“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 betweenthem, 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.
Chapter Thirty-Three
Nat wiped down the espresso machine at The Copper Kettle, enjoying the familiar rhythm she'd developed over the past few weeks. The morning rush had subsided, leaving just a few regulars scattered among the mismatched vintage tables. Amy, the blue-haired barista, was arranging fresh-baked muffins in the display case, humming along to the indie music playing softly through the speakers.
The bell above the door chimed, and Nat looked up automatically, her practiced welcome smile freezing as her heart leaped. She blinked, making sure she wasn’t imagining things. There in the doorway stood Sofia.
"Surprise," she said, smiling widely as she approached the counter.
"Sofia!" Nat couldn't contain her grin. "What are you doing here? I thought you weren't coming until next week, for the bakery reopening." She rushed around the counter and flung her arms around Sofia’s neck. “It’s so good to see you!”
Amy piped up from behind the pastry case. "Oh, hello there. Perfect timing! Nat, why don't you take your break now? I can handle things here."
"Are you sure?" Nat asked though she was already untying her apron.
Amy shooed her away with a knowing smile. "Go on. We can’t have any smooching going on in front of the customers."
Nat quickly prepared two cappuccinos to go, adding an extra shot to Sofia's – just the way she liked it. Then she grabbed her coat and followed Sofia outside.
As soon as they were out of view of the café windows, Sofia pulled her close. Their lips met in a kiss that sent warmth spreading through Nat's chest, chasing away the February chill.
"I can't believe you're here," she whispered when they parted, her fingers playing with the collar of Sofia's coat. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"
"It was very last-minute." Sofia took her hand. "I had some business to take care of." She paused, something almost nervous flickering across her face. "And now that I’ve rounded up said business, there's something I want to show you."
“What it is?”
“It’s a surprise.”
Nat chuckled. “Okay… where are we going?”
Sofia bit her lip and grinned as she let go of Nat’s hand and reached into her pocket. “The surprise is right here,” she said, handing Nat the keys.
Nat stared at them. “What are these for?” She followed Sofia’s gaze toward the old Victorian building she’d been admiring on her previous visit, then noticed that the 'For Sale' sign was gone. “I… I don’t understand.”
"The building." Sofia gestured to it. "I bought it."
"You what?" Nat's eyes widened as understanding dawned. "This building? But... why?"
"Because I think it would make an excellent boutique hotel." When Nat opened her mouth to protest, Sofia held up a hand. "Before you say anything – it's not a gift. The building is mine,and you can buy shares with the profit you make once it's up and running. I've already talked to a contractor about the renovations. They're ready to start whenever you approve the plans."
"Whenever I approve...?" Nat's voice trailed off as she tried to process what Sofia was saying. It was all so sudden and completely unexpected that it was hard to comprehend.
"It will be your business to run," Sofia continued, her eyes bright with excitement. "You'll make all the decisions about the design, the furnishings, everything. I'm just the investor." She paused, a hint of vulnerability crossing her face. "And I was thinking... part of the top floor could be converted into a nice apartment. For us. If you want."
Nat's heart thundered in her chest as she looked up at the building with new eyes. The Victorian details she'd admired before now held so much possibility. She imagined beautiful curtains in the large bay windows, cosy seating areas on the balconies, and a welcoming lobby behind the ornate doorway.
"Sofia..." she whispered, overwhelmed by the gesture and what it represented. This wasn't just about a business opportunity – it was Sofia creating a future for them, right here in Aspen.
"You don't have to decide right now," Sofia said quickly. "Take some time to think about it. If you're not interested, I can always find someone else to develop it." She winked. “Because I still want that top-floor apartment.”
But Nat was already imagining it – the rooms she would design, the kitchen where she would prepare beautiful breakfasts for guests, and upstairs, a home with Sofia.
