He gave a snort. “Even worse.”
The man morphed into another incredible dance, bending his body, showing off tree-trunk thighs. The flaming knives were thrown into the air and whirled in a rush. The grace and expertise seemed almost impossible. Everett shifted in his seat and tried not to mentally judge. He closed million-dollar deals. He bet Cousin Howie couldn’t sell a pack of gum.
When the dance ended, the crowd erupted. “That was amazing,” Kelsey whispered. She reached out and grabbed his hand, and suddenly, he would’ve watched a thousand Cousin Howies to stay in this moment a little longer.
“It was,” he agreed.
When he looked over, he caught Rowan staring at them. Longing etched out her graceful features. Everett stilled and tried to memorize how she looked in the gleaming lights, all soft and warm and open. He wanted to take her in his arms and—
“Rowan!”
A deep voice cut through the humid air. Howie jogged toward them, still glowing from firelight and sweat, wrapping Rowan in a bear hug that lifted her off her feet. Rowan giggled and hung on, hands gripping his shoulders.
Everett’s jaw locked.
Finally, he put her down. “Howie, this is Everett Hale and his daughter, Kelsey. They’re new to island life and here for the summer.”
Howie’s grin was pure charm. “Welcome, braddah. You surviving?”
He acted like a grown-up and shook the man’s hand, which swallowed his own. “I’m managing.”
“That’s what we all do,” Howie said, clapping him on the shoulder hard enough to move him an inch. “Next step is thriving.” Then, to Rowan: “Still keeping the tourists in line?”
“Trying,” she said, smiling up at him.
Everett hated how her smile looked different around this man. Looser. Younger.
“Stick around for me to finish up,” Howie said. “Few of the dancers are gonna meet at the tiki bar for some coconut beer. Fresh coconut juice for you,” he said to Kelsey.
Kelsey was already bouncing. “Dad, can we? Please?”
He nodded automatically.
“You were amazing,” Kelsey said with hero worship. “The best dancer there.”
“Thanks, sis. You enjoying summer in Waikiki?”
“Yes! Rowan is giving me surf lessons and I love it.”
Howie blinked, then rotated his head toward Rowan. Was she blushing? Were they sleeping together? Everett studied their body language, ears pricked to their dialogue.
Howie’s voice softened with intimacy. “Ro, you got back on the board? Did Lea finally break you down or was it something else?”
Rowan looked uncomfortable. “Just helping out Kels. The ocean spoke to her.”
Howie smiled at Kelsey with pride. “Got ya, huh? It’s a blessing, sis. Once the ocean takes you, she ain’t never letting you go. Rowan is the best I’ve ever seen. Watching her surf competitions steals your breath—she doesn’t just ride the wave, she owns it.”
The words stirred something within Everett and he wanted more. Of her story. Of her presence. Of her ... heart.
What the hell was happening to him?
The phone buzzed again. He ignored it without a second thought.
Kelsey sighed. “I wish I could have seen it. She’s the best teacher and I’m getting better every day.”
“Let’s talk about it. I’ll meet you all at the bar.”
Howie walked back to the dancers. Servers descended on the tables for cleanup. The sound of a ukulele drifted in the air. Plates clattered.
