Sophia mutters something under her breath and cuts me with a glare. “You don’t even have books. What the hell do you do up here? Whatwouldyou be doing if I weren’t here?”
“Ripping apart the kitchen and finishing my renovations of the place,” I reply honestly, watching for her reaction.
She sucks her bottom lip into her mouth and nods, her gaze flickering away from mine to stare into the fire. “I can probably keep myself entertained, you know,” she offers quietly. “I can stay out of your way if that’s what you’d rather be doing.”
My chest tightens, and I can’t stop the wave of disappointment that floods me. Butam I surprised? It’s not like she’s here because she wants to be. She’s trapped with me, trappedhere, and as much as I’ve savoured every moment with her, I know she’s probably feeling stuck.
I brush my fingers against hers and immediately close my hand into a fist. I have to remember that as soon as the snow clears and I can take her to the hospital, she’ll be gone from my life again.
Guilt gnaws at me as I watch her from the corner of my eye. The bruises have started to heal—albeit slowly, though they’re still dark—and the swelling around her wrist and nose has finally gone down. No concussion from what we can tell.
Lit by the fire, her features appear softer. More gentle. The golden light highlights the supple curves of her body.
I swallow thickly as Sophia crosses her arms, the skin prickling despite the warmth. A shudder races through me as the windows rattle from the force of the wind, which howls through the mountain.
“Are you cold?” I ask, voice low as I turn to her.
Sophia quickly shakes her head. “No, it’s just the wind. It’s pretty intense out there.”
My brows furrow, but I stalk towards the windows without a word; I check the latches just in case, mostly for her benefit than my own. I know the place is stable,because it’s been up here longer than I’ve been alive. But if going through this routine gives Sophia peace of mind, then I’ll do it over and over again until she’s happy.
She probably has no idea what I’d give to see her at peace here.
I shake my head and push those thoughts aside.Now’s not the time, and definitely not the place, you asshole. She isn’t in any position to do anything, and I’m starting to sound crazy—even in my own head.
Sophia Ridgeway is off limits, has been for years, will be for long after this storm ends. Not only is she my best friend’s little sister, but I’m in no place—physically or mentally—to pursue her in a way she deserves.
I’m not worthy enough for that—for her.
Sophia never looked at me as anything other than Cooper’s friend before the fire, and she surely isn’t seeing me as anything other than that now.
From the window, I release a heavy breath, watching as she runs her fingers over the mantle above the fireplace. What would I feel like to have her touch me again? The last couple of days had been filled with stolen moments where our fingers would brush and everything felt right in the world.
I can’t help but watch her now, wearing my oldstation t-shirt from some stupid fundraiser five years ago. It stretches over her chest, giving me the perfect view of how large her breasts are. I’m pretty sure she gave up on a bra days ago, because I can see her nipples poking through the thin material.
It has me wondering what the rest of her looks like…
I shake my head to dispel those thoughts, and fully turn away from her, clearing my throat.
Striding into the kitchen, I scrub a hand down my face. I try to redirect my thoughts to the work I’d planned to do this week. The kitchen is clearly from a different time, and it doesn’t suit the rest of the cabin, which still holds some of its rustic charm—something I intend to hold on to. The cabinets are chipped and aged, the counters have been stained with water and other liquids, and it’s not hand built like the rest of the place. The material is shitty and flimsy.
“Was the cabin in use before you bought it?” Sophia asks lightly from somewhere behind me, the question taking me by surprise.
I grunt, which seems like a normal response now after years of being alone, despite the fact I like talking to her. “The previous owner left it unused for a couple of years before selling it to me. Most was in okaycondition, but after a storm a couple of years ago, there was some damage.”
Soph nods and as I approach her, she curls in on herself, making me stop short. “Have you got an idea of what you want to change?” she stutters, eyes widening.
A lump forms in my throat, one I try hard to swallow around. I don’t know how to take that movement, but it definitely doesn’t bode well for the ridiculous crush I have on her.
There’s something in her eyes I can’t read as I search her expression. Maybe a hint of curiosity, or I’m misreading the entire interaction. I don’t know. But she has me wanting to open up in a way the others haven’t been able to before.
I think about Cap coming up to coax me into doing something other than sitting up here alone. Oliver and Maggie trying to get me back into town. Coop attempting to reignite a friendship I’ve been ignoring for my own isolation.
And here comes Sophia, knocking all those walls down without a second thought.
I hesitate for a moment before sighing. “Honestly, I don’t know.” I shrug before lowering myself into one of the dining chairs. “That’s why I haven’t done anything with it yet.” Looking over the small space, Itake it in like I’m seeing it for the first time, and the question comes out before I can stop it. “What would you do, Sophia?”
She takes the seat across from me, eyeing the kitchen with a smile. “It’s so dark in here,” she says. “I’d add another window, one above where the sink is, I think.” She points to the wall the sink and cabinets are on, same as the window beside us. “And I’d maybe brighten the cabinets with a fresh coat of paint. White or maybe a light green to give it that outdoorsy feel.”
