Gay Romance: Secret Adoration

Alexis had secretly loved Robert for many years, and at last, mustering all his courage, he invited the object of his affection to spend a holiday at his estate. His time with Robert was both sweet and troubling; unable to speak of his love aloud, he confided every word to his diary. In those diary pages, the secret love took root and grew into a sturdy tree, laden with heavy fruits of unspoken feelings-bittersweet upon the tongue, at once sour and sweet, laced with melancholy.
As the diary thickened, page by page, the spring holiday invitation neared its close. Alexis steadied his emotions, preparing for the farewell-yet Robert did not leave."The scenery here is beautiful. I would like to remain. Would you keep me here indefinitely?" In Robert's blue eyes, clear as polished glass beads, Alexis saw himself reflected, brimming to the edges."I would, " Alexis answered, his voice trembling, the living heart in his chest quivering as if in unison with his soul.
I would-both the gates of my estate and the chambers of my heart would stay open to you, for as long as you desire. Yet the Robert who remained began to seem. different. His gaze toward Alexis was always gentle and intimate; while tumbling together on a hillside, his fingertips brushed the nape of Alexis's neck, sending a shiver down his spine; and then there was that almost-but-not-quite kiss along the cheek.For the first time, Alexis hesitated and puzzled over the words he wrote in his diary."Does Robert like me?"