Uniting the Souls (Souls of Chicago #6)(14)

“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.