Chapter 16
Misread Signals
A few days after their riverside kiss, Emma and Luke planned to meet at their favorite café for a late afternoon study session. Emma arrived first, sipping her tea and sketching in her notebook, when she noticed Luke talking to someone by the counter.
A woman with dark hair and a bright scarf laughed at something Luke said, her hand briefly brushing his arm. Emma froze, a sudden pang of unease creeping in.
“Luke…” she called softly as he turned, smiling at her.
“Emma!” he said, approaching. But she couldn’t ignore the quick glance he had given the other woman, the easy familiarity in their conversation.
“Who was that?” Emma asked, trying to keep her voice steady.
Luke blinked, puzzled. “That? Oh, just a classmate from my university days. We ran into each other by chance. Nothing important.”
Emma’s lips pressed into a thin line. “She looked… close. You didn’t mention her before.”
“It’s not like that, Emma,” Luke said gently, sensing her discomfort. “I promise, you’re the only one I care about. I didn’t think to mention her because it wasn’t… relevant.”
Emma nodded, though a small sting lingered. “Okay. I just… I don’t want to feel like I’m competing for your attention.”
Luke reached across the table, taking her hand. “Emma, you never will. I like you. Only you. And if I ever make you feel otherwise, I want you to tell me, always.”
Her chest warmed at his sincerity, and she squeezed his hand in return. “I will. I just… I guess I worry sometimes.”
Luke smiled softly. “That’s okay. I like that you care. And I’ll do my best to show you that you have nothing to worry about.”
The tension melted as they returned to their sketches and conversation.
Emma realized that while misunderstandings could create unease, Luke’s honesty and care made it easy to work through them.
That day reminded her that love, even in its slow-burn form, required trust—and a willingness to communicate.