“We have the collateral now to go to a bank for a loan.” Which they hadn’t had when they were starting out. Gabe had lent them the money for the start-up, which they were still paying back over time. “But I’d prefer to work directly with you again.”

“Talk to your partners and see if they’re on board. Work up a plan and bring it to me.”

Jason rose to his feet. “Thank you.”

Gabe stood, walked over, and slapped him on the back. “Your success is my success. Besides, we’re family.”

Their grandfathers had been brothers but the Dares remained close despite some living in different states. Even the half-siblings had come to an understanding and had sibling-like relationships now. Some more than others.

“Enjoy your family,” Jason said to Gabe as they walked to the door.

“Thanks. Enjoy your candy girl.”

Jason’s heart gave a kick. “I don’t think I’ll be seeing her again.” She’d made it clear she didn’t think it was a good idea, and if he had to look deep into his soul, the part of him he protected, he had to agree.

But he still couldn’t forget the slashed tire or the troubled look that had crossed her face when he told her about it.

“Letting her go easily doesn’t sound like the Dare way,” Gabe said before saying goodbye and shutting the door.

Jason groaned and headed back to his car, Gabe’s words in his ear.

* * *

After her failed attempt to deliver candy and meeting her dark knight, as she’d come to think of Jason Dare, Faith spent a restless night tossing and turning. She had too much on her mind to relax. From the need to reschedule her candies to a daytime delivery, which meant taking time away from being in the store, to her worry about Colton finding her, to thoughts of the sexy man she’d turned away, she was unsettled, to say the least.

She woke up extra early and made herself a cup of coffee in the Keurig she’d splurged on, poured in some cream, and grabbed a cup of yogurt. No Greek yogurt for her; she liked the tiramisu-flavored kind, sugared and all.

She settled in at the kitchen island that doubled as her table and powered up her laptop. With Jason’s card beside her on the counter, she pulled up the website for Club TEN29, telling herself it was mere curiosity overall that compelled her. That she wasn’t cyberstalking Jason Dare.

At a glance, she was impressed with the interactive website and the wealth of information and rooms available on the premises for events and parties. The website provided music and gave a much more professional impression than the basic site she’d created for Sweet Treats.

Professional website, she jotted down in the notes section of her computer. Another expensive item on her to-do list for her business, she thought with a sigh.

Then, unable to help herself, she clicked on the About section, and photographs of the three partners came up in full color. Jason had the lightest brown hair, the other two men were darker, all sporting a scruff of beard, but it was Jason’s startling indigo blue eyes that stood out. If she hadn’t been so overwhelmed, she’d have paid more attention to them last night. She studied him, his intense gaze, slightly brooding, sexy look, and sighed, squirming in her seat at the sight of him.