Page 16 of Pine Creek Lodge
So Nat remained in the chair, her body at rest while her mind raced. This wasn't her. She wasn't the type to laze about, especially not when she was supposed to be working. What would her boss say if he knew she was spending the daywatching movies instead of attending to her guest's needs? What would her parents think?
But then again, Sofia was her guest, and this was what Sofia wanted. And if Nat was being completely honest with herself, which was harder to do than usual with the lingering effects of last night's wine, she was enjoying this enforced downtime more than she cared to admit.
Her gaze drifted from the TV to Sofia, who was engrossed in her book. Gone was the ice queen who had arrived at the chalet, all sharp edges and frosty demeanor. In her place was this softer version of Sofia, with her messy bun and oversized sweater, her feet tucked under her and a sleeping Moxie curled up in her lap.
As if sensing Nat's gaze, she looked up from her book, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Enjoying the movie?" she asked, her voice tinged with amusement.
Nat felt her cheeks warm, caught in her staring. She quickly turned her attention back to the TV, where the lead couple was having some contrived misunderstanding. "Oh, um, yes," she lied, having lost track of the plot long ago. "It's... entertaining."
Sofia arched a brow at her, clearly not buying it, and Nat hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Would you... would you like to watch something together?" The words were out of her mouth before she could second-guess herself, and she immediately felt a flutter of nervousness.
Sofia stared at her and smiled as she seemed to consider the offer for a beat, then nodded. "Yes," she said. "Why not?"
Nat felt a rush of... something. Excitement? She wasn't quite sure, but she smiled back. "Great," she said, reaching for the remote. "What would you like to watch?"
Sofia shrugged, closing her book and setting it aside. "I'm open to anything. What do you usually enjoy watching?"
Nat shrugged and grinned sheepishly, her mind blank. She rarely had time for TV or movies, and usually collapsed into bedafter long days at the chalet or helping out at her parents' bakery. When she did watch something, it was usually whatever Zoe had recommended, which tended to lean towards reality shows. Feeling a sudden pressure to impress Sofia, she scrambled for something intellectual-sounding. "How about a documentary?" she suggested, scrolling through the options.
"Actually," Sofia said with a grin, "what about a romance?”
Nat blinked, surprised by the suggestion. "Oh, um, sure," she said.A romance? With Sofia?The idea sent a little thrill through her.
She scrolled through the options, her eyes landing on a title she vaguely remembered "How about this one?" she asked, selecting a film with two women on the cover, their faces close together in what was clearly meant to be a romantic moment. "'Portrait of a Lady on Fire.' It's supposed to be really good."
"Oh, I've been wanting to see that! It's set in the 18th century, isn't it? About a painter and her subject?" Sofia leaned in to read the description. “I know I said I didn’t watch TV, but I am partial to a good romance.” She winked. “One I can relate to. But wait, we need snacks. Movie nights always need snacks. I'll order something in?"
Nat shook her head, a small laugh escaping her. "We can't order in. Remember the storm?" She stood up. "But I can whip something in no time." Before Sofia could protest, she was heading for the kitchen.
She quickly mixed up a simple flatbread dough, kneading it briefly before rolling it out on a baking sheet. Over this, she spread a layer of pesto, then topped it with a generous helping of cheese, olives, and artichoke hearts.
While the flatbread baked, she made two cups of fresh mint tea and a bowl of salted popcorn. By the time she returned with the spread, Sofia had shifted over on the couch, and she pattedthe space next to her. "Come and sit here with me. This looks amazing. You didn't have to go to all this trouble."
"It's no trouble," Nat said, setting the tray down on the coffee table. "It's my job, after all, and I’m really slacking at that today." She glanced at the couch and then at Sofia. “Oh boy. Watching a movie with a guest? I could get in so much trouble.”
“Not more than for drinking with a guest,” Sofia quipped, lifting the blanket draped over her lap and patting the space next to her.
“Touché.” Nat’s heart raced as she sat down, a mix of excitement and nervousness making her pulse quicken. The guilt of neglecting her duties still nagged at the back of her mind, but it was rapidly being overshadowed by a growing sense of anticipation. There was something undeniably right about this moment, about sharing this cozy space with Sofia, that both thrilled and terrified her. Nat was torn between the urge to inch closer and the instinct to maintain a professional distance.
"Mmm… More carbs," Sofia said, her voice taking on an almost childlike excitement as she reached for a piece of flatbread. "God, I never eat like this at home. You're going to make me fat before this vacation is over."
Nat laughed, finally looking up to see Sofia take a big bite of the flatbread, her eyes closing in bliss. "I doubt that," she said, taking in Sofia's lithe figure. "Besides, a little indulgence is good for the soul."
Sofia nodded, her mouth full. She swallowed, then said, "Well, in that case, my soul is going to be very well cared for tonight." She reached for the remote, pausing before she hit play. "Are you sure you're comfortable?" she asked, her eyes searching Nat's face. "We don't have to watch this if you'd rather do something else..."
“No, I’d love to.” Nat was all too aware of Sofia's warmth beside her. The couch suddenly felt smaller, more intimate,and as the opening scenes of the movie played out, she found it increasingly difficult to concentrate on the plot. Her senses were overwhelmed by Sofia's presence – the soft sound of her breathing, the occasional brush of her arm against Nat's when she reached for the popcorn.
Moxie, who had been curled up at Sofia's feet, stirred. The kitten stretched, yawned, and then decided to relocate, padding across their laps. As Moxie settled between them, Nat shifted to accommodate the tiny ball of fur, and in doing so, she turned slightly towards Sofia until their thighs touched.
"Sorry," she murmured, hyperaware of her every move now.
Sofia turned to her, a smile playing on her lips. "I don't mind," she said softly.
Was there a hint of flirtation in her tone? Nat wondered if she was imagining things and refocused on the movie. On screen, the painter and her subject were sharing intense glances, the sexual tension palpable. Nat swallowed hard. Had the room just grown warmer?
She snuck a glance at Sofia, only to find she was looking at her. Their eyes met, and for a moment, she had no idea what to do.
Sofia's gaze dropped to Nat's before returning to her eyes, her look unmistakably suggestive. Was this really happening? Or was Nat reading too much into the situation, letting her imagination run wild? The rational part of her brain screamed that this was inappropriate, but another part of her longed to lean in, to close the small distance between them and see what would happen.
