Uniting the Souls (Souls of Chicago #6)(8)

“No, I don’t have any concerns about Hudson’s ability to work with the kids. His portfolio was very impressive and he had several referral letters in his file, including two from Lachlan and Rylie. I’m not sure what their connection to him is, but if they were willing to refer him to us, then that’s good enough for me. I know they would never let anyone around the kids that they didn’t feel was the absolute best,” I assured him. I watched as his shoulders visibly relaxed.

“Then what was wrong? You seemed agitated when Hudson left,” Isaac pressed.

“Nothing was wrong, I just have a lot on my mind. I have a million things to do today. In fact, I probably should get started on those if I don’t want to have to stay here all night,” I told him, gentling my dismissive tone with a small smile.

I didn’t want to hurt his feelings, I just needed some time by myself to figure out what the hell was going on with me. I couldn’t make sense of the sudden onslaught of emotions that I felt every time I was in the room with the two of them. He cocked his head to the side as he studied me and I forced myself not to squirm under his knowing gaze. I’d known Isaac for six years, working closely with him for five of those years and sometimes when he looked at me, it was as if he could see my every thought.

“Okay, I’ll let you get to work,” he said, making his way to the door. I watched him open it, but then he looked over his shoulder at me. “Hudson seems like a nice man, don’t you think?”

“Yes, he does,” I answered honestly.

“He’s very handsome, too,” Isaac said with a smile.

I was shocked when he winked at me before walking out the door. My heart was racing as the door shut behind him and I wasn’t sure if it was because Isaac had been flirting with me or because of the truth to his words.

I threw myself into my work, letting budget spreadsheets and government paperwork occupy my mind as I tried to push thoughts of Hudson and Isaac aside. I’d been working for several hours when my concentration was broken by the distant sounds of the kids laughing as they returned from school and I smiled at the sound.

With the growing number of LGBTQA teens that had been turned away by their families and who were either mistreated or completely ignored by a society that should support them, I often wondered if the work I was doing was really making a difference at all or simply putting a Band-Aid on a wound. Then, I’d watch the kids at the center as they overcame the pain they’d been through and found a strength within themselves to carry on and it made me feel empowered. The resiliency they showed despite the adversity they faced was an inspiration to me and provided the motivation that kept me going, even when it seemed like I was fighting a losing battle.

Many of the teens arrived at the center broken and battered; not always physically, but often in spirit. They showed up at our door searching for peace, refuge, and a sense of belonging, and it meant the world to me to hear them sounding carefree and happy, knowing that we had been able to provide them with what they needed. Although, some struggled more than others to break free of the painful past that clung to them, which was why I had felt it necessary to hire a therapist at the new center.

I’d been unable to afford to provide that kind of service at the old center, but with the generous amount of money that Lachlan, Carter, and the rest of their friends and family had donated, I was finally able to do so. Only it didn’t seem like I would need to use the money to hire a professional after all. My mind was still reeling with the idea that a man with Hudson’s education and experience would be willing to commit that amount of time to my center, completely free of charge. That told me a lot about the type of person Hudson Westley was.

My thoughts drifted to the man who had gotten under my skin so quickly. From the moment I’d seen Hudson across the room at the grand opening, I felt a rush of adrenaline and a surge of passion unlike anything I’d ever experienced before. The way he looked at me as he’d walked closer had taken my breath away. There had been a hunger in his eyes that I hadn’t seen directed at me in years.

Then his eyes shifted and I’d seen the look of surprise and the sudden interest there as well. I’d glanced beside me, having forgotten that I wasn’t alone and my eyes widened when I realized that the new focus of Hudson’s sultry gaze was none other than Isaac.

I’d been there when Isaac first arrived at Agape House, looking more lost and broken than most of the kids that had ever come there. I knew a little of what he’d been through, but for the most part, he chose not to talk about his past and I’d respected his privacy. I’d watched him as he began to trust people again and over time he had flourished into a happy, kind, and caring young man.

I’d been there when he became an adult and he began working for me, proving to be an intelligent and vital member of my staff. We’d become friends over time, yet kept our professional distance, not spending time together outside of work activities. I knew that he wasn’t the same kid that had come to the center seeking help, but I’d always seen him as a friend and colleague, nothing more. That’s why, when I looked at him, really took the time to look at him and see what it was that had captured Hudson’s attention, I was shocked.

How had I never noticed how vibrant blue his eyes were or the freckles that were sprinkled delicately across his nose? Had I ever paid attention to the way his jaw curved or how soft his hair looked? My hand lifted as if to run through it and test its silkiness, but I caught myself and drew my hand into a fist at my side.