Tino seemed to take pity on her and unfolded to full height. “Rowan helps me with the shop and the boards. She’s an integral part of our community and is one of the best surfers on the circuit. But at heart? She’s a free spirit. The only boss she listens to is the ocean.” The teasing left his face, replaced by a serious expression. “At least, she used to.”
Emotion lodged in her throat. It felt like yesterday Tino had found her wandering, lost in grief, and slowly brought her back. Lea pushed too hard. Tino gave her the space and breadth by keeping her mind and hands busy, allowing her body to heal first. Rowan knew he expected more from her now after a year, but she still wasn’t ready.
Maybe she never would be.
Kelsey slung her towel over her shoulder, a welcome interruption. “Dad, can Rowan join us for dinner tonight? You promised we’d go to Rigo, remember? Since we’re not paying for the lessons, it’s only right to thank her.”
Rowan stiffened. “Oh, I think I’m too busy—”
“You said you were sofa surfing tonight,” Kelsey said. “Remember I asked? We won’t stay out late. Dad always has to get up too early.”
Rowan forced a smile. “Tino asked me to work late. I forgot to tell you.”
“I can handle it,” Tino said. “Dinner together is a great idea. You need a night off, and your boss here could use a sit-down meal away from the conference room.”
“I’m not her boss,” Everett said tightly.
“Even better,” Tino said cheerfully. “No human resource restrictions.”
Rowan shot Tino a glare. Oh, she was going to kill him later. She opened her mouth to make another excuse, then saw Kelsey’s face.
The girl was staring at her with eagerness, waiting for a yes. If she said no, she’d get embarrassed and think Rowan didn’t want to spend time with her. She’d never think it was because her father was a prickly annoyance worse than a porcupine trying to snuggle.
Dammit. She was screwed. “Okay. Sounds like fun.”
She avoided Everett’s gaze and tried to focus on Kelsey’s beaming expression. “Yay, I’m so excited! I’m sure you know all the cool restaurants, but Rigo has been my fave so far. They have the best pizza!”
“Great choice. Unless your dad can’t because of work?”
It was a last-ditch effort, even if it would make Everett the bad guy. She waited, half hoping he would just say no to avoid her. “I guess we’re going to dinner.”
Kelsey whooped. Tino winked and turned to Kelsey. “Make sure she shows up. She’s allergic to having fun.”
Kelsey grinned. “Seven o’clock, right, Dad? Want us to pick you up?”
“No! Um, I’ll meet you there. It’s easier.”
Everett gave a cough. “Fine. See you then.”
She said goodbye to Kelsey and watched them walk out. Grinding her teeth, Rowan spun on her heel and jabbed her finger in the air. “Youdid that on purpose! Tino, what are you doing? I despise that man. He’s stuck-up, boring, and pompous. Now I have to share a meal with him?”
Tino stroked his cheek, obviously delighted at her temper. It was rare he got her riled. “Girl, it’s not going to kill you to go out and have a nice meal. Kelsey adores you and needs some female interaction. If you don’t like him, order the filet and lobster.”
“It won’t even make a dent in his wallet,” she muttered, still pissed. “Ugh, I hate this.”
“Then come with me. Javier’s board needs sanding and I need the help. By the time it’s done, you’ll be empty for dinner.”
Rowan blew out a breath. Over the past year, Tino had guided and trained her on creating custom boards from the ground up. It had become second nature for her to fit the right board to the right surfer. She liked the slow layering process of building something special. Her fingers automatically came up to her neck to fiddle with her simple wooden necklace, rubbing the smooth surface. Immediately, her nerves calmed.
“Fine. But I cannot wait to tell Keisha that you’re hot for her.”
Tino shot her a look. “You wouldn’t.”
Her cackle made him pause. It would make his current three girlfriends lose their shit. “Maybe I will, maybe I won’t,” she sang, heading to the workroom.
Smiling at her revenge, she shoved the thought of tonight out of her mind.
Chapter Ten
