Taste of Love - By Stephanie Nicole Page 0,64

walked out of the office to find Cameron sitting at the table, with a look on his face that Madison didn't recognize. For a moment she was scared, but she knew better than to be frightened of him.

"Would anyone like to explain why my girlfriend and her 'best friend' were kissing when I walked in?" he asked, in a voice tinged with anger and hurt.

Madison was about to say something, but Austin jumped in before she could. "It's my fault. I've been jealous, and I was under the illusion that I was in love with Madison. She had no part in the kiss, I surprised her with it."

Cameron's eyebrow rose. He looked from Madison to Austin, then back again.

Austin cleared his throat and went on. "But I know now that the feelings I had weren't those of being in love with her, as much as I love her as a friend. It was more about jealousy, and fear of losing her to you."

Cameron's face softened a bit. "Madison, can I have a moment with Austin?"

"You aren't going to hurt him, are you?" she asked, a bit worried.

Cameron laughed. "No, I just think we need a long overdue conversation."

Madison nodded and went to her office, looking back at them before she went in and closed the door.

Cameron turned to Austin. "Sit down, please."

Austin cautiously sat down across the table.

"Let's be honest here, okay? I know you've seen the tabloids, and Madison has too. When she was with me in Chicago, she saw firsthand how they distort innocent images, making me out to be the king of sleaze. But I promise you, I am not like that at all. Maybe when I was younger, I enjoyed the benefits, but as I got older, the most I did is kiss a girl at a party. Since I met Madison, I didn't even do that, but the magazines made it look like I did, because that was what they had come to expect from me."

He took a long, deep breath. "I would never, ever do anything to intentionally hurt Madison. I love her with all that I am, and I would protect her with my life."

He stopped for a moment. Did he just admit that he loved her? The words hit him like a ton of bricks.

Austin watched as Cameron's face went pale. He saw the realization dawn in his eyes. Austin felt a twinge of jealousy, but at the same time, he had to grin at the change he saw happen right in front of him.

"I'm guessing you haven't told her that yet?" Austin asked gently.

Cameron took a deep breath. "Umm, actually...well. No. No, I think I just told myself that." He laughed and shook his head. "But I know it's true."

The two men regarded each other across the table for a long moment. Cameron had even more to admit. He cleared his throat. "And the truth of it all is that I've been jealous of your relationship with her," he said. "You know her so well, and you are one of her best friends. I guess I would like your acceptance, since you mean so much to her."

Austin laughed. "So it looks like we both felt anxiety over the same things. I guess we can work through them and actually become friends, as long as you don't hurt her."

"I won't hurt her. I would rather die than hurt her," he vowed.

"Good," Austin said without missing a beat. "Because I know where they keep the really sharp knives in the back."

Cameron grinned, then extended his hand across the table. The two men shook hands in understanding and friendship. They both loved the same woman, but for completely different reasons.

When Madison came out of her office, she was elated to see the two of them were getting along well. "Did you two kiss and make up?"

Austin smiled. "I guess we did."

Cameron motioned her over and pulled her onto his lap. His kissed her cheek and neck, making her giggle. She looked at her best friend.

"So Austin, you think you might get to work sometime today?" she asked.

"Yes, boss!" he said and made his exit.

"We good?" she asked Cameron.

"Yup, everything is perfect." He winked at her. "I suppose I should let you get to work now."

"I suppose." She squeezed his arm. "What did you say to him?"

"Well..." Cameron chuckled. "A lot of things, actually."

She smiled. "I'm glad we got that worked out."

"Me, too." He kissed her, then lifted her so he could stand. "I'll see