In the meantime, family and close friends huddled around the bar, still on a high. Once they were alone with vetted people, Jason sent Renault home. He’d take Faith with him. Right now, everyone around them only wanted the best for each other. For the first time in a long time, Jason, too, was soaring from the perfection of the night.

He slung an arm around Faith’s shoulders. “You know I have you to thank for tonight’s events.”

She glanced up at him, confusion on her pretty face. “How? I don’t recall coming up with the idea to turn this into a live venue for high-end performers.”

“No, but you did inspire me the night we met when you talked about standing out in your own space.”

“I was delivering little baskets to neighborhood businesses, not making a statement in the Manhattan nightclub world.” She waved away his comment as if it meant nothing.

“Don’t do that. Don’t belittle what you do. Candy makes people happy.”

She smiled. “I love what I do. I’m just saying how could I have inspired this awesome night?”

“You made me think bigger. Made me ask how I could make my business stand out. And the idea came to me. So I have you to thank.” He pressed a kiss to her lips.

“Well, you’re welcome. Who knew that my niche would end up being party favors?” she mused, but she sounded pleased with the notion.

“Like I said, you make people happy. You do, Faith.”

She tipped her head to the side. “And on that note, I’m going to excuse myself and go to the ladies’ room.”

“I’ll be waiting.”

She slipped from beneath his arm and walked away. He couldn’t tear his gaze from the dip of material that exposed her back, the sway of those sexy hips, or the way her hair bounced against her back as she moved.

“Jason! You’re finally alone!” Charlotte came up to him, pulling him into a hug. “Thank you for letting me perform tonight. I love live audiences in small venues.”

He extricated himself from her grasp. “Well, you and Lola make a dynamic team.”

She smiled at the compliment. “I’m trying to convince her we should record a song together.”

“I expect it would be a hit.”

“So…” She flipped her hair over her shoulder, her gaze steady on his. “You looked quite … domesticated with your girlfriend.”

“So what?” he asked, knowing both the description of his relationship and the fact that Faith was his girlfriend were true.

Here he was, celebrating his biggest success, and he’d wanted her by his side. Brought her to live with him. Introduced her to his family. Made her a part of his life, all the while proclaiming he didn’t want anything serious.

He’d been such a dense asshole, but he had his head on straight now.

“So I thought you didn’t do serious.” Charlotte set her hands on her hips, clearly wanting an answer.

Jason wasn’t surprised Charlotte wanted to discuss his relationship with Faith. At a glance, it was obvious what he had with Faith was deeper than anything he’d shared with the beautiful raven-haired beauty in front of him now. She might be gorgeous, but she didn’t do it for him the way Faith did, and what he and Charlotte had shared? It had been fun but superficial, like all his prior relationships.