Page 44 of Rescuing Sophia

“Oaf.” Sophia smacks me playfully in the gut again.

“I’m teaching her everything I know.” Malia pulls Sophia away from me.

The three women fall into easy conversation, and I hang back, content to watch Sophia integrate seamlessly with Jenna and Malia. The construction continues around us, the air thick with sawdust and possibility.

A worker passes by, carrying a large beam of wood. The metallic scent mingles with the earthy smell of fresh wood and the chemical tang of paint. It’s a heady mixture, a physical representation of new beginnings.

“We’re going for a modern industrial look.” Jenna’s excitement is palpable as she outlines her vision for the café. She gestures to the exposed brick walls and steel beams. “But with warm touches to make it cozy, it will be beautiful.

Sophia listens intently, her eyes wide as she takes it all in.

“We’re just getting the coffee bar set up,” Malia chimes in. “We’re getting top-of-the-line equipment.” She turns her attention to Sophia. “You’re going to love learning on these machines.”

I’m struck by how natural it all seems. Sophia, laughing and engaged, looks like she belongs here. It’s a far cry from the withdrawn, fearful woman I first met.

A worker calls for Jenna’s attention, and she excuses herself with an apologetic smile. Malia takes the opportunity to steal Sophia from me.

“Come on.” She leads Sophia toward a partially set up counter. “Let me show you the basics of our espresso machine.”

Not wanting to intrude on this moment, I hang back. Sophia glances over her shoulder, her eyes shining with excitement. I raise my hand and give her a thumbs up, feeling a swell of pride in my chest.

“This is the group head.” Malia points to a part of the gleaming machine. “It’s where the magic happens.”

“And this part?” Her brow furrows in concentration. She indicates another component.

“That’s the steam wand. We use it to froth milk for lattes and cappuccinos.”

Their voices blend with the ongoing construction noise, creating a symphony of new beginnings. The rhythmic pounding of hammers is a steady backbeat to Malia’s lesson and Sophia’s questions.

With Sophia in good hands, it’s time for me to head to work. I go to where she and Malia huddle around the espresso machine.

“Sorry to interrupt.” I place a hand on the small of Sophia’s back. “I’ve got to head out.”

“Already?” Sophia turns to me, her eyes bright with newfound knowledge.

“Duty calls. But it looks like you’re in good hands.” I glance at my watch.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of her. By the time you return, she’ll be a coffee maestro.” Malia gives Sophia a playful nudge.

“I think that might be a bit optimistic.” Sophia rolls her eyes good-naturedly.

I can’t resist anymore. I pull Sophia close, one hand cupping her face as I kiss her deeply. It’s probably inappropriate for a workplace, but I don’t care. Her taste, mingled with the scent of coffee and sawdust, is intoxicating.

When we part, both slightly breathless, Malia looks on amused. Sophia’s cheeks flush, and her lips are slightly swollen from our kiss.

“I can’t wait for tonight. I have a few things I want to try.” I lean in close, my lips brushing her ear as I whisper.

“Is that a promise?” Sophia shivers in my arms, her fingers tightening on my biceps.

“You bet it is.” I squeeze her ass, relishing her sharp intake of breath. “Be good today. I’ll see you tonight.” With a final peck on her cheek, I step back. “Ladies.” I nod to Malia and Jenna, who’s made her way back over. “Take care of my girl, will you?”

“Don’t worry, Blake. We’ve got this.” Jenna grins, throwing an arm around Sophia’s shoulders.

Malia stage-whispers to Sophia. “Girl, you’ve got to tell me everything later.”

Sophia’s laughter follows me onto the street, the sound warming me from the inside out.

The walk to Guardian HQ is short, but my mind still buzzes with the morning’s events. The contrast between the chaotic energy of the café construction and the ordered efficiency of HQ is distinct.

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