'Temptation Island's Kareem Thomas on Building Trust With Esonica Veira and Putting Her Happiness First

• Kareem Thomas came onto Temptation Island single and ready to mingle, looking for a "unique experience" where he could maybe find love.

• Kareem formed a bond with Esonica Veira (who was dating Gavin Rocker) which was based on emotion and trust.

• Things got physical for Kareem and Esonica soon before the final bonfire ceremony, where she has to pick between Kareem, Gavin, or herself.

Among the many connections formed during Season 2 of Temptation Island, Esonica Veira and Kareem Thomas might be the least problematic. The two hit it off pretty early on, but instead of rushing into things, they first formed a very special trust in one another, which has proved so far to be the right move. But at the end of the day, Esonica came onto the show with her boyfriend, Gavin Rocker, so although there hasn't been much conflict for her and Kareem, the final bonfire ceremony is guaranteed to be emotional.

As we wait to see what choice Esonica will make in tonight's finale, we caught up with Kareem to chat all things his Temptation Island lady, why he joined the dating show, and how the whole process has been.

Floor8: What initially attracted you to Temptation Island? Were you looking to fall in love or did you just want to have some fun to see where it would go?

Kareem: What initially attracted me to Temptation Island was the idea that I could have some fun through a unique experience while potentially finding love along the way. 

Floor8: You and Esonica seemed to hit it off relatively early on. In the early stages did you think there was a chance she’d leave the island with you?

Kareem: To be honest, no. That wasn’t a thought at all early on. I told her several times that I am here to help her find herself and help her realize what she wants and deserves from a man. We wanted to build a solid foundation first and foremost through friendship but we were also attracted to one another. At the end of it all, whether Sonic decided to leave the island with me, Gavin, or alone, I just wanted her to do what she feels is best for her.

Floor8: What made Esonica stand out to you?

Kareem: What originally stood out to me was Sonic’s personality. I was physically attracted to her as well but all of the lovely ladies in our villa were attractive so her personality was the determining factor that made me want to get to know her better. She was very standoffish at first but I knew there was a big heart behind her attitude.

Floor8: It seemed things really took a turn with Esonica during your overnight date. Did you have any doubts about your future together after that?

Kareem: No doubts at all. We both knew no matter what happens during that final bonfire we would also hold a special place in each other lives. 

Floor8: What was your dream outcome going into Esonica’s final bonfire?

Kareem: My dream outcome was for Sonic to make a decision that would make her happy. I truly was not thinking about myself or my wishes during this moment. I really just wanted to see her happy no matter what the outcome would be.

Catch the finale of Temptation Island Season 2 tonight on USA, followed by the reunion special, starting at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT.