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The soft chime of his phone alarm broke the spell they were under. “That’s my cue to get Jeremiah,” Luke said, looking at his phone. “Want to walk back with me?”
The intensity of their moment left Emma flustered. Despite her desire to leave with him, she found herself rooted to the spot, feeling like her knees might buckle if she tried to stand. “I think I’ll 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. “Alright. I’ll take care of the bill.” He reached into his wallet and pulled out some cash to leave on the table. “I’ll call you soon.” He leaned over, giving her a quick hug, then stepped off the terrace and onto the beach.
Pulling out her phone, she quickly texted 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 eating, drinking, and laughing. She was relieved she hadn’t seen Chad and Ashley again; their table had been cleared and seated with another couple.
The evening air began to cool, carrying with it the refreshing hint of salt from the nearby sea. Distant murmurs of crashing waves harmonized with the soft buzz of conversations from neighboring tables.
Though the band played on, the music faded into the background of her thoughts, which were consumed by the spicy, warm scent of Luke’s cologne.
Why didn’t he kiss me? Emma sighed and discreetly tested her breath with a quick exhale onto her hand. Well, it wasn’t that.
While a part of her wished Luke had kissed her in that perfect moment, she also understood the need to tread carefully.
A soft touch on her shoulder brought Emma back to the present. “Why’d your man pay and leave you here?” Carmen asked.
Emma smiled, a touch of sadness in her eyes. “He had to pick up his son.”
Carmen slid into the seat Luke had vacated moments ago. “You looked happy with him.”
“Well, he’s a great guy,” Emma said, blushing.
The sound of Riley’s bark announced Lisa’s arrival on the terrace. Emma greeted him with a pat as she took his leash. “Hey, boy.”
Lisa dragged a chair over, wedging herself between Emma and Carmen. “Looks like I’m late to the party. What did I miss?”
“I’ll tell you about it on our walk home. I need a few minutes,” Emma said, massaging her knees.
Lisa batted her eyelashes with a knowing look. “Don’t make me wait. Can we stay for one drink? Please? Pretty please? I did watch your dog while you went on a date with Mr. Dreamboat.”
“It wasn’t a date,” Emma said. “It was two friends grabbing food. And yes, one more drink—my treat.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Lisa turned to Carmen. “Can I get a large piña colada?”
“And I’ll take another margarita,” Emma added.
When Carmen stood up to fetch their drinks, she winked at a couple entering the bistro, signaling them to a particularly cozy corner table. Emma watched as Carmen exchanged a few brief words with the bartender, pointing toward their table.
She smiled and reached down to give Riley a head scratch. “Did you have fun with Aunt Lisa?”
Riley put his nose up to her hands.
“You’re probably hungry. Don’t worry, I’ll feed you when we get back home.”
“Hey, I’ve got a little something for Riley.” Lisa dug into her beach bag, retrieving a small container of dog treats and handing one to him. He gobbled it up before lounging comfortably at their feet.
A few moments later Carmen returned, skillfully balancing a tray with their drinks. “I hope I didn’t keep you ladies waiting too long.” She placed the drinks on the table. “Things are picking up inside. I’ll catch you both later.”
Emma lifted her margarita, offering a small toast. “To Carmen.”
Lisa grinned, raising her glass as well. “Best service in town. Cheers!”
With Carmen’s nod of acknowledgment, Lisa turned back to Emma. “Alright, you have to tell me what happened. Every detail.”
Emma sighed, taking a deep breath. “Okay. So, we were walking down the beach toward The Point...”
