She couldn’t blurt out, I’m thinking that my heart is on the line, which is unbelievably scary. So she broached something else that had been on her mind. “I’m thinking about all the damage done because my dad, Robbie, and Carla took something they shouldn’t have taken. It created a ripple effect that’s still going. The Vance brothers lost their sister because of it. Nine years later, I’m in rehab because of it.”

She felt him nod.

“Stolen things do harm,” she said in a meaningful way.

“Why do I think we’re now talking about me?”

“Because we are. You have quite a bit of money.”

“From stealing things.”

“And I wouldn’t want stolen things to do you harm.”

“If you want me to, I’ll give it all away.”

“I don’t want you to do it for me. I want you to do it for you. It’s your money. Your decision. It’s not about me.”

Her dad had known she’d do the right thing with the gold. But she couldn’t force Luke to do the right thing with his money. His life had been rocky. His money likely gave him a sense of security.

“Your greatest occupational dream is not to work at Furry Tails,” she said.

“No.”

“What do you want?”

“When I got out, I was planning on a career in technology.”

“And now?”

“Cars. Working on cars is the thing I like to do most. I want to start a business buying, restoring, and reselling.”

She lifted her head so she could see his face. “I love that plan. It’s what you’re passionate about.”

“It’s one of the things I’m passionate about. But it’s a far second to you.”

Desire curled deliciously within her, and she lost herself in his gaze—

“Just so you know”—Meadow’s loud voice broke the intimacy of the moment—“we see you, so don’t move forward with PDA thinking you’re alone.”

“You don’t have to be alone for PDA,” Finley called back. She wrenched her attention to her friends, who were making their way across the garden. “That’s why they’re called public displays of affection.”

“Fine!” Meadow gestured. “Go ahead and kiss him right in front of us.”

“We’ll use extreme self-control and resist.” Finley climbed to her feet.

Luke also stood, exchanging hellos with her friends.

A blush darkened Bridget’s fair skin. Finley had yet to see Bridget withstand Luke’s presence without blushing. “I’m sorry we interrupted you,” Bridget told them.

“You didn’t interrupt,” Finley said, even though they kind of had.

“I’m going to head inside and check something on my laptop.” Luke moved off.

“Luke,” Meadow said.

He stilled.

He was much taller, so Meadow had to tilt her chin way back. “I know I’ve acted sort of . . . suspicious of you.”