Her gaze heated. “I’m glad. I bought it for the side bow, so you can unwrap me later.”
He couldn’t help the laugh that escaped his lips. “Damn, you win again. I’m counting the hours.”
The moment was interrupted when Ku‘upa?a stopped beside them. “Mahalofor honoring the land with your design choices,” the educator said, voice thoughtful. “Purity Waikiki feels more connected than most hotels. That isn’t easy for developers.”
Everett inclined his head and repeated Wolfe’s words. “We tried to build with the island, not on top of it.”
“That is the difference,” Ku‘upa?a said, touching Everett’s shoulder in approval before drifting toward the bar.
“You’re loved here.”
Everett turned in surprise at Rowan’s words. She was looking past his shoulder, at the glittery reception that marked a new chapter for all of them. A strange expression flickered across her face, a mingling of pride, acceptance, and bittersweetness that made him want to stop anddelve deeper. “I’m their boss. They have to pretend,” he joked, trying to lighten the mood.
But her green eyes darkened. Slowly, she shook her head. “That’s not true. You earned their respect, which is hard to do. I judged you for chasing profit and easy fixes. Instead, you built something beautiful. You brought people with you rather than standing over them.”
He shifted his weight, pleased and thrown off by the compliment. Everett tangled his fingers with hers, treasuring the warmth of her hand in his. “Thank you. It means a lot from you, sweetheart.” He paused. “I’m glad you’re here.”
“Me, too,” she said softly. But her smile didn’t reach all the way to her eyes, and he couldn’t decipher the shadow behind it. An executive drifted by, stopping to chat, and he didn’t think about it again.
They had a plan, and tonight was the first step in moving toward their future.
The moment she walked into the gala, Rowan knew she was in trouble.
Every feature held a personal touch and care she now knew Everett had personally overseen. She’d mocked his work schedule and lectured him about having a real life, but seeing this final creation and how much effort he’d given to Wolfe and the Purity team struck deep.
Dear God, he belonged in this world. All this time, he’d tried to show up for her, learning to surf, meeting her friends, sharing his daughter. But his real talent revolved around this hunger to exceed expectations and achieve more goals. How could she fault him? Rowan had felt the exact same way on the surf circuit—dedicated to winning and perfection in the waves.
They weren’t so different after all.
But they lived in separate worlds meant to crash and eventually break. She couldn’t put them through pretending to live a lie, no matter how brutal it would be to walk away.
The thought carved her open.
Kelsey tugged her hand, pulling her closer to a dessert station. “Look! They have lilikoi panna cotta and haupia squares and something with mango I can’t pronounce!”
Rowan swallowed the lump in her throat and brushed a strand of hair behind the girl’s ear. “Pick one and we’ll split it.”
Kelsey bit her lip. “Can I pick two?”
Rowan smiled. “Pick three, surf girl. You’ve been working hard this week.” It was true. Kelsey was excelling at such a rapid pace, even Brie commented on her drive.
As the girl darted off, Rowan caught the eye of a community leader—Nainoa, a respected surfer who ran a youth mentorship program. He nodded warmly. “Rowan Delaney. It’s been a while since we’ve seen each other. I heard you were teaching again.”
She almost denied it, used to covering up the old need that drove her to isolation. But she caught herself in time and slowly nodded. “Yes. I haven’t officially taken on clients, but I’ve been making my way back into the water. I’ve been teaching Everett’s daughter, Kelsey.”
Nainoa crossed his strong arms. A twinkle radiated from his dark eyes, reminding her of Tino. “I’m glad. We need someone who can not only teach mechanics, but show the kids heart. It would be a big help if you’d consider helping us out at the surf center.”
Lea’s voice echoed in her head and she almost laughed. Her friend kept telling her opportunities would arise to clear the path ahead. Looked like one had just occurred without trying. But it was up to her to leap.
“I’d like to talk about it,” she said.
“Good. I will call you.” Nainoa offered a respectful bow of his head and drifted away.
Before she could catch her breath, Kelsey reappeared with plates stacked like a precarious tower. “Dad said I should wait but he was talking to, like, nine people, so I pretended I didn’t hear him.”
Rowan snorted. “Good instincts.”
Kelsey leaned closer. “He looks really proud, doesn’t he? He’s different here.” She worked her fork into the panna cotta, cheeks warming. “It’s because of you, you know.”
