Kelsey flashed him a mischievous grin. “Rowan had a bunch of rules for me, too.”
Rowan spoke up. “Why don’t you go grab an ice pop from the freezer.”
“Thanks!”
She raced over the sand, light on her feet. Everett watched her go and gathered his patience. He’d keep this simple but clear. He might not like it, but a compromise was needed to get through the rest of the summer unscathed.
“Do you own any casual clothes?”
Her drawl made his head snap around. He hated the rush of embarrassment that coursed through him, which made his tone sharper. “I had to leave an important meeting to track my daughter down. Again. Let’s just say I didn’t stop to dress for the occasion.”
She slowly blinked. Her lashes were naturally thick and lush, setting off those piercing green-gold eyes. “What did you think would happen to her?”
“Anything. Everything.” He paused. “I don’t know you. She could’ve drowned.”
Pink lips twitched in an almost smile. “Doubt she’d drown in three feet of water, Mr. Hale.”
“Everett.” The command blasted from his lips before he could contain it. She only tipped her chin with acknowledgment. “I don’t think you realize how a teen girl can get into trouble in only three feet of water.”
Her stare gripped his. Tension stretched between them along with something else that he’d never name. “Not on my watch.” Her voice was low, mingled with layers of confidence he hadn’t seen in CEOs. “You’re her father, and I made that clear to Kelsey. I won’t do lessons unless you give her permission. But I can promise she’ll be safe with me. Most of us know each other here. Tino usually works on the boards all afternoon and will also watch out for her.”
Everett shook his head. “You can’t make those promises. No one can. Surfing is too dangerous. I’m sure she’ll find another sport to study.”
Those eyes flashed with temper that made him pause to look deeper. Shoulders thrown back, chin up, jaw clenched, she was like an immovable object yet filled with a furious righteousness that drove the breath from his lungs.
He’d been wrong about her calm. Underneath the surface was pure fire.
“She’s a kook with the heart of a surfer. I didn’t realize it until I got her on the water.”
His brow shot up. “A kook?”
“Inexperienced. She needs guidance, but the previous instructor missed her ability.”
“No offense, but Kels has always been a bit clumsy. We laugh about it, but it’s simple truth.”
Her head tilted. The heavy strands of hair escaped the knot and lay against her cheek. “On land, maybe. But not on the water.”
He had no clue why shivers shot down his spine at the intense way she said those words. What would it be like to be the recipient of allthat focus? “You just met. Why are you taking an interest in a kid you don’t even know? She said you refused to teach her.”
A shadow passed over her face. “I did. And I don’t. But—” She broke off and seemed to struggle for words.
“What? You’re looking for extra money?”
Her lips pursed as if she’d tasted something bad. “I’m sure for you, it’s all about money. Not with me.”
“Then why interrupt your schedule when you’re so ... busy.”
Direct hit. He knew he was being a bit of an ass, but he simply didn’t understand her lack of interest in success. What was life for if not to attack the next challenge? To consistently strive to be better? Why had she given up? And how could he guarantee she wouldn’t affect his daughter when she seemed so unmotivated?
Rowan drew back in pure distaste, and he was surprised to feel a blink of regret. “Because Kelsey deserves someone to help her.”
He blinked. “With surfing? What’s the big deal?”
Her smile cut and slashed with smugness. “Exactly. You don’t realize itisa big deal. She needs the water and someone to believe in her. She deserves that when she’s not getting it at home.”
His jaw fell. “Did you just call me a bad father?”
“No. You did.”
