“Controlled chaos,” she corrected. “I’m a surgeon. It’s how I survive.”
“Wait, you’re a surgeonandyou have two kids?” Rowan asked, eyes wide. “That sounds superhuman.”
Gen laughed. “I drink coffee, cry in my car sometimes, and make Wolfe do laundry. That’s the secret.”
Wolfe stared at her with a searing heat, then lifted her hand, pressing a kiss to her palm. The easy intimacy between them was almost startling—as if they breathed in tandem. Everett watched in fascination. Their connection looked worn-in and solid.
The man who had a reputation as a captain of industry was simply a man in love with his wife and family.
“Don’t forget laughing our asses off,” Wolfe said. “And the main reason I want number three is I think the world would be better with more of my wife in it.”
Rowan literally sighed. Everett took the ball and slid into macho mode, even though the comment made his heart squeeze. “Are you thinking of creating a second business to compete with Hallmark? Or simply showing off to make me look bad?”
Wolfe let out a laugh and Everett relaxed. He liked that the man had a sense of humor. “The latter. But I never took surf lessons to impress a girl, so there’s that.”
Everett grinned. “Girls. Kelsey is now Rowan’s biggest fan and fell in love with surfing. She’s thirteen,” he said to Gen. “Having the summer of her life because Rowan was kind enough to give her lessons.”
“I was simply the gateway. She has natural talent, and her love for the ocean did the rest,” Rowan said.
Gen’s face brightened. “Oh, I love that. Do you teach regularly, Rowan? Can we come to you if our kids want to try?”
He watched the shadows flicker across Rowan’s face, then clear. Those green-gold eyes were calm as she answered. “I’d be happy to. I haven’t taught or surfed for a while. I lost my father, then got injured on the circuit, so it took me out of the game.”
Gen and Wolfe shared a look full of meaning. Then Gen nodded. “I’m sorry. Sometimes, I think we need to let go of things for a while in order to realize how much we love them. How lucky you both found each other when you needed to.”
The simple words sank deep. His leg brushed Rowan’s and the connection sizzled, then settled to stay.
The entrées arrived. They feasted on fish caught that morning—butter-seared ono with pineapple salsa—and conversation drifted toward the hotel. Wolfe quizzed Everett about design choices; Gen asked Rowan about the surf shop and competitive surfing. By the end of the evening, they were laughing and talking like friends, not business associates.
“Ladies’ room time,” Gen said, standing up.
Rowan did the same. “I’ll join you.”
They left and Everett sipped the rest of his whiskey. “Are you flying back to New York right after the opening?” Wolfe asked.
“Yes. Kelsey starts a new school, so I’ll need to get her settled.”
“I’d like to talk to you about the promotion. It’s Senior VP of Global Expansion. Global reach. New York base. You’d head our next properties.”
Everett remained relaxed even as anticipation flowed through his veins. “Not gonna lie. I’ve had my eye on the job for a while.”
“I know. Your work shows you want it.” Wolfe paused as if trying to gather the right words. “We’ll make our decision after opening, of course. I sensed a bit of tension between you and Matthew. How are things going?”
Everett remained fair but truthful. “He’s obviously well trained and suited to run a high luxury hotel. His views are a bit different from mine, so we’ve disagreed on some initiatives.”
Wolfe tapped the edge of his glass. “What about the staff?”
“They’re amazing. Full of focus and enthusiasm, especially about some of our local community projects.”
“Do they respect Matthew?”
Everett paused. The line was delicate, and he wasn’t about to criticize Matthew yet. “Eventually, I’m sure they will.”
Wolfe nodded. “Okay. He’s been extremely successful in Chicago and Seattle and comes highly recommended. But this property is special. I had a unique vision and want to be sure it’s carried out.”
“Understood. I can have a meeting with him to make sure we’re all on the same page.”
“Good.” He regarded Everett thoughtfully. “I’m sure you’ll reach your goals, Hale. Thing about success, though—it’s a greedy bastard. It wants everything you’ll give it, then asks for more.”
