Page 68 of The Holiday House Swap

She tried to play it cool. What other choice did she have? This was good, actually, because it just proved that she was doing the right thing. She had started getting too attached to Sam, and he didn’t feel the same way. She was protecting herself.

“Yeah, this is just a little awkward.”

“Oh.” Sam set down his drink and turned to face her like a little boy who knew he was in trouble. “Okay. Go ahead.”

“I—” Arden reached both of her hands for his, which was the wrong move. Their hands were cold and clammy from their drinks. She let go and wiped her hands on her pants. “I just wanted to say this has been a lot of fun. I’ve really enjoyed hanging out with you. But…”

Sam’s face did a sad half smile, half grimace. “But,” he repeated.

“But I think it’s time to say goodbye.”

“You’re in town for a few more days, aren’t you?”

“I am. But I feel like we’re not on the same page. And I don’t want that to end up being… hurtful.”

Sam closed his eyes, then nodded. “I get it. I guess, in a way, I appreciate this.”

“You do?”

“Yeah. I feel like, as much as it sucks, it’s like you’re doing me a favor.”

Arden had no idea what he meant by this. After a moment, she realized, her insides contracting with mortification, that he probably meant she was doing him a favor so he didn’t have to give her this same speech.

Ouch.

“Okay, well.” Arden stood up. She had wanted one last magical evening with him. This had not turned out to be magical at all. But she’d said what she needed to say. “It was nice getting to know you, Sam.”

“You too, Arden.”

Sam was still sitting on the couch. He realized after a beat that Arden was about to leave, and he jumped up to retrieve her coat from the closet.

Arden’s aching heart melted a little at this, the way he couldn’t help being a gentleman.

“Thank you,” she murmured as he helped her into it.

“Arden, I—” Sam seemed to be about to reach for her, but then his arms swung down by his sides. “Well. I really enjoyed hanging out with you. Happy New Year.”

Arden offered a sad smile. It was several days until the new year, but what else could they say? Have a nice life? They couldn’t say See you later, because they wouldn’t.