Cole knew he was doing the right thing, that this was best for both of them - but the look on her face didn't make it easy. The last thing he wanted to do was hurt her, but he just couldn't give her what she wanted. What he wanted didn't matter, not if it ended up making things worse in the end.
He forced himself not to speak impulsively, considering his words before he said them. "I don't want you to think that this means I don't like you, or that there's... there's something wrong with you or anything. I just-- I know you're an adult, but there are just so many reasons why this can't happen. The age difference is something I can't ignore, and having to hide our relationship wouldn't be fair to you." He kept his arms at his side, resisting any urge to return the gesture. "You deserve to be with someone you don't have to sneak around with, constantly worrying about people finding out and..." He hesitated, reaching out to place his hands on her shoulders.
"I just can't." He wanted to apologize but didn't. It was for the best, and someday she'd realize that.