Page 35 of Steel Beauty

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’rethatdrawn 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?”

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