Page 42 of Since the Day We Wished

He smiled back at her, the heat rising in his face, still contemplating what it would be like to kiss her lips. “Anytime.”

Emma sat back down in her chair, finishing the rest of her water. “It’s definitely warm out here tonight.”

Luke sat back down and took a deep breath, trying to pump some much-needed oxygen into his brain. The tension between them made him want to throw himself across the table and kiss her senselessly.

The fabric of their relationship had been subtly, yet irrevocably, altered. A quiet revelation had stirred within Luke, unearthing the depth of his emotions for Emma that he could no longer deny. There was an allure that extended beyond her physical beauty, a pull that hinted at friendship blossoming into something more profound. Luke wondered if Emma too had felt the same magic in that moment.

Suddenly, his phone beeped loudly. Pulling it out of his pocket, he realized it was the reminder telling him it was time to pick up Jeremiah.

Chapter 19

Emma

“Ah, that’s my reminder,” Luke said, looking down at his phone. “Jeremiah’s done volunteering. I have to pick him up. You wanna walk back with me?”

The intense moment with Luke had left her flustered and unable to focus. Despite her desire to leave with him, she found herself rooted to the spot, feeling like her knees might buckle beneath her if she tried to stand. “I think I’m gonna hang out a bit longer and wait for Lisa. I’m sure she’ll want to grab something to eat. It’s the least I could do after she watched Riley for me.”

Luke smiled at her and stood up. “Alright, well I’ll call you soon.” He leaned over and gave her a quick hug, then walked off the terrace and onto the beach.

Pulling out her phone, she sent a quick text to Lisa.

I’m done. Can you meet me at The Point?

Emma set her phone down and looked back into the restaurant, observing the other couples who were eating, drinking, and laughing. She was relieved that she didn’t see Chad and Ashley anymore; their table had been cleared and refilled. Though the band was still playing, the music had faded in the background of her thoughts, which were consumed by the warm and spicy scent of his cologne that still lingered. She kept replaying how he grabbed her hand and led her to the terrace. As he pulled her in closer, it was as if a spell had cast upon them. But then, he stepped back, breaking the enchantment.

Although Emma wished Luke had kissed her in that perfect moment, she knew she had to tread carefully to protect her fragile heart. She wanted to explore her feelings for Luke, but she was also wary of rushing into something she might not be fully ready for. To Emma, it wasn’t just about finding love again, but also about finding herself and healing the wounds of her past.

Carmen returned to their table as Emma was lost in her thoughts about Luke. “Where is your man? Did he leave already?”

“He had to leave and pick up his son.”

Carmen took the seat Luke had vacated moments ago. “You look so happy with him. Girl, he’s a keeper.”

“Well, he is a great guy,” Emma said, blushing with a shy smile.

Just then, Lisa showed up on the terrace with Riley in tow. She pulled up another chair and sat down between the two of them. “What did I miss?”

“I’ll tell you about it on our walk home. I need a few minutes,” Emma said, rubbing her knees.

Lisa gave Emma a knowing look and laughed. “Don’t make me wait. Can we stay for one drink? Please? I did watch your dog for you while you went on a date with your dream guy.”

“It wasn’t a date,” Emma said, her eyes sparkling with amusement. “It was two friends grabbing lunch. And yes, we can stay for a drink. I’ll even buy it since you so graciously watched Riley for me.”

“That sounds like a good deal. Carmen, can I get a Piña colada?”

“And I guess I’ll take another margarita,” Emma added.

Carmen sprang up from her chair. “I’ll be right back!”

As she left, Emma bent down to give Riley a head scratch. “Did you have fun with Aunt Lisa?”

Riley put his nose up to her hands, smelling the food she had eaten. “You’re probably hungry. Don’t worry, I’ll feed you when we get back home.”

“Well, here’s a little something to tide you over in the meantime.” Lisa reached into the beach bag she had with her and pulled out a small container with treats, handing one to Riley. Seeming satisfied for now, Riley stretched and laid down at their feet.

“Alright, you have to tell me what happened,” Lisa urged her. “And don’t spare any of the details!”

“Okay. So, we were walking down the beach toward The Point....”

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