9. Alex Sebring
Chapter 9
Alex Sebring
It’s been one of those lazy Sundays that seem to stretch on forever. The day started as it always does—with my family, packed shoulder-to-shoulder at Sunday service. When your tinā tells you to show up for church, you show up. No excuses. No exceptions. In my family, there are two nonnegotiables: family events and Sunday morning service.
The same women were there, as always—the ones who’ve been circling for years. They smile a little too brightly, wait around a little too long, and try to strike up the same small talk they always do. Their mothers aren’t any better, watching me like I’m a prize bull they’ve already decided belongs to them. If subtlety was ever part of their playbook, it’s been completely abandoned.
You’d think they would’ve given up by now. If I were interested in one of them, I’d have made it clear a long time ago.
I spent most of the afternoon at home, sprawled on the couch with a rugby game on, trying—and failing—to focus on anything other than the conversation I need to have tonight with Charleston. No matter how hard I try, my thoughts keep circling back to what I need to say to make her agree to give us a shot.
I have to be careful. Thoughtful. I suspect Charleston isn’t someone who can be swayed by charm or impulsive gestures. If I want her to say yes, I need to approach this the right way.
What will resonate with her most? Honesty? Reassurance? The promise of something simple and carefree? The truth is that I’m not sure. But there’s one person who might have the answer.
Laurelyn McLachlan. She’s the only woman I know who’s ever agreed to something like what I’m about to propose.
Jack and Laurelyn’s casual arrangement somehow turned into forever. If anyone can give me insight into how to approach this the right way, it’s them.
I grab my phone and scroll until I find Jack’s name. He picks up on the second ring. “Alex, mate. What’s going on?”
“I was wondering if you and Laurelyn are doing anything this afternoon?”
“Not much. Just hanging out at home.”
“Mind if I swing by for a bit? I need to talk to you and Laurelyn about something.”
“You know you’re always welcome here. What’s going on? Are you in some kind of trouble?”
“Not yet,” I say with a half laugh. “But I need a little advice.”
“Say no more. Come on over, mate.”
Jack and Laurelyn’s place isn’t far—just a short drive through Sydney’s eastern suburbs. The house serves as their home base, though it’s only one of many. Jack’s wineries are scattered across Australia and New Zealand, so they’re often on the move between vineyards. But no matter where their travels take them, this place remains the heart of their family.
Stepping inside, the silence feels almost unsettling. I shrug off my jacket as I glance around. “Where’s the circus?”
Jack leans back against the kitchen counter, a small grin tugging at his lips. “With Mum and Dad.”
No doubt they’re having the time of their lives. Henry and Margaret are the kind of grandparents every kid dreams of. They’ve mastered the art of grandparenting.
Someday, I know my parents will be the same. If Tinā’s constant hints about wanting grandchildren are any indication, she’s been ready to step into that role for a while.
As the eldest, I’ve been getting reminders from Tinā—more often than ever—about the importance of family. I can practically hear her voice now, laced with affectionate impatience: Aleki, you’ve used rugby as an excuse for years. No more excuses. You’re thirty-two. It’s time to get serious about starting your family.
The pressure hasn’t let up since the day I retired. If anything, it’s only grown. But I wasn’t ready before—not for that kind of commitment. Not for a family of my own. And definitely not with Celeste Warrington. She wasn’t the right woman to marry, not after everything she pulled. She didn’t want me . She wanted the idea of me . The rugby star. The public life. The fame.
No, Celeste wasn’t the one. But now, for the first time, I feel ready to be a husband. I’m eager to find something real and lasting.
“Sorry to interrupt your alone time,” I say as we move into the living room.
Jack waves me off with a grin. “No worries. The kids have been with Mum and Dad the whole weekend. Plenty of alone time to go around.” He glances slyly at Laurelyn, his grin widening. “And trust me, I’ve made the most of every second.”
Laurelyn smacks his arm, her cheeks flushing. “Honestly, Jack Henry. Alex doesn’t need to hear that.”
Jack laughs, unbothered, while Laurelyn shakes her head, clearly amused despite herself.
He winks, completely unfazed. “Just letting him know how important it is for a man to seize the moment.”
I watch them with quiet admiration. Their banter flows naturally, full of warmth and humor—the kind of easy rhythm that only comes with real love. It’s the kind of connection I’ve been searching for—steady, genuine, built to last.
I clear my throat, shifting slightly in my seat. “Actually, I came by because I want to run something by you both.”
Jack raises a brow, curiosity lighting his expression. “Sounds serious. What’s going on?”
I shift in my seat, exhaling slowly. “The thing with Cleopatra isn’t going to work.”
Laurelyn’s lips curl into a smile. “Of course it’s not going to work. You’re not even remotely into her. You’re into Charleston. It’s about as subtle as a neon sign.”
I let out a low chuckle, shaking my head. “Yeah… you nailed that one.”
Jack’s expression sharpens with interest. “So, you made a move? With Charleston?”
I nod, gratification tugging at the corners of my mouth. “Yeah. I baited her to see if she’d show up at the Rabbit Hole. And she did––twice.”
Laurelyn claps her hands softly, her excitement unmistakable. “Oh, Alex, that’s fantastic.”
My grin deepens as I lean back. “Yeah, it’s been pretty damn good so far.”
Laurelyn’s eyes sparkle with interest. “You had no idea what she looked like last time we spoke. How did that go?”
“She’s an absolute stunner.” I shake my head with a smirk. “A proper knockout, if I’m honest.”
Laurelyn’s eyes brighten, her eagerness unmistakable. “All right, spill. Tell us everything about her.”
Charleston’s image is crystal clear in my mind. “She’s gorgeous with long brown hair. Her eyes have this depth that draws you in, though I’m still not entirely sure of their color—I’ve only seen her at night.” I glance between Jack and Laurelyn. “But it’s more than her looks. She’s got that Southern charm—kind of like you, Laurelyn. She has a way of putting you at ease, like you’ve known her forever. And now that we’ve met face-to-face, the connection is even stronger than it was in the dating suite with a wall between us.”
I pause, gathering my thoughts. “The reason I wanted to talk to you is that Charleston and I are meeting for dinner tonight. We need to figure out what’s happening between us and what it could look like over the next three months.”
“What’s your ultimate goal, mate?” Jack asks.
“Ultimate goal?” I exhale, searching for the right words. “I’m looking for my wife.”
Laurelyn leans forward slightly. “Is she looking for a husband?”
I shake my head. “No, and she’s made that very clear.”
Her brows tighten, concern in her eyes. “Are you really okay with being with someone who isn’t looking for a commitment?”
I pause, letting the question sink in. “She doesn’t live here. She’s only in Sydney for three months. If that’s all I can have with her, I’ll take it. Whatever time I can get will be worth it.”
Jack and Laurelyn exchange a glance, something unspoken passing between them, before Laurelyn turns back to me. “You’re that drawn to her? Enough to put your search for a wife on hold?”
I meet her gaze without a second’s hesitation. “Yes. I’m that drawn to her.”
Laurelyn offers me a small, encouraging smile. “You should go for it.”
“Oh, I plan to. That’s why I’m here—I need your help. You’ve been in a similar situation before, so tell me how I approach this. What’s the best way to handle it?” I glance between them. “Your arrangement worked. I could really use your advice right now.”
Laurelyn tilts her head, her gaze thoughtful, as if measuring her words. “First off, ask her what her concerns might be about starting something temporary. You need to understand what could hold her back before you try to move forward.”
“I already have a good idea about her biggest worry. It’s her job. She’s afraid that if anyone at Soul Sync found out she’s seeing a client, it could cost her everything.”
Jack drums his fingers on the arm of his chair. “That’s a legitimate concern. So, what’s your plan?”
“I’m ending the match with Cleopatra and putting the process on hold.”
Laurelyn raises a brow. “Do you think Charleston can get past the fact that you were a client there, technically dating another woman who was supposed to be your perfect match?”
I hadn’t really considered that. She hasn’t brought it up as an issue, but it’s something we’ll need to discuss tonight. “I think her biggest concern is still her coworkers. She’s mentioned losing her job a few times. It would be devastating for her.”
Laurelyn nods, empathy evident in her expression. “Of course it would. I understand that more than anyone. No one wants to lose what they’ve worked so hard for, and having it taken away would be even worse. At least for me, it was my choice to walk away. You have to be sensitive to her concerns and acknowledge them.”
Jack gives a slow nod. “Given the circumstances, she’s going to want to keep your relationship quiet.”
“Very much so.” It’s the complete opposite of what I’m used to. Most women want the world to know they’re with me.
Curiosity flickers in Laurelyn’s eyes. “Are you okay with being her secret?”
“More than okay. I don’t want her to know I’m Alex Sebring, former professional rugby player.”
Laurelyn’s eyes widen. “So, she still doesn’t know who you are?”
“She doesn’t. And I like it that way. Everything feels so much simpler without that part of me in the mix. The second she knows who I am, all the things I love about this stress-free thing we have going on will disappear. It’ll become complicated.”
Laurelyn’s words are gentle but hit deep. “Alex, she’s not Celeste. Give her more credit than that.”
I exhale, nodding slowly. “Believe me, I know.”
“To be fair, she’s American. Being a professional rugby player in Australia probably doesn’t mean to her what it means to Aussie women. Same as how Jack Henry’s status didn’t mean to me what it meant to the women here.”
That’s a perspective I hadn’t really considered. Maybe Laurelyn’s right—being a rugby player in Australia might not be impressive for an American like Charleston.
“I want to enjoy our time together without the complications.”
Jack leans back, a knowing grin spreading across his face. “If anyone understands that, it’s me. I loved every second of those first few months when Laurelyn and I were pretending to be other people, and we were hidden away from the public eye. I’m sure it’s worse for you—being both a famous athlete and the son of Alexander Sebring, luxury hotel mogul. I was just Jack McLachlan, the bloke with a few wineries.”
I shoot him a look. “I think you’re a bit more than that.”
Laurelyn smirks, nudging Jack’s arm. “Definitely more than that.”
Jack shrugs, feigning humility. “Maybe.”
Laurelyn rolls her eyes, sarcasm lacing her next words. “Oh, so humble.”
Jack laughs, shaking his head. “The point is, mate, you have much more fame than I ever did.”
“It’s better now than it used to be. I can actually leave the house without being followed and photographed.”
“That’s progress at least,” Laurelyn says.
“Tell me, Laurelyn. What did Jack say to get you to agree?”
She crosses her arms, a mischievous smile tugging at her lips. “He took me to dinner to explain what he wanted. And, let me tell you, I was incredibly insulted by his proposition of fucking for three months and then cutting all ties.”
Jack throws his hands up in wide-eyed innocence. “That’s not how I said it.”
Laurelyn arches a skeptical brow. “That’s exactly what you said, just wrapped in prettier words.”
Jack smirks, leaning back in his chair with a shrug. “I offered you the best three months of your life.”
Laurelyn narrows her eyes. “You offered me a three-month fling and made it sound like I should be grateful for the privilege. Honestly, you made me feel like I was being propositioned like some kind of sugar baby.”
“Ten years later and your wife still looks a bit put out about the conversation.”
Her lips press into a thin line for a moment though I catch the hint of amusement dancing in her eyes.
Jack grins with casual confidence. “Well, I didn’t lie, did I? Ten years later and I’m still giving you the time of your life.” He covers his mouth and leans toward me, whispering with mock secrecy, “You should’ve heard her screaming my name last night.”
Laurelyn sighs, her exasperation laced with amusement. “Don’t think I didn’t catch every word of that, Jack Henry.”
He shrugs, feigning innocence as a sly grin tugs at his lips. “No idea what you’re talking about, L.”
Laurelyn shifts her focus back to me. “You need to let Charleston know that you understand the risk she’d be taking. And because of that, she’s the one in control. You’re at her mercy, and she makes the rules.”
Jack raises an eyebrow. “Umm… I don’t know if Alex has to go that far, giving her all the power.”
Laurelyn cuts him a sideways glance loaded with more than words could say. “Don’t listen to my husband if you really want this girl.”
“Pfft. I seem to recall winning you over.”
Laurelyn rolls her eyes. “Not before you managed to piss me off first. You seem to have forgotten, but I recall telling you no after that little dinner where you pitched your proposal.”
“Fair enough. She did tell me no.”
“ To hell with this shit. Call your driver to pick me up and take me home. ” A sly smile tugs at the corners of Laurelyn’s mouth. “That’s exactly what I told him.”
I try to picture it. Jack––once one of Australia’s most eligible bachelors—getting thoroughly shut down in such a grand fashion.
Laurelyn shakes her head, still amused by the memory. “He told me, ‘ When the three months are over, so are we. I’ll move on, and so will you. Because you won’t know my name or any information about me, you’ll have no way to contact me. Ever. ’” She turns, leveling me with a knowing look. “That’s not how you win a girl like Charleston over.”
Jack shrugs, completely unbothered. “It worked plenty of times before.”
Laurelyn huffs. “But it didn’t work on the one who mattered.”
There was a time when Jack wouldn’t have admitted to being wrong. He was stubborn, confident to a fault, and always certain his way was the best way. But Laurelyn has softened him in so many ways, made him someone who can admit when he’s not perfect. Watching them together, it’s clear how much she’s shaped him, how much better they make each other.
Laurelyn continues, “Listen, Alex. She needs to feel safe. She has to know you understand her position, especially when it comes to her job. And you need to make it clear that her feelings matter to you—so much so that you’ll do whatever it takes to keep your relationship a secret. Because you want her that badly.”
I nod slowly, turning her words over in my mind.
“I think she struggles with feeling safe. She had a tough upbringing. Her parents weren’t reliable.”
There’s a shift of understanding in Laurelyn’s eyes. “It sounds like this girl and I have more in common than just Southern charm. And if I’m right, you really need to listen to me, and not Jack Henry.” She shoots her husband a pointed look, her tone making it crystal clear who the authority is here. “If she doesn’t feel safe with you, she’s out. No hesitation. No second chances.”
“I’m starting to understand that about her.”
Laurelyn’s words carry deep empathy. “Poor girl. She probably had to learn to protect herself way too early. And even though she’s strong and independent, I bet she’d appreciate someone who sees that—someone who respects her strength but also offers her a safe place to land when she needs it.”
“How’d you become so wise, Laurelyn?”
She puffs her cheeks out and exhales slowly, her eyes widening with exaggerated drama. “Alex, I once was this girl you’re describing. I know all too well what it’s like to have an irresponsible parent and to be forced to figure out life on your own.”
I nod, grateful for her insight. “Thanks for the pointers.”
Laurelyn casts me a sly glance, lips twitching like she already knows the answer. “You really like her, don’t you?”
I pause, the realization settling in deeper than I expected. “Yeah, I do. We haven’t spent a lot of time together yet, but I think we could have something really special while she’s here.”
Jack’s words take on a serious edge. “I have to ask. What’s the plan if you fall in love with her? Because trust me, mate, it can happen.”
I exhale slowly, rolling my shoulders as if trying to shake off the possibility. “That’s something I’ll figure out when the three months are up.”
Jack’s gaze sharpens. “If you ignore every other piece of advice I give you, at least listen to this: don’t let her leave Australia without knowing her real name. Trust me, it’s a nightmare trying to track down the girl you love after you’ve been a fool and let her slip through your fingers.”
His words hit closer to home than I care to admit. “I don’t think it’ll come to that.”
There’s a knowing gleam in his eyes. “Don’t underestimate how quickly the right woman can turn your life upside down. Ten years from now, you might be married to her, chasing around little people who look like you.”
A seed is planted, the thought taking root. And it grows before I can stop it—me and Charleston, ten years down the road. Kids with golden brown skin, dark waves of hair, and eyes… maybe brown like mine. Or maybe hazel—if that’s what hers are. And that laugh of hers, a light, infectious sound—I can imagine it filling every corner of my life.
Suddenly, a future with her doesn’t feel so far-fetched.