He turned back to Auggie. “That’s Rosie’s niece, Justine. She’s subletting her aunt’s place for a awhile.” He realized he had no idea how long Justine might be there. And that bothered him.

“You sure took your time looking at her.”

“We’re friends,” he emphasized, glaring into his sister’s crafty eyes. “Don’t even think of making her uncomfortable.”

“Friends, huh?” Auggie stared at Justine. “We’ll see about that, won’t we?”

CHAPTER 10

Justine had finished another crapfest of a day. Once again covering for Frank because he hadn’t gotten his work done on time and had something “important” to do tonight with his wife and kids. So sure, Justine would stick around and cover his ass, finishing up that spreadsheet for the PowerPoint presentation tomorrow. She was mightily sick of doing work she wasn’t paid for, but Frank kept saying how great her team player attitude would look at her next yearly evaluation—in two weeks.

That was if she could make it that long.

For the past year, she’d been unhappy in her job. She wanted the freedom to express her artistic background, serving the company’s client more than her frustrating, lackluster boss. And what really bothered her—his condescending attitude. She kept catching echoes of her father and ex in Frank’s approach.

After grabbing a chai latte, she joined Xavier and the pretty woman sitting with him. Ignoring her odd peevishness at the woman’s presence, Justine concentrated on being pleasant and not irked at the woman’s challenging gaze. Was this Xavier’s new girlfriend? Because the woman seemed threatened by Justine’s presence.

Yet... As Justine looked from Xavier to the pretty redhead, she noticed a lot of similarities.

“Justine, meet my sister, Auggie. Auggie, this is my new neighbor, Justine.”

She ignored her sense of relief and smiled wider. “Auggie. It’s so nice to meet you.”

Xavier’s sister nodded. “So you’re Rosie’s niece?”

“Yep.”

“How long are you staying at the apartment complex?”

Justine shrugged. “At least the next three months. My aunt is taking a vacation in Italy and doing some sightseeing in Europe. I’m using the time to regroup.”

“From what?”

Xavier cut in. “Don’t be so nosy, Auggie.”

“Why not?”

Justine did her best not to laugh. The twins frowning at each other made them look that much more alike.

“I can ask her questions.” Auggie turned to Justine. “I can ask you questions, can’t I?”

“Sure, I guess.” She could now see that Xavier had been right about his sister being a little more aggressive, whereas he came across as charming. “I’m pretty much an open book.”

“Do you like living at the building? I think it’s a little claustrophobic.”

“I don’t,” Xavier said. “I like knowing my neighbors.”

Justine relaxed into her seat, pleased to be done with her work day. “Everyone seems really nice. Well, except for the Super. He’s a little intimidating.”

Auggie grinned. “Nothing like a former Marine to keep the starch in his shorts. Top’s not a bad guy. Say something nice about the Corps and you’re in.”