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CHAPTER EIGHT

RYLAN

Rylan sat on the edge of the sofa as the three women went through the door and blew out a sigh, happy he’d finished with the last of the makeup for the night. After they changed into the one-of-a kind dress he designed for them, he would make any adjustments if needed, and then he and Cameron would head home.

And that led to thoughts about Cameron.

For the longest time, Rylan had only concentrated on building his business through word of mouth all while working for his degree in design and merchandising. Until he’d met Cameron, life was work; which bolts of material he could use for his design, the next new design he sketched and created, and passing his classes while making enough money to survive.

He was in his element as he created his designs and brought them to life. And when he looked to expand his business, he used Issa and himself as test subjects when he learned how to apply makeup.

But more often than not in the past week, thoughts of Cameron snuck in, even when he was concentrating on his projects. It took a few days, but he realized only thinking about work and his designs were so much a part of his day for the past three years, he didn’t know how to relax. Fear of being homeless was a great motivation, and because of that fear, Rylan had worked his ass off.

Seeing Cameron’s concern when he didn’t eat, or when he had a nightmare and his sleep was restless, had him rethinking his focus. He didn’t need to only survive. Rylan’s business, while small, succeeded in its own right. He didn’t have to design and sew and create every day anymore, and Cameron was the one to show him how to have fun.

So Rylan relinquished control over to Cameron with other parts of his life.

He smiled as he remembered how much Cameron held himself back during the first few days after Rylan moved in with him. Conscious of where his hands were when he spoke and how close he stood to him.

But then Rylan checked himself if he laughed too loudly or found himself reaching for Cameron, which was all the time when they were together.

During the years after he admitted his was gay and after his mom’s death, he toned down the part of his personality he believed others would findtoogay.

But Cameron refused to see Rylan be anyone but his true self.

He must have been obvious whenever he stopped short of putting his hand on Cameron’s muscular forearm like he wanted or when he leaned in for a kiss, only to pull back at the last moment. Cameron would wrap his arms around Rylan and pull him close, link their hands together, or kiss him breathless until Rylan let down his guard and became his true self.

For a man who had clear physical boundaries with other people, somehow those didn’t apply to Rylan. He noticed at the barbecue, even with his friends, Cameron would keep a distance that would discourage a casual arm slung over his shoulder or even a pat on the arm.

Thoughts of touching Cameron led to thoughts about the night before and his cock swelled in his pants as he remembered how he drove him crazy with his mouth alone. When he told Cameron he wanted to touch every part of him, he was being honest, but he hadn’t realized how exhausted he was until he’d woken up late that morning. He’d fallen asleep right after dinner and Cameron had to carry him up to bed.

When he woke, Cameron had already left for the store, leaving a note behind. And when he stumbled downstairs after his lazy morning, Cameron was putting away groceries.

“Sorry I slept so late.”

Cameron kissed him before he sat him at the island like he had the night before and cooked him a big breakfast. Under his scrutiny, he ate every bite and Cameron rewarded him with a huge smile. For a reason he had yet to understand, his chest felt tight and tears burned in his eyes. Cameron, thrilled he ate a meal, wanted nothing more complicated than that, but it meant the world to Rylan he cared enough to make sure he ate and slept enough. For a long while, he forgot what it was like to have someone care for him.

They spent the rest of they day talking on the couch, Rylan’s legs draped over Cameron’s lap, reminiscing about their childhoods and Rylan learning about Cameron’s two years as a college football player. He also taught him a little about the game and promised when football season began, they would watch together.

He settled back in Cameron’s luxury car as they sped down Interstate 25 toward Denver. A wicked thought took over as they arrived at the mansion. Before he closed the door, he leaned down while balancing the dresses and his make-up kit and smiled at Cameron.

“Tonight, I’m in control andthistime, I want to touch you until you come.”

Rylan chuckled when he heard Cameron’s groan and he shut the door and waved him off.

“Who is the lucky man who made you blush and put that look on your face?” Sophia Buehler asked.

Rylan stiffened at the question, but as he looked at the three beautiful women smiling at him, he relaxed.

In the seven months he’d known Sophia, he’d never spoken or had she asked about his personal life. He suspected she knew about his preference because of his chosen profession, but he’d been too busy to worry about their reactions. As he smiled back at the three women, he knew he no longer had to worry.

“Well,” Rylan started as he stood and walked around Sophia to see how the dress fit, “his name is Cameron and we met a week ago. He’s sweet, supportive, loves to cook, and makes me smile.”

“He sounds wonderful, honey,” Margo said.

“Yeah, and you sound smitten. Good for you.” Sophia pulled him into a hug and he hugged her back.

“Thank you, ladies. And you three look beautiful.”