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.