Chapter Seven #4
Rowan blew out a breath and seemed to struggle.
Fists tight, she gritted out her next words.
“I know we don’t like each other. That’s fine.
But I’m willing to give Kelsey daily lessons.
She needs to trust herself again. The ocean can give so much more than it takes.
What else is she going to do? Dress up in her designer clothes and too much makeup, looking for something to do? Surfing will give her focus.”
Everett settled. He sensed she was telling the truth. He looked toward the shop, where Kelsey was chatting with Tino. The man was smiling and nodding. Was Rowan right? Could some lessons be the key to making her happy for the summer?
He shot his cuffs and straightened his tie. “How do I know I can trust you?”
A half shrug. “You don’t. Unless you take the time to watch her. Come to a few lessons until you feel comfortable.”
“In the middle of the day?”
She tilted her head. “Don’t you have a lunch hour, Mr. Hale?”
The question made him laugh. “Lunch? No. I have long days. I have hundreds of people who depend on me and more decisions to make in a day than you can imagine. Anything else is a luxury.”
“Yes, it seems like you’re an important man.”
“Everett. I said you can use my first name.”
Another nod. Damned if she refused to even give him that one concession. His entire body pumped full of emotion, which he hated. He prided himself on being extremely limited in the messy range. “Move the lessons to Waikiki Beach. I’ll be able to keep an eye on her since it’s closer to Purity.”
Her brow lifted. “I work here, so this is convenient for me. Waikiki is crowded with tons of tourists.”
“Funny, I think you can get away from the surf shop easier than I can from Purity.”
Her eyes blazed. He wondered why he had the impulse to step closer to study the gold flecks in her irises.
“Funny, I think serving locals who are the backbone of this island is more important than catering to a bunch of entitled tourists who want to drink too many cocktails at an expensive marble bar and ruin our beaches.”
This time he did lean in. The hostility crackled between them, along with something else he refused to name. “Koa.”
She blinked. “Excuse me?”
“The bar is a special curated koa wood we ordered from a local supplier.”
Her grin held a touch of mean. Damned if it didn’t appeal to him a tiny bit. “Another box to check off your list? Show off how much you’re helping the poor islanders by bringing in another useless hotel? Not gonna lie. You’ll have to offer more than a bar to impress me.”
The scent of coconut and salt flooded his nostrils.
The knot in her hair had fallen to the side, letting more waves escape.
Everett wondered what it would be like to thrust his fingers in those thick strands, keep her still, and kiss her until all those angry words turned into something else.
The thought only pissed him off more. “Good thing I’m not here to impress you,” he drawled mockingly.
“It’s easy to cast judgment when we’re the ones bringing millions of dollars in employment and investment here. But you’re right about one thing.”
“What?” she practically growled.
His grin was slow and smug. “We’re definitely helping the islanders. Maybe you want to thank me?”
“You’re such an—”
He sighed with boredom. “As you’ve said before. I guess we’re at a crossroads. Kelsey wants to surf, but you refuse to meet me halfway.”
Rowan shrugged. “Sorry to disappoint. Maybe you can get her some tennis lessons from the Hilton. Keep her locked up this summer while you open your hotel, Suit. Good luck.”
Everett realized he was playing a mean game of chicken he was destined to lose. This woman could walk with a clear conscience—she had no responsibility toward Kelsey. If his daughter was stuck on Rowan teaching her, he was under her power.
His gaze narrowed as he caught the smug expression on her face.
Oh, it would feel so good to walk away with Kelsey and refuse to come back.
Leave her in the sand wondering if she’d made a mistake.
But he couldn’t do it. Not only was his work schedule insane, but now that he knew his daughter could be happy, how could he say no?
Daily lessons could be the answer he was looking for. If only he could be guaranteed she was safe and Rowan wouldn’t put ridiculous ideas in his daughter’s head. “What time?”
He gave her credit—she didn’t even break a smile. “Three p.m. If you want to be sure I won’t entice her to quit school and open a surf shop, you’re welcome to come and watch.” This time, her lip quirked. “But I’m sure you’re much too busy and important to take a lunch hour.”
“One p.m. is better for me,” he said coolly, hating she won this round.
“Three p.m. is better for me.”
Before he could answer, she turned on her bare heel, grabbed the surfboard, and headed back to the shop. Kelsey broke from Tino and raced toward her. Rowan’s voice floated to his ears. “Your dad agreed to lessons.”
Her shriek of excitement was the moment the tide turned against him.
No way could he back out now. Grinding his teeth, Everett swore to keep a close eye on both of them, even if it would take some time from his schedule.
He’d work with Jessica and show up for the first few lessons, confirm Kelsey was safe, and let them have the rest of the summer together.
He’d handle it, like he handled everything.