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“We’d like to be alone, if you don’t mind.” Rylan’s voice came across hard and uncompromising.

The man’s smile dropped a little. “I was hoping you would change your mind. You two should give me a shot.”

Cameron was about to release his belt and pummel the guy into oblivion when the flight attendant stepped in.

“Sir, take your seat.”

By the tone of his voice, the man wouldn’t ask again. The interloper gave them one last look before he turned back and sat down.

The flight attendant, Sean, his name tag read, leaned down. “I’ll intervene if he bothers you two again. Some men won’t take no for an answer.”

“Thank you.” Both Rylan and Cameron spoke at the same time.

“No problem. You two make a beautiful couple.” With a squeeze on Cameron’s arm, he headed back toward first class.

“How do you feel?” Cameron asked.

“Better. Thank you for holding me while I slept. Were you bored?”

“Nah, I like it when you’re close, even when you’re asleep. I kept myself entertained while you caught up on sleep. I know you’re exhausted.”

Rylan smiled and lifted his head to brush a kiss to the corner of Cameron’s lips.

“I’m not used to that much noise all the time, but I’m looking forward to Hawaii.”

Rylan paused for a moment, his gaze taking in his rigid back and his grip on his tablet. Cameron tried to loosen his grip, but he couldn’t bring himself to relax.

“Are you afraid of flying? Is that why you’re tense?”

“Yeah, somewhat, but I’m fine. I dislike the take-offs and landings the most. Well, that’s part of the reason I distracted myself.”

Rylan raised an eyebrow.

“I noticed the man staring at you in the concourse and figured he would get the hint you’re with me, but he continued. It took me a few minutes to realize I was jealous. I still feel it.” Cameron’s chuckle sounded strained and uncomfortable. He didn’t want to drive Rylan away with that admission.

Rylan’s gaze drew down, and he blinked a few times before he looked up and met his eyes.

“This is a horrible place for this conversation but I need to say something.”

Cameron swallowed past the lump in his throat and took a deep breath before he nodded for Rylan to continue.

“For the longest time, I wasn’t comfortable with who I was. I couldn’t help but think I was too gay, too thin, too gangly, too everything not normal, or whatever people considered normal. You are the first person to see me, the real me, and I wouldn’t give you or what we have together up for anything in the world.

“I don’t know what the future holds for the two of us, but being with you, I’m stronger and happier than I’ve ever been. And if you feel a fraction of what I feel, I want to do everything I can to make this work.”

As Rylan stopped talking, Cameron could only hear the roar of the engines as he stared at the most beautiful person he’d ever met. Unable to stay away, he cradled Rylan’s neck with his hand as he brought his mouth down for a kiss. They didn’t stop until they needed to breathe, and even then, Cameron hesitated.

“I know all these emotions are new, but I want to tell you in case there is any misunderstanding. I trust you, I don’t want you to doubt that.”

He waited for Rylan to nod before he continued.

“But I have these feelings of protectiveness for you. I don’t want to act like a Neanderthal and will try to tone it down when it’s not needed, but that doesn’t mean I don’t have them. And know this, too. I will always do whatever I can to keep you safe.”

Rylan reached for him and cupped his cheek. “You’re my first relationship and I like being yours, so that doesn’t bother me. But I think as long as we talk to each other and not hold anything back, then we’ll be fine.”

Cameron nodded. “Why haven’t you ever dated before?”

“I think I was too busy trying to figure out my future I didn’t stop to think about dating. And until I met you, I never felt an attraction to anyone strong enough to snag my attention.”