I hope you’ve had fun tonight. I know I have. The wedding has been terrific. I wish you and Mitch the best. Bye.” She hightailed it out before Mikayla tried to continue the needless conversation.

On her way down the hall, she ran into Xavier.

“I was just coming to find you.” He tucked a stray strand of her hair behind her ears. She’d left it down and long, and it looked great cascading over her shoulders of the strapless navy-blue dress. “I was ordered by your mother to get your ass back in your seat. Her exact words. I think she’s stressing.”

“Mikayla cornered me in the bathroom,” Justine whispered, glanced over her shoulder and saw the woman bearing down on them. “Quick, kiss me.”

“Wha—”

She meshed her mouth against his, but any notion of pretending went out the window as desire flared between them. The taste of him, of something sweet mixed with Xavier, went straight to her head. He felt so strong and solid against her, and she leaned into him, needing that connection.

“Justine,” he whispered as he pulled back, staring into her eyes as if he really saw her. And with Xavier, she thought maybe he did. “I think I lo—”

Mikayla’s eyes widened as she passed them, breaking the moment.

Relieved, Justine turned back to Xavier, only to frown in concern. He looked poleaxed.

“Xavier?”

“There you are.” Jeanine speed-walked to them and hooked her arm in Justine’s, dragging her away. “We’re starting the toasts! Get back to the table.”

Xavier followed after, a wry grin on his mouth. “Sorry, Jeanine.”

“Don’t you worry, sweetie. I’m sure my gorgeous daughter distracted you.” She winked at Justine. “I saw that kiss. Oh my. Might we have another wedding on our hands soon? It’s best if you’re married before the baby arrives. I’m just saying.”

“Mom.” Mortified, Justine glanced at Xavier, only to see him amused and shaking his head.

But was it just her imagination, or did she see a flicker of fear in his beautiful brown eyes?

CHAPTER 31

Xavier didn’t know what had come over him. He’d nearly confessed to being in love with Justine.

The toasts went well. Then all the dancing. First, the newlyweds. Then the father and daughter, mother and son, and everyone started pairing up on the dancefloor. But he kept wondering how he had managed to lose control of his feelings with Justine, and if she’d seen him acting like a lovesick moron.

“Our turn.” Justine dragged him onto the dance floor for a slow song.

Xavier could hold his own when it came to dancing. He knew he was skilled because if he’d been anything but just okay, Auggie would have brutalized him with the truth. But he’d been to his share of Marine Corps Balls and fancy work dinners, enough to know how to handle himself.