She twined her fingers together again. Braced. “So what’s your verdict on the loan?”

He didn’t hesitate. “It’s a go.”

Pressure built behind her eyes, and she exhaled. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” He finished his coffee and set the mug aside. “Are you willing to sign an agreement for the loan?”

“Yes. How soon can your attorney have it ready?”

“I don’t want to use my attorney. He lives in Hope Harbor, and while I have total confidence in his discretion, I’d prefer to keep this matter private. An agreement like this could raise questions—and speculation—given the timing of your arrival with Hannah’s.”

“Oh.” She hadn’t thought of that. “I see how that could be awkward. How would you like to handle this?”

“I’ll find a boilerplate agreement online, if that’s acceptable.”

“Fine by me. How soon can we do this?”

“Tomorrow?”

“That works. The sooner the better for Tasha.”

“I do have one more question.” His businesslike manner softened a hair. “Does your friend know you came here to ask me for a loan?”

“No. She would not have been happy.”

“What if she won’t accept it?”

“She will. I’m not letting her lose her chance to realize her dream.”

“What about your dreams?”

At his gentle question, her breathing hitched.

The Jack who’d turned her world upside down that long-ago summer was still there. He’d simply learned to hide his softer side under a no-nonsense, hard-nosed exterior.

Around her, anyway.

“I’ve given up on dreams.” She pushed her chair back and stood, resting her fingertips on the table to steady herself as her shaky legs balked. “I’ll be satisfied to help Tasha find her happy ending. Can we discuss specifics about Hannah’s schedule tomorrow, after I sign the loan papers?”

He stood more slowly. “Sure.”

“I should go.”

Without waiting for a reply, she hurried toward the living room, snatched up her purse from the couch where she’d dropped it, and continued to the door.

He beat her to it, leaning around her to twist the knob, his breath a warm caress against her temple. “Are you stopping in to see Beth again tomorrow?”

“Y-yes.”

If he noticed the revealing hitch in her voice, he didn’t comment on it.

“Come by afterward and we’ll take care of the paperwork and discuss scheduling. I’ll wire transfer the funds to your account Thursday morning.” He pulled the door open.

“Thank you again.” She eased past him, onto the small porch, just as the skies opened.

“Wow.” Jack surveyed the pelting rain. “Let me get an umbrella.”

“I can make a run for it.”

“You’ll be soaked.” He disappeared back into the house before she could protest.

Less than half a minute later he joined her outside, opened a large golf umbrella, and took her arm.