Grant shifted his weight, leaning against the counter as if processing all she threw at him. “I read that in his bio. That’s quite intriguing, actually.”
Intriguing? Tessa didn’t want him using that word when he was staring at her with such intensity. Did the man ever blink? Or just mesmerize women with that heavy-lidded gaze?
“Cassie is the best trainer I’ve ever seen,” she told him, circling the conversation back to the reason for this little meeting.
“She’s older than you, right?” Grant asked.
“By three years.”
“She never had the itch to become a jockey?”
Tessa nearly laughed. Cassie was so gentle, so nurturing. She was much better left in the stables, where she could tend to the horses...many of which needed her gentle touch.
“No. She’s more a behind-the-scenes type.” Tessa took another drink of her water before replacing the cap. “My dad taught us every aspect of the racing industry. I was practically raised in a saddle. Cassie is more delicate. She’s perfect as a trainer. Me, on the other hand, I love the fast-paced adrenaline rush of the race.”
Grant smirked as he moved closer, stopping and resting his elbow on the counter beside her. “I wouldn’t think such a perfectionist, and someone who holds on to their control the way you do, would be such a fanatic about adrenaline rushes.”
Tessa turned her head, cursing herself when those dark eyes shot a shiver of arousal through her. “I have several layers, Slick. Don’t try to uncover too many at once.”
A corner of his mouth lifted, and she found herself staring at his dark stubble. How would that feel beneath her hand...her lips? Why was she letting him get to her? There were so many things she needed to focus on right now, and the feel of a man’s facial hair was nowhere on her list. Yet her skin still tingled, and she couldn’t help but wonder what would happen if she actually touched that dark stubble.
“I’d like to uncover as many layers as possible,” he murmured.
How did this man come onto the scene, literally hours ago, and already have such power over her heart rate?
“You sound hesitant,” she told him, holding his stare, refusing to be intimidated. “Not that I’m complaining.”
Grant laughed. “There’s a small annoyance in my contract.”
Tessa stood straighter, bothered that even with him leaning on the counter, she was shorter than him. Being petite was an advantage and requirement for a jockey, but right now she wished for a few more inches.
“Something in your contract?” she asked with a grin. “And what does it say? No flirting or charming while filming?”
“More like no seducing while filming,” he corrected, a hint of amusement lacing his voice.
Tessa swallowed hard. She was quickly drowning in deep waters. “Seducing? Is that what you are trying to do?”
His eyes dropped to her mouth, then moved back up to meet her gaze. “Oh, if I was seducing you, you’d know. Flirting is harmless, isn’t it?”
Was it? She wasn’t so sure anything about Grant Carter was harmless. Not his dark eyes, not his naughty grin and certainly not his smooth words, which washed over her, through her, like a breeze on a warm summer day.
In no time he had sent shivers down her spine, made her smile, attempted a rescue and had her questioning why she was hanging on to her virginity. None of that had happened with the last guy she’d dated and considered marrying.
The timing couldn’t be worse. Between the film and the upcoming races, she just didn’t have time to wonder why Fate had decided to dangle this all too alluring man in front of her.
And why she had to be so attracted to someone with the exact qualities of the jerk she’d just dumped a few months ago? Had she not learned her lesson when he’d tried to exploit her and when that failed, he’d tried to ruin her career, just so she’d be forced to marry him and move to some overpopulated, confining city? Had he honestly thought she’d hand over money for him to get his newfound business off the ground? If he had truly loved her, respected her career, she would’ve gladly supported him in any way. But he’d laid down ultimatums, and in the end Tessa had pointed him back to that city he loved so much.
She thanked God every day that she hadn’t tumbled into bed with him. She’d assumed they were getting married, and she’d wanted to make their honeymoon special.
Thankfully, she’d made a promise to her mother to wait for real love and marriage.
“Do we need to add that to the spreadsheet?” he asked.
She shook off thoughts of her ex and met Grant’s hard stare. “What’s that?”
That wicked grin of his widened, deepening his dimples. “Flirting. Is that something you need to figure in, or should I add that into my two-hour time slot? I am a master at multitasking, you know.”
“So you’ve mentioned before.”
“I think I’ll keep my two hours to work, and throw in a little flirting when you least expect it.”
Had the heat kicked on in here? Tessa resisted the urge to undo a button on her shirt for some extra air. She also refused to rub her damp palms along her pants. She would not give Grant the satisfaction of knowing he was getting to her.
“So I need to be ready for you at any time?” she asked, forcing her eyes to remain locked on his.
“Ready? You could never be ready, Country.”
She studied his tanned face, his chocolate eyes beneath thick brows. “Why is it I have a feeling you have a problem with controlling your hormones?”
“Oh, I can control them,” he assured her. “Because if I couldn’t, I would’ve already kissed you.”
That simple declaration weakened her knees. She leaned back against the counter and took a deep breath. If she couldn’t avoid the roller coaster of emotions, she may as well enjoy the ride.
“Then it’s a good thing you have control, because kissing me would be a mistake.”
Yeah, that was a gauntlet she knew he’d pick up. Why was she flirting, purposely provoking him? She did not have time for this. Beyond that, she didn’t like him—or didn’t want to like him—and she sure as hell didn’t like this whole movie idea. But there was nothing she could do about it at this point.
Damn, she was attracted, and she hated every blasted nerve that sizzled for him.
“That so?” Holding that mesmerizing smile, he inched closer and whispered, “And why would kissing be a mistake?”
“For one thing, I’m not comfortable with this movie.”
His lips turned up slightly. “Anything else?”
“I don’t have time. In case you’re unaware of how the season works, I’m gearing up for the first of many races, which I hope will lead me down the path to the coveted Triple Crown.”
“I don’t think a kiss would throw off your rigorous routine.” He laughed, still continuing to invade her personal space. “And I’m more than aware of how the season works. I did thorough research for this film.”
“You don’t seem like the type of guy who would do thorough research on anything,” she retorted. “You seem too laid-back.”
In a flash, his hands came up, framed her face, and he had her all but bent over onto the island. The hard planes of his body molded against hers. Sweat trickled between her shoulder blades as she waited to see what he would do. And that wait only made her more aware of just how sexy, how powerful this man was. Her breath caught in her throat as his face hovered mere inches from hers.
“Baby, I’m thorough...with everything.”
His mouth slid over hers, and Tessa was glad she was wedged between his hard body and the counter, or she would’ve withered to the floor. The full-on attack sent shivers through her entire being, affecting areas never touched.
And there it was. That click. A click of something so perfect sliding into place,
but Tessa couldn’t focus on it because Grant was consuming every bit of her thoughts, her body, with one single kiss.
He coaxed her lips apart with his tongue, leaving her no choice but to accept him. How could a kiss be felt in your entire body? Such a simple act sent tremors racing one after the other through her.
A slight groan escaped her as Tessa gripped his thick biceps.
Before she could revel in the sensations sweeping through her overheated body, Grant lifted his head, met her gaze and smiled.
“Sorry. Guess I can’t control my hormones.”
“What about that clause?” she asked, cursing her breathless tone.
That sultry grin spread across his face. “I didn’t come close to violating the clause.”
Grant walked out the back door, and it took Tessa a moment to realize that she still had over an hour left in the time she’d allotted for him. And she hadn’t given him his copy of the spreadsheet.
With a sigh, she sank onto the nearest bar stool and came to a conclusion. Grant Carter had caught her off guard, and he’d been right. She would never be ready for him.
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 f
ollowed 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.
When Opposites Attract... Page 3