The Barrington Brothers

Seven

The feed store showed promise. Maybe not for an entire scene, but most definitely for a backdrop or even during the opening credits.

But the little white church, complete with bell in the steeple and a picturesque cemetery amid a grove of trees, would without a doubt be in at least one pivotal scene.

“This is where my parents were married,” Tessa told Grant as she pulled her Jeep to the side of the gravel road. “It’s small, but my mom wanted an intimate wedding. She was very private.”

“Sounds like someone else I know,” Grant said, throwing Tessa a smile before stepping out of the vehicle.

She came around and joined him as he stared up at the simple structure. Tall, narrow stained glass windows adorned either side of the arched double doors. A narrow set of steps led up the embankment toward the church, and Grant could easily see Damon Barrington and his young bride marrying here.

With a director’s eye, he could see a smiling, maybe tearful couple exiting the church, while rice sprayed them and lined the path to an awaiting car.

Key to the start of the movie was the whirlwind romance of Tessa’s parents. They’d known each other for only six weeks, but according to Damon, he didn’t need to know Rose a moment longer to be sure she was the woman he wanted to spend his life with.

Unfortunately, she’d passed all too soon.

Grant’s eyes drifted to the cemetery, then back to Tessa, who was also looking toward the graves...and he knew.

“You want to go see her?” he asked softly.

A brief smile spread across Tessa’s face as she nodded. “You don’t have to come, but I can’t drive out here and not go visit.”

Without a word, Grant slid his hand into hers and headed up the slope. He let her take the lead and found himself standing in the shade of a large oak tree. The sunny spring day had a bit of chill to the air, so he slipped his arm around Tessa’s shoulders.

Or that’s what he told himself. Honestly, he wanted her to know she wasn’t alone, wanted her to know he was here. He couldn’t fathom the heartache of losing his mother. Nearly losing his sister had crushed him, leaving him in a world he couldn’t even describe.

“This never seems real,” Tessa whispered. “I should be used to not having her, but I always feel... I don’t know. I guess I feel something is missing.”

Grant stared down at the polished black stone with a single rose emblem beside the name Rose Barrington.

“I can’t imagine the void that slips into your life,” he told her. “Nothing replaces that.”

The hole in his heart for his sister had never been filled...never would be unless he faced her.

“You just learn to cope,” Tessa said softly. “There’s no other choice.”

Grant let the gentle breeze envelop them, allowing the silence to take over. He had no idea what to say, so he said nothing. There was no need to try to fill the moment with useless words.

Tessa bent down, rested her hand over her mother’s name and whispered something. He took a step back to allow her more privacy. Other than his sister, his heart had never ached for another woman until now.

Even though her mother had been gone fifteen years, Tessa was obviously very torn up. More than likely coming here for her was both comforting and crushing. And seeing Tessa so vulnerable wasn’t something he’d planned on.

At one time Grant’s family had been close, had had a bond that he’d thought nothing could destroy. But he’d murdered that when—

“You okay?”

Grant shook off his thoughts and realized Tessa had come to her feet and was studying him.

“Fine,” he told her, refusing to let past demons haunt him. “I wanted to give you some privacy.”

She moved on through the cemetery, and he followed, taking in strangers’ names and various dates. Some stones were obviously decades old, and others were fairly new.

“This area holds a lot of meaning to your family,” he commented as Tessa moved in behind the church.

Large trees shaded the entire area, providing a canopy over the stones. Grant could hardly wait to show Bronson and Anthony the stunning scene.

“I hope to marry here someday,” Tessa said. “I still have my mother’s wedding dress. It’s old, but it’s so simple and classy, I want to wear it.”

Grant could see her with her auburn hair pulled back in a timeless style, and wearing a vintage gown. She’d make the most alluring of brides.

He wasn’t too happy thinking of another man waiting for her at the end of the aisle, but it was hardly his place to worry about such things. After all, in a few months he’d be out of her life.

“I bet you have everything all planned out in a color-coded spreadsheet,” he teased as he stopped and turned to look down at her. “I’d guess you have each detail, down to the shade of each flower.”

Tessa narrowed her eyes, tilted her chin. “Maybe I do.”

Grant laughed. “Nothing to get defensive about, Country. Some people are just wired to never relax.”

“I relax,” she countered, crossing her arms over her chest. “I’m relaxing right now.”

He took a step forward; she took a step back. They danced that way for a few moments until Tessa’s back was up against an old weeping willow.

Grant rested an arm on the trunk above her head and smiled when she had to tip her head to look up at him.

“You’re relaxed?” he asked. “The only time you’ve fully relaxed with me was when my mouth was on yours. You never take downtime, and you work yourself too hard.”

“That’s not true,” she said, her words coming out almost a whisper.

Grant took his free hand and traced a line up her neck, right over her pounding pulse. “Really?”

Tessa continued to hold his gaze, never wavering. And he wanted to keep her guessing what he’d do next.

“Then in that case—” he leaned down, coming within a breath of her lips “—have dinner with me.”

Her eyes widened. “I don’t think that’s a good idea, Slick.”

“Sure it is.” Grant eased back, just enough to give her room to breathe. “You pick the day and time. I can work around you, but I want to have dinner with you, and I want you to take one evening to do absolutely nothing.”

“I’m training,” she insisted. “I have way too much to do and...”

“And what?”

“And I can’t think when I’m with you,” she whispered. “I want things, things I shouldn’t. I can’t get involved, Grant.”

“With me or with anybody?” he asked, resisting the urge to kiss her until she lost her train of thought. But she was torn, and emotional right now.

That made two of them.

“Anybody.” She placed her hands on his chest and eased him farther away as she straightened from the tree. “Besides, we couldn’t be more different, and when the film is over, you’ll be gone. I already said I won’t be the one to help you pass your time here.”

Grant shoved his hands into the pockets of his jacket. “I asked you to dinner. I’m not asking you to have a wild, torrid affair worthy of headlines.”

Not yet, anyway. Damn that clause. He had to get creative here, to protect not only his career but his peace of mind. Sex was all he could afford, all that he wanted.

Yeah, keep telling yourself that.

“Dinner only?” she asked.

“Unless you find me irresistible and can’t keep your hands off me,” he countered, offering her a smile, hoping to lighten the mood. “In that case, we’ll have to keep it a secret so I don’t get fired.”

“I’m pretty sure I can keep my hands off you, as long as you keep those lips off me.”

Grant winced. “Ouch, you really know how to drive a hard bargain. But I want you to relax, so I’ll keep my lips to myself.”

She raised a brow and twisted her lips as she contemplated. “Fine. Dinner. One evening and nothing more.”

“What night and time?”

She slid her phone from her pocket and searched. No doubt she had her spreadsheet on that damn thing, too.

“Tomorrow at seven.”

“Perfect. Don’t wear anything too fancy, and come by my cottage.”

“You’re not going to pick me up?” she asked.

He shrugged. “I don’t want you thinking this is a real date. It’s just dinner, remember?”

“As long as you remember, that’s what matters.”

Grant suddenly felt as if he’d won the lottery. Of course, a miracle had been performed. Tessa had not only agreed to spending downtime with him, she’d agreed to relax.

And he might have to keep his lips off of her, but she’d said absolutely nothing about his hands.

Four

Grant glanced at the spreadsheet on the kitchen counter in the guest cottage he was staying in. Although “cottage” was a loose term for the two thousand square foot home, complete with patio overlooking the stables and a massive walk-in shower in the master suite.

As he raked his eyes over the colorful paper, he took another sip of the strong coffee he’d just made. Little Miss Country Organizer would be pissed. He was already five minutes late...which may or may not have been on purpose.

Of course, she’d given him the spreadsheet a day late, so it wasn’t as if she had a leg to stand on in her defense.

Yesterday, after he’d lost control and kissed her, he’d walked around on his own, and by the time he returned to his guest cottage, she’d taped the schedule to the front door.

But in defense of his tardiness today, he’d had an early-morning call from Bronson Dane regarding a hiccup in the crew’s plans for arrival, and he’d had to deal with that. Grant took another sip of the coffee and placed the half-full cup back on the counter. No time to finish it, and he had a feeling Tessa wouldn’t care about his excuse for being late.

Why did he feel as if he was heading to the principal’s office? She was a grown woman, she had no control over him and he wasn’t going to get suspended. So why get all wrapped up in the details of a color-coded piece of paper?

Grabbing the house key and shoving it into his jean’s pocket, Grant headed out the door and made his way toward the massive two-story stables. The stone building, with its dark wood trim and weathered wooden doors, would make an impressive backdrop for many scenes. It suggested power and wealth, much like the great Barrington patriarch himself.

When Grant stepped over the threshold, he saw Tessa heading toward the opening of the stables atop a Thoroughbred. Without a word, he stood still and admired the scene, both as a producer and as a man.

She had her dark red hair pulled in that low ponytail again. The crimson strands slid back and forth as her body shifted in the saddle. Her simple white shirt was tucked into jeans that looked perfectly worn in all the right spots. Grant’s palms literally ached to feel those slim hips beneath them. For someone so petite and delicate looking, she had curves that would make any man drop to his knees and beg for anything and everything she was willing to give.

“Are you just going to stand there or are you coming in?” she asked without turning around.

He couldn’t help but smile. “I’m actually observing right now.”

Throwing a glance over her shoulder, Tessa quirked a brow. “Observing the barn structure or my rear end?”

Unable to stop himself, Grant laughed. “I was taking in all the structures.”

“Are you going to make an excuse as to why you’re late?”

Grant shrugged as he moved along the side of the aisle and closed the gap between them. “Do you care about an excuse?”

“No.”

“Then I won’t offer one.”

“Perfect.” Taking the lead line, she moved the Thoroughbred toward the open door to the riding ring. “I assumed you weren’t coming, and I was going to take Romeo out for a run. But if you want to talk, I’ll put him up.”

Grant didn’t want to talk, didn’t want to ask questions. He found himself wanting to watch her work, watch how she moved so gracefully and efficiently. The woman had a rare talent, and she was so damn beautiful. Stunning women were everywhere in L.A., but the majority in the circles he ran in were surgically enhanced. None had that porcelain skin, deep blue eyes, a cute little dimple and dark red hair. None of them wore cowboy boots with body-hugging jeans and Western shirts. And none challenged him the way Tessa did.

For once in his life, he was the pursuer.

“I’m ready to work if you are,” he told her.

She turned the beautiful horse around, dismounted and led him back to his stall.

After her saddle was back on the wall, she took a brush and started grooming the animal in large, circular strokes. “Romeo is going to learn to race. His father was a winner, and I can’t wait to see him fly.”

There was love in her tone, Grant noted. “How long will he train before he can race?”

“Cassie’ll have him ready to go next year. He’s not quite there yet.”

With ease and care, she moved around to the other side and repeated her motions. Her delicate hands were so gentle, and if he’d stop fantasizing about those hands on him, Grant might actually concentrate on the fact he was here to do a job.

The world of racing and horses was certainly glamorous to some, but not to him. Nothing about this sport appealed to him...except the sexy jockey in front of him.

If he didn’t start compartmentalizing soon, Tessa would suck him under, and he honestly didn’t think he was strong enough to climb back out.

“Do you have a favorite track?” he asked.

Her eyes met his over the back of the horse. With a wide grin she replied, “Yeah, the one where I win.”

Grant stepped closer, but still remained outside the stall. “How old were you when you started racing?”

“Officially? Eighteen. But I’ve lived and breathed horses my entire life.” With precise motions she swept the brush over the horse’s side and toward its flank. “I didn’t play sports, didn’t even go to my prom. I much preferred to spend my time right here.”

Hooking his thumbs through his belt loops, Grant shifted his stance. “I imagine there’s not a place on this farm you haven’t ridden.”

“You’d be right. If I’m not training, I’m riding for fun.”

Grant smiled. “Care to show me around?”

“I’d love to, but since you were late, your time is less now, so we won’t be able to go over as much of the estate.”

“When I got here you weren’t ready, either.”

“Because I thought you were a no-show.”

He stepped even closer, still watching her over the side of the horse. “Not all of us can live by a schedule.”

Tessa stared for a moment, then turned and put the brush away. Grant had a feeling he wasn’t scoring any points with her, but it was fun to get under her skin, and especially fun when she had no comeback.

“Follow me,” she told him as she stepped from the stall and headed toward the front of the stable.

Grant turned and gladly followed those swaying hips. “Which horses are we taking out?” he asked, dreading her response, but refusing to succumb to fear and let his vulnerabilities show.

“No horses,” she called over her shoulder.

Grant released a deep breath. He couldn’t let the fear cripple him, but he was relieved they were leaving the horses in the barn. He followed her into another large, two-story barn on the property and smiled.

“A four-wheeler?” he asked.

“Stick with me, Slick. I’ll show you all the cool country toys.”

Oh, the possibilities of comebacks with that statement. But Grant knew it was probably best to keep his mouth shut.

Tessa threw her leg around the seat and straddled the device, then sent him a saucy look. Damn woman. She was teasing him on purpose, and he was a sucker, falling for her antics.

Maybe separate horses would’ve been safer.

“You don’t have a problem with me driving, do you?” she asked with a grin.

Mercy. With her legs stretched wide over the seat, her body leaning forward to grip the handles, Grant knew he needed to take control, and fast, before this vixen completely made a fool out of him. She was mocking him, taking his attraction and blatantly throwing it back in his face.

And he deserved it. But two could play at this game.

Grant slid on behind her, making sure to tuck in real tight from torso to hips, gripping her thighs with his own. His hands slid around her tiny waist and his mouth came in close to her ear. “I don’t mind this one bit,” he whispered, pleased when she trembled.

Tessa turned her head slightly, enough to meet his gaze, her lips nearly brushing his. “Don’t make this weird, Slick.”

Grant flattened his palms on her taut stomach. “Weird was not the word I was thinking.”

She fired up the four-wheeler, turned her attention toward the opening of the barn and took off. Grant literally had to hold on to her because the force with which she exited nearly threw him off the back...which was probably what she wanted.

Oh, this little excursion was going to be fun.

* * *

Did he have to hold on so damn tight? He was practically wrapped around her, and instead of feeling trapped or confined, Tessa felt...aroused and anxious.

This man kept her on her toes, and she never knew what he’d say or do next. But she did know one thing: she refused to fall for charms or let her hormones control her. After all, what did her hormones know? She’d never fully used them before.

Another city boy who exuded power and intensity would not deter her from what mattered most—winning the upcoming races and making sure Slick didn’t get any ideas about exploiting her family or spreading rumors. Nothing else mattered.

And she had to keep telling herself that, considering the way his hard chest pressed against her back, those strong thighs fit perfectly down the length of hers, and his size made her feel so delicate and protected. She didn’t want to feel any of those things. Tessa was quite happy with the way life was right now, before Grant had stepped into her stable with those heavy-lidded eyes and that day-old stubble that she knew would tickle her palm.

As she headed out beyond the buildings and guesthouses, she frowned at her sister’s cottage and the empty parking space in front. Cassie had texted earlier to say Emily was running a fever and she was running her to the urgent care facility. Hopefully, it was nothing serious.

Cassie had a full plate, being the trainer for Stony Ridge and now a single mother. All the more reason they needed to hire a new groom. The timing couldn’t be worse for being one man short. They’d tried a replacement after Cassie’s ex left, but that groom had ended up moving out of state, so here they were, waiting on their dad to find another.

Tessa sped up, moving down the edge of the property line toward the most beautiful place on the estate. She knew Grant would love it, and she had no doubt at least one part of the film would be shot at this location. So many memories were held here, and she figured he’d want to know the special history of her parents.

Even though her mom had been gone for a while, Tessa felt every day the indescribable void she’d left. There was always an ache, an emptiness in her chest that had settled deep when Rose had passed. Nothing and no one could ever fill that gaping hole.

She and her mother had shared so much. Rose had always stressed the importance of not giving away love or your body to just anyone. Both were too precious to throw around.

Tessa had always promised her mom she’d wait for the right man. He just hadn’t come along yet.

She highly doubted the man molded to her back was “the one,” but he certainly was more tempting than any other guy she’d ever encountered.

Tessa cruised over the rise and came to a stop so Grant could take in the view.

“Oh...that’s...wow. Tessa, that’s beautiful.”

Up ahead lay a valley with a large pond surrounded by evergreens. The water always seemed so vibrant and glistening. A part of her was thrilled that his reaction was all she’d hoped.

“I always ride out here to relax,” she told him. “It’s so peaceful.”

Turning slightly to see his face, she watched as his eyes roamed over the land, as if he’d never seen a more beautiful sight. She wanted to study him, memorize everything about him, but what would be the point? He wasn’t staying, and even if he were, she didn’t have time for a relationship, didn’t want a relationship and certainly didn’t intend to start one.

They’d technically just met, so all either of them was feeling was pure lust. Lust would get her nowhere but on a road to heartache. She was totally out of her element here.

Added to that, she highly doubted she was Grant’s type. He probably wasn’t too keen on virgins. Kissing was her limit until she found someone she truly felt a deep connection with, and if Grant ever knew that... Well, he would never know that, because this whole train of thought was coming to a crashing halt.

Seriously, this whole string of ideas only led down a path to a dead end.

“Want me to take you down there?” she offered.

“Please.”

She revved up the four-wheeler and took off down the slight slope toward the pond. Once at the water’s edge, they couldn’t be seen from the main house in the distance.

Grant slid off the seat first and offered a hand to help her. As much as she wanted to bat it away, she accepted it. Hey, if a sexy man was going to play gentleman, she was going to take full advantage of the situation.

He dropped her hand once she was on her feet, and Tessa smiled as his eyes roamed over the wide pond.

“My father used to bring my mother out here for picnics,” she related. “I remember her telling me and Cassie about them.”

Tessa glanced toward the water and sighed. “I never got tired of hearing about their romance. I think it’s important for children to see their parents in love, to know what they should look forward to, and not settle for anything less.”

* * *

Grant turned his attention to Tessa. The ends of her ponytail danced in the breeze, her eyes were focused off in the distance and her arms were crossed over her chest. He knew she was trying to visualize the moment her mother had told her about, knew Tessa was more than likely a romantic at heart.

“And is that why you’re single?” he asked. “You’re not going to settle?”

Glancing over to him, Tessa quirked a brow. “No, I’m not. I shouldn’t have to. I’m not looking to marry right now, anyway. I’m a little busy. What about you, Slick?”

Grant laughed. “I’d love to settle down. My parents aren’t much different from yours. And I agree it’s important for parents to show their love. I plan on having kids and I want them to see how much I love their mother.”

Tessa’s eyes widened, her mouth dropped.

“What?” he asked, stepping closer so that he could see the navy specks in her eyes. “Didn’t expect me to have goals in the marriage department?”

“Actually, no, I didn’t.” She stared at him for another moment before turning back to look at the lake. “I ride Oliver when I need to get away. I get on him and he just automatically comes down here. Recently...”

She shook her head, and Grant waited for her to continue, but she didn’t. He didn’t like the sadness that slid over her face as she gazed at the water.

“The racing getting stressful?”

“No more than usual. But it’s something I love, so the stress is mostly self-induced.”

Tessa eased down onto the ground, pulled her knees up and wrapped her arms around them. “Go ahead and have a seat, Slick. Unless you’re afraid you’ll get a grass stain on your new designer jeans.”

He didn’t tell her his jeans weren’t designer or new, but he did plop right down next to her, a little closer than she was probably comfortable with. But she was trying to get under his skin, so he damn well would get beneath hers.

A smile spread across her face. “Spend much time in the country?” she asked.

He’d grown up in a modest home surrounded by fields and wildflowers in the heart of Kentucky, but she didn’t need to know that. She already had an opinion of him, and he’d break it down by his actions, not his words.

“Enough,” Grant told her. “Much more peaceful than the city. But there’s a reason for both, and some people just aren’t cut out for the other.”

“What about you?” she asked. “You’re all city boy. Are you going to be able to handle the next few weeks here with me?”

Unable to resist her jab, Grant reached up, slid a stray strand of her hair behind her ear and allowed his hand to gently roam back down her cheek in a featherlight touch. She trembled beneath his fingertips.

“I think I can handle it,” he whispered, purposely staring at her mouth, waiting for that dimple to make another appearance.

Her eyes widened before she turned back to the pond. She might be all tough exterior, but Grant had a feeling the lovely, intriguing Tessa Barrington had layers upon layers to her complexity. He wanted to peel each one away and find what she truly had hidden inside.

“Do you have other special areas on the property?” he asked, circling back to the fact he was indeed here to do a job, and not seduce.

“All of the estate is beautiful,” she told him. “There’s a wooded spot on the edge of the property that has this old cabin. It was the first home on this land, built long before my dad lived here. He never tore it down, and Cassie and I used to play there when we were kids. It’s also where my dad proposed to my mom.”

“Show it to me.”

Grant hopped to his feet and extended his hand to help Tessa up. She resisted for all of a second before slipping her delicate hand into his. Before she could fully catch her balance, Grant tugged her against his chest, causing her to land right where he wanted her.

What the hell was he doing? He knew better than to play games like this, but damned if his hormones weren’t trying to take over. That whole chat he’d had with himself about compartmentalizing had gone straight to hell.

But each time he was with Tessa something came over him, something he couldn’t explain, and he was drowning in confusion and...her.

Tessa’s breath caught, and those bright blue eyes held his. With her body molded against his, Grant had no clue what to do now. Well, he knew, but he was supposed to be a professional and not get tangled up in this world on a personal level. Mentally and emotionally, he couldn’t afford to.

Besides, the last thing he needed was to get kicked off the set before filming even started.

Yet, as usual, lust controlled his actions.

“What about you, Tessa?” he asked, eyeing her lips. “Are you all country girl or could you handle the big city?”

Something cold flashed through her eyes before she pulled away and glanced at her watch. “You only have twenty minutes left, Slick. Better go see that cabin.”

Whatever trigger he’d just hit on, Grant had a feeling he would annoy her even more before he figured out what he’d said that upset her. Because he knew their body contact hadn’t gotten her so angry. No, he’d seen desire in her eyes, maybe even confusion—a glimpse of an internal battle, but not anger.

He followed her back to the four-wheeler and climbed on behind her. This time Grant held on to the back rack instead of Tessa. He was treading on thin ice as it was.