Page 27 of Pine Creek Lodge
Sofia’s gaze was intense, full of longing, her eyes darkening as Nat removed her robe in return in a slow, deliberate motion. “I want you,” she whispered.
Nat smiled and hummed in agreement, closing her eyes as they came together in a warm embrace, sealed by a slow, lingering kiss. A language of whispers and fingertips traced promises over her shoulders and down her back in waves of unspoken understanding.
She felt all barriers between them dissolve, leaving only the raw truth of who they were—two souls unguarded, drawn into the heat and the silence of this winter night. She lost herself in their kiss, in this fragile, suspended time between them. Every touch, every shared breath, was unhurried, like pages slowly turning, inviting them deeper into their shared story.
Nat knew she was in trouble. Whatever this was, it was no longer fleeting, no longer simple—and she found she didn’t want it to be.
Chapter Twenty
Nat sat on the edge of the bed, watching Sofia dart around the room with a mixture of amusement and trepidation. She smoothed her hands over her jeans, wondering if she should change when they got home, but if she was honest, the only reason she felt underdressed was Sofia’s apparent distress over their visit to her family’s house.
“What about one of these?” Sofia’s voice broke Nat’s reverie as she turned to face her, holding up two different tops—one a cozy, cream-coloured cashmere sweater and the other a white, silk, tailored blouse.
Nat smiled, trying to ease the tension that had built between them since Sofia had started getting dressed. Sofia looked beautiful in anything she wore; that was the truth of it, but Nat wanted her to be as comfortable as she possibly could.
“I’d go for the sweater,” she said, “but I promise, you’re overthinking this. My parents won’t care what you wear. My dad practically lives in lumberjack shirts and jeans.”
Sofia laughed nervously, lowering her choices to her sides. “Okay. Sweater it is, then.”
“Don’t worry so much. You’re amazing and wonderful. Anyone can see that.” The words had slipped out before she’dthought them through and for a second, Sofia just looked at her with an expression of such warmth that it left her breathless. The previous night still felt close, more vivid than any memory Nat had of the weeks leading up to it. She didn’t know what to call what they’d shared, but a part of her didn’t want to put a name to it. Maybe it was best to leave it like that, unspoiled by words or questions.
“I think you’re amazing too…” Sofia stared at her for long moments, then shook her head, looking down as if stopping herself from saying more. “Sorry. I’ll stop pacing. I know I’m overthinking this.” She bit her lip and sighed. “Anyway, I should bring a gift. It’s kind of last-minute, but I don’t want to show up empty-handed.”
“Why don’t you take a bottle of wine,” Nat suggested. “There’s plenty in the wine fridge.”
Sofia finally seemed to relax a little, her shoulders dropping as she tossed the blouse over the back of a chair and pulled on the sweater. “Okay,” she said, “I’ll go grab one. Can you find Moxie? I don’t want to be late.”
Nat got up but as she was about to head downstairs, Sofia took her hand pulled her back and kissed her. It was gentle and so sweet it made Nat’s heart ache. She held her there for a moment, savoring the closeness, trying not to think too far ahead. They were walking a delicate line, and she wasn’t sure she could keep it balanced much longer.
“Thank you,” Sofia whispered as she pulled away. “I’m glad you invited me.”
They shared a smile before Sofia took one last look at her reflection in the hall mirror. Nat did the same, running a hand through her hair. She was still wearing the clothes from yesterday, and she knew she should probably stop by her place first to change. But the idea of leaving Sofia alone with herparents, even for a few minutes, felt unfair. Sofia was already nervous enough as it was.
As they walked towards the door, Nat couldn’t shake the feeling that something was shifting between them, something almost tangible in the air around them. Her mind drifted back to that morning, wrapped in each other’s arms, and she forced herself to focus on the present. Sofia went into the kitchen to choose a bottle of wine and she was looking for Moxie when she heard a car pulling up outside.
She froze, wondering if it was her boss, checking up on her. Surely he wouldn’t drive by tonight of all nights? She opened the door and looked out, curious yet wary. It wasn’t her boss. The car that came into view was sleek, black, and unmistakably expensive, the kind of rental you’d expect from someone who didn’t blend in easily.
“Did you invite anyone else?” she called out.
Sofia shook her head as she returned with a bottle of red, her brow furrowing in confusion. “No, I didn’t tell anyone I was here and besides, it’s Christmas Eve. Who would show up at this time?”
She joined Nat in the doorway and as the car rolled to a stop, a strange sensation twisted in Nat’s gut. The woman who stepped out was stunning—tall, with a confident elegance that seemed out of place here in the quiet landscape. Her hair was jet-black, flowing over her shoulders, and she wore a fitted coat that framed her figure.
She glanced at Sofia, whose expression went blank. Her posture changed and it was like watching her pull back, wrapping herself in a shell she’d just started to open.
Then Nat understood. It was her ex.
“Fuck. It’s Carla,” Sofia muttered. “What the hell is she doing here?”
Nat’s heart dropped as the air shifted around them, the unspoken tension settling thickly between them as Sofia’s gaze remained locked on the woman. The easy warmth they’d shared, the laughter and soft words from earlier, vanished into the cold reality of the woman standing before them. The woman who was undoubtedly about to change everything.
“Sofia,” the woman called out when Sofia opened the door. “Thank God you’re here. I’ve been trying to call you for days.”
Her eyes darted to Nat briefly and she frowned, before turning her attention back to Sofia.
Sofia’s face went pale as she stepped back. “Carla. What are you doing here?”
Carla. Nat felt a pang of jealousy, raw and uninvited, creeping up in her chest as she took in the two of them together.
