Wrapping her arm around his waist, she squeezed him tight. “I wouldn’t do anything to damage your career. Besides, I don’t expect you to keep sneaking out to sleep with me.”
Grant turned, taking her by the shoulders and pinning her against the edge of the door. “Well, I expect more than just this, Tessa. Because I can’t see you in public doesn’t mean I can’t come to your house every night, slide into your bed and pleasure you over and over. I’ve not even begun to explore you, and I’ll be damned if another man is going to show you all there is to intimacy.”
His matter-of-fact tone thrilled her.
“What if you get caught?” she asked. “Your crew will be arriving in two days, and security will be tight around my premises and Stony Ridge. Do you plan on teleporting into my bedroom?”
He tipped his hips against hers. “Baby, I’ll make it happen, if that’s what you want.”
Grant nipped at her lips, slid his hands through her hair to tilt her head, allowing him better access.
“Tell me that’s what you want,” he murmured against her lips. “Say it, Tessa.”
God help her, she was drowning, and she had no one to blame but herself. She’d gotten this ball rolling when she’d set out to seduce him earlier, and now she was paying the price.
“Yes,” she told him, gripping his hard biceps as his mouth traveled down her neck. “I want you no matter how we have to sneak.”
This whole sneaking, lying and hiding scenario went against everything she knew. Her life consisted of schedules, organization and training, but she had a feeling she was going to love this new Tessa that Grant had uncovered.
The idea of sneaking around added an element of excitement and power. She would still have control over the when and where.
The only problem? What would this new Tessa do when the time came for Grant to leave? Because he’d still never said anything about staying.
* * *
“Looks like everything is ready to go,” said Anthony Price as he admired the trailers and the equipment set up outside the stables. “I’m impressed there were no glitches. There’s always a setback.”
Bronson laughed. “There’s a setback when you’re in charge. I completely trusted Grant to take care of things.”
Grant knew these half brothers felt a sibling rivalry. Of course, it wasn’t that long ago that the two had been heated enemies. Then the secret, decades old, revealed the two were indeed both sons of Hollywood’s most recognized icon, Olivia Dane.
“I had a few very minor hiccups, but managed to smooth them over before you both arrived,” Grant admitted. “I would like to try to get the stable scenes shot either first or last. With Tessa and Cassie training for the Kentucky Derby, we really can’t be in their way.”
“I agree. We can shoot those first.” Bronson looked through the folder he held, shuffling papers. “I’m intrigued about that cabin that’s back on the property. I’d like to see it. Not that I don’t trust your judgment, I just want to get a feel for it.”
Grant smiled. Oh, he’d gotten his own feel for the cottage. And he wouldn’t be able to keep a straight face while they were filming any scenes down there.
Not only had he violated the contract by getting involved with someone on the set, he had done the deed on the set itself.
“Max should be arriving tomorrow,” Bronson said. “I’d like to get his take on things, as well. We just wrapped up a film together a few months ago, and he added some great insight.”
“I worked with Max a few times,” Grant replied. “He’s one of the best actors I’ve ever been involved with, and Lily is such a sweetheart, I know this is going to be a major success.”
“I agree,” Anthony interjected. “I’d like to check out the grounds before everyone arrives, though.”
Grant motioned toward the expansive stables. “Right this way.”
As the three headed across the wide drive, Tessa flew by on Don Pedro and rounded the corner in the track. Grant couldn’t help that his eyes followed, couldn’t help his gut clenching at the sight of her as memories of a few nights ago stirred. Memories of a wild thunderstorm, when she’d abandoned everything she’d known. Every fear, every worry and every part of her she’d handed over to him with a trust that still made his knees weak.
“Damn.”
Grant turned at the soft curse from Bronson, and found the brothers staring back at him.
“Tell me you didn’t,” Anthony said.
Grant shrugged. “What?”
“The beauty that just went by on the track,” Bronson chimed in. “And I’m not talking about the Thoroughbred.”
Grant took another step, hoping the guys would follow and he could face forward without looking them in the eye. “We’ve spent a good bit of time together. She’s my go-to girl for questions and the tours.”
“As long as you don’t go to her for anything else,” Bronson muttered as they neared the open door of the stable. “Marty will have your butt if you pull another stunt like you did with the makeup artist.”
Grant laughed. Yeah, he’d never live down the whole makeup artist debacle. “I assure you, I’m not revisiting that time,” he stated.
As they passed through the stalls, Grant noted Nash cleaning out Don Pedro’s stall, and wondered if Tessa was still having reservations about the scruffy-looking man. To Grant he just seemed like a hard worker. Maybe a bit mysterious, with that long hair and scruffy beard, but he wasn’t dirty, he kept to himself and worked harder than anyone else Grant had seen here.
So far Grant’s investigator had turned up nothing. Apparently the new groom was just quiet.
He didn’t even lift his head when the three men passed by. No, Grant didn’t believe the stranger was out to sabotage the Barringtons or the upcoming race.
When Tessa sped by once more, visible through the stable doorway, Grant made a point to keep walking, keep his mouth shut and show no emotion. Damn, this fling might be harder to keep secret than he’d thought.
When they stepped out into the afternoon sunshine, Cassie greeted them.
“Hi, guys.” She walked over, all smiles, and extended her hand. “I’m Cassie Barrington. You must be Bronson and Anthony. We’re so excited to have you here.”
The brothers shook her hand and offered pleasantries.
“Tessa is just about finished,” Cassie commented. “She’s been pushing herself today, so I’m making her stop after this set.”
Grant grunted. “Is today different from any other day with her self-discipline?”
Cassie laughed, holding her hand up to shield the sun from her eyes. “Not really, but something has been up with her the past two days. Can’t figure out what.”
Grant knew exactly what had been up with her the past two days. But he totally ignored the questioning looks from Bronson and Anthony. No way in hell was he even mentioning Tessa’s name in anything other than a professional way.
The slightest slipup could cost him not only this film, but a future with his own production company.
After being intimate with Tessa, he couldn’t help but look at everything from a whole new perspective.
No, he didn’t want to lose this film or his credibility. But, more importantly, he didn’t want to lose his family. Tessa had helped him see that.
And at some point, he’d have to tackle that heavy burden he’d carried for so long.
“Cassie, if you don’t mind introducing Tessa to Anthony and Bronson, I’d appreciate it.” God, he was a coward. “I have a phone call I just remembered. Also, your dad wasn’t home, so when he gets here could you do those introductions, as well?”
“I’d love to,” Cassie replied, oblivious to any turmoil within him. “Do what you need to. Tessa and I can take things from here.”
As Grant walked away, he hea
rd Anthony mention the pond and the old cabin. Yeah, Grant couldn’t be part of that. One step near that old shack with Tessa around and everyone on set would know. He had never had a problem holding his emotions in check before, but something had stirred in his heart when he’d taken Tessa to bed. Something deep within him had awakened, and he worried that whatever it was would get him into trouble before all was said and done.
Sixteen
Tessa hated that she stared at the clock. Hated that her ex had left two more voice mails today pleading for her to call.
But most of all she hated that she was angry when each hour ticked by and Grant didn’t show.
In the past two days, he’d barely been a blip on her radar. Today Anthony and Bronson had arrived, and Cassie had been the one to introduce them.
Her father had immediately swept the young Hollywood hotshots away, and Tessa had no doubt Damon had filled their heads with stories of the past. Stories from the family, from the racing seasons and his victories. The man was proud of all he’d accomplished, as well he should be. He’d not only won the Triple Crown, he’d raised two daughters and kept the family business close. No outside trainers, no outside jockeys. Stony Ridge was definitely a family affair, and definitely unique. Which was what made the Barrington legacy so special and film-worthy.
Tessa had just gotten into her cami and panty set and pulled her comforter back when something pecked on her second-story bedroom window. She crossed the room and eased the curtain aside to see Grant below, tossing pieces of mulch from her landscaping.
Tessa unlocked the window and slid it up. “What are you doing? I have a front and back door, you know.”
“Well, I thought you would think this was romantic,” he called up to her. “I needed pebbles, but all you had was bark. Had to make do. But at least it all fell back to where it belongs. You should appreciate that, seeing as how you like organization.”
Tessa laughed, rolling her eyes. “I’ll go unlock the back door.”
A shiver of excitement swept through her. Even though he’d seen every inch of her, she still snagged the short cotton robe off the end of her bed. Belting it as she bounded down the steps, she couldn’t help but grin. Grant was nothing if not original.
When she unlocked the door and eased it open, he stepped right in and looked down at her with a wide smile. Only a small accent light in the corner of her kitchen lit up the space.
Tessa didn’t usually have men in her house, so the overpowering presence of Grant excited her.
“It’s late,” she told him. “I was just about to go to bed.”
“Sounds like perfect timing on my part.”
When she started to turn away, he snagged her wrist, pulled her up against his broad chest and tipped her face back so that she looked him in the eye. “I’ve missed you,” he murmured, a second before his mouth came down to claim hers.
His hands plunged into her hair as he tilted her head. Tessa had no choice but to wrap her arms around his neck and give back. She’d known him only a month, but she already knew the way he tasted, the way he held her so tightly, the way he kissed with passion and power. And she knew that, in those few days she hadn’t been with him, she’d missed him.
How the hell would she cope when he left for good?
Grant eased back. “You have no idea how hard it’s been for me to keep my distance.”
Tessa pulled from his arms and headed out of the kitchen. “Not too hard. You’ve managed to not even speak to me. Pretty sneaky, having my sister do the introductions.”
Footsteps hurried behind her and an arm snaked around her waist, lifting her off the ground. Not that she’d complain about the hard chest she’d fallen back into.
“I couldn’t be near you,” he all but growled in her ear. “It would take only one look and Bronson and Anthony would know. I can’t hide how I feel about you, Tessa. I’m not the actor here.”
Smiling into the dark, she clasped her hands over his. “Why don’t you come upstairs and show me how you feel? There’s no hiding in this house.”
Grant swept her up and hooked an arm beneath her knees as he started for the staircase. “I’ve always wanted to carry a woman up the stairs and into her bed.”
Tessa nibbled on his neck, inhaling the fresh aftershave she’d come to crave. “I’m glad I’m your first in something. Levels the playing field somewhat.”
He stopped at the landing and looked into her eyes. “Honey, you’re a first for me in so many ways.”
Tessa wished there was better light, because she wanted to read his expression more clearly. Unfortunately, her bedroom was at the end of the hall and the glow spilling into the hallway a faint one.
“I hope you know I plan on staying awhile,” he told her as he strode toward the room.
“I’d like to see you leave,” she joked. “I admit I feel a little naughty being so secretive. I only hope no one noticed you sneaking over here.”
“Glad I could bring out your inner vixen,” he said with a loud smack on her lips. “And I doubt anyone saw me. I dressed in black and I walked.”
Tessa jerked back. “You walked?”
Setting her feet on the floor, Grant aligned her body with his. “Yeah. I didn’t want to risk anyone seeing my rental car pull in here, and walking makes it easier to dodge security, even though they’re not that thick right now, and I actually think there’s only one guard on duty tonight.”
Tessa framed his stubbled face with her hands. God, she loved the feel of those whiskers beneath her palms. And dressed all in black? This man was the epitome of sexy.
“You went to a lot of trouble to be here,” she told him, placing a quick kiss on his lips, then easing back. “I better make it worth your while.”
Grant’s eyes widened and his nostrils flared as she loosened the belt on her robe and sent the garment fluttering to the floor. She didn’t have on the sexiest of pajamas, but this was Tessa. Cotton, simple, natural.
Of course, she’d be naked in seconds anyway, so what did it matter?
“You going to stare all night or start peeling out of your burglar gear?”
His lips tipped in a grin. “You have a smart mouth.”
“Of course I do. That’s one of my most redeeming qualities.”
Grant pulled his long-sleeved T-shirt over his head and tossed it aside. Those glorious muscles, a sprinkling of chest hair and 100 percent raw male stared back at her. And as much as Tessa would love to stand and stare at him all night, she wanted to touch him even more. Wanted to explore him and take her time now that they were on her turf.
She already knew each time being with Grant would make it harder to let him go in the end...and harder to hide her feelings when they were in public.
But he’d shown her a new side of love, without using the words. And for now, she’d embrace the moment.
* * *
Tessa put Oliver in the stall and was surprised to see Max Ford already on the set so early. He must’ve really wanted to be here at the start of the day.
In the two weeks Grant had been sneaking into her bed, they’d gotten closer and developed a routine. But he always crept back out before sunup. She knew he would; he’d told her as much up front. But that didn’t stop the thread of hurt that went through her each day she woke up alone.
Somehow the fact that he came and went during the night lessened their relationship. Tessa knew they had something special, but after the past two weeks she felt she was nothing more than a booty call.
At first the sneaking had been fun and flirty, but as the days went on she felt it only cheapened the moments they shared.
After brushing down Oliver, she went to get some feed, but as she turned a corner she hit the hard chest of Nash.
“Excuse me,” he said, his voice low.
Tessa
stepped back, still leery of the quiet man. “It’s okay. I should look where I’m going.”
“My fault.” He made no motion to move, but propped his hands on his hips. “Lots of action going on today already.”
“Yes,” she agreed, surprised he’d said more than two words to her. “I imagine it will only get crazier in the coming days. Max is here now, and Lily is due to arrive tomorrow.”
“Max Ford is playing your father, right?” the groom asked.
Tessa nodded as she studied him. His beard didn’t seem to fit the man. His eyes were bright blue, almost as bright as hers. His hair was a bit long, falling over his ears and collar, but his hands looked very well groomed. Odd how some parts of him appeared flawless and other parts downright unkempt.
“Lily will be playing my mother,” Tessa told him.
He seemed to process that as he shifted his feet on the straw-covered floor. “And will this film start before your parents were married?”
“I think so.”
“They’re covering your dad’s personal life as well as his career?”
Tessa had no clue what this line of questioning had to do with anything, but she replied, “Yes. It’s all pretty much set around my dad. The rest of the family will be secondary characters, I suppose. We’re not nearly as exciting as him, anyway,” she said, trying to joke. Only Nash wasn’t smiling.
“I need to get some feed,” she told him as she maneuvered around him. “Sorry I ran into you.”
Before he could ask another bizarre question about the film, she headed down the aisle. At first she’d been skeptical, but Grant hadn’t uncovered anything, and Nash’s background check had been spotless. So far he’d been a hard worker. Quiet, mysterious, today a bit nosy, but he’d been gentle when caring for the animals and he’d never given any reason to believe he was out to harm anybody.
But Tessa still had that uneasy feeling.
After she’d fed all the horses, her own stomach growled. A few days ago she could’ve asked Grant to join her for some lunch, but not today. Their time for being out in the open was over...at least until the film wrapped up. But what then? Once the movie was done Grant would return to L.A. and Tessa would remain right here.
When Opposites Attract... Page 13
