“Well, that expression tells me a lot,” Izzy said, breaking into Faith’s thoughts.

She blinked to return herself to the present. “I’m sorry. What did you say?”

Izzy grinned. “Basically that you have it bad for Jason. Not that I blame you. Those Dare genes are potent. I ought to know.”

Faith’s face flamed in embarrassment. “I don’t… I didn’t…”

“Oh, you so do.” Izzy pulled out a chair and sat down at an empty table.

Faith joined her, still mortified she’d 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?” Faith asked, 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 said with a grin.

Faith didn’t want to burst her bubble, but the truth was a lot more boring than whatever Izzy was conjuring up in her mind. Although the chemistry was sizzling and the desire was mutual, he was taking care of her out of pity and a fear that something would happen to her that he’d have been able to prevent. She wanted to be more than an obligation to a man. That is, when her life calmed down enough to allow for her 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.”

Faith figured she’d be researching children’s characters. She thought some more, then said, “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.” She could get Kelsey to run the store while she made the delivery and handled the decorative setup.

“You’re so sweet! But Jason’s coming to the party. Why don’t you come with him and stay?”