“You’re quiet.” He squeezed her knee.

“Just thinking that being with you is amazing…and totally unexpected.”

“Oh?”

She petted his beard. “I’m dating a furry man.”

“This is an amazing beard, woman. You’re lucky to be touching it.”

“Lucky? You want to get lucky later, maybe rethink your words.”

He grinned. “Now that you’re warming up, you sure you’re okay?” He paused. “With us?”

“I am if you are.” She scrutinized him. “I feel like you’re at an advantage because you deal with people and their emotions for a living. Like, you could manipulate me pretty easily if you wanted.”

“‘With great power comes great responsibility.’”

“Sure thing, Spiderman.” She rolled her eyes.

“I’m kidding. I would never deliberately try to manipulate you.” He frowned at the road. “That’s dishonest. I’m all about honesty.”

“So if my butt looks huge in my dress, you’ll tell me?”

“I’m not stupid.”

“That’s what I thought.”

He shrugged. “There’s honesty and then there’s not wanting to hurt your girlfriend’s feelings.” He winked. “But that dress you’re wearing shows off your amazing legs and butt, so don’t look to me for criticism.”

It warmed her how readily he kept labeling her his girlfriend. He hadn’t mentioned any feelings though. Neither of them had brought up the big L word since she’d said it four days ago.

Nothing like disturbing your boyfriend by being too close to smother the flames of love.

“You went quiet again. I’m serious. You look amazing in that dress.”

She toyed with the thin strap. “It’s a sundress. And I wore sneakers with it.”

“Cute and approachable, yet strikingly sexy. I like your vibe.”

She laughed, tucking away her caution. “You’re a goof.”

“I’m your goof.” He brought her hand to his lips and kissed her. “Now remember, Auggie will be there today. And Mom will be all over you once she finds out we’re dating.”

“She already thinks we’re dating.”

“Yeah, but she’ll know it’s real.” He sighed. “She kind of knew it was real before. I’m not good at hiding my feelings from my mom.”

“Aw, you had a big crush on me, didn’t you?”

“Oh stop.” His cheeks turned red.

She hooted. “You’re blushing! So cute.”

He grumbled as they pulled into the driveway.

“A lot of cars out here,” she noticed, counting a few in front of the large home.

“It’s the 4^th. Time for picnics and barbecues.”

She brought the potato salad she and Xavier had fixed—well, Xavier had made it while she’d watched. Auggie opened the door before Justine could knock and tugged them both inside.

She put a finger to her lips and snuck them into the side office, which had been turned into a craft room. Justine liked the light colored furniture and big desk upon which a sewing machine and basket of yarn had been set.

“What’s up?” Xavier asked.

“Shh. Do you not see me sneaking you inside?” Auggie poked her head out then closed the office door. “Quick notes: Top’s here as Mom’s ‘date.’ I invited Benji because he looked sad when I saw him wandering the street outside the condo.”