“But I couldn’t. It’s family and friends…” She didn’t belong there.

“Great idea, Iz,” Jason called as he walked out from behind the counter. Noah had 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.”

Faith rolled her eyes at his way of thinking. “It’s over a week away.” For all she knew, the police would link the break-in to Colton and pick him up before then. She didn’t want to discuss the specifics in front of Izzy and her son and frighten them away. Colton was too big of a coward to come after her 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 nodded and mock glared at Jason. “You listen well,” she said, her tone full of sarcasm. “Come to Mommy, baby. I’ll clean your face.” She pulled wipes from her purse and began cleaning the child’s cheeks.

When she finished, she stood. “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 turned to Faith. “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 left in a hurry and Faith shook her head, her smile wide as she thought 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 said, chuckling. “I’m sure you’ll hear it at the party.”

She blinked 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 nodded, his hooded eyes taking her in.

She knew why he was dragging her along, and despite the practicality of the idea, it hurt her feelings at the same time. “So you can keep an eye on me and make sure I’m safe?”

She didn’t know why that suddenly bothered her so much when that was the basis for their relationship … friendship. Whatever it was between them. But thinking on Izzy’s words, how he looked at her, how she studied everything about him, from his easy stride to the way he took control with his partners, expressing what he wanted just forcefully enough to get them to agree with him without disagreeing first … Jason Dare was a strong man she could come to rely on.

And as much as that scared her? It made her desire him, and she wanted him to feel the same way about her. Just temporarily. Because eventually, she would get back on her feet, Colton would be arrested, she hoped, and she’d go back to building her life here in New York. But while she was with Jason, was there anything wrong with acting on the simmering attraction?