Imake candyin the back of my shop alone since Kelsey looked dead on her feet, and I sent her home early. I finish up and rush to the counter, where I can be the face of Sweet Treats, selling my candy. I need to hire another employee, but I have to make sure I can afford the expense. As long as things continue as they are, no more incidents like the vandalism, and I’ll be okay.
Jason and I had a frustrating discussion on the way to work about who will pay for the cleanup. So far, I haven’t won, but I don’t want to be indebted to him any more than I already am. The man is giving me a place to stay in addition to fixing up my business. I want, no, need to pay my own way.
Speaking of Jason, he has created an office for himself in a corner, out of the way but where he has a good view of the entrance and behind the counter. There is a back door leading to the alley off the kitchen, and he made sure I locked that tight, not letting me open it up for cool air to come inside. I know better than to argue when he’s right.
He set up his laptop, plugged it into the wall, has his iPad, his cell phone, and has been making and taking calls and FaceTiming with his partners all morning long, not seeming concerned in the least that he is doing business out of a candy shop and not his own nightclub.
I called his cousin’s wife, Isabelle, and she is coming over to talk about what she wants for her son’s birthday party. This will be branching out, another way to get my candy into new people’s hands, and I’m excited about the prospect.
This morning, with my new door and clear window, business is brisk, walking traffic bringing people inside, but by lunchtime, things slow down, which works for me because I can get off my feet.
Just as I am about to sit down across from Jason, a beautiful brunette walks into the store with a little boy in her arms.
“Uncle Jase!” the little boy yells, wriggling in his mother’s arms to get down.
She places him on the floor, and he runs to Jason, who swings the boy into his arms.
“Hey, champ!” How are you doing?” Jason asks, lifting the boy into his arms and hefting him up on one hip.
“Good. Mommy said candy for my birfday.”
Jason chuckles while I grin at the adorable child.
“Sorry I’m late,” the woman who must be Isabelle says. “I took him for lunch first, hoping to curb his appetite before we hit the candy store.”
“It’s fine. This is the first lull I’ve had all morning anyway. I’m Faith,” I say.
“Call me Izzy.”
“Tell you what,” Jason says. “How about I take this kid for a tour and we’ll handle any customers who come in while you two talk?”
“Are you sure?” I ask.
“It’s fine. We’re going to check out the candy.”
“Candy!” the boy says with a fist pump.
“Not too much, Noah,” Izzy says, eyeing Jason warily. “I have to deal with the sugar rush,” she warns him.
Jason’s grin is not to be trusted, and I have a vision of him with his own kids one day. Oh, he insinuated he wasn’t into bringing women home to his mother, but seeing him with this little boy, I have a hunch he’ll want to change his mind one day. A wistful feeling curls inside my belly at the notion, and I push itaway. He is my friend doing me more favors than I have a right to expect. Thinking of him as a sexy man I desire will do nothing helpful in my current situation. Considering him as a potential father is an ovary-exploding way to get into trouble.
“Well, that expression tells me a lot,” Izzy says, breaking into my thoughts.
I blink to return myself to the present. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”
Izzy grins. “Basically that you have it bad for Jason. Not that I blame you. Those Dare genes are potent. I ought to know.”
My face flames in embarrassment. “I don’t… I didn’t…”
“Oh, you so do.” Izzy pulls out a chair and sits down at an empty table.
I join her, still mortified I’ve been caught daydreaming about and staring at Jason.
“But it looks to me like that attraction goes both ways. He’s basically set up his office here. Gabe told me Jason’s helping you out. No specifics, of course. But I can look at him, see how he keeps checking you out to make sure you’re okay, and put two and two together.”
“You don’t beat around the bush, do you?” I ask, liking Jason’s cousin by marriage already.
“I figure life’s too short not to go after what you want. I took the long route to my destiny. I thought maybe I’d help you speed yours up,” Izzy says with a grin.
