Uniting the Souls Read online

  I didn’t really care where we ate as long as I got to spend time with the young man beside me. The more time I spent with Isaac, the more I liked what I saw and I wanted to continue getting to know him. He stared at me for several seconds and then nodded his head once.

  “No, this place is fine. Thank you.” A small smile graced his lips and I hoped that by the end of the night, I would know what those lips tasted like. I reached for the handle on my door and opened it, letting the cool night air clear my head before I could do anything stupid.

  We made our way into the restaurant and were quickly shown to a table. Isaac picked up the menu and began studying it while I took the opportunity to study him. He was dressed in a bright blue polo shirt which matched his eyes perfectly. The longer hair on top of his head flopped down over his forehead in a sexy way. My eyes traveled over his face, the small nose dotted with freckles and the delicate cheekbones that most supermodels would kill for, to his full lips which had turned up into a crooked grin as I watched. My eyes darted to his and I felt my face growing hot as I realized I’d been caught staring.

  “Hudson, do you know what you want?” I wanted to tell him that yes, I definitely knew what I wanted and it had nothing to do with the choices on the menu, but then I heard a small giggle and I turned my head to find our waitress staring down at me. How long have they been trying to get my attention?

  “Oh, yes! I’ll have the bacon cheeseburger with everything, fries, and a Coke,” I said, handing my menu to the waitress then looked at Isaac as he ordered the same. The waitress took his menu and walked away.

  “Tell me about yourself, Isaac,” I urged. He seemed a little uneasy as he shrugged his shoulders.

  “There’s really not a lot to tell. What would you like to know?” he asked.

  “Let’s start with something simple. Do you like working at Agape House?” I already knew that he did, but I could tell he was nervous and I wanted to put him at ease by talking about something he enjoyed. It worked too because his face lit up and I could hear the happiness in his voice as he described his work at the center. It was obvious that he loved interacting with the teens and helping them create a better life than the one they’d been given.

  “It’s an amazing place,” I agreed. “What made you want to work there?” He paused as the waitress came back and set our drinks in front of us. After she walked away again, he answered and his words took on a more guarded tone.

  “I used to be one of the teens that lived at the center,” he told me. The same protective feeling I’d experienced in the car came over me again, but much stronger that time, and I had to fight to school my features so he wouldn’t see my distress. I knew that there was only one reason he would’ve ended up living at the center and that was if something bad had happened to him. The thought of anyone causing him pain, either physically or emotionally, had my gut churning, but I could tell by the way his jaw was clenched that it was not a subject he wanted to talk about.

  “When did you start working there?” I saw his shoulders relax when he realized I wasn’t going to push.

  “I’d been living there about a year and had just graduated. I’d been making myself sick with worry about where I would go and how I would live once I turned eighteen. I had no job prospects, nothing higher than a high school diploma and soon I wouldn’t even have an address to put on applications. I knew Matt wouldn’t just turn me out on the street, but I felt guilty taking a spot since he would lose his government funding for me as soon as I aged out of the system.” Isaac’s mouth lifted in a small smile and he got a faraway look in his eyes.

  “One day, Matt came to me and offered me a job working the front desk. He said with my organizational skills and my friendly attitude that I was the perfect person for the job. He even insisted that I stay at the center until I could afford a place of my own. I’d spent months feeling as if my world were about to fall apart and in one moment, Matt had fixed everything.” Isaac’s eyes met mine and in his gaze, I could see all of the admiration he had for the other man.

  “You care about Matt a lot.” It was a statement, not a question because the answer was written clearly across his face.

  “Of course, I do. He’s my friend and he’s helped me in ways that I could never repay,” Isaac told me. I knew that he was being sincere, but I could also tell there was more to it than just that. I let it go though because our food arrived just then.

  “Oh my God! This is so good,” Isaac moaned as he took the first bite of his burger and my eyes flew to his face. He took another bite and I watched in fascination as his eyes practically rolled to the back of his head and I couldn’t help but wonder if that’s what he would look and sound like during sex.

  “I’m glad you’re enjoying that,” I said. My voice sounding strained to my own ears.

  “It’s delicious,” Isaac said. His tongue darted out, catching the bit of mayonnaise that had been lingering at the corner of his mouth and I was glad I was sitting as my dick became rock-hard. Did he have any idea what he was doing to me? The innocent smile he gave me as he dipped a fry in some ketchup told me that he hadn’t done it on purpose.

  “Aren’t you going to eat?” he asked. I huffed out a laugh and shook my head as I picked up my burger. Isaac intentionally being seductive would be dangerous to my self-control. Isaac being seductive without even realizing it, was downright lethal.

  We talked some more as we ate, getting to know each other and I found myself really enjoying Isaac’s company. He was intelligent and quick-witted and before I knew it, a whole hour had passed. I paid the bill and then we headed back out to the parking lot.

  “Thank you. That was the best burger I’ve ever had,” Isaac said as we climbed in the car.

  “You’re welcome. I’m glad you agreed to come with me. I liked getting to know you better,” I told him.

  “I liked that too,” he answered with a shy smile.

  We were quiet most of the way to his place other than when he’d speak up to give me directions. I spent that time trying to figure out what I wanted to say to him. How could I explain what I wanted without scaring him off? I still hadn’t decided when I pulled up alongside the curb outside his apartment. I put the car in park, but left the engine running and turned to face him, the soft lights of the dash illuminating his face.

  “I had fun tonight and I’d really like to do it again,” I told him. He smiled happily so I continued, cautiously. “Maybe next time we can convince Matt to join us,” I suggested. Isaac’s smile dimmed just a bit and I was sure he’d reached the wrong conclusion.

  “Oh, sure. That would be fun. Matt needs to get out with friends more. I worry that he works too hard,” he rattled. He reached for the door handle and I could tell he was about to make his escape so I reached over and grabbed his hand. His eyes shot to mine, startled.

  “I don’t want to hang out just as friends. I’m attracted to you and I’m attracted to Matt as well,” I told him, laying it all out on the line. I watched him closely for a reaction and wasn’t surprised when I saw first shock and then confusion flitting across his face.

  “So, you want to date us both at the same time until you decide which one you like best?” he asked.

  “No, that’s not quite what I want,” I answered.

  “I don’t understand. What is it you want exactly, Hudson?” His voice was full of confusion so I took both of his hands in mine and began rubbing soothing circles over them with my thumbs.

  “Remember the night we met?” I waited until he nodded his head yes. “What did you feel that night?”

  “I don’t know what you mean,” he responded warily.

  “Come on, Isaac. I know you felt it, too. What did you feel when you and I looked at each other then, or the first time we touched. What are you feeling right now?” I pressed. His eyelids lowered as he stared in my eyes and I knew he was experiencing the same thing I was.

  “Like electricity is shooting through my veins,” he answered, his voice
taking on a husky quality.

  “Exactly. It’s an inexplicable chemistry that I’ve never experienced with anyone else…except Matt,” I stated. Isaac swallowed and his mouth dropped open like he wanted to say something, but no words came out.

  “I’ve seen the way you look at Matt when you think no one is watching and I recognize the longing in your eyes. You want him, don’t you?” Isaac tried to look away, but I reached up and gripped his chin gently with my thumb and index finger, forcing him to keep eye contact.

  “Yes,” he finally admitted. “But…” I could see all the things he wanted to say, but couldn’t find the words for.

  “But you want me, too,” I supplied knowingly. My heart soared when he nodded his head, confirming my suspicions. “It’s okay, Isaac. I feel the exact same way and believe me, it took me by surprise too.”

  “Then why do you seem so calm about it?” he demanded. “And what do you mean it’s okay? How could it possibly be okay that we like each other when we want Matt too?”

  “This is uncharted territory for me too, but I recognized what was happening and have had more time to think about it. Besides, I’m more familiar with this kind of thing. A patient of mine was involved in a similar situation and I always found the dynamics of their triad intriguing,” I told him.

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about. What situation and what is a triad?” Isaac nearly screeched. I had to fight not to let him see my amusement at the panicked look on his face.

  “A triad is when three people find themselves attracted to each other and they decide to have a relationship. Some people also refer to it as a throuple or ménage relationship.” I let go of his chin and lowered my hand back to his as I let my words sink in. I could tell the moment they did because his eyes widened.

  “You mean, you want to date both of us together instead of individually?” he reiterated slowly.

  “I’ve thought a lot about it and I like both of you equally, although, I’ve gotten to know you better, but I’m going to work on getting Matt to open up more. He’s a tough nut to crack,” I mused. “So, to answer your question, I’m not suggesting we jump into a relationship or anything, but this kind of overwhelming chemistry doesn’t come along every day, at least not for me. I think we owe it to ourselves to figure out where it could lead,” I explained. He stared at me for several long moments and I found myself holding my breath.

  “There are a couple of flaws to your thinking,” Isaac finally said. I was so relieved that he hadn’t already run screaming from the car that I was sure I could handle whatever he was about to say.

  “Tell me,” I coaxed.

  “I’m pretty sure Matt is attracted to you, but he’s never seen me as more than a friend. Believe me, I’ve had a crush on him for years and he’s never shown any sign that he felt the same way about me,” he said.

  “I’ve seen the way he looks at you, Isaac. He tracks your every move as you do things around the center,” I informed him. Isaac’s eyes nearly popped out of his head.

  “He does?” he asked incredulously.

  “Yes, he does,” I chuckled.

  “Okay, but that still leaves the other problem,” he said in a serious tone.

  “And what is that?” I asked.

  “In all the years I’ve known Matt, I’ve never seen him date. In fact, I’ve never seen him even show an interest in anyone until you came along,” he stated. I pursed my lips as I looked at him, taking his words into consideration.

  “What do you want, Isaac?” I asked him, my tone and question both serious.

  “I’d like to spend more time with you and, of course, I would love it if Matt showed an interest in me,” he answered shyly, still looking as if he thought that was impossible.

  “I want more time with you, too,” I told him, reaching up to run my finger over the edge of his jaw. His skin was smooth, with just the barest hint of stubble along his jawline.

  His smile was immediate and it made my heart race. Without any further thought, I slid my hand around the back of Isaac’s neck and pulled him towards me, covering his lips with my own. I slid my hand up into his hair, finding it just as soft and silky as I had imagined, and I swallowed his gasp when my tongue dipped inside his mouth to taste him. His tongue sought out mine, timidly at first, but soon we were caught up in a kiss so passionate that my head began to spin. I pulled back when my lungs began to burn with the need for air and I smiled when Isaac let out a whimper of frustration.

  “Don’t worry. I plan on doing a lot more of that, but for now, I think we need to slow things down. I’ve thrown a lot at you. You need to take some time and really think about everything we’ve talked about,” I told him gently.

  “You’re right,” he said with a nod, but I moaned when he reached down to adjust himself. My mouth watered at the thought of his hard cock and I almost told him to forget everything I’d just said, but then he continued. “I do need some time to think, although I usually go with my gut in most circumstances.”

  Everything in me wanted to push and find out what his gut was telling him about the situation we were in, but I owed it to him to give him time to form a decision on his own without any added pressure from me. As much as I wanted him and Matt, I was just going to have to be patient.

  “Isaac, wait,” I said as he reached for the door handle. His head turned and he looked at me expectantly. “I just wanted to be very clear about something so there’s no confusion. Regardless of Matt’s decision, I still would like to continue seeing you.”

  “You would?” The surprise in his voice made my heart hurt. Did he really not know how incredible he was? I didn’t know him all that well yet, but already, I knew that any man would be lucky to be able to date him.

  “I would,” I whispered as I cupped the side of his face and leaned towards him for another kiss. This one was softer, gentler, but I hoped it proved to him how sincere I was.

  Isaac was smiling as he pulled away and opened the door. I watched as he got out and climbed the steps to his apartment, making it safely inside. As I started to drive away, I caught my reflection in the rearview mirror and I wasn’t surprised to find a wide smile across my face. I seemed to be doing that a lot lately, ever since I’d met those two men. I was fairly certain what Isaac’s decision would be. The question was, how were we going to convince the very guarded Matt to give us a chance?

  I read over the email that had been sent to me for the fourth time, but I still wasn’t able to comprehend what it entailed. I leaned my elbows against my desk and rubbed at my eyes. They felt itchy and my head had begun to pound which were both products of a long night with little to no sleep.

  I’d gone home shortly after Isaac and Hudson had left Agape House, hoping to get a good night’s sleep. Instead, I’d spent hours tossing and turning, my head filled with images of what the two of them might be doing. Where had they gone to eat? What had they talked about? Was it a date? Had they kissed? Those questions and more ran on an endless loop through my head, ensuring that I had a long and restless night.

  I knew I had no one but myself to blame for the questions I had. If only I’d taken them up on their invitation to join them, I would know exactly what had happened and I wouldn’t have been left wondering. But I hadn’t gone, I’d held back just as I always did. I let out a long sigh and pushed my chair away from my desk, checking the time on my watch. It was getting late and as much as I would’ve liked to call it a day, I convinced myself to stay and get a little more work done instead. First, I needed a cup of coffee though.

  I walked out of my office and down the hallway towards the kitchen, but my footsteps slowed when I heard a familiar voice coming from Isaac’s office. The door was ajar and I peered around the corner, holding my breath as I saw Hudson throw his head back, laughing at something Isaac had just said. His laugh was deep and rang out across the room and I found myself smiling at the sound of it.

  Feeling weird about spying on my friends, I turned to leave when sudd
enly the mood between them changed. I felt it as surely as if I’d been standing between them and I found myself unable to move as the air became thick with sexual tension. Hudson placed his large hands on either side of Isaac’s waist as he whispered something that I couldn’t make out and I watched as Isaac’s hands landed on Hudson’s chest, his fingers curling in on the well-developed pectoral muscles.

  Hudson smiled down at Isaac and then he lowered his head and let his tongue trace the younger man’s bottom lip. My face felt flushed and my skin stretched too tight as I observed the two of them together. The differences in their height and stature just served to make their passionate embrace even hotter. Hudson towered over Isaac’s slight frame, but instead of appearing overbearing, his posture seemed protective of the smaller man, which had me feeling relieved and turned on all at the same time.

  Their kiss became more heated and I followed Hudson’s movements as his hands reached down to cup Isaac’s pert ass. Isaac’s soft whimper had my eyes darting back up to their faces and my heart nearly stopped when I found Hudson’s eyes locked on me. His eyes wandered down over me and I knew the moment he saw the obvious bulge in my pants because his eyes widened slightly. Not breaking their kiss, he lifted his right hand from Isaac’s waist and crooked his index finger at me in a come-hither motion. I knew exactly what kind of invitation he was extending and God help me, I wanted to accept.

  That jarring thought was what finally got me to move, but instead of moving towards the two men, I turned on my heel and ran down the hallway. Excitement and guilt battled for space inside my head as I made my way to the stairwell and raced up the steps, not stopping until I reached the top. I flung the door open and stumbled out onto the roof of the building, gasping for air. I bent down and placed my hands on my knees as I willed my heart to quit racing.

  After a few moments, I stood and made my way over to the half wall that ran the perimeter of the roof and sat along its edge. I looked up at the night sky, the stars glittering in the distance when I felt a gentle breeze across my face. I closed my eyes and swallowed hard as I tried to make sense of all the emotions that were running through me.