They continued to the rooftop terrace. Rows of solar panels gleamed under the sun, angled perfectly; beneath them, a thin water sheet shimmered over volcanic rock, cooling the panels and irrigating the rooftop garden in a quiet cycle.
“Solar energy, gray-water reuse, reclaimed wood from Big Island mills,” Everett said. “Full closed-loop design. Everything that powers the hotel gives back to it.”
“Exactly what our vision was,” Wolfe said, impressed. “And you carried it out.”
Matthew stepped closer to Wolfe. “We may phase back certain features after opening. Guests don’t always appreciate the visual noise of exposed solar or industrial tubing. Some prefer a sleeker luxury feel.”
Wolfe raised a brow. “Visual noise, huh?”
Matthew nodded confidently. “Efficiency and optics go hand in hand. I’ll be presenting proposals.”
Everett’s teeth clicked together. “We’ll review thoseafteropening.”
Matthew inclined his head as if indulging a child. “Of course.”
They walked to the edge of the terrace. The ocean stretched, glittering under the afternoon sun. Surfers traced lazy arcs over a clean break. Everett’s mind flickered to Rowan. He cleared his throat. “Genevieve didn’t come with you?”
Everett knew Wolfe Wells ran the Purity empire, but his wife was his main love. “She’s flying in tomorrow,” Wolfe said. “We’re making a week of it. Vacation-slash-inspection tour.”
Matthew jumped in, eager. “We’d love to host a private tasting for you both. Showcase the more refined aspects of the resort.”
Wolfe nodded. “I’ll see how the week goes. My wife’s schedule will trump mine, but I’ll let you know.” He turned to Everett. “You’ve built something real here, Hale. I’m looking forward to seeing how the opening goes.”
The promise hovered in front of him, solid as a contract waiting for his signature. He knew he’d impressed Wolfe. All he had to do was close the deal.
Matthew straightened slightly. “We’ll make sure we deliver on our promise.”
“I’m sure you will.” He sounded amused, but then turned and clapped Everett on the shoulder. “Genevieve and I are hitting a beach bar down the coast tomorrow night. One of our competitors I wanted to check out. You should come.”
Matthew stepped forward. “I’d love to join—”
Wolfe cut him off without even looking. “Bring that surf instructor of yours, too.”
Everett froze. “My—”
“Rowan,” Wolfe said easily. “Genevieve’s dying to meet her.”
Everett snapped his jaw shut. Had his employees been talking? Had Jessica leaked the fact he’d been taking surf lessons? Had he received complaints about his looser schedule and designating more tasks?
Matthew’s expression registered both surprise and irritation, but he smoothed it quickly, clearly realizing the invitation hadn’t extended to him. “Of course,” he said. “I’ll let you gentlemen finish the tour. It was a pleasure, Mr. Wells.”
He slipped away with a nod.
When Matthew was out of earshot, Wolfe chuckled. “Don’t panic. I’m not checking your HR files, and you’re not in trouble for actually enjoying Hawaii. Let’s just say I know everything going on with Purity and my employees—especially the one leading the charge. I’d love to meet the woman who got you out of a suit and onto the sand.”
Everett shook his head, a reluctant smile tugging at his mouth. “I’m surrounded by people who live to torment me.”
“Yeah, welcome to the good life. Seven p.m. tomorrow. I’ll text the address. Don’t wear a suit.”
He strode to the elevator and disappeared into the gleaming glass tower.
Everett turned back toward the view, hands in his pockets. Somewhere out there, he imagined Rowan and Kelsey catching waves.
He was so close. The promotion was almost his. He’d return to New York a king, and guarantee Kelsey had everything. It was the biggest fuck-you to his father and should feel like sweet victory.
Eventually, it would. He needed to focus and make sure everything ran perfectly. His thoughts flashed to Kelsey and Rowan and the reality of going back to the city, leaving the summer behind. The ache in his chest bothered him. This was what he’d always wanted. He couldn’t let anything deter his course.
Even if he was falling hard for her.
