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She remained silent.
“Look, I’ve been trying to rebuild bridges, especially with Jeremiah. And that journey has taught me the importance of seizing the moment,” Luke continued. “I sense there’s something between us, something worth exploring. And I could be wrong, but maybe you feel it too?”
There was a pause, and Luke’s heart rate ratcheted up a notch. An eternity passed.
Emma finally spoke. “Luke, I like you a lot too. It’s just—it’s scary, you know?”
“I get it,” Luke responded, looking out into the distance. “I don’t want to push you into anything you’re not ready for. We can take things at your pace.”
Emma let out a soft sigh. “Thanks. I’d like that.”
“Of course. I just want us to be on the same page,” Luke said. He took a deep breath before asking the question that had been lingering in his mind. “So, would you like to get together again?”
He shifted his weight from foot to foot as he waited for her response.
“Yes, I would,” Emma said.
A rush of warmth tingled through him as he leaned against a tree, feeling the rough bark press into his back.
“But it’ll have to be next week,” she said. “I’ve got class and tutoring every day this week, along with baking at night for the dog treat orders coming in. Is that okay?”
“Yeah, of course. I’m just glad you want to see me again.”
“I thought that was pretty obvious,” she giggled, making Luke’s heart skip a beat. “I can’t wait to hang out again.”
“Me too. There’s just one thing.” Luke paused, biting his bottom lip. He looked down at his feet as he began pacing. “I really want to share this with Jeremiah, but I’m not sure when or how to do that yet. So is it alright if we just keep this between us for now? I’d hate for him to find out through the grapevine.”
Emma groaned. “Oh no. You’ve heard of the grapevine?”
“Hard not to,” Luke admitted with a chuckle. “The most eligible bachelor in Hadley Cove? Yeah, I know about the grapevine.”
“Well, at least everything they’re saying about you is positive,” she teased, and a burst of laughter followed.
“Hopefully it stays that way,” he said. “Or if they didn’t include me at all in the Hadley Cove gossip, that’d be fine too.”
“I definitely can’t promise that. But we can keep our date on the down-low,” Emma said, her voice reassuring. “And don’t worry too much about Jeremiah. You’ll know exactly what to say when it’s time to talk to him.”
Luke let out a sigh. “Thanks. That makes me feel better.” He glanced up at the illuminated house, grateful that Jeremiah’s bedroom didn’t overlook the backyard.
“How did it go with Jeremiah when you picked him up?” Emma asked.
“Really well, actually. We stopped and grabbed a pizza, and he told me about his day without me prompting him every five seconds. Felt like a breakthrough.”
“That’s awesome! I’m so happy for you. It’s all about those baby steps and little victories.”
Luke smiled. “It’s nice to hear that someone’s on my side.”
“I’ll always be on your side,” Emma said. “So, what are you thinking?”
Luke stopped pacing. “About what?”
“For our date next week.”
“Oh. Well, maybe dinner again?”
“Eating is one of my specialties,” Emma said. “How about Sea Breeze Tavern? It’s a bit off the beaten path. Not many town folks visit.”
“Perfect. How’s next Tuesday?”
