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Rylan sat frozen in place by his serious gaze.

Cameron swallowed before he spoke. “I want you to know that I’ve been working out my feelings since our conversation on the plane. I’ve known for almost a month, but it wouldn’t be fair to both of us if I didn’t take my time to explore my feelings while we got to know each other.”

Rylan squeezed Cameron’s right hand, the one that held both in his.

“I would never pressure you into anything, well, I’m trying not to. I want to tell you if you need more time, please, take all the time you need. But despite my desperation, I want to assure you I’m not going anywhere.

“But here’s the thing, I can’t.”

His heart stuttered before it throbbed once, hard in his chest. Then it seemed then to stop altogether. His hands felt numb, and he swayed, a little light-headed. And then all his self doubts before he’d met Cameron flooded back in that moment.

Did he realize I’m not enough?

Does he realize he’s not gay, and he’s disgusted by me?

Did he think I’m an experiment, a failed one at that?

He was so absorbed in his thoughts, by the time he heard his name aloud, he realized Cameron must have said it more than once. Rylan blinked, aware he now sat on Cameron’s lap as he rubbed his back.

Rylan cleared his throat twice before he could push the words past his throat. “Sorry, I got lost in thought.”

“No, angel, I took too long to explain. You thought the worst. You turned so pale, I thought you would faint.”

“Sorry—”

“No, no need for you to apologize. I’ll spend the rest of our lives reminding you how much I love you and want you.”

A gasp escaped Rylan’s throat and his hand shot up and covered his mouth. He lowered it enough to speak. “You… you love… me?”

“Yes, angel. I love you so much.”

Rylan cupped Cameron’s face and kissed him until they broke away, their chests heaving and their bodies shaking with need.

“I love you, too. So much, I can’t even express how much.”

Cameron rested his forehead on Rylan’s.

“I’ve wanted to tell you so many times. But I worried about telling you at home because I didn’t want you to feel awkward living with me if you didn’t feel the same way. And then while we’ve been here on the island, I came up with a plan and I wanted to make it perfect before I admitted my feelings and it took a few extra days for everything to come together. Despite my plan, I don’t want you to feel as though you’re forced to agree—”

Rylan interrupted by kissing Cameron until he moaned into his mouth. The vibrations shivered over Rylan and he moaned right back. When he pulled back, he cupped his face and made sure he had Cameron’s attention.

“I will always tell you the truth and please, don’t be afraid of asking me anything. I won’t dismiss it out of hand and if I need more time to think about it, I’ll tell you. I promise.”

Cameron nodded, a determined look came over his face, making him look fierce and beautiful. But he gasped when Cameron lifted Rylan off his lap and sat him next to the headboard. He then stood and walked toward the closet where they stored their empty suitcases when they arrived two weeks previous.

Rylan gazed on in amazement as Cameron, in all his naked glory, strode back to him with his hands tucked behind his back.

Without knowing why, Rylan scooted forward until he sat on the edge of the bed before he uncurled his legs and placed his feet on the carpet.

Cameron stilled his movement, placing his left hand on Rylan’s exposed hip and squeezed. He lowered himself onto his knees before he brushed another light kiss against his lips.

“Rylan Ellis, I know we met a short time ago, and it appears I’m rushing into a decision, but I know what I feel and now I know how you feel, I want to ask you a question.”

Rylan hadn’t realized his head was nodding up and down until Cameron laughed and moved his hand from around his back.

On the palm of his hand sat a black velvet box.

Rylan looked between Cameron’s eyes and the closed box several times. Before Cameron could speak, Rylan’s words erupted from his throat.