"Not really, no. I'd rather avoid Carla for as long as I can." Sofia came up behind Nat and wrapped her arms around her waist. “But I can’t wait to see Moxie again. I’ve missed that little rascal.”
“I’m sure she’s missed you too,” Nat said. “I hope Zoe will give her back, I wouldn’t be surprised if Moxie slept in her bed last night.”
“As long as she’s loved. I can always negotiate with Zoe about co-parenting,” Sofia joked, tightening her embrace.
Nat leaned back into her, basking in the warmth of Sofia’s skin. The simple intimacy of the moment - Sofia's chin resting on her shoulder, her arms wrapped securely around Nat's waist - made her heart flutter.
Below her window, the main street was unusually quiet, the storefronts dark and peaceful. Snow fell in thick, lazy flakes, blanketing the window displays and collecting on the empty benches. The holiday lights strung across the street twinkled through the swirling white, and occasional pedestrians - likely heading to family celebrations - trudged through the accumulating snow, leaving fresh tracks in their wake. A fewskiers were making their way toward the gondola, equipment slung over their shoulders, taking advantage of the perfect powder day.
"Look at that," Sofia murmured against her cheek, her breath warm. "It's like something from a postcard." She squeezed Nat gently, and Nat covered Sofia's hands with her own, marveling at how right this felt as she watched her town slumber under its pristine blanket of snow. “Merry Christmas.”
Nat turned to face her. “Merry Christmas,” she said, smiling as she brushed her lips against Sofia’s. Pressing her body into Sofia’s, arousal coiled inside her again, and she let out a quiet moan as they kissed.
"You know," she said, inching back just enough to meet Sofia’s eyes, "I could always text Mom and tell her we'll skip breakfast..." Her hands slipped around to Sofia’s behind, loving how Sofia's breath caught at her touch.
"Tempting," Sofia whispered, her lips ghosting over Nat's neck. "Very tempting." She pulled back, her eyes dark with desire, but there was a hint of amusement in her smile. "But we can't keep your mother waiting. Not on Christmas morning and I need to make up for last night. Besides," she added with a grin, "I smell cinnamon rolls."
Nat chuckled. "You're right." She lifted her head with a mischievous look. "But after breakfast, we're coming back here, and we’ll have a very long, very thorough shower."
"Is that so?" Sofia raised a brow. "Together?"
"Oh, definitely," Nat breathed. "It's very important to conserve water. Environmental responsibility and all that."
"How very conscientious of you," Sofia teased, but her voice had grown husky. She leaned in, capturing Nat's lips in another kiss that made Nat's head spin. Her hands found their way to Nat’s breasts, and for a moment, Nat considered throwing all their plans out the window.
"Okay, seriously," Sofia said with a chuckle, pulling back reluctantly. "We really need to stop, or we're never going to make it out of the door."
“It’s all your fault. You’re a bad influence,” Nat shot back, finally opening her drawer and randomly selecting underwear and socks. It didn’t matter all that much what she wore. It would all come off again very soon.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Nat settled into her chair next to Sofia, who had Moxie curled in her lap under the table. She had tried to put the kitten down more than once, but each time Moxie protested, pawing her way back into Sofia’s lap with fierce little mews.
“Alright, alright, Sofia. I hate to admit it, but you win,” Zoe said, raising an eyebrow as she leaned in. “Looks like Moxie already knows who her mommy is.”
Sofia chuckled. “Well, I’ve missed her too. She’s a tough little thing.”
As everyone got seated around the table, Sofia looked at the spread before her and smiled. “Everything looks amazing. Thank you so much for having me. And… I’m very sorry for last night.”
Nat’s mother was quick to wave off her apology. “Nonsense. That’s none of our business. We’re just happy you’re here.” She looked fondly from Sofia to Nat and back again. “Happy to have you here with our daughter.”
Nat felt a warmth rise in her cheeks, her heart skipping as Sofia glanced her way. In a flustered reflex, she picked up the basket of cinnamon rolls and held it out toward her.
“Uh… here, have one.” She cleared her throat, willing her voice to sound more casual. “I mean, if you want. They’re, um… fresh.”
Sofia’s lips quirked up in a smile as she reached for one. “Thank you,” she said, her fingers brushing against Nat’s for the briefest of moments. She took a bite, her eyes widening as she chewed. “Oh, wow. This is incredible. I can definitely tell I’m at a table with real bakers.”
Nat’s father beamed, the pride evident in his expression. “Thank you. It’s in our blood. My father was a baker, he taught me everything I know. It’s hard work, but worth every minute. There’s something about seeing people enjoy what you’ve made with your own hands.” He gestured to his wife. “And then I met Martha. She came to work at my father’s bakery and three years later, we got married and started our own business.”
“And then I got pregnant with Nat,” Martha chimed in. “Let me tell you, it’s not easy to get up at 4 a.m. with morning sickness.” She winked at Nat. “Or after being kept up all night by a screaming baby. Nat was a difficult one.”
“Still am,” Nat joked, passing Sofia a plate of sliced fresh fruit, drizzled with yogurt and honey.
Sofia laughed at Nat’s self-deprecating comment as she helped herself to fruit. “Well, I haven’t seen any evidence of that yet.”
Nat’s mother leaned. “Oh, don’t let her fool you. I’m only joking, of course. Nat’s always been the helpful one. Sometimes I have to remind her to think about herself a little more.” She reached across the table and squeezed Nat’s hand affectionately. “She works so hard. When the bakery was still open, she’d sneak in to help out every chance she got. Even now, she’s spending her holidays working at the lodge because they’re short on staff.”
Nat winced. She didn’t like lying to her parents but the staff shortage had been a lie. Her parents would have never let herwork over the holidays just to help them out. “I don’t mind, I enjoy it,” she said, glancing down at her plate.
