Chapter 32
Chapter Thirty-Two
Nat settled deeper into the corner of the sectional in Sofia’s living room, her legs tucked beneath her as she savored another bite of chili.
The flavors were rich and complex – perfectly spiced meat, tender beans, and just the right amount of heat, all topped with a dollop of sour cream and freshly grated cheese.
A simple green salad dressed in lime vinaigrette provided a fresh contrast.
"I can't believe you made this," she said, shooting Sofia an impressed look. "Here I was, thinking you survived on takeout and restaurant meals."
Sofia laughed, reaching for her wine glass. "Don't sound so surprised. I do know my way around a few basic dishes." She was curled up next to Nat, looking relaxed in a simple, navy jumper, her dark hair loose around her shoulders.
"Basic?" Nat raised an eyebrow. "This is restaurant quality. I could get used to this. I’ve been cooking for my family every night now that I haven’t been working.”
“That’s so sweet,” Sofia said. "How has it been, having so much free time?”
"It's been quite busy actually,” Nat said with a chuckle.
“I've been helping with the bakery renovation.
" She set her bowl down on the coffee table. "Which, by the way – thank you again for the tip. I didn’t tell them it came from you; they wouldn’t have accepted it.
My parents have ordered the new oven now, and they're reopening in three weeks.
" She met Sofia’s eyes. "I'm going to pay you back, I promise. Not all at once, but–"
"Stop." Sofia held up a hand. "We're not having this conversation.
I don't want the money back, and I don't ever want to discuss it again.
What matters is that your family's business is getting back on track.
" She smiled. "And that you have a job lined up.
Are you looking forward to starting at The Copper Kettle? "
Nat shrugged, picking up her wine. "Sure.
I mean, it's not my dream job, but I'm looking forward to working again.
" She paused, swirling the wine in her glass.
"It's going to be different though. At the lodge, I sometimes had four or five days off between bookings.
But this will be full-time, regular hours. It might be hard to visit you."
"Then I'll just have to come to you more often," Sofia said simply. She shifted closer on the couch, her knee brushing against Nat's. "I can work remotely while you’re at the cafe, and we'll have the evenings together."
The casual way she spoke about their future made Nat's heart flutter. She set her wine glass down, very aware of Sofia's proximity. "You make it sound so simple."
"Maybe it is," Sofia said softly. "Maybe we're the ones making it complicated."
The fire crackled, sending shadows dancing across the walls. Outside, snow had begun to fall, the flakes visible in the glow of the street lamps. The city sounds felt distant, muffled by the weather and the warmth of their bubble.
"I like your place," Nat said, glancing around. "It suits you. Elegant but comfortable."
"I'm glad you think so." Sofia reached out, tucking a strand of hair behind Nat's ear. Her fingers lingered, trailing down Nat's cheek. "I was nervous about you seeing it. I didn't want it to feel..."
"Intimidating?" Nat supplied with a small smile.
"Yeah." Sofia's hand trailed down and came to rest on Nat's knee. "I want you to feel at home here. Even if you just visit a few times a year."
The air between them felt charged, eighteen days of separation crystallizing into a hunger Nat was desperate to feed. Her pulse quickened as Sofia's thumb traced small circles on her knee. "I do," she whispered.
"Good." Sofia turned to her and propped her elbow on the couch’s backrest. "Because I have plans."
Nat chuckled. "Care to share these plans?"
"I could tell you," Sofia murmured, slowly looking her up and down. "Or I could show you."
"Show me," Nat whispered, and Sofia smiled before closing the final distance between them. Their mouths met in a slow, languid kiss that deepened as their mutual longing poured through. Sofia’s hand moved to Nat’s waist, pulling her closer.
Nat was on fire. Her hands slid up Sofia’s back, feeling the smooth, warm skin beneath her sweater.
She pulled the fabric up slightly, needing to feel more, to touch more.
Sofia’s gasp was a mix of surprise and desire, and it sent a thrill through.
She pulled it off, leaving Sofia in a red, lace balcony bra, and Nat sighed as she took her in.
“You’re so, so beautiful,” she whispered, pressing Sofia back against the cushions.
She dipped her head to trace the curve of Sofia’s jaw with her mouth, down to the soft skin of her neck.
Sofia tilted her head, giving Nat full access. “Nat…” she breathed, her hands finding their way beneath Nat’s shirt, tugging at it until Nat straightened herself and pulled it off.
Nat lowered herself on top of Sofia and pressed herself firmly against her as their mouths crashed together with raw need.
Sofia’s lips moved with urgency, her teeth grazing Nat’s lower lip before she deepened the kiss again, her tongue tangling with Nat’s in a sensual dance.
"Fuck me," she begged. “Fuck me, Nat. I need you.”
Nat's breath hitched, desire pooling between her legs as Sofia’s warm hands roamed over her body, her nails digging into her skin. God, she wanted nothing more, and she felt a rush of exhilaration as she moved back to pull down Sofia's pants and her panties.
Tossing them aside, she stared down at Sofia, who was unclipping her bra and discarding it, now fully exposed and at her mercy.
For a beat, Nat was frozen as her eyes roamed over Sofia, drinking her in.
She was nothing short of breathtaking—an exquisite mix of strength and vulnerability.
Sofia's dark hair was tousled, spilling over the cushions in soft waves and her full lips were slightly parted as she looked up with those dark and expressive eyes, holding Nat’s gaze with a silent invitation and a promise all at once.
Nat’s eyes traveled downward, taking in the elegant curve of Sofia’s neck, still tinged red from their earlier kisses.
Her collarbone stood out delicately, leading down to the swell of her chest. Her body was graceful yet toned, each line and contour shifting with the heavy rise and fall of her chest.
She traced Sofia’s waist with her hands, appreciating the smoothness of her skin, the strength beneath it.
She leaned down, pressing soft kisses along Sofia’s jawline and tracing a slow, reverent path down her body, savoring every reaction, every quiver, and every sigh that escaped Sofia’s lips.
She trailed her mouth over Sofia's hard nipple and Sofia's chest shot up as she tangled her hands in Nat's hair, pulling her in.
"Fuck! Yes!" she breathed, her back arching and her hips rolling.
Nat lowered a hand in between them and stroked the sensitive skin of Sofia’s inner thighs until she was squirming beneath her.
Nat met her gaze, the hunger in Sofia's eyes nearly undoing her, and she lowered herself on top of her to capture Sofia's mouth once more, while her fingers slipped through Sofia’s folds, finding her liquid heat.
Sofia moaned, lifting her hips to meet her touch as Nat teased her. Then her breath caught as Nat slipped two fingers inside her, and another loud moan filled the room.
"You feel incredible," Nat whispered, the words heavy with longing. Sofia's breath hitched as Nat's fingers deepened their exploration, a sultry rhythm that mirrored the pulsing heat between them.
"You have no idea what you're doing to me," Sofia murmured, her head falling back, surrendering fully.
Nat moved slowly, deliberately, watching Sofia's face as pleasure coursed through her. She pressed soft kisses along Sofia's neck, tasting the salt of her skin.
Sofia’s arms and legs wrapped around her hips like a blanket while their hearts raced in sync. She opened her eyes and looked at Nat while she balanced on the edge. It seemed like she wanted to say something, but no words came out.
“What is it?” Nat asked. “Are you okay?”
“I...” Another moan escaped Sofia’s lips as she tightened her grip on Nat. “I love you," she finally whispered, her eyes fluttering closed again as her whole body tensed for a beat. She cried out, her walls clenching around Nat’s fingers while her climax washed over her.
As waves of pleasure enveloped them both, a soft smile tugged at the corners of Nat's lips. The moment hung between them, charged with vulnerability. Her heart raced, a blend of surprise and elation swirling within her.
"Sofia," she whispered, reaching to cup her face, their foreheads touching as if sealing a sacred bond. "I love you too." The admission spilled out like a beautiful confession, wrapping around them, and for the first time, the weight of uncertainty lifted.
They lay tangled together in the aftermath, their breath slowly steadying. Nat traced idle patterns on Sofia's shoulder, committing this moment to memory—not just the intimacy they'd shared, but the raw honesty of those three words.