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“No, but if you hadn’t helped me, you wouldn’t be here.”

“You’re talking nonsense. I want to be here. Remember, I was the one who offered you my ship and services.”

Holly shrugged. “Even so, I still feel bad.”

“Stop beating yourself up. It happened. It’s part of the adventure of space travel. Space is deadly if you take too many risks.”

Holly looked around the ship. “Does anybody know we’re here?”

“I guarantee they do.”

“Have you heard from somebody?”

“No, but I messaged for help after I came to. There was enough residual power to send a distress call and tag our location.” Avel shook his head. “It’s a mess out there. The star storm took a lot of ships by surprise.”

Holly’s throat tightened. “Did anybody die?”

“I’m sure of it. There are rescue teams searching for survivors and bringing in damaged ships. They know our location and that we’re stable, so it’ll be awhile until a rescue comes. We’re not considered a priority.”

“Well, that’s good. At least, they’ll get to us.” Holly felt herself relax a little. So long as help was coming, they’d be fine.

Avel shifted in his seat, and Holly became aware he was looking at her.

She glanced at him. “What is it?”

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have messed around with your business. I was trying to help. I know you’re capable of doing anything you set your mind to. But I see how it could look like interfering.”

Holly sighed. That didn’t matter anymore. She’d reacted badly and assumed the worst. “I should apologize too. It was overwhelming at the food fair. I’m not the greatest saleswoman. I always get nervous and think people aren’t going to be interested. I just wanted to do it on my own and prove that I could.”

Avel took hold of her hands and tangled their fingers together. “Next time, I promise, I won’t say a word. You’re on your own.”

She wrinkled her nose. It was sort of nice to have a business partner. “I know what I’m good at, and that’s making the chocolates. Doing the sales stuff, not so much.”

He grinned. “I can be very persuasive when I need to be.”

Her own smile faded. “When someone owes you money and you need it back?”

Avel let out a long sigh. “I also shouldn’t have kept that from you. I didn’t want you to think exactly what you did. That I’m only interested in you because you have something of mine.”

“You’re surprised that I think that?” Holly noticed how tightly he held her hands.

“I should have kept my distance. I don’t make a habit of mixing with clients. It can make things... difficult.”

“You mean when they don’t repay, and you have to come after them and add a few more scars to those knuckles of yours.”

Avel shrugged. “Something like that. It’s the first rule of business. I broke it because of you.”

Holly bit her bottom lip. “I didn’t ask you to.”

“How can I resist you?” His mouth twisted. “When you walked over, that gorgeous smile on your face and a box of chocolates in your hand, I couldn’t say no. And you’re fun to be around. You keep surprising me. I like that.”

Holly didn’t know how to respond. The first night they’d met, she’d been acting out of character. She’d been on a high about getting her loan, the loan from Avel. She hadn’t let her fears take over. He’d seen the best side of her. The side that rarely made an appearance.

His grip tightened on her hand. “I didn’t mean to get involved. And I never meant to mess you around. Your business is your dream, and you’re right to follow it.”

“It’s okay. I appreciate the help.” Holly shrugged. “I am a bit out of my depth.”

“Not anymore. Not now you’ve got the money to invest in getting everything right,” he said.