Page 41 of Since the Day We Wished

Luke took a long drink of water. “I think I need to cut myself off from the tequila after a comment like that.”

Emma’s cheeks were rosy from laughing so much. “Me too.”

“Actually, I’m gonna use the restroom, if you’ll excuse me.”

“Well, I’ll be here, picking food off of your plate,” Emma teased.

The men’s restroom was empty as he walked inside. After he finished, he headed over to the sink to wash his hands. That’s when he bumped into Chad. Luke knew it had to be him because it was the man Emma had seen before they walked into the bistro earlier.

And it looked like Chad recognized him too. A large, smug smile spread across his face as he looked directly into Luke’s eyes.

“Pardon me,” Luke said, turning on the water. “Didn’t see you there.”

“Well, I did see you,” Chad told him. “Listen, buddy, can I give you a word of advice?”

Luke glanced up at him in the mirror. “What might that be?”

“If I were you, I’d consider ending things with her sooner rather than later. Trust me, I know what I’m talking about. You’ll get tired of her soon enough, and it’ll only get more complicated the longer you stay. Take it from me,” Chad drawled, tossing his hair back in the mirror.

Chad didn’t wait for Luke to reply before he left the restroom. Luke let his words hang in the air as he dried his hands with a paper towel, his heart heavy with the realization of the type of man Emma had once been married to. The thought only strengthened his resolve to show her the love and respect she had always deserved.

The band started to play as he came back out and made his way to their table. He sat down and looked over at Emma. She was even more charming than she had been a few minutes ago. A smile grew on her face as he continued to stare at her.

“What is it?” she asked. “Do I have something in my teeth?”

Luke shook his head. “No, just looking at you.”

Emma’s cheeks deepened to a dark shade of scarlet. She took a sip of her water and fanned herself with a napkin. “Does it feel hot in here? Or out here, rather?” she asked, gesturing to the terrace.

“It’s a little warm,” Luke said, nodding toward the beach. “We could go for a swim.”

Emma laughed, shaking her head. “It’s not that hot.”

After Luke settled the bill and the plates were cleared, they lingered at the table, soaking in the ambiance. The band had finished playing an upbeat Italian tune and had now transitioned to a slower, sweeter song.

Emma gasped in excitement. “This is my favorite! I love this song...it’s so beautiful when Antonio sings it.” She closed her eyes and swayed to the music for a few moments, lost in the melody.

Emboldened by the moment, Luke stood up and walked over to her. Emma opened her eyes and gazed up at him with surprise.

“What are you doing?” she asked.

He smiled down at her and offered his hand. “There’s a first time for everything, right? How about a dance?”

“Oh, Luke. I don’t know. I’m not really a good dancer. There are all these people here—”

“Well, we don’t have to. I’m just glad to be here with you.” His voice was gentle and understanding. “But it’d be a lot of fun though,” Luke added with a mischievous grin, his eyes twinkling with excitement.

Emma chuckled and despite her initial hesitation, she put her hand in his, as if his touch would melt away her worries. She allowed him to lead her to the center of the terrace. The song was the perfect backdrop for a dance, with the ocean waves creating a serene ambiance.

As Luke wrapped his arm around her waist, Emma’s nerves dissipated, and she began to relax into the moment. “I haven’t danced like this since my wedding,” she admitted.

“Well, you should dance more often,” Luke said, smiling at her.

As they swayed to the music, Luke’s gaze locked onto Emma’s warm, velvety brown eyes, and his heart began to race. The sounds around them faded into the background, and he felt himself being drawn closer and closer to her. He could almost taste the sweetness of her lips, which were only inches away from his. All he had to do was lean forward...

Luke pulled back, clearing his throat. The song had ended, and a crowd from inside was clapping.

“That was... um... thank you for the dance,” Emma said breathlessly.

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