Emma shrugged, smiling softly.“I think it could be. Maybe it’s the start of a story.”
Luke looked at her, that spark from the first meeting flickering again in his gaze.“Then I hope this story has many chapters,” he said quietly.
As Emma left the café, sketchbook clutched to her chest, she couldn’t help but feel that something special had begun—a connection gentle, unexpected, and full of promise.
Chapter 3:
Slippery Moments
The next afternoon, Emma decided to take a walk along Ashford’s riverside, hoping to find new inspiration for her sketches. The snow had turned the path into a slippery wonderland, and she carefully navigated each step.
She wasn’t expecting anyone—but then, she nearly collided with Luke, who seemed just as distracted.
“Whoa!” Emma exclaimed, grabbing his arm to steady him.“You’re supposed to be careful!”
“I could say the same to you!” he shot back, though his laugh betrayed his amusement.
They both laughed, a little breathless from the near-fall. Emma noticed how his hand lingered in hers for a moment longer than necessary, a spark of warmth against the cold.
“I swear, I’m not always this clumsy,” Luke said, rubbing his shoulder.“It must be your effect on me.”
Emma rolled her eyes, but her smile betrayed her own fluttering heart.“Blame me all you want, but I think it’s just the snow.”
They continued walking side by side, occasionally brushing against each other as they navigated the icy path. Luke pointed out little details along the river—the way the icicles caught the sunlight, the patterns in the frozen water. Emma pulled out her sketchbook, trying to capture the moment, but her hand trembled slightly as she sketched him instead of the scenery.
“Are you drawing me?” Luke asked, peering over her shoulder.
Emma’s cheeks flushed crimson.“I… maybe a little. It’s… easier to draw what makes you smile.”
Luke’s grin softened, and he leaned slightly closer.“Then I hope you never stop.”
By the time they reached the end of the path, Emma felt a warmth that had nothing to do with the winter air. Their accidental encounter had turned into a small adventure, and she realized that with Luke, even clumsy, snowy moments felt magical.
Chapter 4:
Hot Chocolate and Laughter
The weekend arrived with the kind of crisp, clear weather that made Ashford look like a winter postcard. Emma met Luke outside the town’s festive market, where stalls of twinkling lights, ornaments, and sweet treats created a magical atmosphere.
“Ready for adventure?” Luke asked, holding out his gloved hand.
Emma took it, smiling.“Lead the way.”
They wandered through the market, sampling gingerbread, laughing at a street performer juggling glowing lanterns, and occasionally bumping into each other in the crowd. Their hands brushed more than once, sending little sparks of warmth through the chilly air.
Finally, they found a small café tucked between two stalls, the smell of cocoa and cinnamon drawing them inside. They ordered two steaming mugs of hot chocolate, complete with whipped cream, and found a cozy corner.
Luke leaned back in his chair, grinning.“You know, this might just be my favorite part of winter.”
Emma raised an eyebrow.“The hot chocolate?”
“No… this.” He gestured between them, his eyes soft.“Being here with you.”
Emma felt her heart flutter.“You’re quite the smooth talker, aren’t you?”
He laughed, a warm, low sound that made her smile widen.“Only for you.”
They spent the afternoon sharing stories, teasing each other gently, and stealing glances that lingered just a little too long. When Emma caught him staring at her, she pretended to examine her sketchbook, but the warmth in her chest told her she noticed.
