Jason had never hesitated to take what was offered, but that was the issue here. He wasn’t sure how much Faith was offering. She was under a ridiculous amount of stress, and he didn’t want to take advantage of her vulnerable situation. On the other hand, he recognized the signals that told him she was interested in him and he damned well wanted her. He’d gone so far as to take a cold shower before heading back to bed after their run-ins because he desired her that much. The question was, how much more could either of them take before they broke and ended up in bed?

He watched her from a chair that must have his ass imprint on it by now, as she put away the candy on the shelves, humming as she worked, breasts bouncing in the confines of her tee shirt, and he groaned.

Finally, after she’d locked up for the day, they were in his car on the way home. He’d been about to ask her what she wanted for dinner when his phone rang. He hit send and said hello.

Landon’s voice sounded over the intercom in the vehicle. “When are we going to see your ugly face?” his friend asked.

Jason chuckled, glancing at Faith’s amused expression. “Sorry, man. I’ve been tied up. I explained it to you already.”

“Well, get untied and get your ass down to the club. We’re overdue for a group meeting. You’re the one who wanted to expand, and we’re the ones making it happen.”

Jason winced because they were right. “I’ll be there tonight,” he promised, disconnecting the call.

Faith turned toward him, and though he kept his eyes on the road, he felt her narrowed stare.

“Your partners are annoyed. Do they know why you haven’t been to work? And why didn’t I even think about the fact that you had somewhere to be at night?” She groaned. “You were so busy during the day I forgot you ran a nightclub in the evening.” She twisted her hands together, working herself up with a heap of self-blame and recrimination.

He placed a calming touch on her thigh, immediately aware of the soft heat of her body, and the desire he’d been fighting off and keeping at bay made itself known.

“I make my own choices,” he said in a gruff voice. “And I wanted to be with you. Now I can drop you off at the apartment before heading to the club. I know with Christopher, my night doorman, on duty you’ll be safe. I’ve just always felt better being there myself. Especially after your apartment was broken into.”

She shook her head. “I’ll come with you. It’s the least I can do. You don’t need to make another stop just for me. Besides, it’ll be fun to see you in your element.”

She grinned at him and he laughed. “Fine, but don’t take anything the guys say to heart. Tanner, especially, can be an ass.” Because he’d never gotten over Landon’s loss. None of them had but they each dealt in their own way.