Lucas stepped inside, his scarf wrapped snugly around his neck and a mischievous grin on his face.
“Morning, Emma,” he said, brushing a stray snowflake from his coat.“I hope I’m not imposing again.”
Emma laughed softly.“You’re not. But you might get labeled the most frequent visitor if you keep showing up every day.”
“I’m willing to take that risk,” Lucas replied, his eyes twinkling.
Emma shook her head, smiling.“You really do make it hard to take anything seriously, don’t you?”
Lucas walked over to the reading nook, plopping down with a sigh of contentment.“Serious is overrated. I’d much rather enjoy the moment… especially if it’s spent here, with you.”
Emma felt her cheeks warm and quickly turned back to arranging books, though she stole a few glances at him.“Well… if you insist on being here, at least let me help you find something new to read,” she said, picking up a stack of novels.
Lucas leaned back lazily, watching her.“You know, I think I could get used to this—sharing stories, cozy corners, hot chocolate…”
Emma raised an eyebrow.“Used to this, huh? Sounds suspiciously like you’re enjoying yourself.”
Lucas laughed, a deep, warm sound that made Emma’s heart flutter.“Guilty as charged.”
As the day went on, Lucas lingered, picking up new books, asking for Emma’s opinions, and laughing at her witty commentary. The hours slipped by unnoticed, the snow piling up outside, while inside, the warmth of the café and their growing friendship created a world of its own.
At one point, Lucas held up a novel.“Do you think this is too much for me?”
Emma smiled, stepping closer.“Not at all. In fact, I think you’re going to love it.”
He glanced at her, eyes soft.“I think… I’m starting to love more than just the books.”
Emma froze, her heart skipping a beat.“Oh?” she whispered, trying to mask the sudden flutter in her chest.
Lucas shrugged, pretending to look at a shelf, but she could see the faint blush creeping across his cheeks.“Maybe it’s the snow. Maybe it’s you. Either way, it’s nice.”
Emma felt a quiet thrill of anticipation. She couldn’t deny it anymore—something was slowly, irresistibly blossoming between them.
And with the snow continuing to fall softly outside, Emma realized that perhaps Willow Creek’s winter held more than just cold air and twinkling lights—it held the promise of something warm, bright, and entirely unexpected.
Chapter 4:
Little Secrets
The snow continued to fall lightly outside The Page Turner, painting the world in quiet shades of white. Inside, the warmth of the café corner made it feel like a separate universe, one where the outside world could wait.
Emma was stacking a display of new arrivals when she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to see Lucas holding a small notebook, a grin tugging at his lips.
“Found this in the park yesterday,” he said, handing it to her.“Thought you might like to see it.”
Emma took the notebook, flipping it open to reveal pages filled with sketches—tiny, detailed drawings of the town, the café, and even some of the bookshelves. She glanced up at him, surprised.
“You drew all this?” she asked softly.
Lucas nodded, a faint blush on his cheeks.“I… sketch sometimes. Helps me notice things I might otherwise miss. And… well, I thought you’d appreciate it.”
Emma’s heart warmed.“I love it,” she said, genuinely touched.“It’s… personal. I like that.”
Lucas shrugged, pretending to be casual, but his eyes stayed on her face, watching her reaction closely.“Glad you like it. You’re… easy to inspire.”
Emma laughed softly, a little embarrassed by the flutter in her chest.“Easy to inspire? That sounds dangerously charming.”
Lucas grinned.“Maybe that’s the plan.”
