Rhodes to Crazy

By Carly Wakefield

(Edited and updated version May2015)
Meet the Rhodes family, a vibrant tumultuous bunch of five brothers and a sister. A loving father and a well-meaning mother, who longs for her children to find their own happily-ever-after’s like herself and her husband.
In Rhodes to Crazy we are introduced to Sebastian.
Sebastian Rhodes hung up his ‘man-whore’ hat (as his sister calls it) when he was best-man at his brother Daniel’s wedding. However has been so busy building a successful Security business with his other brother Ethan, that he has had no time to look for a relationship and still thinks he may not be ready after all.
However, after running into an intriguing, if a little crazy, short brunette, not once but twice, he needs to know more.
Layla Alexander is an artistic and slightly eccentric twenty-five year old, with a small inferiority complex towards her younger and much more glamorous sister.
She has given up trying to find a man of her own until her sister is off the market, and is concentrating on her budding career as a professional Photographer instead. Unaware, that her career path and road to love are about to overlap.
After a crazy start can this pair find their happily ever after or will Layla’s insecurities put a halt to things before they have a chance to find out...?
WARNING 18+ adult content
Book one: Rhodes to Crazy (Sebastian and Layla)
Book two: Rhodes to Magic (Daniel and Arianna)
Book three: Rhodes to Security (Ethan and Sophia)
Book four: Rhodes to Home (Charlie and Jordanna)
Book five: Rhodes to Fulfilment (Olivia and Beau)
Book six: Rhodes to Acceptance (Matthew and Amelia)

• Language: English
• Publisher: Carly Wakefield
• Release date: Aug 22, 2014
• ISBN: 9781310433504

Book preview

RHODES TO

CRAZY

The Rhodes family series

Sebastian

By Carly Wakefield

Copyright© 2014 by Carly Wakefield

Cover Art by Olivia Grace Photography & Video

Models: Simeon Ballantyne & Mykaela Roxburgh

Smashwords Edition

Smashwords Edition, License Notes

This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then please return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organisations and events described in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

Dedication

I am dedicating this book to all of you who are taking a chance on me, thank you. To my family who has given full support and encouragement to help me realise my dream, I thank you with all my heart.

Prologue

It was a glorious sunny Tuesday, not a day for the confinements of a treadmill and the air conditioning after being cooped up in the office all day. He wanted to feel the breeze and smell the world, bend with the curves.

Sebastian Rhodes was restless, bored even, which was ridiculous as business was booming. He hadn’t had a free moment of time for longer than he cared to remember. He worked, worked out, and worked some more. Even the social events seemed more like work lately.

With over a mile already behind him, sweat saturating the t-shirt that clung to his flexing muscles, the aromas of the grass and its wild flowers flowing through his lungs, he took the curve in the worn grass path that began the assent. No iPod today to spur him on, he listened to the birds and the planes in the sky, like they were calling out for him to join them up there. His feet pounded on, the earth crunching beneath, the sky calling above, and … what was that sound? …Singing?

Not quite at his destination, he slowed his pace. Knowing the sound to be coming from his resting place, and feeling rather annoyed that this would not be the solitary expedition he had hoped it would be. It wasn’t as if he owned the place, it was a public park after all, but he had yet to be disturbed on his regular visits to this special place, his special place. He sighed, thinking how no place seemed to be without student infestation anymore, and how this particular student had just put a stop to him reaching his goal today. As the ground flattened off, Sebastian let his eyes roam the small opening to find the source of his annoyance. Easily located, she looked like a wild woman with waves of her long dark hair flowing freely in the breeze. She belted out the word liiiiifffeeeee, flinging her arms out wide, a camera in her right hand. The orange iPod in her left hand sent her head twitching to the left from the force of the over-zealous gesture, and the fact the earphone wire still connected her head to it.

Shit! she cursed bringing her arms back down, tucking the iPod away. She swiveled around to put the camera down and retrieve a sketchpad from a large canvas bag at her feet.

As she straightened, Sebastian admired the curve of her back. From her cinched -waist, to her full hips that she wiggled in time to her music, absentmindedly humming the tune. He watched as she seated herself on the grass and leaned over to sketch, the motion causing her tight t-shirt to ride up her back and reveal a peek of an intricate tattoo on the base of her spine, spiraling out and up. Much to his surprise, instead of the expected annoyance, Sebastian found his mouth twitching into the form of a smile as he stood and watched.

Stood? He realized then he had indeed come to a complete standstill, breathing heavily from the run and blatantly staring. Jesus, what must he look like? And, like she chose that moment to read his guilty thoughts, the woman stilled and looked like she was going to turn.

Sebastian froze momentarily, catching the profile of her face as she looked to the sky at a flock of birds flying above. His heart fluttered, like the wings of the birds, as they breezed by. The girl gave a small shiver and turned back to sketching the beginning of a beautiful sunset. With a swift kick to his own ass, Sebastian realized he had not yet been caught staring at this enticing female, and therefore needed to make a speedy decent of escape.

As Sebastian passed through the park gates, he remembered he had just fallen short of his target point for today. Normally, that would have pissed him off, but today his head was full of orange and pink sunsets, and long chestnut waves. Maybe, he thought, maybe I didn’t miss my target. Maybe I just found a new one.

Chapter one

Come on Layla, you may as well get your money’s worth. Jasmine laughed. She had sauntered in after Layla finished a feet-shredding Friday lunchtime shift. The last thing she wanted to do now was a yoga class. Jasmine had forced her to join a gym three weeks ago after she had complained about how unfit she was following a little expedition up a big hill for the ‘perfect sunset’.

It’s yoga, not a run, and we get to meditate. Jasmine said, I brought your gym bag. I promise you will feel better after and more than ready for tonight. she added, eyes twinkling with all the expectations of their first joint Friday night off in months.

Jasmine was Layla’s sister, best friend, roommate and rock. An aspiring dancer since she was four, she worked hard, knew exactly what she wanted, and was well on the road to achieving it. Layla envied her for knowing what she wanted and how she was going to achieve it.

Layla’s problem was that she still didn’t know what she wanted to do with her life. At twenty-five, with numerous college courses under her belt, she should be well on her own path by now. But no, her little sister got the committed gene, while she got the fickle one.

They were both artistic souls, but Layla just couldn’t quite find the right outlet. Her current venture, much to her father’s delight, was photography. His father, Layla’s wonderful Pappy, had been a very successful photographer. Their family home was still wall-to-wall portraits of Layla and Jasmine growing up. Their dad, George Junior, had decided to only follow his father by name, not by profession. He had dabbled in a few different careers, before he joined the building trade. He learned fast and worked hard, having the vision of an architect and the hands of a skilled builder. Pappy had given him the means and the freedom to build his first big project. The project was a contemporary summer getaway for his parents to enjoy on their time off and future retirement. The place was set in some of the most idyllic English countryside, with natural water features and an array of foliage to keep even the most artistic eyes at ease. From that beginning, he had made a very successful business in his own right and made George Alexander Senior a very proud father.

The sisters had always been encouraged to follow their dreams, and although they had a comfortable upbringing, they were taught that they had to be able to support themselves in their own right. Their parents paid for classes that they took and helped with their apartment, but the rest was up to them.

Layla worked in a nice Bistro called Di Novi’s. The hours were flexible, with day and night shifts to fit around her many courses and hobbies. Jasmine, on the other hand, had landed herself some small modeling contracts, was a regular extra on a few TV shows, and was already getting some paid dancing gigs. Somehow, she managed all of this around her grueling training sessions at the dance studio and working out. Layla thought her energy levels were beyond ridiculous.

Okay, fine, but we are taking a taxi there. My feet are killing me. Layla grimaced at the thought of a whole night trying to keep up with Jasmine’s endless energy. First meditation, then dressing up and vodka. Deep breaths, you can do this, she thought strolling through the back of the bistro to grab her jacket and handbag, hanging up her apron.

Hey, Layla, you clocking out now? What a shift eh, bet you’re glad it’s over? Gio, Layla’s boss, who also happened to be the owner’s son, asked as he sat at a small table going through the earnings from the lunchtime rush. He was friendly and not bad on the eyes, in an Italian kind of way. His parents had moved here from Italy when he was a small boy so he only had the looks not the accent. Jasmine always said was a shame as it would add to the appeal. She would flirt with him ruthlessly just to make him blush, knowing he had a crush on her. But then who didn’t have a crush on Jasmine?

Was that Jasmine I heard? Are you two off somewhere nice? he asked, looking straight through Layla to catch a glimpse.

Yes, she’s come to drag me to the gym kicking and screaming. she replied, rolling her eyes.

Ahhh, well enjoy that and your night off, he chuckled. See you tomorrow night.

Not sure I will ever enjoy the gym, but the night off is a guarantee. she smiled, "Ci vediamo domani!"

"Ah molto buona, ciao Bella!" he waved as Layla left the room with a small chuckle. On quiet days, she had persuaded him to teach her some Italian. She’d said it was a thirst for knowledge, but really she just loved the way it sounded and wanted to know what him and his father would talk, or rather argue about, in their native tongue.

As the girls stepped out onto the street, Jasmine elegantly hailed a taxi like it was part of a dance routine.

Pulling up to the gym ten minutes later, Jasmine’s enthusiasm had rubbed off enough for Layla to look forward to their yoga session; especially the meditation part.

A lot of people fall asleep at that point, some even snore! Jasmine informed her as they walked into the gym, and if I catch you sleeping I am warning you now, you will have my foot up your arse. she threatened.

Now come on, sis, you know I don’t snore. It’s the other end you’ll need to listen out for. Layla laughed as Jasmine pulled a disgusted pout.

You’re so gross Lay! Sometimes I think you should’ve been a boy! They laughed together and entered the locker rooms.

Changing quickly, they grabbed their mats and set them out in the middle of the floor next to each other. Layla wanted to be close enough to see the instructor, but not so close that she could see herself in the mirrors that were directly behind. An hour and a half later, she found that she was actually feeling a lot better than when they had arrived, and grudgingly admitted so, much to Jasmine’s satisfaction. She even suggested they treat themselves to a sauna session, maybe even hit the Jacuzzi while they were here and really get their monies worth out of it.

I knew you would get into it! Jasmine almost squealed with delight. She had been trying for years to get Layla to join a gym and treat what god gave her better. Jasmine was all about discipline, fitness and stamina.

It will serve you well in all walks of life you know. Jasmine lectured, Maybe even get you a little more focused.

Erm, excuse me but I have focus, in small bursts anyway, and I am sure when I find my forte I will be as focused and committed as you have always been to your dancing. Layla pulled her tongue mockingly at her sister who replied with a raspberry blown back. They laughed and turned towards the sauna.

At 7:30 pm, they each emerged from their bedrooms dolled up to different degrees in killer heels and their own version of a fabulous outfit. Jasmine was taller at 5 feet 7 inches, with a body that could pull off making a trash bag look good. Long, supple legs, flat stomach and pert breasts, all of which she worked hard to maintain. She wore a figure hugging, above the knee, backless green silk dress with 3-inch black heels. Her shimmering blonde hair sleeked back into a straight but stylish ponytail. Her makeup consisted of thick black eyeliner that accentuated her big blue eyes, with just a touch of blush on her cheeks. In short, Jasmine was gorgeous; she just seemed to get all the good genes that had bypassed Layla’s own conception.

Layla’s 5 foot 2 inch curvier-self had her chestnut waves pinned up loosely at the back of her head, leaving a few tendrils escaping in a seemingly natural way. She also had a small amount of lemon eye shadow with a thin black line around her hazel eyes and a touch of pink gloss on her lips. She wore shiny black leggings, a long flowy pale yellow vest and a short black waistcoat that hugged the vest slightly to her small waist, letting it flow over her larger hips. Layla also donned her own black killer heels and finished them off by attaching a few small lemon buttons down the back of each shoe. Obviously, she was a sucker for over-accessorizing to the extreme. Each retrieved a glass of wine, part of the glamming-up routine.

Let the drink be wet and the men be handsome! Jasmine exclaimed. Layla here-here’d in response and they finished their glasses before heading out into the pleasant May evening.

A short walk away from their apartment, they entered the Red Lion, a friendly kind of pub, homely and comfortable, with a diverse clientele of older and younger locals. Layla went to find a table while Jasmine went to the bar. Layla found a small table by the window and watched as Jasmine laughed with a nice looking guy at the bar. Within a few minutes, she returned with two drinks in hand, smiling at the man she left behind.

Courtesy of the nice gentleman in the blue shirt. Jasmine announced with another smile and dip of her head in that direction. Layla sent a smile over too, noticing the desperation in his eyes for Jasmine to return back to him. Knowing that would not happen made her feel a little guilty, but she took a welcome sip of her vodka and cranberry, determined she was going to enjoy this night to the fullest, even if it killed her.

It had never bothered Layla that Jasmine enjoyed having the attention of any man she wanted. That’s how it had always been. Layla was just out to have a few drinks, dance and let loose, and she certainly didn’t need a man to help with any of that.

After a second round at The Red Lion, they called a taxi and went straight into the city. Jasmine favoured the more pretentious bars, and as she’d won the bet about getting the first round paid for by a man, it was her choice where they went.

They pulled up outside Zenna fifteen minutes later. It was an up market place, with modern furnishings and contemporary lighting. Not really Layla’s taste, but it served alcohol and they were only staying for a few so what the hell. Again, Jasmine headed for the bar and Layla looked around for a place to perch, although most of the seats were already taken. Scanning the room, she finally found an empty ledged column. A few empty glasses left there indicated it was recently vacated.

Jasmine joined her a few minutes later with their drinks, accompanied by a few of her dancer friends. Jessie, Talia, and Layla’s favourite of her dancer buddies, Nico, who was flamboyant, openly gay and an absolute scream. This bar had just got a lot more fun!

Tuh-whit, tuh-woo-oo! Nico couldn’t whistle so always pronounced the words. He joked it was because of the extra camp gene he got.

"The men will be ‘laying’ at your feet tonight my fabulous Princess Layla. He bowed dramatically, making her smile widen. How- the fuck- are you? Well other than stunning, of course. It’s been too long darling." And with that, she was swept into an embrace and an air kiss placed next to each cheek.

"Why thank you Nico-larse. I am fucking fabulous now that you’ve arrived. Layla smiled too sweetly at him, while he grimaced at the nickname she’d given him the first time they were out drinking. These men laying at my feet; are they there because you and my sister have exhausted them first? she asked adding her best pout. I really don’t want anyone’s sloppy seconds and I would be seriously worried if yours were interested in me!" Nico laughed a loud his slightly girly, but hearty laugh.

Oh Layla, he said once his laughter was under control and a semi-serious face had been resumed. When will you realise that you are just as beautiful as your sister and neither of you will ever be as beautiful as me!

With that the roaring laughter started again, slightly louder. Layla laughed with him; obviously she wasn’t as funny as him either.

A few rounds later, with tequila shots on order, they were getting quite rowdy and drawing disapproving looks from many of the people around them.

Fffffftttt, let them look at usssss with thossse faces, Nico slurred and gestured randomly towards no one in particular, "…they wish they could have fun like us!"

Layla thought about shushing him, but she agreed so she just laughed as he twirled her under his arm and swayed her in time to the barely there background music. At that moment, Talia and Jessie arrived back with the tequila.

Right, shot then shoot. Jessie pointed a long slim finger at the shots then the door.

I can’t be the only one itching for some loud music and a real dance floor? she looked pleadingly at Jasmine.

Okay then, Jasmine downed her shot, Let’s get going while the going’s good. I think its 2-for-1 cocktail’s at Harlem, she hissed slightly from the burn of the shot. They were all in agreement and seconds later their empty shot glasses joined Jasmine’s.

I need to go to the ladies room. You guys find a taxi, but don’t go without me. Layla wedged her clutch under her arm and turned on her heel as Nico’s arm landed around her shoulders.

"I will join you cara. I like the ladies room so much more than the mens’, which is ironic, don’t you think?" Nico chuckled at himself as the two walked through the doors towards the restrooms. He decided he would go to the men’s after all, and they agreed to meet back at the door that led into the bar.

Layla was quick as she wasn’t one for reapplying make-up during a night out, except just a little lip balm. She glanced at her reflection as she washed her hands. Thanks to the flatteringly ambient lighting in the bathroom, she thought she still looked half decent, but then again it may be the vodka goggles she was now wearing.

After drying her hands she grabbed her clutch off the counter and heard her phone buzz.

-------------------------

Got a taxi,

waitin out front

tell Nico to hurry

the fuck up!

Jazzy.XXX

---------------------------

Layla pushed the door open with her bottom, while replacing her phone into her bag. Quickening her pace, she glanced up as she stepped into the hallway and came nose to chest with an expensive black shirt. Her eyes shot up and were caught, along with her breath, as she looked into the most vibrant sea blue eyes she had ever seen. She stood enthralled for a moment by the beautiful blue eyes, framed by thick black lashes and strong straight brows, until she felt the heat rise up her neck and into her cheeks.

As her embarrassment took over, she raised her hands to cover her burning face and in the process, dropped her bag. Composing herself and cursing internally, she pulled her hands down to her side, ready to apologize, but his face was centimeters from her own. She could feel his warm breath caressing her neck.

I believe this is yours. His voice was deep with a slight growl. It sent shivers of pleasure through Layla, along with the musky male scent she inhaled with every short, sharp breath she took. Her inner voice was screaming at her to get a grip! The man smiled, then straightened and brought the caught clutch between them. As he was no longer so close, she was able to speak.

Yes, thanks, sorry. Layla was all breathy and barely audible as he continued to smile down at her. He was gorgeous and she was making a huge fool of herself. As she took the bag from him, he grazed his fingertips along hers and it shot a tingle all the way down to the palm of her hand.

I- he was cut off.

Hands off, Superman, this bitch is mine! Nico snaked his arm possessively around Layla’s waist and ushered her through the doors, out towards the waiting taxi. The fresh night air hit her like a slap and she finally came out of her stupor.

"Did you see the reflexes on that guy? He was like something out of X-Men, and totally hunksome!" Nico seemed to be as taken as Layla with this sexy stranger.

What’s hunksome? she asked him as they entered the taxi.

Well, it goes beyond handsome and borders on hunky. You have to see them shirtless before you can give a true hunk status. He looked perfectly serious as he said this. After all, rating men was always a serious business for Nico. Chatter continued between the friends on what constituted a ‘hunk’ until the car pulled up outside the club.

Embarrassing encounter and talk of hunks put aside, the group got into full swing. The drinks flowed and the music pounded around the place as they all took to the dance floor. Talia and Jessie pulled out a few slightly choreographed routines for the fun of it and gathered quite a bit of attention. They disappeared around midnight attached to the arms of a well-dressed man promising access to an after-hours party they should definitely attend. (Layla’s inner voice hmmmed them, but then she reminded herself it was their life, so her inner voice went back to bed). Nico said his gaydar couldn’t make up its mind which team the guy was batting for, so he wished the girls luck with that. The rest of them got back to cutting up the dance floor without the other two. While Jasmine got chatted up by five different men; well, that they noticed anyway. Occasionally she threw herself their way for a twirl around and to tell the highlights of the bad chat-up lines she was being spoon fed for most of the night.

The prize for tonight’s worst went to the guy who thought, Hey beautiful, is that a ladder in your tights or the stairway to heaven? was an acceptable way to approach a girl in this day and age. Now, don’t get her wrong, a cheesy pick-up delivered in the correct way (a mean fete in itself), is always a winner. But when it’s accompanied by a near miss of a slimy grope of your arse, you know to shoot the guy down dead right then and there.

Nico received a promising text not long after from a ‘friend with benefits’ and kissed both Layla and Jasmine goodbye before skipping away happily, giving them the ‘call me’ sign as he left. The sisters ordered themselves a final drink and left before the harsh glare of the lights came on to indicate the end of the night and put on full drastic display the after effects of drinking and dancing. It also made it easier to grab a taxi home before the hordes descended to do the same.

The evening had turned cool; Layla washed her face and changed into soft cotton pyjamas. After saying goodnight to her sister, she finally climbed into bed around 2.00 am. Her ears still rang and her feet throbbed but the night had been fantastic. Well, other than the slightly embarrassing encounter outside the toilets at Zenna.

Minutes later, she fell into a deep sleep, where she dreamed of striking blue eyes, lightning reflexes, and a world of trouble.

Chapter two

FOR FUCK’S SAKE BAS! Get your head in the game! Charlie roared at Sebastian. They were drawing 7-7 in the quarter final match of the five-a-side football tournament. The brothers played any time they were held and enough of them were in town for it. Sebastian and his four brothers made a pretty impressive team. Their cousin, Lucas, had been drafted in for a few tournaments when Charlie was on tour, but Charlie was back and in top form this year.

All the men were competitive and even more so as a team. Sebastian was their goal keeper and prided himself on what his brothers called ‘superhuman’ reflexes. He never usually allowed that many past him in one game. Charlie hung back in defense, never