Neville turned back to her, and gave her a small sideways smile, "Oh Hannah, you aren't saying anything that isn't true. I am just sorry that I've been so bold with you, when perhaps it would have been better to say nothing," he said, pausing as he thought how to word it properly.
"I felt something for you back then Hannah, and I never told you. I was never brave enough to even try to let you know how I felt," and he swallowed slightly, and then went on, "If I don't let you know now, I might lose my chance at ever telling you how fond I am of you, Hannah. And I am terrified. The last thing I want to do is hurt or confuse you. If you don't return the favor, I mean...," and he found himself feeling awkward in that moment. He swallowed hard, "I would utterly understand. You barely know me, and as you have said, it would be tragic to make the effort to get to know each other only to realize that we are not...well, as fond as all that of each other."
He had laid his hand flat on the towel as he faced her, his expression earnest and open, "I haven't ever said this to another girl, so you'll have to excuse me if I botch it horribly. I can only try to tell you how I feel Hannah," he said, his eyes on hers.