Pitch For You (Texas Heat)

Chapter 13

13

Sofia

I walked through the barn, worn boots crunching against the hay-strewn floor. The gentle nickering of horses greeted me as I moved from stall to stall, checking on each equine resident with practiced ease.

As I filled the feed buckets, Brett was outside hoisting a bales of hay onto his broad shoulders, muscles flexing beneath his sweat-soaked shirt. He whistled softly while tending to the cattle.

Focus! If I let myself get swept up in my feelings for Brett, it could jeopardize everything I'd worked so hard for.

I couldn't deny that the more time we spent together, the stronger my feelings for him grew. His presence seemed to breathe life into the ranch, stirring up memories of the past and igniting a spark that had long lain dormant. But with Max and the family legacy resting on my shoulders, I couldn't afford to let emotions cloud my judgment.

“Morning,” Brett called out, interrupting my thoughts as he strode into the barn, offering a warm smile. “Need any help?”

“Thanks, but I've got it covered,” I replied curtly, forcing my gaze to remain on the task at hand. My heart raced as I felt the weight of his stare, catching the faint scent of sweat and earth that clung to him like a second skin.

“Alright then,” he said, disappointment clear in his voice as he turned back toward the cattle. “Just let me know if you need anything.”

“Will do.”

As I finished the morning chores, I struggled to keep my mind focused on work. Despite my best efforts, the thought of him consumed me, making it nearly impossible to concentrate on the tasks at hand.

The wind whispered through the grass, its caress gentle upon my skin as I stood at the edge of the pasture, watching Brett work with the cattle. I should be inside, attending to the paperwork that had been piling up on my desk, but the sight of him – strong, capable, and so utterly focused – was a balm to my overwrought nerves.

“Hey!”

“Hey yourself,” he replied with a grin, pausing for a moment to wipe the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. “What brings you out here?”

“Needed a break,” I admitted, biting my lip as I contemplated whether to take a step closer or retreat back to the safety of the house. “Thought I'd come see how you're doing.”

“Much better now that you're here,” he said, his blue eyes crinkling with warmth as he took a step toward me, closing the gap between us.

My heart stuttered, breath catching as I fought the urge to lean into his touch. He made me feel alive in a way no one else ever had, his presence a beacon of light amidst the darkness that threatened to consume me. And yet, just as quickly as the thought arose, it vanished beneath the weight of my fears, replaced by the cold, hard certainty that I couldn't afford to let myself get swept away.

“Actually, there's something I need to talk to you about.”

“Sure,” he said, concern furrowing his brow as he took another step forward. “Is everything okay?”

“Everything's fine,” I assured him, even as I retreated a step, putting distance between us once more. “I just... I need to focus on the ranch, Brett. I can't let anything distract me from that. Not even you.”

“Are you saying you want me to leave?”

“No,” I said quickly, fear lancing through me at the thought of him gone from my life entirely. “No, of course not. I just... I need some space. I can't afford to let my feelings for you jeopardize everything I've worked so hard for. Even with getting Roger off my back, I still might lose the ranch. We just don’t have enough money to keep paying everyone and keep up the maintenance on this place. I’m going to lose everything.”

He leaned against the stall door. “Is there anything I can do to help? You know I'm here for you.”

“Thanks, but I've got it under control,” I muttered, avoiding his gaze.

“Come on, Sofia. Talk to me,” Brett urged, taking a step closer. “I hate seeing you like this, and I don't understand why you're shutting me out.”

“Nothing more to talk about,” I insisted, words clipped and dismissive as I continued grooming Daisy. My mind raced with conflicting thoughts: wanting to confide in him, yet fearing the vulnerability it would bring. Allowing myself to lean on Brett would only make it harder to maintain the necessary distance.

“Please, Sofia,” he pleaded, his voice laced with both confusion and frustration. “I can't help if you won't let me in.”

“Things change,” I replied. “We can't go back to how things were before. At least not right now.”

“Maybe not,” he said, his tone softening with hope. “But we could move forward. Together.”

“Look, I need to focus on my responsibilities.” My voice wavered ever so slightly, as I fought to remain composed. “I can handle it on my own.”

“Alright,” he sighed, running a hand through his hair as he took a step back. “Just remember that you don't always have to carry everything alone. I'm here if you need me.”

“Thank you,” I whispered, chest tightening with regret as I watched him walk away. He was only trying to help, but admitting my feelings for him felt too dangerous, like opening a door I might never be able to close again. For now, I had to protect myself – and the ranch – at all costs. Even if it meant breaking both our hearts in the process.