During the Thunderstorm (Natural Disaster) ✔

Chapter Thirty-Three

She could wake up in this place for the rest of her life, and it wouldn't be enough.

Ally's eyes fluttered open, expecting to find her bedroom but there were actual living succulents by the window, and for the life of her, she couldn't handle such a responsibility.

However, as disoriented as she was, she knew the place.

The extra comfy mattress and clean sheets should be a dead giveaway. If not for the irresistible woodsy and fresh smell on the pillow.

She exhaled, enjoying the bed since the last time she was snuggled there, she was sick. Her imminent death sounded more attractive than being able to appreciate the warm bed.

She hugged the pillow and buried her nose into it for a few moments. And then, she pushed herself off the bed and went out in search of Federico.

When she opened the door, the first thing she noticed was a sleeping Federico on the couch. Wasn't it a sight?

His arm was over his eyes, blocking the light. His chest was raising and falling in a rhythmical pattern—very much alive. And the blanket was pooled around his waist.

Ally could peruse him to her heart's desire. It was a shame he didn't sleep shirtless like Cole, though. However, she was in the first line for the bulging biceps. Awesome.

She bit her lip and walked to the kitchen for something to drink. As she scanned the pantry, she realized there was a black jar. With black powder. Grounded coffee.

She grabbed it, inspecting it because nothing made sense. Federico didn't drink coffee. Unless he had lied, and such an offense shouldn't be forgiven.

But it was sealed. New.

And it made less sense.

Unless—No. Could it? He wouldn't buy her coffee for his place. It was something a best friend might do, but when it was done by Federico it felt more intimate.

The hair on the back of her neck rose, sensing something behind her. A body. A breath over her shoulder.

"Morning," Federico said. His voice was grumpy, low, and husky. It traveled down her spine. And then, his arm brushed around her waist as he grabbed a cup. "Ah," He said, sounding further away now. Ally could breathe again. "You found the coffee."

She swirled around and brandished it. "You bought coffee."

"Yeah."

She narrowed her eyes at him. "Why?"

He shrugged. "In case you wanted," He stated it in such a way that left no doubt it was casual. It was a simple gesture.

To her, it was more. So much more. Her stomach twisted as she blinked at him. He looked at her for a brief second, studying her reaction before shifting to the kitchen for water and milk.

"You want to go out for brunch?" He asked as he prepared his venom of the day, black tea.

She remained watching him.

He glanced over his shoulder at her. "Unless you have to leave now..." His voice lowered and he swallowed. Was that disappointment?

"No," She answered. She had to snap out of it. The coffee was a simple, thoughtful gesture. She didn't have to read too much into it. Her body shouldn't feel on the edge of exploding either. Or her arms shouldn't twitch with the need to launch at him and hug him. Maybe kiss him. On the cheek, of course. "I don't need to go anywhere." She exhaled. "I can prepare you breakfast, though."

As a thank you. For letting me crash at your place. And letting me sleep in your wonderful bed. And for buying me coffee—which you didn't need to, but it is so sweet. For many more things because you can't seem to stop doing nice things for me, and I'm so grateful.