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She led him along the hidden path until a towering lighthouse emerged in the distance.
Emma’s eyes scanned the surroundings until she spotted a picnic table nestled at the base of the lighthouse. “Let’s sit there,” she said, nodding in its direction.
As they strolled toward it, the ocean came into view, stretching as far as Emma could see. A small sloop bobbed on the gray-green waves, leaving a trail of white foam in its wake. Nearby, palm trees lining the beach rustled and swayed with the gentle ocean breeze.
They settled down at the picnic table, diving into the fries and deeper conversation. As they exchanged stories about their lives, hopes, and dreams, time seemed to slip away. Before they realized it, not only was the jumbo bucket of fries empty, two hours had also passed.
Emma’s eyes darted down to her watch. “Is that really the time?”
Luke chuckled. “I guess it is. We should probably head back now, don’t you think?”
Emma nodded, and as she rose from the bench, her foot caught on a large rock. She stumbled.
Luke reached for her, his arms wrapping around her waist in one swift movement. “Steady.”
“Th-thank you,” Emma stammered, her pulse quickening as she met his gaze. “For catching me.”
Luke smiled. “Anytime.”
Emma turned away, heat flooding her cheeks. Her thoughts swirled, trying to make sense of the sudden pull she felt.
She took a deep breath to steady herself and decided it was best to focus on the path ahead.
As they walked back, Emma replayed the moment in her head, reliving the sensation of being held in his arms. A mix of emotions tugged at her, blending attraction with the haunting fear of past mistakes. In the silent spaces between each heartbeat, she grappled with these conflicting truths.
When they arrived back at the rescue parking lot, Emma turned and faced Luke. “Thanks for the walk. And the fries. And for making sure I didn’t face-plant,” she said with a smile.
“Well, I wasn’t just going to watch you fall.” Luke laughed. “Next time, I’ll think twice about ordering the jumbo size. I probably won’t have to eat lunch now. We should do it again sometime.”
Emma’s heart fluttered at the thought of spending more time with him, but she tried to play it cool. “Yeah, that would be fun.”
With a pause that felt a touch too long, charged with unspoken words and possibilities, they finally said their goodbyes.
Afterward, Emma walked toward the rescue building, replaying the day’s events. As she neared the entrance, the doors flew open.
“Ugh!” Charlotte groaned, storming out. Her toffee-toned hair swayed behind her as her tall, slender frame moved quickly. Just as she was about to run into Emma, a gust of wind blew, causing some strands to whip forward.
Emma reached out, grabbing Charlotte’s arm. “Hey, hey, hey, wait a minute. What’s going on?”
Charlotte shook her head, and as she did, her hair fell onto her face. She irritably brushed it away. “Oh, nothing. And everything.” She sighed, her shoulders slumping. “Why do guys have to be so frustrating sometimes? Or all the time?”
“You’ll have to give me a little more than that,” Emma said.
“Jeremiah told me I look prettier when I smile, but I’m not his type because I’m way ‘too bossy’ for him,” Charlotte said, holding up air quotes. “He’s just mad because I had to babysit him today when we had to walk the dogs. He couldn’t even put on their leash harnesses without my help!”
Emma observed Charlotte’s uncharacteristic irritation and anger. She had never seen her so affected by anyone before, except when she argued with her mother, which was always infused with humor. She almost wanted to laugh but knew it wouldn’t help the situation.
From her vantage point, Emma noticed Jeremiah emerge from the rescue, his gaze darting toward Charlotte. In response, Charlotte stiffened, crossing her arms and tilting her chin up, pointedly ignoring his presence. Amused by the scene, Emma couldn’t help but let a smile slip, quickly masking it as she turned to look at Luke’s car.
After Jeremiah settled into the passenger seat and Luke began to pull out of the parking lot, he raised his hand in a farewell gesture to Emma. She waved back.
“Don’t wave at him.” Charlotte grabbed her hand and forced it down. “He doesn’t deserve it.”
Emma turned back to the sulking teenage girl. “Who? Luke?”
She shook her head. “Ew, gross! I meant Jeremiah,” she said. “He’s such a baby. Like, go back to pre-K and learn some manners.”
Emma wanted to tell Charlotte to give him a break but decided against it. She was already mad enough, and Emma didn’t want to make it worse.
