“You’re kidding, right?” she asked.
“All the music from tonight is from your senior year,” he told her, as a familiar tune filled the night. “What else would I play for your prom?”
“Well, at least it’s not oldies from your prom,” she joked.
Grant plucked the flowers from her hands, set them aside on the table and jerked her into his arms. “Now you’re fighting dirty. You calling me old?”
She shrugged, sliding her hands up his chest, over his shoulders and into his hair. “Not if you think you can keep up with me.”
Grant’s body heated as he pulled her flush against him. “Oh, baby, why don’t you try to keep up with me?”
“With pleasure.”
She pressed closer and opened her mouth to his. Grant splayed his hands across her back, loving the bare skin he encountered, but loving how she shivered in his arms even more. He caused that. He knew just how to hold her, how to kiss her, how to make love to her. There was no other man on earth who could say that.
Grant might have power, but this petite sprite held all the control where he was concerned...and that was even more of a turn-on.
Tessa’s breasts pressed against his chest as the upbeat song ended and a slower one began. Still gliding his mouth over hers, he began to sway. Dancing with Tessa wasn’t something he’d ever thought of doing before she’d mentioned the prom, but he was so glad he’d come up with this somewhat silly plan.
Any reason to have her in his arms was good enough for him, and if they had to fly a few hours to get away, to make her feel special, it was all worth it.
He was merely laying the groundwork for his future—hopefully, with her.
Tessa eased back, her hands playing with the ends of his hair, her body still pressed against his. “I can’t believe you went through all of this for me.”
“Why can’t you believe it?” he asked.
She shrugged. “Dinner and a movie is one thing. Flying to a private mountain to dance under the stars is another.”
“You deserve this and so much more,” he told her.
“I hate sneaking because of the film,” she told him, going for honesty. “But if this is your idea of being sneaky, I’m completely behind it.”
“Stick with me, babe. No one will catch us, and you’ll have the time of your life.”
“I just...”
Looking into those bright blue eyes, Grant waited, but she shook her head and rested it against his shoulder. He wanted to know what was on her mind—not just now, but all the time. Hadn’t they passed the point of keeping things locked inside? Not that he had any room to judge.
When Tessa shivered against him, he looked down. “I guess I was too busy planning the prom to take into consideration the weather with that dress.”
She wrapped her arms around his waist and moved her head to rest against his chest. “You’ll have to get creative to keep me warm.”
She was killing him. In that dress, with her sexy words and her somewhat still innocent ways, Tessa Barrington was surely going to be the death of him.
But this trip was about laying it all on the line. Coming clean about where he stood with his feelings, what he wanted from her, and finding out what she was willing to sacrifice to be with him.
* * *
Could the man be more perfect? How in the world would she ever be able to say goodbye to him, let alone date anyone else?
But she wanted to concentrate on now. Her whole life she’d planned ahead, unable to truly enjoy the moment.
And if there was ever a moment to enjoy, this was it. Standing in Grant’s arms, dancing beneath a starry sky while he did his best to re-create an event in her life she’d missed.
Yeah, a little chilly air wasn’t going to ruin things for her.
But a part of her knew they were still sneaking—now just on a grander scale.
Obviously, this level of sneaking was meant to impress her...and it did. But it also drove home the point that he was not taking their relationship beyond intimacy of the body—forget intimacy of the heart.
“I’m having a hard time keeping my hands off you,” he whispered in her ear. “With your body against mine, the way you look in that dress. I’ve had you, but I can’t stop wanting you.”
Tessa smiled into his chest. His raw words shot straight to her heart. She loved this man. Loved him for his passion for life, loved him for the reckless way he made quick decisions, and loved him for the way he maneuvered so much to give her a few days of absolute bliss and peace.
The man was completely unselfish, and right now she held all the power.
No matter what the future held for them—whether as a couple or apart—they were together now. And this was a fantasy night he’d staged just for her.
Mustering up a bit of courage, Tessa took a step back from his arms, reached for the hidden side zipper and eased it down until the dress fell to a puddle at her feet.
Grant’s eyes slid down her body, sending even more chills racing over her bare skin.
“I do like an aggressive woman.”
That was good, because she liked that look in his eyes. “I always feel beautiful around you. Like I’m the only woman in the world.”
Grant reached for her, sliding his hands around her waist and pulling her against him. “You’re the only woman in my world.”
Before she could question exactly what he meant by that, Tessa was swept into a fantasy come to life as Grant laid her down on the cushioned chaise and made love to her beneath the stars.
Twenty
Tessa rolled over in bed, finding the other side completely empty. Darkness enveloped the room, and she glanced at the clock on the nightstand. Nearly one in the morning.
Where was Grant?
Grabbing the throw that was folded at the bottom of the bed, Tessa wrapped it around herself and padded carefully through the spacious master suite. The double doors on the far wall were cracked, and when she peeked through, she saw Grant standing against the railing, the full moon casting him in a soft glow.
Easing one of the doors open, she made her way out into the cool night, then stopped. What if he wanted to be alone? Maybe he’d come out here to think? Just because they shared a bed didn’t mean she had the right to invade his privacy.
She’d barely turned to go back inside when his voice cut through the night.
“Stay.”
Tessa froze. When he didn’t turn, didn’t say anything else, she adjusted the throw around her and walked toward him. Pressing her back to the rail, she settled next to him. But when she looked up at him and saw anguish in those once-sultry eyes, worry consumed her.
“You had another nightmare?” she asked.
Grant’s eyes remained fixed on something in the distance, almost as if he was watching whatever nightmare that plagued him unfold. Tessa didn’t say another word. He’d told her to stay. Maybe he didn’t want to talk, but he obviously didn’t want to be alone. That in and of itself was a huge step up from his last nightmare.
“My sister is paralyzed from the waist down because of me.”
That statement, in his rough, throaty tone, had Tessa locking her eyes on his, waiting for him to elaborate.
“We used to take riding lessons,” he went on, still staring out into the night, as if he was talking to himself. “Melanie loved horses. As a little girl she would wear cowgirl boots with everything, even her nightgown. She loved everything about horses.
“We took lessons, and we were pretty damn good. I ended up quitting because of sports and girls, but Melanie kept at it. I supported her, and she always came to all my games. We were just...there for each other, you know?”
From Tessa’s angle she could see moisture gathering in his eyes. Her heart ached for him, for the battle he
’d fought with himself and for the demons he’d carried for so long.
“One day I went with her to the barn. We lived in Kentucky and had several acres. Nothing major, but enough for a barn and a couple horses. We’d just graduated the week before, and she would be off to college in the fall for equine studies. I was ready to move to L.A. and hit film school.”
Grant gripped the rail, dropped his head forward and sighed. “I ruined her life, Tessa. I made her race me, knowing the horse she was on was new, knowing it was skittish and rebellious.
“My horse spooked hers when I came up behind them, and the thing took off. Melanie started screaming, calling out commands, but the stallion kept going. I can’t...I can’t get that image out of my brain.”
He lifted his head, turned his face toward hers, and Tessa couldn’t help but reach for him. She rested a hand on his bare arm and waited for him to go on.
“When I kicked my horse to go faster, that scared hers even more and he bucked. She fell off the back and...”
His eyes closed, as if he was trying to block out the memory. A moment later he drew in a deep breath and focused his gaze back on hers.
“I don’t know what I thought I could do, but I just wanted to get up beside her, to help somehow. But I ended up doing so much more harm than good.
“Now you know why I’m so leery at the stables, why I freaked out when you fell. I couldn’t live through that again, Tessa.”
“What does your sister think of you working on this film?” she asked.
Grant shrugged. “I haven’t talked to her since I left for film school. After the accident, she had surgeries and therapy, but the doctors told us the chance of her walking or using her legs again were slim to none. After a couple months, I couldn’t handle it anymore. I couldn’t look at her because guilt would eat at me. She should hate me, should curse me every day of her life. I stole everything from her, Tessa.”
Tessa’s heart broke for this man. “Don’t you think you hurt her even more by shutting her out? She’s your twin, right? I’m sure you two shared a special bond before the accident. You think because she is in a wheelchair that she doesn’t love you?”
“She shouldn’t.”
Grant stepped away and turned his back on Tessa. Oh, hell no. He wasn’t shutting her out, too. Not after this revelation. Not when his hurt was threatening to become a wedge between them.
“You’re not a one-man show, Grant. You don’t need to tackle everything alone. Talk to me. You opened up to me for a reason. Let me help.”
He whirled on her, arms flying. “Help? What can you help do, Tessa? I ruined her life. And I’m telling you because I want you to know the real me. The uglier side, the damaged side. I want you to see that I have issues, I have fears, and they all stem from the world you live in. I’ve been able to keep my distance for the most part, but the more involved with you I get, the more immersed in that world I find myself. I’m terrified. The more I’m with you, the harder it is to keep my emotions under control.”
His last two words were whispered, and the weight of his statement crushed her. He was right. Horses, racing, fast speeds were all part of her world...the only world she knew and a world he wanted no part of. And another reason he’d chosen to be so secretive. Coming out in the open about his feelings would only make him force things he just didn’t know if he could face.
“Accidents happen, Grant,” she assured him. “People can be injured anytime, anywhere. I could be put in a wheelchair by falling down steps or being in a car accident. Don’t let that fear control you. Don’t you think it’s held on to your life long enough?”
“But I caused this accident and the result is crippling.” His eyes sought hers as he raked a hand over his messed hair. “I needed you to know. I couldn’t keep this inside anymore...not with you.”
“Why now? Why let me in now?”
He closed the space between them, lifting his palms against her cheeks and framing her face. “Because I’m falling in love with you, Tessa.”
Her heart caught in her throat. “You’re... Are you serious?”
A ghost of a smile danced across his face. “I am. But I need you to know why I worry. Your world revolves around this lifestyle that threatens to consume me at times.”
“I don’t think you’d be as stressed and controlled by this fear if you’d talk to your sister,” Tessa told him, reaching up to hold on to his wrists. “What do your parents say?”
“They’re always trying to get me to come home. I’ve been able to avoid it over the years by flying them out to see me. I just don’t know that I can face Melanie.”
“Maybe we could face her together?”
Grant’s eyes widened. “No. I’m not putting this on you.”
“You didn’t put this on me,” she countered with a smile. “Maybe I want to help, because I’ve fallen in love with you, too.”
He nipped at her lips once more. “I know. I knew when you came to my cottage, ready to seduce me. I knew you’d never give yourself to someone you didn’t love.”
“I did love you then,” she admitted. “I had barely admitted it to myself. I actually kept trying to deny it, but there’s no fighting such a strong emotion. I never had a clue love could be so all-encompassing.”
Worry lines settled between his brows. “How will this work? I mean, I still can’t publicly be with you until this film is over. I live in L.A. and you live in Virginia.”
Tessa nodded. “There’s a lot against us. We’ll just have to find a way.”
Grant wrapped his arms around her, pulled her close. Inhaling his warm, masculine scent, Tessa tried to relax. They had to make this work. She’d given up too much of herself to accept anything less.
“Don’t worry, Tessa,” he whispered. “No matter what I have to do, we will find a way.”
She clung to the man, the promise, and the hope for their future. Because she’d never fully loved like this before, and this unchartered territory scared her to death.
* * *
As much as Tessa hated to have the magical weekend come to an end, she knew it was time for them both to get back to work. After all, the sooner Grant wrapped up the film, the sooner they could go public with their relationship.
She loved that term in regards to what she and Grant had. For the first time in her life, she truly felt she was on the right path with the right man. And she couldn’t help but think her mother was smiling down on her with approval. Tessa only wished her mom was here in person to share in their happiness.
“Will we be able to visit your mountain again?” Tessa asked as Grant escorted her to the awaiting car, driven by their one and only accomplice, Cassie.
Tessa had simply told her father she was taking a couple days off to go visit a friend. Damon Barrington was a smart man and more than likely knew what was up, but he didn’t say a word.
“Anytime, babe.”
“Well, looks like the getaway agreed with you two,” Cassie told them. “I’m glad you’re back, though.”
“Something wrong?” Tessa asked, as Grant put their bags in the trunk.
Her sister’s eyes were shielded by her sunglasses, so Tessa couldn’t get a feel for what was going on. The wind on the tarmac whipped Cassie’s red hair about her shoulders.
“Aaron called me while you were gone.”
Tessa froze.
“The ex?” Grant asked, placing his hand on the small of Tessa’s back as if to stake his claim.
Cassie nodded, reaching back to control her hair in the strong breeze. “He informed me you’ve been ignoring his calls. I told him you were busy working, and I may have...”
“What?” Tessa asked.
“I may have said you were seeing someone.”
Grant swore, and Tessa groaned. “Oh, Cass.”
“Wait,” Grant said after a moment. “Did you tell him my name?”
Cassie shook her head. “No. I’ve not told anybody. I just said that so he’d know you’ve moved on.”
Grant rubbed his hand along Tessa’s back. “It’s okay, then. As long as he doesn’t know who, I’m safe, and hopefully, he’ll see she’s not available.”
Tessa jerked on the car handle. “I wasn’t available to that jerk even before you came along, Slick. He had his chance, and forgiveness is not an option.”
Grant smacked a kiss on her lips. “Hopefully, he’s done calling.”
While Cassie got into the driver’s seat, Tessa settled in the back next to Grant. These were their last few moments of freedom before he headed back to working on the film. He’d still come to her house, but she absolutely couldn’t wait to be his, in public, without the sneaking around. Although sneaking did have a certain naughty appeal.
“I want to be able to see all hands at all times back there,” Cassie called back as she pulled out onto the main road. “I don’t play chauffeur to just anybody.”
“We appreciate all you’ve done,” Grant said, draping an arm around Tessa’s shoulders.
“I’m just glad my sister is happy.”
They chatted about the upcoming race in Louisville and strategy. Tessa couldn’t wait to get to the race, couldn’t wait to see that blanket of roses draped across Don Pedro. He deserved the win for all his hard work, too.
“I love the Shakespearean names, by the way,” Grant interjected at one point.
She caught her sister’s eye in the rearview mirror. “Well, we have a little difference of opinion when it comes to their names,” Tessa stated. “She’s more pessimistic than I am. Mine are Don Pedro and Oliver, but Cassie’s newest rescue is Macduff.”
From the front seat Cassie laughed. “He may be the hero in Macbeth, but he’s a killer in the end.”
Grant chuckled. “So Tessa is the romantic and you’re the more...cynical sister?”
When Opposites Attract... Page 16