Page 9 of Sexy Dare (The Sexy 1)

“Not play dirty the way some of them do,” Jason said, glancing at Tanner, whose temper was legendary, trying to remind him, by sheer force of will, he needed to continue his good behavior and stay out of trouble.

Tanner got the message, lifting his hands in a gesture of peace. “No worries here.”

They all hoped Tanner was finished using his fists to make his point. Ever since going into business, he’d thrown his energy into the club and channeled his anger into positive pursuits.

“So we need a plan,” Jason said. “Money to bring in the acts. Landon, booking is your specialty, but I’d like to talk to my brother-in-law. See if Grey Kingston will perform for us or talk us up to other musicians.” He didn’t mention Charlotte yet.

Bringing her into the mix was risky because she’d wanted more than Jason had been willing to give. If he asked her to come to New York now, she might take it as a sign he’d changed his mind about a relationship. He hadn’t.

Not with her.

Not with anyone but… He still couldn’t get a certain curvy blonde out of his mind.

He glanced at his friends. “It’s that easy? You’re both in agreement that this is the direction we should go?”

Landon shrugged. “I like the concept. What did Gabe say?”

“To talk to the two of you, then bring him a viable plan.”

Landon walked over to the window and stared out at the empty club. “I’ll bring in an expert on live-act PA systems. Get an estimate on upgrading not just the equipment but the acoustics. I’ll also make a list of possible acts.”

Tanner nodded. “And I’ll put together an estimate to make sure our security systems are upgraded to the best ones available. If we’re having top talent, we need to take security seriously.”

With their support, the worry inside Jason eased. He should have known better than to think his brothers wouldn’t agree with his ideas for making the club even better.

His cell rang and he pulled it from his pocket. “Gabe?” he asked as he took the call.

“No. It’s Izzy on Gabe’s phone. Where did you get that basket of candy you left? Oh my God, Jason, it’s delicious!”

He wished he hadn’t brought them the candy and had kept it for himself. Hell, any reminder of Faith would have made him happy, but he was glad Izzy had enjoyed. “I met a woman who owns a shop called Sweet Treats. Her name is Faith Lancaster.”

“I want them as part of the giveaways at Noah’s birthday party. Can you get me in touch with the owner?”

An excuse to see Faith again? The ability to help her grow her business? He held back the fist pump, but his heart began a rapid beat inside his chest. Clearly he couldn’t get this woman out of his system by trying to forget about her, so he was going to have to find another way to cure his craving.

Seeing her again would be a start. “I’ll talk to her and have her give you a call,” he said to Gabe’s wife.

“I’d appreciate it. This woman has talent,” Izzy said. “My friends are going to be so jealous I found her first.” She laughed at the thought.

He shook his head and grinned. He’d always liked Gabe’s woman. “I’ll get in touch with her for you.”

“Thanks, Jase. You’re the best.” She disconnected the call and he hung up, sliding his phone back into his jeans pocket.

“What’s with the shit-eating grin on your face?” Tanner asked.

“And who’s the she who put it there?” Landon asked as a follow-up.

Jason groaned. He’d never been able to keep anything from these guys. As far back as college, from the time they’d met, the four of them, Levi included, had been tight. And if Levi hadn’t insisted on them joining a damned fraternity… He shook his head, pushing those thoughts from his mind. That was the only way he could live with the pain. Shove it away hard.

“I met a woman the other night when I left the club to see Gabe. She had a flat tire on an old beat-up delivery van she was using and I stopped to help.”

“You changed a tire? In your Ferragamo shoes and Canali suit?”

“Damned right I did and don’t look so surprised. I can get my hands dirty once in a while.” Especially for a gorgeous woman like Faith.

With a renewed sense of purpose, Jason turned to his friends. “So everyone has their assignments? I’ve got somewhere to be.”

“We’re on it. Go get laid,” Tanner said with a chuckle.

He wished. “It’s not like that with this woman.”

“Oh, fuck. So it’s like that?” Landon shook his head. “If you aren’t interested in fucking her–”

“I didn’t say I wasn’t. Just that I’m staying away.” Because she didn’t think them dating was a good idea and he’d agreed. Jason started for the door, done with this conversation.

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