But that was a worry for another day. Right now, she had to be on her guard for her dinner “not date.”
Tessa hopped in her Jeep and made the short trip back to Stony Ridge Acres, her heart beating a bit faster. Why was she getting so worked up? This was dinner. They had to eat, and were just doing it together.
When she pulled up in front of his cottage, he’d turned on the porch lights. The sun was at the horizon, but in no time it would be dark.
Before she could knock on the door, Grant swung it open and...
Tessa laughed. “What are you wearing?”
Grant wiped his hand on a dishrag and glanced down. “An apron. Don’t you wear one when you cook?”
“I thought we were going out,” she said, trying her hardest not to stare at him in that ridiculous apron, which looked like a woman wearing a grass skirt and coconut bra.
“I never said that,” he countered, taking her hand and pulling her inside. “I said we were going to have dinner together. And I’m cooking. Besides, how can you relax if we’re in public?”
Would’ve been a hell of a lot easier than in the lion’s den.
Something tangy permeated the air, and Tessa’s gaze drifted toward the open kitchen. “If you’re cooking anything associated with that smell, I’m impressed.”
Grant headed back to the kitchen, leaving her standing at the door. “It’s just barbecue chicken, but it’s my mother’s sauce recipe. I also have some baked potatoes and salad. Hope all of that is okay.”
“My mouth is watering already.”
He threw her a glance, his dark eyes traveling down her body. “Mine, too.”
Tingles slid all over her, through her, and Tessa had no clue how to reply to that, so she took off her jacket and hung it on the hook beside the door. After dropping her keys in the jacket pocket, she headed to the kitchen.
“Want me to set the table or anything?”
“It’s done and so is the food,” he said, removing the ridiculous apron.
Apparently, he’d taken full advantage of the very well-stocked cottage.
In no time he’d set the food on the small round table, covered with a simple red cloth. Thankfully, he hadn’t gone to the trouble of romantic flowers or a candle. This she could handle. The sultry looks and kisses...well, she could handle them, but they left her confused and, okay, aroused.
Tessa concentrated on her food and prayed he had no clue where her mind had wandered, though she feared her face had turned a lovely shade of red.
Small talk during dinner eased her a bit more, and she nearly laughed at herself. Had she expected him to pounce on her when she arrived?
Tessa picked up her empty plate and stood.
“Leave the dishes,” he told her, reaching across to place his hand on her wrist. “I’ll get them later.”
“I can help with them now. You cooked, so at least I can help clean up.”
“You’re my guest. I’ll get them.”
Because she never backed down from a fight, she carried her plate to the sink. “Technically, you’re our guest, since you’re on Barrington grounds.”
She’d just turned on the water and was rinsing the dish when Grant’s hands encircled her waist. His lips caressed her ear.
“You’re not relaxing,” he whispered, his breath warm on her cheek, her neck, sending shivers down the entire length of her body.
The dish slipped from her wet hands and into the sink. “I’m relaxed.” Any more and she’d be a puddle at his feet. “I just wanted to help.”
Strong fingers slid beneath the hem of her shirt, gliding over goose bumps.
“And I promised you a night of relaxation.”
Did he have to whisper everything in her ear? Could the man back up a tad and let her breathe? Because if he didn’t, she feared she’d turn in his arms and take that mouth she’d promised herself never to have again.
“Grant...”
“Tessa,” he murmured, his lips barely brushing against her neck.
“You promised not to kiss me.”
Soft laughter vibrated against her back from his strong chest. “I’m not kissing you. I’m enjoying how you feel. There’s a big difference.”
“I can’t... We can’t...” She couldn’t even think with the way his fingertips kept inching around her abdomen. “Wh-what are you doing?”
The bottom button of her shirt came undone, and then the next. Grant splayed his hand across her taut stomach and eased her back against him. “Relaxing with you.”
Unable to resist, Tessa allowed her head to fall back against his shoulder, her eyelids closed. Reaching behind her, she raked a hand over his stubbled jaw. The roughness beneath her palm aroused her even more. Grant was all male, all powerful, and yet so tender.
When had a man held her in such a caring, yet passionate way? When had she allowed herself to enjoy the simple pleasures of being wanted?
Tessa wasn’t naive. Well, physically she was, but mentally she knew Grant wanted her body. He’d told her as much, and she knew he wasn’t asking for her hand in marriage or even a committed relationship. But right now, she could be open to this moment and relish it. They were both still fully clothed, both just enjoying the other.
As his hand inched higher, her shirt traveled up, as well. The edge of his thumb caressed the underside of her silk bra and her nipples quickly responded to the thrilling touch.
Tessa’s breath quickened as she turned her mouth to his.
When he didn’t respond to her kiss, she pulled back.
“I promised,” he murmured.
“I’m letting you out of that verbal contract.”
Grant’s mouth slammed down onto hers, and Tessa lost track of everything else around her. His touch consumed her, making her ache in a way she’d never thought possible.
Grant’s hand slid from beneath her shirt and she turned around, pressing her chest against his as one hand held on to the nape of her neck and the other gripped her bottom through her jeans.
Being wedged between the hard planes of Grant’s body and the edge of the counter was a very wonderful place to be.
Tessa wrapped her arms around his neck and opened her mouth wider, silently inviting him to take more.
What was she doing? This wasn’t why she’d come here. But now that she was in the moment, she didn’t want to stop to rationalize all the reasons this was wrong. Because her tingling lips, aching body and curling toes told her this kiss was very, very right.
Grant’s mouth traveled from her lips to her chin and across her jawline. Everywhere he touched, everything he did to her had her wanting more. The man certainly knew exactly how to kiss and where to touch. Everything to pleasure a woman.
And that revelation was the equivalent of throwing cold water on her.
Tessa wriggled her hands between them and eased him back. Those heavy-lidded eyes landed on hers while his lips, moist and swollen from kissing, begged for more. But she had to stop. This kissing and groping was as far as she’d ever gone...so anything beyond this point would be a disappointment to him.
Tessa met his gaze, refusing to be embarrassed for who she was, the values and promise to her mother she desperately tried to cling to.
When she’d been with Aaron, she’d been tempted, but she’d assumed they would marry, and she’d wanted to wait.
But the level to which Aaron had tempted her didn’t come close to the fire of arousal she felt right now with Grant.
Her eyes held his, and as she opened her mouth, he held up a hand.
“Don’t say you’re sorry,” he told her.
Tessa shook her head. “No. I’m not sorry, but we can’t do this.”
“We can and we were,” he countered. “What happened? Something scared you.”
Yeah, the big city playboy and the country virgin. Could they be any more clichéd? Why couldn’t she be this attracted to someone in her league, or at least in her town?
Moving around him, because she needed distance from his touch, his gaze and his masculine aroma, Tessa walked over to the sliding glass doors and looked out into the darkness. Mostly all she could see was her own reflection, and that was worse than looking at Grant. What she saw was a coward.
“Talk to me,” he urged as he stepped closer, but didn’t touch. “I’m not going to push you into anything, Tessa. But I want to know what happened.”
He stood behind her, their eyes locked in the reflective glass. Tessa sighed and turned, crossing her arms over her chest.
“When I told you I wouldn’t be the one to help you pass the time on set, I meant it.” He opened his mouth, but she held up a hand. “And I didn’t say that initially, or now, to offend you. I said it because you need to know where I stand, where we stand. The differences between us, Grant...they’re huge.”
“Is this the age thing again?” he asked, stepping forward to brace his hands on her shoulders.
“That’s one reason,” she confirmed, hating how vulnerable and defensive she felt. “I’ve never been with a man before, Grant. Ever.”
She waited for the words to sink in, waited for him to drop his hands and take a giant step back, as if she’d just drawn a line in the sand and on her side was the plague.
“Tessa, you’re not a virgin.”
“Yes, I am.” She tilted her chin, refusing to be ashamed of what she was just because society felt she should be another way. “I promised my mother I’d wait for love. My body is something I value, Grant. I want my first time to be with someone I truly care about, who I know cares for me.
“I won’t lie,” she went on, when he remained silent. “I’ve never before been kissed in a way that made me forget everything and want to give in to all my desires.” She took a deep, steadying breath, bringing her hands up to grasp his wrists. “But with you, I want more.”
“I value your morals,” he answered. “I probably respect you more for them. But you know there’s something here. This is more than just lust, more than just sex. You need to let yourself live.”
Shifting his hands, causing hers to fall away, he slid the pads of his thumbs over her bottom lip. “A woman with as much passion as you have, as much desire lurking in those eyes, has never fully committed to another man?”
Tessa shook her head, not knowing what to say next. This was the part when a man turned totally weird or ran out the door...not that there had been many men to begin with. Her ex had certainly thought he could persuade her. Now she was even more thankful Aaron hadn’t convinced her.
Since Tessa was at Grant’s house, she figured this was her cue to go. Shoulders back and pride intact, she stepped around him and went toward the door. She’d barely pulled her jacket from the hook before a hand closed over hers, another at her waist.
“Don’t leave.”
With his strong body surrounding her, and those two simple words that held so much meaning, Grant engulfed her.
“I can’t stay, Grant. I’m not ready to give myself, and even if I did, you’d be disappointed.”
“Look at me.”
Forgoing the jacket, she dropped her arm and turned. But instead of seeing confusion or disappointment in his eyes, she saw tenderness, plus a heavy dose of desire. And determination.
“First of all, no matter what you did to or with me would ever be disappointing,” he told her, framing her face between his hands so she had no choice but to face him head-on. “Second, the fact that you’re a virgin doesn’t scare me away, if that’s what you were waiting on. And if it scared other guys before, then they’re jerks and don’t deserve you. Whether we sleep together or not is completely your call, Tessa. I enjoy you, I enjoy talking with you, learning from you and, yes, kissing you. But the ball is in your court. If you don’t want to take the next step with me, I totally respect your decision. But don’t expect me to stop kissing you at every chance I get.”
At his warm smile, Tessa found herself grinning. “I wouldn’t mind you kissing me whenever you want. I can’t promise I’ll ever be ready for more with you. Not that I don’t want it, I just can’t give myself, knowing it would only be a fling.”
Grant’s lips touched hers briefly before he pulled back and looked into her eyes. “You’re the strongest woman I know.”
“I’m not feeling strong,” she retorted with a laugh. “I’m feeling like I want to forget the fact you’re not staying, and throw aside all rationale.”
“Country, you know where to find me.” He stroked her lips once more. “But I’m not giving up. You’re so passionate and I want to be the one to uncover that hunger you’ve kept hidden.”
Well, that declaration certainly wasn’t helping matters. Besides the fact she’d be seeing him every single day, he’d been so understanding, so comfortable with the news that she was a virgin. Which would make him even harder to resist.
But on the flip side, he would try harder, be even more charming and irresistible. Her mother had always told her the right one would accept and understand her values, and try not to push her.
And without hesitation, Grant had accepted her. Which made him all the more tempting, and quite possibly...the one she’d been waiting for?
Nine
How the hell did he cope with this bombshell? He’d never been in this situation before and honestly had no idea how to react, let alone what to say.
Had he said the right thing?
Running a hand down his face, Grant stared out his patio door toward the pasture, where a few horses grazed off in the distance.
For the sake of his career, here he was, in a world he’d sworn off, finding himself drowning in a woman he wanted just sex from, only to find out she was a virgin.
Grant laughed at the irony that was now his life. The damn film hadn’t even started yet, and he was sinking deeper and deeper into worlds that threatened to leave him weak and vulnerable. Way to stay in control of the game.
He glanced at his watch, noted it was time to head to the stables, and sighed. No matter his personal feelings—and he couldn’t deny there were very personal feelings involved now—he had to remain on task and get the job done. This was still his livelihood, still his reputation on the line if he wanted to move on up in the movie industry.
As he headed out the door, his cell phone rang. After shutting the door behind him, Grant stepped off the narrow porch.
“Hey, Bronson,” he said.
“I hope you’re sitting down, man. I’ve got news for you.”
Freezing in his tracks, Grant gripped the phone. “Good news or bad news?”
“Beyond good. Marty Russo has been in contact with me and Anthony. He’s willing to back your production company if this film takes off like we think it will.”
“Are you kidding me?” Grant asked, suddenly seeing his dream spiraling closer toward reality.
On the other end of the connection, Bronson Dane laughed. “Not at all. If this movie is a hit like we all believe it will be, Russo Entertainment wants you to come on board and branch out with your own company.”
Grant could hardly believe this. He’d been a director for years, had worked his ass off to get to the point of producing, and now, before his production debut, he might already have a chance at starting his own company?
He’d been fortunate in the past several years to have some major deals, which set his name on the film map. But his own company would take his career to a whole new level.
“Man, that’s great,” Grant said. “I don’t even know what to say.”
“You deserve it,” Bronson replied. “Marty was going to call, but I wanted to be the one to tell you. I’m sure he’ll be
calling you later today.”
Grant had worked with the man several times. Being the CEO of Russo Entertainment, Marty often had a direct hand in the company’s films, and was a very hands-on guy. Grant respected the hell out of him and had every intention of not letting him down.
“Anthony and I are wrapping up at Churchill Downs today. Between there, New York and Maryland, we’ve covered the main tracks and have some amazing areas for scenes. We should be arriving at the end of next week.”
Grant continued walking his path again as he and Bronson discussed the church, cemetery and other local places that had meaningful ties to Damon Barrington’s past.
By the time he disconnected the call, he was beaming. The sun had risen, the spring day was beautiful and promised to be warm, and he had the chance of a lifetime right within his reach.
But his smile faded and fear set in when he saw Cassie running alongside the fence and Tessa on a horse, barreling faster than he’d ever seen seen her go.
Fear flooded him, and he had to force himself not to overreact. Another time, another woman flashed in his mind and nausea threatened to overtake him.
Especially when Tessa kept pulling back on the reins and yelling, alarm lacing her voice.
Grant ran to the fence, having no clue how he could help or even what the hell had happened.
The horse seemed to reduce his speed, barely, but then reared up, after which everything seemed to happen in slow motion. Tessa screamed, slicing a new layer of dread straight through Grant. When she fell off the back of the horse, he leaped over the fence, not giving a damn about anything but getting to her.
He crouched down beside her as she was rolling onto her back, gasping—whether in pain or because the wind had been knocked out of her, he didn’t know.
“Tessa, honey.” He ran his hands gently over her, praying for no broken bones, no broken skin. “Talk to me. Are you hurt?”
She groaned and tried to sit up, but he placed a hand on her shoulder. “Just lie here for a minute,” he told her.
When Opposites Attract... Page 7
