"Ade, I like you. I mean, I really enjoy your company," he said. "I don't understand why we can't spend some time together with our clothes on." "Holden. Sweetie. Stop it, okay?" "Stop what?" "Stop trying to turn me into your girlfriend. You're a nice guy. You've got a cute butt, and you're fun in the sack. Doesn't mean we're engaged." Holden rocked back on his heels, feeling himself frown. "Ade. For this to work for me, it needs to be more than that." "But it isn't," she said, taking his hand. "It's okay that it isn't. You're the XO here, and I'm a short-timer. Another run, maybe two, and I'm gone."