* Chapter 1 *

June 1999
“I don’t know how much you believe in fate or destiny, but something or someone made me dial that six. I believe we were meant to be together. That we were meant to find each other. Remember that I told you that we hadn’t crossed paths with our soulmates yet...I was wrong because you are my soulmate.
He sighed, tightened his embrace and rested his chin on her shoulder. “I can’t begin to tell you how strong my attraction is to you. I can’t tell you what hearing your voice does to me. Our conversations...I thought nothing could mean more. Now I found that something does, I have found that being in your arms, looking into your eyes, being in your presence is more amazing. It makes my life seem more complete. More than I can ever say...”
Kevin moved in front of her so he could see directly into the depths of her eyes. “...I love you.”
Mariah’s left hand rested on his chest while her right reached up to caress his cheek. “I love you, too, Kev.”
They kissed again tenderly. When they separated, Kevin wore a knowing smirk.
“What?” Mariah asked softly.
“I was just thinking...about the movie Jerry Maguire.” He grinned again as he read the confusion on her face. “It took one word. Hello. You had me from that moment.” Kevin’s eyes met hers searching their depths. “‘You had me at hello’.”

It all started with the phone call. Never did Kevin believe he would find his soulmate by accident. He knew that God, fate and destiny had the habit of shifting into gear when least expected. And he would never forget the day they worked in his favor. How else could he explain the impact that a slip of a finger and a simple one-word greeting had on his life?

He dreamed of Mariah from that day. He wondered who she truly was and soon uncovered that mystery through six months of conversation via the phone and internet. It wasn’t enough. He wanted to know how it would feel to touch her, to gaze into her eyes. That dream became reality the day the BSB performed at Orlando General Hospital. She was everything he’d imagined and he had no doubt she felt just as strongly.

Kevin confessed his love for her that night. Mariah reciprocated without hesitation. And neither felt more complete.

She stayed at his house that night. They resisted the temptation to engage in any intimate physical activity, satisfied instead to fall asleep in each other’s arms. There was no need to rush. As far as they were both concerned, they had forever.

~ * ~ * ~ * ~ * ~

When Kevin’s eyes opened the following morning, they met the loving gaze of a pair of hazel ones. He couldn’t help but grin - his dimples evident in the morning light that shone through the drapes of his bedroom. A feminine hand caressed his cheek.

“Good morning, Ri.”

Mariah smiled. “Morning, Kev.”

“Been awake long?”

“Not long. Just enjoying the view.”

Kevin’s dimples were replaced by a pink blush. “Stop it.”

“You’re even cuter when you’re embarrassed.“ If his cheeks could become redder, they did at her compliment. Mariah giggled as she snuggled closer and rested her left hand on his naked chest. She gazed into his green eyes and asked, “What are you up to today?”

“I could easily be content staying right here, but that isn’t exactly realistic.” Kevin brushed an errant red curl from her forehead. “Why don’t we get showered and I’ll make breakfast? Then we can decide.”

“Are you saying I smell?”

Kevin took a deep breath allowing the lingering scent of jasmine to fill his senses. “Far from it, sweetie, but why don’t you go first?”

“I am the lady, after all.” Enjoying their flirtation, she reluctantly withdrew her body from his embrace.

Kevin watched her walk toward the hallway. “Towels are in the cabinet to the left of the shower. Take a pair of shorts and a t-shirt if you want,” he offered as he admired her retreating figure in his Kentucky Athletics t-shirt and boxer shorts.

Mariah turned to smile at him. “I think I’ll just keep these for now,” she said peaking at him around the doorframe.

And I think I’ll keep you, Kevin thought.

Chapter 2
I Could Not Ask For More
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