Page 85 of When Love Is Unexpected

"I want to tell you that this is something more than pretend," he says, "but your silence says much more than my words ever could."

"Are you mad at me?" I ask.

"Coming here and pretending that we're in a relationship was my idea," he says. "I can't be mad at you for agreeing to help me keep my family off my back."

"Looks like I've given them another reason to be on your case."

"What do you mean?" he asks.

"Your sister asked me about last night. I told her you left because we didn't want to get carried away. She understood what I meant, and I confirmed her suspicions that my virtue is as pure as the driven snow."

He looks at me and puts his hand on the crook of my neck. I love the way he touches me. I close my eyes, wanting to enjoy every second of it. His thumb is caressing my cheek and then my lips.

"So, you think this is simple attraction?" I ask, opening my eyes and looking deep into his.

"Nothing about what I feel for you is simple," he says.

"Are you going to kiss me?" I ask.

"I want to kiss you, but I don't think it's a good idea."

"So, we're going back to being only friends," I say. "That's the plan?"

"It's the safest plan," he says.

"But is it what you want?" I ask.

"Yes," he says, and my heart sinks.

Chapter 20

Sam

I say yes, but my heart is screaming no. It's not what I want. I love you.

"Okay," she says. "Okay. I'll help you pack."

We put all my things back in the suitcase in complete silence. I don't even know what to say to make things better, to make things go back to normal. The last thing I want is for history to repeat itself and for me to be left standing without the girl and without the friend.

I pick up the suitcase and she picks up the last few shirts still on the hangers and hands them to me.

"Are you coming down for lunch?" I ask.

"No," she says, "I have a few phone calls to make, so I'll just grab something from the fridge up here."

There's a smile plastered on her face, but it's not genuine.

For the first time since I've known her, she doesn't walk me to the door.

Everyone notices her absence during lunch. I recite the excuse she gave me, but no one's buying it. All I get are skeptical looks.

"We're still going dancing tonight, right?" asks Emma. “Everyone will be there. It'll be fun."

Luke stops by and picks up Emma to take more wedding gifts to their new house. I help them put everything in the car and recognize one of the boxes from the studio.

"Be careful with this box," I tell Luke, carrying it to the car. "They're cups I made at the studio."

"Emma's going to love them," says Luke, "I'll make sure to put the box in the kitchen."

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