“Have you always lived here?”
She nodded. “I was born in California, but we moved here when I was five.” He fell quiet, as if waiting for her to ask him a question. She took her time, but talking was better than the way he was studying her. “You’re from New York?”
“Yes. Born and bred. I thought spending the summer away would be good for Kels. She starts a private school in the fall and things are going to get harder. It’s extremely competitive, so she’ll have a strict schedule.”
“Sounds like a real blast. Does everything you do revolve around rigid structure and competition?”
“Better than hiding out in a surf shop with nothing to show for your life.”
She almost jerked back. Almost. Instead, Rowan gave an angelic smile. “Ouch.”
Everett rubbed his head. “Sorry. I know. I can be an—”
“Asshole.”
“I guess we just have different views on what’s important. Having fun is fine, as long as it’s done in a—”
“Scheduled way.”
His brows lowered. She tamped down a laugh. He was so rigid and precise. Poor Kelsey. No wonder she was starved for some wildness like the ocean. Rowan wanted to ruffle his hair, rip off his tie, and see him barefoot in the sand. Was he that uptight in bed?
“Great chat,” she said, wiping her mouth and hands with a napkin. “Hope your hotel is a banger.”
Rising, she grabbed her trash and was about to leave. Everett opened his mouth, probably to try to get in the last word, but then his eyes grew wide as he focused on something below him. “Holy shit! What is that thing?”
She peered around the corner. Bagel had hopped out now that the heat was bearable—he’d been holed up for a while with his icecubes—and came to perch at Everett’s feet. Ears pinned back, blue eyes as big as Everett’s, Bagel gave him the eerie I-see-into-your-soul stare.
“It’s a rabbit.”
His gaze flicked to her. “That’s not a regular rabbit. Why is he staring at me like he’s about to eat me alive?”
“Bagel is intense.”
“Bagel? Does he eat carbs? Is that why he looks so mad? Because bagels outside of New York aren’t worth eating.”
Her lip quirked. “No, he’s more of a salad guy. Just be careful. He doesn’t like strangers.”
Everett stilled, every muscle tense. She smothered a laugh. Rowan would’ve called out Bagel sooner if she’d known it was this easy to freak him out. “Why isn’t he moving?” he asked.
“He’s thinking about attacking.”
Was that a tiny yelp from the big bad suit? Oh, this was priceless. Bagel did his part perfectly, eyes locked on Everett’s, deadly silent like an assassin before a strike. “Rowan? You gonna help me out here?”
This time, a real smile curved her lips. “Not sure.”
“Bagel! Hi, baby. Are you saying hello to Dad?” Kelsey’s voice interrupted the staring contest.
She headed over but Everett braced his hands in front of him. “No! Stay there, Kels, I can handle this.”
“Handle what?” Kelsey dropped to her knees, and immediately Bagel cuddled into her, rubbing his face on her leg, practically purring. “Bagel is the sweetest. He’s a rescue and hangs in the shop with Rowan.”
Everett’s teeth snapped together, and he shot Rowan a dangerous look. Amusement mixed with something darker, more elemental. Like there was something compelling underneath his plastic surface, bubbling to escape. Rowan doubted he’d ever allow it.
“Sweet, huh? He looks like a deranged animatronic.”
Kelsey gasped. “Dad, stop! You’ll hurt his feelings.” She pet the bunny, and Bagel blossomed under her attention. It was odd how fast he’d bonded to the girl. Other than Tino, Bagel wasn’t interested inmost people, preferring not to be bothered. Maybe he’d sensed Kelsey needed friendship.
He obviously didn’t like Everett, so his instincts were still solid.
