I dont think he can, he barely talks to anyone and when he does open up to Jack they have an argument.
Although he never professes his love to Jack, I believe he does talk to him. Given the repression he exhibits think of these:
1. He tells Jack about the loss of his family and his subsequent life.
2. He tells Jack about a very traumatic event of his childhood.
3. He admits he is a virgin.
4. He approaches Jack the next day and discusses his one shot deal/notqueer theory.
5. He approaches the tent the next evening, apologizes to Jack and through actions expresses his interest.
6. He gets visibly and verbally upset when their summer is ended abruptly.
7. He says, "Come here" and lays that passionate reunion kiss on Jack.
8. He admits to feeling vioently ill, when they had to leave each other and admits that a year later he realized it was because he never should have let Jack go.
9. He talks about how he feels about having sex with women versus men.
10. He talks about his paranoia regarding his sexual preference.
11. He talls Jack about Cassie.
12.He lets Jack know in no uncertain terms that he is jealous and does not want him with other men.
Although Jack is more open to Ennis about his feelings for Ennis, I think Ennis reveals more about himself and opens the door for Jack to do the same. Even when he takes Alma, Jr. to the bar with Cassie and him, he asks her afterward if she is o.k.. That was thoughtful and an attempt to pen communication.
I doubt that anyone agrees with me, but given the type of man Ennis is these examples reflect a surprising candor.
