Uniting the Souls (Souls of Chicago #6)(5)

I could see him becoming more relaxed the longer we talked and I was glad that he had asked me to help with the project. Matt and I had always worked very well together and I was relieved to find that whatever had been bothering him wasn’t going to get in the way of that. Neither one of us stopped talking until we were interrupted by a knock at the door. We both looked up as Allison pushed it open and peeked her head in.

“Oh, I’m sorry. I didn’t realize you were in a meeting,” she apologized.

“That’s alright, Allison. What’s up?” Matt asked kindly.

“There’s a gentleman here to see you. He said he’s interested in the therapist position,” she said. Matt looked at me excitedly and we both grinned at each other.

“Send him in, please,” he told her. She nodded her head and then disappeared back down the hallway. We both stood and I grabbed my things, intending to make myself scarce, but Matt stopped me before I could leave. “If you have time, I’d like you to stay. Choosing the right therapist is a big decision and I’d really appreciate your input on who I hire.”

“I’d be happy to,” I agreed.

I couldn’t help the grin that spread across my face. It meant the world to me that he valued my opinion. Matt held my gaze and for just a second, I thought I saw the same look he’d given me the night of the grand opening, but we were interrupted once again when the door opened and I turned my head, my jaw nearly hitting the floor when I came face to face with Hudson.





I frowned as I watched the retreating form of the young woman walking down the hallway. Micah had told me that Isaac worked the front desk at the center and I’d be lying to myself if I didn’t admit that I was a little disappointed when instead of Isaac, I’d been greeted by Allison’s bubbly personality. It wasn’t her fault, she was a charming girl with a bright smile, it just wasn’t the smile that I’d been looking forward to seeing. I shook my head. That wasn’t the purpose of my being there, I reminded myself, although I still couldn’t help but feel excited at the prospect of seeing the two men that had invaded my every thought since the night I’d first laid eyes on them.

After listening to Rylie and Lachlan go on and on about the work being done at the center, I’d decided to check it out for myself during the grand opening. I looked around a bit, wanting to see what all the fuss was about and I had to admit, I was thoroughly impressed. It was obvious that a lot of thought and consideration had gone into the space, making sure that the kids who went there would feel welcomed and at home.

I’d wandered the halls, thinking how lucky the young people of Chicago were to have a place like that to turn to and wishing that every city in America would offer places of support for their LGBTQA youth. Too many teens were being turned away from their homes each year, many of them living on the streets, getting hooked on drugs and being forced into prostitution just to try and survive.

I’d returned to the party, determined to help in any way possible and anxious to meet the person responsible for starting such an incredible program. I met Micah and Landon on my way back into the main area and when I asked them who I should speak to, they’d pointed to two figures across the room saying that the dark-haired gentleman was Matt, the owner of Agape House and the other was Isaac, the front desk manager. They told me that either one would be able to find some way for me to volunteer.

I’d made my way slowly across the crowded room and my steps faltered when Matt and I locked eyes. He was gorgeous with his thick dark curls and smoky gray eyes, which widened as he stared back at me with a mixture of surprise, curiosity, and heat. I felt inexplicably drawn to him and I moved closer, even more determined to meet him when movement to the left of him caught my attention.

My eyes had darted to the person standing at Matt’s side for just a second, but then froze there as I’d taken in the stunning young man who must have been Isaac. He was nearly a foot shorter than me with light-brown hair that was a little longer on the top than the sides with blond highlights streaked throughout.

I found myself being drawn to him the same way I’d been drawn to Matt and it left me feeling disoriented. They were both stunning, but how could I have such a visceral reaction to two different men in a matter of seconds? My mind felt foggy, but my feet continued to move me in their direction until I’d ended up standing right in front of them. Everything seemed to disappear around us until it was as if we were the only three people in the room.

“Which one of you is Matt?” I’d asked as if I didn’t already know the answer.

Somehow, I’d managed to make it through introductions, but my heart was racing the entire time. I tried to think of something else to say, but it was as if my tongue was tied in a knot. My eyes kept darting back and forth between the two men, taking in the slight crease between Matt’s eyes and the freckles dotting the bridge of Isaac’s nose. I’d had the strongest urge to kiss each and every one of those freckles while finding a way to make Matt smile. What the hell was wrong with me?

Matt turned to look at Isaac and I saw the same mixture of emotions playing across his face when he looked at the younger man as he’d worn when he’d looked at me, and I felt disappointed as I wondered if there was something going on between the two of them already. If so, I’d have no choice but to walk away. Before I had the chance to find out, however, Matt suddenly said something about needing to talk to the mayor and then he’d spun on his heel and disappeared into the crowd.