Emma wasn’t entirely sure why she’d agreed to meet Alexander again, this time for coffee at a quiet café. Maybe it was the sincerity in his voice or the way he hadn’t pushed her beyond what she was comfortable with. Whatever the reason, she found herself seated across from him, the soft hum of conversations around them blending with the sound of steaming milk and clinking cups.
He handed her the book he’d mentioned earlier, The Bridges We Build. She took it without a word, running her fingers over the cover.
"I thought it might give us something to talk about," Alexander said, his tone casual but hopeful.
Emma raised an eyebrow. "What, are we starting a book club now?"
He chuckled softly. "Only if you’re up for it."
She flipped through the pages idly, trying to hide the small smile tu
