“And I’m the one actually watching her grow out there.”
His jaw flexed. “Maybe I should take over her lessons. Find someone more ... restrained.”
The words hit. Harder than she expected.
She pasted on a cool smile, even though something inside her pinched. “Do that, Suit. Find someone safer. More controllable. Who doesn’t challenge her or you.”
He stared at her too long. Like he was trying to figure out how she kept slipping through the neat little compartments he put people in. “You think you challenge me? I call it outright hostility and annoyance and ...” He trailed off. Shook his head.
“And?”
“Nothing.” His brows snapped into a dark frown. “Forget it.”
Something flickered in his expression—annoyance, attraction, denial—and she knew she needed to get away now, before she drowned in the pull of it.
Rowan turned toward the shop. “Lesson’s over. I’ll see Kels tomorrow.”
Everett didn’t answer right away. But she felt the heat of his stare on her spine all the way into the shop.
This time, Kelsey was already waiting for them and petting Bagel. Tino emerged from his workroom and leaned his elbows on the counter, taking in the three of them. Relief cut through her until she caught the sparkle in his eyes.
Ah, crap.
“You finish traumatizing the tourists yet, girl? Or just getting started?”
Tino grinned as he assessed the scene. She didn’t like the look on his face. It reminded her of the previous times Tino had tried to “help.” The good news was that since the loss of her father and her injury, he’d backed way off, allowing her plenty of space. Rowan hoped he’d continue to keep his nose out of her business.
“Just helping Kelsey out with a few moves,” she said easily. His grunt told her he knew the truth. She was giving real lessons, on a daily basis, and he’d been tracking her.
Everett joined them in the shop. Tino nodded in welcome, then strolled over to Kelsey. “How’s the student?”
“Better this time,” Kelsey said brightly.
“Caught the tail end. Your trust is growing. Follow it and you’ll keep improving.”
Kelsey gave a serious nod. “That’s what Rowan told me.”
“Trust in what?” Everett asked.
Rowan held back, as did Tino. Kelsey faced her father with a confidence she hadn’t displayed when they first met. Pride hit, surprising Rowan. It shouldn’t have mattered, but somehow it did. That her lessons had helped.
“Myself, Dad.”
He blinked, obviously taken aback. Rowan doubted he could handle the woo-woo. He was too trapped in certainties and profit margins. Sometimes, she wished she could be the same. She bet it hurt less.
Tino smoothly cut in, obviously sensing tension. “We met at the barbecue. She charging you double for lessons? You’re rich, right?”
Kelsey giggled. Everett’s spine straightened. “Excuse me?”
She shot Tino a warning look.Here we go.“Don’t start.”
Tino’s grin widened. “Just teasing. I’m sure it’s a fair trade.”
“Is this your boss?” Everett asked, glancing between them.
Rowan almost closed her eyes at the booming laugh Tino gave, practically bent over in humor. “Am I your boss, girl?”
“Yes, he is,” Rowan answered. She had to stop this oncoming wrecking ball. “And I better get back to work. We all should.”
