Page 7

And with thoughts of his current situation, he sighed.

“What’s wrong?” Cameron’s brows drew down in concern.

“I have a year of college left after this one, and although Issa will let me crash with her, the moment I step foot into my house to gather my things, there will be a fight.”

“Well, I could go with you when you get your things. And… I have an extra room in my house.”

Rylan blinked at Cameron, knowing that somehow he misunderstood what Cameron had said. But when a light blush appeared on Cameron’s cheeks, Rylan knew he’d heard Cameron’s statement correctly.

“You can’t… you don’t know me…”

“No, right, I don’t know you.” Cameron said.

Rylan’s heart plummeted in his chest and he held back the whimper at Cameron’s words.

“But I would like to. Very much.”

Rylan spluttered, but no words escaped.

“You need a place to stay and I have an extra bedroom that isn’t being used. So if you think about it, it’s a win-win.”

Rylan didn’t think in all his years, he’d ever met someone as generous and forthcoming as Cameron. He was still trying to form a reply when he noticed that Cameron had already paid for their dinner and was signing the check.

“Next time it’s my treat.” Rylan said.

They both moved from their seats to stand, but before Rylan could turn toward the exit, Cameron placed his hand on Rylan’s forearm, halting his movements.

“Why don’t you spend the night at my place tonight? I’ll give you a tour and if you feel comfortable with me and would like to live there, then we can get your stuff tomorrow and you can move in? I would never make you uncomfortable or push you for anything, I promise you that.” Cameron looked at him with such hope that Rylan nodded before he could think everything through.

“Great! Did you drive?” Cameron placed a hand on the small of Rylan’s back and led him outside.

“No, I usually walk.”

Cameron nodded and let him toward an expensive-looking car. Rylan had no clue about cars, only caring that his old Subaru took him from one place to another safely. But now, looking at Cameron’s car and realizing that he owned his own place, he couldn’t help the next words that flew out of his mouth.

“May I ask you a rude question?”

Cameron laughed and nodded. “Go ahead.”

“How can you, as a junior in college, afford his own house and drive a car like this?”

Cameron wrapped one arm around his waist, pulling him close, before he opened the passenger door. He stopped Rylan before he could slide inside. Rylan turned to face Cameron and when their bodies pressed together, Rylan bit his bottom lip to prevent the moan from escaping his throat. Instead, he glanced up and met Cameron’s gaze as he spoke.

“My parents were born into money, and they are rich. My mom’s family own several media outlets and my dad runs an investment firm with offices in both New York and North Carolina. They fell in love during their first year at Cornell University. My mom works as a speech therapist in New York and dad is an investment banker. They both inherited everything from their parents because they were both only children. Like me.”

Rylan notice the softness in Cameron’s voice as he spoke about his parents. “Are you close to them?”

Cameron laughed. “Yeah. Trust me, they’ll pop in to meet you when I tell them about you. We talk often and I know they’ll love you and spoil you rotten. Let them because they won’t have it any other way.”

Rylan envied hearing about the closeness of Cameron and his family. It made Rylan miss his mom acutely. But instead of dwelling on the past, he shook himself out of his thoughts.

“Another rude question, if I could?”

Cameron laughed and Rylan was becoming addicted to that sound. “I’m an open book, Ry. You don’t have to worry you’ll insult me. Ask me whatever you want.”

“I’ve never had a nickname before.” Rylan said.

“Doesn’t it bother you?”