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This is probably the time that I’d make sure to catch any important information and write it down for Heath, but the only thing I can think about is getting to know Brent. There’s something about him being vulnerable at this moment that has me inching closer to him and wrapping an arm around his waist.
He nods. “Yeah, a power line fell on top of the barn and caught it on fire. We had horses in here, so I came out and freed them before it could cause them any harm.” His chuckle seems odd considering the story, but I’m not here to judge. “So worried about them being harmed that I didn’t bother worrying about myself.”
I’m not sure if it’s just me, but the idea of him risking his life to save the things that are important to him only makes the attraction that much more palpable. Instead of answering him, I thread my gloved hand through his and give him a gentle squeeze — my way of letting him know I’m here for him.
“At least everything's cleared up. Are you planning on building another one in the same spot?”
He shrugs. “I’m not sure. Money is a little too tight right now to do much of anything.”
Is this why Heath wanted me to come here and spy on the family?
Maybe he saw this as an opportunity to gain something from him while he’s down, not wanting to take the chance that he could get back on his feet, and that realization only makes me angry.
As if sensing my boiling blood, Brent turns to me with a frown and cocks his head to the side. “You okay, Sydney?”
I clear my throat and give him a small smile, hoping it will chase away any concerns he has. “Of course, how’s your leg today?”
“It’s a little stiff, but I’m pretty sure it’s more from the cold than anything else.” And by anything else, he’s probably talking about the moment we shared last night, which heats my blood in a different way. Luckily, the cold could explain my flushed cheeks.
There’s a gust of wind that has my body shaking and he pulls me closer to him, the action chasing away the chill in my body and replacing it with fire. When I look at him, our lips are only inches away from each other, and my gaze darts from his lips up to his eyes. Our breaths are ragged, coming out in small puffs, and I sigh before pushing away from him.
“Winter has never been my favorite season,” I mutter while wrapping my arms around myself. “I think I’m going to head inside, spend the day under a warm blanket and maybe have some hot chocolate.”
He smiles. “That doesn’t sound too bad. Want some company?”
As much as I’d love to tell him yes, I’m not sure spending more time with him is a good idea. I’m already further into this than I should be, completely disregarding the job I was sent out here to do, and getting closer to him won’t help anything — especially when he doesn’t know the real reason I keep showing up.
Well, the real reason before I fell in love with his ranch.
What would he think if he knew that I’m supposed to be digging up information on his property and handing it over to someone else? I’m not sure he’d still be looking at me with that smirk. It would be more like disgust and betrayal.
I sigh and shake my head, causing his smirk to fall. “I’m thinking some alone time would be best for me right now, but maybe later?”
That has his lip twitching slightly and he nods. “Sure thing. Let me walk you back to the guest house at least since I didn’t get to do that last night.”
This time I don’t argue with him, considering he has to walk that way as well to get to his own house. There’s an awkward silence floating through the air, the only noise coming from the snow crunching beneath our feet, and we come to a stop in front of the guest house door. “Well, this is me.”
God, could I be any more pathetic?
Brent chuckles. “It seems so.” My body stiffens when he leans closer to me, but instead of his lips connecting with mine, they press gently against my cheek before he pulls away with a smile. “I’ll see you later. Hopefully you’ll come by for dinner?”
The idea of food has my stomach rumbling loud enough that Brent’s mouth widens into a full-blown smile, nearly knocking me off my feet. “Guess you got your answer,” I say with a chuckle. Before I can get any more embarrassed, I give him a small wave and disappear through the house.
I’m an embarrassment.
I rush over to the large window that faces his house, watching as he makes his way through the snow and onto the front porch. As much as I didn’t want to admit it, I’m stupid if I try to deny that he’s pulling me further and further into his orbit. He had told me not to leave, which means he’s getting just as attached to me being here, and that’s more of a reason to leave and not look back.
Heath did a number on me, making me question every other man who would come after him, and it would do me good to remember that even though you hope they won’t — men will hurt you as if you mean nothing to them. How am I supposed to know for sure that Brent won’t be the exact same way?
I hate comparing him to my ex, he doesn’t deserve that, but I can’t help the underlying fear that I’m going to end up hurt. Maybe it would be best if I don’t show up for dinner later, and keep my distance as much as possible.
Is it possible to do that though?
The pull to Brent is too strong to ignore on most days, so what makes me think that I’d be able to keep my distance from him? I shake my head and walk over to the couch, sinking into the plush cushions while pulling the fuzzy throw blanket over my lap, then find a movie on the TV with a frown.
As the characters move around on the screen, I realize that it’s not going to be as easy as I’d hoped to get Brent out of my head.
Chapter 17
