Nat blushed at the compliment. "Thank you," she said, trying to keep her tone light. "But it's actually not that easy to date in Aspen, believe it or not."
"Oh? How so?"
"Well, for one thing, most people here are often just passing through. They're on vacation, looking for a good time, not anything serious. And I've had enough of short-term flings to last me a lifetime."
"I can understand that," Sofia said. "It must be hard, watching people come and go all the time."
"It can be," Nat admitted. "Don't get me wrong, I love meeting new people and hearing their stories. But when it comes to dating... it's nice to have someone who sticks around, you know?"
"But you’ve had your fair share of torrid affairs with chalet guests then?"
Nat burst into laughter, the sound echoing through the room. "Oh God, no! I would never cross that line. It's completely against the rules, not to mention unprofessional."
"Not even a little flirt?" Sofia teased.
Nat's laughter subsided, but a smile remained on her lips. "I didn't say that," she admitted. "I've had a few... encounters over the years. But always with other seasonal workers, never guests."
"Do tell," Sofia said, leaning in conspiratorially.
Nat took another sip of wine, feeling emboldened by the alcohol and Sofia's genuine interest. "There was this one womana couple of years ago. She was working as a ski instructor for the season. We hit it off right away, and spent most of our free time together. It was fun, intense even. But when the season ended, she went back to Australia, and that was that."
"You didn't try to keep in touch?"
Nat shrugged. "We did, for a while. But you know how it is. Once people are back in their own world, the contact starts to fade. We both moved on."
"I suppose that's the nature of holiday romances. They burn bright but fade quickly."
"Exactly. What about you? Any holiday flings in your past?"
Sofia smiled and shook her head. "No, not really. I've always been more of a long-term relationship kind of person." Her expression sobered slightly. "Maybe too much so."
Nat wasn’t sure if she should press further, but the wine had loosened her inhibitions. "Your ex... how long were you together?"
Sofia's gaze dropped to her wine glass, her fingers tracing the stem absently. "Six years," she said. "We bought a home together in New York and even talked about marriage. I thought..." She trailed off, shaking her head. "It doesn't matter what I thought."
"I'm sorry," Nat said. "Six years is a long time. That must have been really hard. It probably still is."
"It was. It is. I mean, I've had time to heal and I’ve moved on. It's been nine months now. But then she started calling and messaging me before I came here, and… I wish she would leave me alone."
“What about your best friend?” Nat asked. “I assume you’re not in contact anymore?”
“No,” Sofia said resolutely. “Perhaps that was the worst betrayal of all. Relationships come and go but friends are supposed to be for life. Isn’t that what they say? My ex moved in with her, but I heard they recently broke up. That’s probably whyshe wants to get back together with me. She can’t be alone.” She straightened herself and tapped her knee. “But you know what? I like my own company. I know I was a bit down, but I don’t mind being alone. In fact, I’m enjoying being stuck in a snowstorm with a kitten and a chalet girl.”
“That’s the spirit.” Nat leaned over in her chair to clink her glass against Sofia’s.
“Cheers. It’s been lovely to get to know you a little,” Sofia said.
Nat’s gaze was drawn to Sofia, watching the play of firelight across her features. In the soft glow, with her guard down she looked different. Softer, more approachable. Beautiful, she realized with a start.
As if sensing Nat's gaze, Sofia looked up. There was a warmth there, a connection that Nat hadn't felt with anyone in a long time.
"Nat," Sofia said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I meant what I said. I... I'm really glad you're here. I know I didn't exactly make the best first impression, but... this has been nice."
Nat felt a flutter in her stomach. "It has been nice," she agreed.
Sofia opened her mouth as if to say something more, but then seemed to think better of it. Instead, she reached for the wine bottle. "Another glass?" she offered.
Nat knew she should probably say no. She was already feeling the effects of the wine, but she didn’t want to end this moment and break the connection that seemed to be growing between them.
