Page 13 of The Rhythm of their Souls

Theo: What?? I was talking about trimming your shrubs at no cost.

Me: Uh huh sure lol. Depending on how this beach trip goes, I may take you up on the free shrub trimming. Btw I don’t personally own shrubs, but the apartment complex I live in may appreciate the gesture.

Theo: You call, and I’ll be there, ready to work magic with these talented hands. I’ll let them know I’m a close friend of yours. Maybe they’ll knock some off your rent. So, where is my fun fact for the day?

Me: Lol, how kind of you. There’s nothing fun about me to share.

Theo: I find that hard to believe. Come on… you agreed.

Me: Fine. Um, I work at a call center.

Theo: Now that’s not very fun…

Me: It’s a fact though?! UGH. OK. I like to read books.

Theo: What kind of books?

Me: All kinds of books. Romance, Fantasy, Thrillers. EVERYTHING.

Theo: So you like reading porn?

Me: Sir, those genres are not all about sex. But I don’t mind when it is.

Theo: You’re a little perve… I like that.

Me: Wbu Theo? What’s a fun fact?

Theo: I’ve already given mine.

Me: Which was?

Theo: That I’m extremely talented with my hands.

Me: That’s just coming from your own mouth. So It’s not exactly a fact.

Theo: Test the waters and I’ll show you just how good I am, Olive.

Me: You are quite confident in yourself I see… maybe even a little cocky.

Theo: Being confident doesn’t automatically mean someone is cocky. Again, maybe I can show you a few things next time I see you.

Me: Maybe you can ;) Danielle just got home. We’re having a girls’ night. I enjoyed talking to you. Text tomorrow?

Theo: I like that answer. Is it crazy that I haven’t stopped thinking about you? As short as our conversation was, I can still remember your voice, your face. I don’t know, Olive. It’s doing something to me. I look forward to Friday.

Me: I don’t think it’s crazy. And maybe I haven’t stopped thinking about you, either. I don’t know what this all means. But I’m okay with the unknown. Goodnight, Theo.

Theo: I think we’re going to find out what this is sooner than we think. Sweet dreams, Olive.

I set my phone down on my nightstand. These last few days, I’ve thought something was wrong with me. I’ve tried fighting this urge that unapologetically swallows me whole. Now, knowing that Theo has similar feelings has me even more curious about this “unknown.”

What is this between us? This is something I’ve never encountered before. It scares me to my core but it also ignites something deep within my bleeding soul. He feels so familiar in a way, almost like our souls knew each other in a different lifetime. Tonight, I am looking forward to talking to Danielle about our conversations with Theo and me. Friday can’t get here quickly enough.

I feel a strong grip on my upper thighs. I look down and see thick, dirty blond hair; the slightly curled ends tickle my legs. I can’t move. All I can do is watch. Who is this mystery man lying between my legs?

On a normal day, this would scare the shit out of me, and whoever this person is would lie on the floor with a swollen lip. But I am intrigued by the way his massive hands hold my thighs steady. It’s like they were molded just for me. He slowly looks up.

Holy shit, I know those fucking eyes. Theo is shirtless on my bed, between my legs.