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CHAPTER FOURTEEN

RYLAN

Rylan sat on his new husband’s lap as they and their friends lounged around the fire pit outside the hotel on their own private beach. His body warmed as he pressed closer to Cameron, nuzzling his face against his neck, before he gazed out on the beach and watched as the sun set on their wedding day.

“Here, try this Rylan.”

Not wanting to leave the comfortable spot, Rylan pressed his lips to Cameron’s jaw and smiled when his large arms tightened around his body. Issa, insistent, pinched his ass, making him jerk. He lifted his head to glare at his friend, but her smile was infectious and he reached for the glass she was holding out.

He gazed at the drink that was reddish orange and he must have made a face because Cameron chuckled, his body shaking underneath Rylan.

“You try it first.” Rylan held the straw near his mouth.

Cameron took a sip and coughed. Rylan could see Issa’s evil smile as she sat in the lounge next to them.

“That is strong. Holy crap, what’s in it?”

“Rum, tequila, and something else but at least it’s mixed with watermelon and other juices.”

“Yeah, Issa, you don’t taste juice in this.” Cameron’s pushed the glass back into his hand.

She threw her head back and laughed. Rylan, curious, took a sip and while the last of the fruit flavor was in the background, the rest was pure alcohol. While he didn’t cough, he almost spit it out the moment he had a taste.

Tim walked closer and Rylan put the drink in his hand. Tim shrugged and lifted the glass.

“I wouldn’t, man,” Aaron chimed in.

“Yeah, Issa only ordered it because it was the strongest drink on the menu.”

Issa’s laughter was contagious and Rylan found himself grateful for his best friend.

“Have you tried it, Suzy?” Cameron asked.

“After living with Issa for a few years, I know not to drink or eat anything without making it for myself. She loves to put chili sauce on everything.” Suzy shook her head at her roommate and friend.

Tim, instead of taking their advice, took a large drink. As soon as he swallowed, his eyes bulged, and he handed the rest to Issa. “Holy shit.”

Cameron settled back against his chair and settled Rylan’s head against his shoulder. “Hey, angel, why don’t we order dinner?”

Rylan chuckled at Tim’s flushed face and nodded. “Yeah, sounds good.”

As Cameron called for food service, Rylan thought back on the day.

Soon after the proposal, which Rylan would remember for the rest of his days, they showered and headed toward the place Cameron booked for their friends. It thrilled him he would marry the man he loved, and as they drove closer to the hotel, the more excited he became.

But it was seeing his friends, smiling and hugging both he and Cameron, that solidified he’d made the right decision. Dreams such as living with Cameron, having him tell Rylan he loved him, seemed unattainable months ago. But one night had changed everything.

And he knew he would never take their relationship for granted.

“Okay, we’ll kidnap Rylan and get him dressed in our room,” Issa said.

“And we have everything in our suite for Cameron. See you in an hour on the beach?” Aaron asked.

“Yep.”

Cameron moved closer and kissed Rylan. It was short, but as he blinked open his eyes, the love radiating from Cameron’s smile also shone in his hazel eyes.

“I love you.”