Justine felt her cheeks heat.

Adam blinked. “Were you going to say yes?”

She turned to Sam and shook her head. “Sorry, but I’m busy with family stuff for the next few weekends. And I have a feeling I’d get into trouble if I tried dating a high schooler.”

Adam pinched the bridge of his nose. “He’s in eighth grade.”

“I’m almost in high school. That counts.” Sam winked at her.

She found herself laughing as he scampered out of his uncle’s way and headed for the door to his unit. Once there, he stopped to blow her a kiss.

“Sam,” his uncle barked.

The boy quickly let himself into the apartment.

“I’m sorry for Sam,” Adam said.

“No worries. He’s cute.” She hurriedly added, “Not in a dating kind of way. Honestly, I had no idea what to say when he asked about going to a concert tomorrow. I didn’t want to hurt his feelings. Good timing on your part.”

Adam groaned. “Between him and Rylan, I’m about to crack. Sam’s twelve going on thirty. Rylan’s the sixteen year old who thinks he’s the boss of his brother and me. I take it you haven’t met him yet.”

“No. Technically, I haven’t met you either.” She held out a hand. “Justine Ferrera. Rosie Gallo’s niece.”

Adam’s expression brightened as he took her hand. “Hey, it’s nice to meet you. I’m Adam Baker. When Rosie told us she was leaving for a few months, the boys were bummed. She’s been super great to us all.”

“That’s Aunt Rosie. Always willing to help out.” Like subletting her place so her pathetic niece didn’t have to move back in with her family. Justine still wasn’t sure if Rosie had truly planned her vacation ahead of time or had just made up the excuse to give Justine a place to stay.

“I’ll say.” Adam studied her. “You look familiar. Have I seen you before?”

“Not on a wanted poster,” she blurted, which made him laugh.

His smile eased the tension on his face and turned him from mildly attractive to handsome.

Yet another man she wanted nothing from but friendship. Justine wondered if something was wrong with her, because for so many years she’d been what her sisters had long ago termed “boy-crazy.” Wanting a boyfriend, wanting to get married, have babies, live in the dream house. But after breaking up with her ex and moving out, fantasies of happily-ever-after paled next to the reality of headaches and heartbreak.

“Well, I’d better get back inside. Dinner isn’t going to cook itself. I’ll see you around.” Adam gave her a pleasant smile. “And please let me know if my nephews start making a nuisance of themselves. Sam especially.”

“I’m sure they’ll be fine.” She smiled back. “If only dinner would make itself, right? I’m having a PB&J and cutting off the crusts. Fancy, huh?”

He laughed, waved, and left.

Alone, contemplating the soothing sounds of the water spilling from a stone floral centerpiece in the center of the fountain, she wondered about the neighbors.