Lucas smiled, looking around.“It does. Feels like a storybook. Speaking of stories… is that bookstore over there yours?” He pointed to the cozy little building with twinkling lights in the windows.
Emma nodded, a small smile tugging at her lips.“I work there. Best job I’ve ever had, honestly.”
“Maybe you can show me around sometime,” Lucas said, his tone easy and friendly.“I could use a guide.”
Emma laughed softly, shaking her head.“Maybe I will. Depends if you can handle the chaos of Willow Creek in December.”
Lucas grinned, and the sound of it made Emma’s chest warm despite the cold.“I think I can manage,” he said.
As they parted ways—Emma heading toward the bookstore and Lucas down the snowy street—Emma couldn’t shake the feeling that this chance encounter was the start of something unexpected. Something… exciting.
And somewhere deep inside, she already hoped the snow would last.
Chapter 2:
Among the Pages
The warm glow of The Page Turner was a stark contrast to the crisp winter air outside. Emma shook off her coat, hung it on the rack, and started arranging the new arrivals on the display shelf.
A soft bell chimed above the door, signaling a customer had arrived. Emma looked up and froze—Lucas was standing there, snowflakes still dusting his dark hair, a shy smile on his face.
“Hey,” he said, brushing his hands on his coat.“I hope I’m not interrupting anything.”
Emma’s cheeks warmed.“No… not at all. Just arranging some books. What brings you here?”
Lucas glanced around, eyes lighting up.“Honestly? I wanted to see what all the fuss about this bookstore is. You make it sound like a little magical kingdom.”
Emma laughed softly.“It’s magical if you love books. And… it’s cozy. Very cozy.”
Lucas stepped further inside, careful not to knock over the display.“Cozy sounds perfect. Especially in weather like this.”
Emma gestured to a small reading nook by the window.“Feel free to grab a book and warm up by the fire. Hot chocolate is just over there if you want it.”
Lucas’s eyes sparkled.“Hot chocolate? Now you’re speaking my language.”
As he settled into the nook, Emma returned to her work, sneaking glances at him as he scanned the shelves. There was something disarmingly easy about him—the kind of presence that made a person forget the world for a moment.
After a few minutes, Lucas called her over.“Emma, could you help me choose? I’m terrible at picking books for myself.”
She walked over, smiling.“Terrible, huh? Don’t worry, I can fix that. What do you like?”
Lucas shrugged.“I’m not picky… though something heartwarming might be nice. You know, to match the snow outside.”
Emma’s eyes twinkled.“Heartwarming, huh? I think I have a few perfect choices for you.”
As she handed him a few carefully selected novels, their fingers brushed, and an electric jolt ran through her. She quickly pulled her hand back, hoping he hadn’t noticed.
“Thanks,” Lucas said, his voice low, almost shy.“I think I’m going to like it here.”
Emma smiled, feeling a flutter in her chest.“I think… you might.”
And as she watched him settle back into the nook, a small, secret hope grew inside her—maybe, just maybe, this snowy encounter was the beginning of something magical.
Chapter 3:
Shared Stories
The next morning, Emma was arranging the morning specials near the café corner of The Page Turner when the familiar bell above the door jingled.
