скачать книгу бесплатно
“Too late,” she said with a smile. “My dad hired this new groom a couple days ago. We needed to fill the slot, but this guy...I can’t put my finger on it. He almost looks familiar. It’s his eyes, but I can’t place him. He’s really quiet and keeps to himself.”
Squeezing her shoulder in reassurance, Grant said, “I fail to see an issue.”
“It just seems like every time I turn around he’s there. I don’t know if he’s spying on me or what.” She paused, bit her lip and went on. “I know this sounds silly, but what if he’s out to harm the horses or sabotage my training? We don’t know this man and the timing...”
Grant didn’t think this was a big deal, but if Tessa was concerned, he’d definitely look into it. Because she was right, the timing was perfect if someone wanted to ruin her racing season. Better to be safe than sorry. And he sure didn’t want anyone to screw up this film before it got started. This was his big shot at producing with the biggest names in the industry. No way in hell was someone going to come in and ruin everything.
“He passed the background check, and from what I can tell he’s a very hard worker.” Tessa blew out a sigh. “Maybe I’m just paranoid because of Cassie’s ex. We thought we could trust him, too.”
Grant cupped Tessa’s cheek, stroking her soft, delicate skin. “I’ll keep an eye out for the guy and do a little digging of my own.”
“Really?” she asked, her eyes widening.
“Yeah. I mean, I can’t have some random guy wreaking havoc on the set. Best to get to the bottom of this now before my crew arrives.”
Tessa nodded and pulled from his grasp. Putting the car back in gear, she drove back out onto the highway.
Grant realized his words may have hurt her, but he wasn’t quite ready to admit he was falling for her a little more each day. So there was no way he could tell her that he’d be watching this stranger like a hawk to make sure he wasn’t out to take advantage of Tessa or any of the other Barringtons.
He may have told her it was all about the movie, but that was a lie. A good portion of it was because he refused to see Tessa hurt.
Damn. There went that heart of his, trying to get involved. But a little voice whispered that his heart was already involved.
Eight (#u69b6edb5-ba8e-58d8-8726-83cba9e35667)
Don’t wear anything too fancy.
Tessa nearly laughed. Oh, she had fancy clothes for uppity events she was forced to attend, but those gowns and dresses lived in the back of her closet, more than likely collecting dust on the shoulder seams that were molded around the hangers.
After working in the stables, helping Cassie clean stalls, Tessa did shower and throw on fresh jeans and a white shirt, rolling up the sleeves. She shoved on her nicer black boots and grabbed a simple green jacket to top off her “not a date” outfit.
The air outside had been a bit chilly, and she knew she’d be cold when she came home later.
She groaned as she grabbed her keys from the peg by the back door. How the hell had she let him talk her into this? Intriguing as he was, she simply couldn’t allow herself to sink deeper into his world...a world of class and glamour. A world she’d narrowly escaped a few months ago, along with a man who’d claimed to care for her.
But something about Grant seemed to pull her. He had no qualms about the fact that he found her attractive, but he also seemed genuine, and at the cemetery he’d been supportive and caring.
He also guarded his family...that had been evident when she’d brought up the topic of his twin. And while his instant raised shield intrigued her, leaving her wanting to know more, Tessa could appreciate the value of privacy. Ironic, considering she loathed the idea of this movie, of virtual strangers invading her space, her life.
But Grant seemed to be truly concerned about her feelings. He’d gone out of his way to assure her he’d portray her family in the best light.
He understood family. And, she had to admit, was starting to understand her. He was a Hollywood hotshot, used to elegance and beauty surrounding him. Yet he was blending just fine here in her world.
She didn’t want him to have so many layers, because each one threw her off and made her wonder about the possibilities beyond those kisses.
No. Tessa shook off her thoughts as they started down a path she wasn’t ready to visit.
If Grant knew she was a virgin, he’d probably give up his quest...or he’d see her as a challenge he needed to meet.
Dinner. He’d only said dinner. Added to that, he’d promised to keep those talented lips to himself. A part of her was disappointed that she wouldn’t feel them, but the logical side of her knew this was for the best.
Each kiss made her yearn for...well, everything he was willing to offer, which scared the hell out of her. She’d never desired so much from one man, never considered giving in before.
But somewhere along the way, she felt as if they’d crossed some sort of friendship line. She found him easy to talk to, and as much as she hated to admit it, she wanted to spend more time with him. She really didn’t have friends outside her racing world, and Grant was refreshing...kisses and all.
That friendship line they’d crossed held a lot of sexual tension, and Tessa worried one day all that built-up pressure would explode.
Which was why she had to stop this roller coaster of hormones before it got too far out of control. The two different worlds they lived in would never mesh, so why even add something else to her list of worries?
Besides the upcoming season, as if that weren’t enough stress, she really wasn’t comfortable with the new groom. When she’d mentioned this to her father, he’d waved a hand and told her she was imagining things and was probably just still skeptical because of Cassie’s ex.
Yet the stranger had made a point not to get too far away from her and Cassie as they were cleaning stalls earlier. He’d been working hard, but still, Tessa had a gut feeling he’d been trying to listen to their conversation.
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.
