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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.
Feeling 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’s all these people here—”
“Well, we don’t have to. I’m just glad to be here with you,” his voice gentle and understanding. “But it could 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 could 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 could feel 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.
He smiled back at her, feeling heat rise 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 senseless.
He was aware things had changed between them tonight and couldn’t deny what he felt for Emma anymore. Luke knew she felt the same. It was time for them to stop hiding their feelings. But were they really ready to put their hearts out there again?
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 know 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 felt 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 memories of Luke. She kept replaying the moment when he led her to the terrace, pulled her close, and his hand touched hers. The warm and spicy scent of his cologne still lingered in her mind, intoxicating her senses.
The dynamics between her and Luke had taken a drastic turn tonight. Earlier in the afternoon, they were just two friends enjoying a leisurely walk on the beach. Now their relationship had evolved into something more. The undeniable connection between them couldn’t be ignored any longer.
Emma couldn’t help but wonder why Luke didn’t kiss her. The moment had been magical, with their eyes locked in a mesmerizing gaze and him pulling her in closer. She had felt a spell being cast upon them, and her heart had been pounding with anticipation. But then, he stepped back, breaking the enchantment.
She wished Luke had kissed her in that perfect moment, but she was also grappling with her own emotions. Emma 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. Her heart and mind were at odds, and she found herself grappling with the conflicting emotions.
Emma knew she had to navigate the delicate balance between her desires and her fears. She couldn’t help but wonder what the future held for her and Luke, and whether they could overcome the obstacles that stood in their way. Only time would reveal the answers, and she was resolved to be cautious yet open, and to trust her instincts as she navigated the uncertain waters of her emotions. It wasn’t just about finding love anymore, but also about finding herself and healing the wounds of her past.
Carmen returned to their table just as Emma was lost in her thoughts about Luke. “Where is your man? Did he leave already?"
