Page 72 of American Beauty

A slow grin spreads across his face.

“Lucky me.”

I shake my head, smirking as I slide into the seat across from him. He hangs up and tosses his phone onto the table. “Marriage, mate. It’s a beautiful thing.”

I arch a brow, settling back in my chair. “Didn’t realize marriage came with sushi orders and omega-whatevers.”

Kye groans, rubbing a hand over his face. “It does when you’re trying to have a baby. Apparently, there’s a perfect time for everything, and my wife’s got it down to a science. Peeing on sticks, tracking charts, monitoring temps—you name it, she’s on it. And if I screw up the sushi order, I might as well not bother going home.”

I chuckle, shaking my head. “Never thought I’d see the day—Kye Bennelong, tied down and trading in late nights for early-morning feedings and nappies.”

“Oh, it’s happening, mate. Full speed ahead. My missus has me on a game plan tighter than pre-season training. But hey, at least the drills are fun.”

“The legendary Kye Bennelong––reduced to ovulation sticks and sushi deliveries. You are living the dream.”

Kye laughs, the deep sound filling the space between us. “Yeah well, I’m almost forty. It was a good run while it lasted.”

“A great run.”

His expression turns softer, more sincere. “Truth is I love it. Being a husband is great. Wouldn’t trade it for anything. Can’t wait to be a dad.”

Kye—one of the wildest blokes I’ve ever known—has slipped into marriage and family life like it’s the role he was born to play.

And me? My life has gone in the complete opposite direction.

I force a smile, reaching for the menu and flipping it open, hoping he doesn’t see the shadow that passes over my face. “If the agent thing doesn’t work out, at least you’ve got a promising future as an expert in fertility tracking.”

Kye chuckles. “That’s me, mate. A man of many talents.”

I nod, but my mind is elsewhere—drifting to everything that’s slipped away from me. But Kye has it figured out––a wife, a family in the making, a solid future.

And here I am, more lost than ever.

He flags down a server, ordering a round of old-fashioneds. Doesn’t ask what I want. He just remembers.

Some things never change.

“So, what’ve you been up to? Last I heard, you were taking the fancy hotel business by storm and living the good life.”

I shrug, offering a half-smile. “Living the good life––that’s debatable. It’s been fine, I guess. Keeping busy.”

He takes a drink of water while we wait on the good stuff. “You were always shit at lying, Sebring. Anything exciting going on in your life? Or is it all work and no play?”

“Does trying every old-fashioned in Sydney count as play?”

He chuckles, shaking his head. “Sounds thrilling.”

His eyes soften, and I see concern beneath his usual swagger. “You miss it?”

I know what he’s referring to, but I play dumb. “Miss what?”

He gives me a pointed look. “Come on, Sebring. The field. The game. The rush.”

“I miss it every damn day.”

Kye nods like he already knows the answer. “Figured as much.”

The old-fashioneds arrive, and Kye wastes no time diving into rugby talk. “Have you been keeping up with the boys? Seen how things are going without you?”

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