Written In The Stars

Chapter 10: A Step Closer

The evening stretched on as they strolled down the dimly lit streets, the world around them hushed by nightfall. With every step, the quiet city felt like it was closing in around just the two of them. Emma could feel her heart pounding, not from nerves but from the simple thrill of being in his company. She had the sense that, right here, right now, nothing mattered beyond the gentle cadence of their footsteps and the sound of Lucas's voice.

They wandered past cozy cafes and quiet shops, stopping outside a little coffeehouse tucked into the corner of the street. It was warm inside, with golden lights and a soft buzz of conversation. Emma could see the appeal instantly-the inviting glow, the subtle smell of coffee in the air, and the laughter coming from a group of friends nearby.

They slipped into a booth at the back, seated close enough that their knees brushed under the table. Emma looked across at Lucas, feeling a shyness she couldn't quite place.

"What would you be doing if you weren't a writer?" he asked, his eyes twinkling with curiosity.

She smiled, letting out a laugh as she considered it. "Honestly, I have no idea. Maybe something completely random like... a florist, or a baker in a sleepy town far from the city."

"Emma the baker," he teased, grinning. "I could see that. Though I don't know if you'd last. Something tells me you're made for something bigger."

She looked at him, struck by the certainty in his voice. "You really think so?"

"I know so," he replied, voice softening. "It takes a certain kind of person to put their heart out in the world the way you do."

For a moment, she felt herself blush. There was something about him that made her feel seen, and she couldn't help but be drawn to it.

They fell into an easy rhythm as the night went on, sharing stories, laughing, and talking about everything that came to mind. She told him about the moments of joy and frustration she felt as a writer, and he shared tales from his own experiences as a photojournalist-the struggles of capturing a moment, the beauty of preserving stories, and the places he'd been to that felt worlds apart from here.

When the last of their coffee had gone cold, Lucas suggested a walk, and they stepped back outside. The air was brisk, making Emma pull her jacket a little tighter, and Lucas noticed, subtly drawing closer to her as they walked.

They wandered past the rows of shops until they came to a little park, the quiet pathway lit by old-fashioned street lamps. The park had a timeless feel, and the stars peeked through the branches above, adding a touch of magic to the night.
As they walked, Emma glanced up, trying to hide her smile, the night air filling her with a strange, giddy energy. She felt his gaze on her and laughed softly, unable to resist the bubbling happiness within her.

And then, caught up in her own world, she didn't see the uneven curb.

With a gasp, she tripped, stumbling forward, her balance slipping away from her in an instant. But before she could fall, Lucas's arm shot out, steadying her. His hands found her waist as she fell against his chest, the warmth of his body grounding her.

Her breath caught, her face inches from his, her hands pressed against his chest to steady herself. She looked up, meeting his eyes-those eyes that held a softness she hadn't noticed before. They were close, closer than she'd ever imagined, and neither of them moved, the moment stretching out as the world faded around them.

"Are you okay?" he whispered, his voice barely above a breath, his gaze fixed on her.

Emma nodded, unable to speak, her heart pounding so loudly she was sure he could hear it. But his gaze dropped to her lips, and she felt herself drawn to him, caught in the pull between them that she could no longer deny.

In that shared silence, Lucas leaned in, closing the space between them, his lips brushing hers in a soft, tentative kiss. The warmth of his mouth on hers sent a shock of electricity through her, igniting a feeling she hadn't known was possible. The kiss was gentle yet full of all the unspoken words, the months of wondering, waiting, hoping.

Her fingers curled into his shirt as the kiss deepened, her world shrinking to the feel of his lips, the softness of his touch, the way he held her as though she were something fragile and precious.

When they finally pulled back, their foreheads resting together, both of them were breathless, eyes still closed, a small, dazed smile tugging at Emma's lips.

"That was... unexpected," she whispered, a hint of laughter in her voice.

Lucas chuckled, his fingers still gently resting on her waist. "I guess that makes two of us."
As they walked side by side, a comfortable silence settled between them, the world around them feeling just a little brighter, a little more alive. Emma glanced at Lucas, catching the gentle smile that lingered on his face, and felt her heart skip. It was as if the kiss had unlocked something between them, something she'd been waiting for without even knowing it.

They reached the corner where they would part ways, and Lucas paused, looking down at her with a softness that made her feel warm all over.

"Same time next week?" he asked, a hopeful glint in his eyes.

Emma felt her cheeks warm, nodding with a small smile. "I'd like that."

"Good," he said softly, his hand brushing hers one last time before he took a step back. "I'll be counting the days."

As he walked away, Emma stood there, watching until he disappeared into the night. She touched her lips, still tingling from the kiss, feeling as if she'd just stepped into the first page of a brand new story-one she couldn't wait to see unfold.

When she finally turned to leave, her heart was lighter than it had been in ages, a smile tugging at her lips. Somehow, she knew that this was only the beginning.