I don’t want to burst her bubble, but the truth is a lot more boring than whatever Izzy is conjuring up in her mind. Although the chemistry is sizzling and the desire is mutual, he is taking care of me out of pity and a fear that something will happen to me that he’ll have been able to prevent. I want to be more than an obligation to a man. That is, when my life calms down enough to allow for me to let people in.
“Jason and I met by chance. He helped me with a slashed tire. It’s been one situation after another since, and he’s been nice enough to help me out. That’s all that’s going on between us.”
“Keep telling yourself that. You’ll be pleasantly surprised when things take a turn. Okay, so let’s talk candy. That basket you gave Jason was delicious. The kids will go nuts for it and the moms will wish they’d thought of it. I’m having a party for Noah next weekend and I’d love it if you could make them up as party favors.”
“I’d love to! If you want me to do something special for the kids, I could do that. If he has a theme for the party? I could work around that and do something more like the baskets for the adults.”
“Paw Patrol. And I love both ideas.”
I figure I’ll be researching children’s characters. I think some more, then say, “I’d be happy to deliver them to the party and set them up on the table. Take some of the burden off of you. I’m sure you’ll be busy enough that day.” I can get Kelsey to run the store while I make the delivery and handle the decorative setup.
“You’re so sweet! But Jason’s coming to the party. Why don’t you come with him and stay?”
“But I couldn’t. It’s family and friends…” I don’t belong there.
“Great idea, Iz,” Jason calls as he walks out from behind the counter. Noah has chocolate on his cheeks and a pop stick in his hand. “I was going to tell you I didn’t want to leave Faith alone, and I wasn’t sure if I could make it.”
I roll my eyes at his way of thinking. “It’s over a week away.” For all I know, the police will link the break-in to Colton and pick him up before then. I don’t want to discuss the specifics in front of Izzy and her son and frighten them away. Colton is too big of a coward to come after me with people around.
“We’ll both be there, Iz. Thank you. And here’s your little sugar fiend. I kept it at two.”
“I had free, Mommy!”
Izzy nods and mock glares at Jason. “You listen well,” she says, her tone full of sarcasm. “Come to Mommy, baby. I’ll clean your face.” She pulls wipes from her purse and begins cleaning the child’s cheeks.
When she finishes, she stands. “I’ve got to get this one home for a nap. Sometimes I still get lucky and he’ll lie down… although thanks to his uncle, I’m guessing today won’t be one of those days.” She turns to me. “It was a pleasure meeting you. I’m looking forward to seeing you at the party. Oh, maybe we can get lunch one day soon. Bye!”
Izzy leaves in a hurry, and I shake my head, my smile wide as I think about the other woman’s fun personality. “I like her.”
“Gabe likes her, too. Love at first sight, to hear them tell it, although it took years for them to get together. It was after Gabe’s brother, Decklan, arrested her for grand theft auto. Long story,” Jason says, chuckling. “I’m sure you’ll hear it at the party.”
I blink in surprise. Not at his crazy family stories, but about the party. “You were serious? You want me to come to a family event?”
He nods, his hooded eyes taking me in.
I know why he’s dragging me along, and despite the practicality of the idea, it hurts my feelings at the same time. “So you can keep an eye on me and make sure I’m safe?”
I don’t know why that suddenly bothers me so much when that is the basis for our relationship… friendship. Whatever it is between us. But thinking on Izzy’s words, how he looks at me, how I study everything about him, from his easy stride to the way he takes control with his partners, expressing what he wants just forcefully enough to get them to agree with him withoutdisagreeing first… Jason Dare is a strong man I can come to rely on.
And as much as that scares me? It makes me desire him, and I want him to feel the same way about me. Just temporarily. Because eventually, I will get back on my feet, Colton will be arrested, I hope, and I’ll go back to building my life here in New York. But while I am with Jason, is there anything wrong with acting on the simmering attraction?
I step closer to him, taking in the chocolate stain on his cream-colored shirt. “I can stay at your apartment and be perfectly safe there.” If I’m going to stay at that party beyond setup, he has towantme there.
“You’re not staying home.” A low growl makes its way up his throat.
My nipples pucker at the sexy sound. “Why not?
“Because.” He moves in, his big body hovering over mine.
Body heat and his musky scent surround me, warmth and a tingling sensation dancing over my skin. “Becausewhy?” He needs to say it. Needs to tell me he wants me there.
Reaching out, he slides his hand behind my neck, his fingers gliding into my hair, tugging my head back as he says, “Because I want you there. I. Want. You.”
***
Jason
I know she’spushing me to admit what we both feel. What can’t be denied. And I am through fighting the yearning for this woman. For as long as she needs my help and desires me, too, she is mine.
