“She’s got major trust issues,” Cassie told him. “Not only that, he was a big-time city slicker. So if you’re seriously pursuing her, you have your work cut out for you.”
“There’s a clause in my contract that prevents me from fraternizing with crew members on location,” he informed her. “And technically, Tessa would fall into that category, since we’re working with her. So everything you think you know needs to be kept to yourself.”
Cassie nodded. “Understood. But keep in mind, my sister doesn’t deserve to be kept a secret, or only brought out when it’s convenient for you.”
“Are you warning me away?” he asked, knowing every word she said was true. He just hated how she painted the accurate picture.
She tilted her head. “Not at all. I actually think Tessa needs a little distraction in her life. She needs to have fun, especially with this being the most stressful time for her. I just wanted you to be aware of how fragile she is, even though she tries to put up this tough persona.”
He had a quick flash of Tessa being thrown from the horse, of trembling beneath his touch....
“I’m aware of how fragile she is,” he said. “And I’m not backing down.”
Cassie’s smile widened. “Good. Now, what do you want to ask me about my childhood and my father?”
“You can do this, baby girl.”
Tessa stared down at her father, who patted her leg. The Arkansas Derby was about to start, and this intensity just beforehand was the moment she loved. That feeling before every race. The thrill of nerves swirling through her belly, the cheering crowd, the anticipation of thundering hooves against the hard dirt.
God, she loved her job.
“This is a cakewalk for you, Tess,” her sister said. “You ready?”
Tessa nodded. “Let’s do this.”
Cassie led Don Pedro, and Damon walked by her side. Tessa knew Grant was around, but thankfully, he’d made himself scarce since the incident in the guesthouse a few days ago.
Perhaps he’d decided she wasn’t worth the trouble. If that was the case, fine. At least she knew up front and not after her heart got too involved. But she had a feeling he was giving her room to come to grips with what had happened...or he was battling his own issues. Either way, Tessa was pleased with the space he’d given her.
The sun was bright in the sky, promising a beautiful day, and Tessa couldn’t wait to celebrate. That attitude wasn’t cocky, just positive thinking, which she’d learned to do long ago in this business.
A trail of riders made their way to the starting gate. A variety of colors from the jockeys’ shirts and horse blankets added another layer of beauty to the sport. There wasn’t one aspect of racing that Tessa didn’t love, didn’t embrace.
Her own light blue shirt with a bright green star and a diagonal white stripe across her torso and one sleeve had been her mother’s design, and Tessa wore the jersey proudly with each race, feeling as if her mother was right there with her every time.
Once she and Don Pedro were in position, Damon and Cassie left her and Tessa took in a deep breath. All the training, all the countless hours always came down to just a few precious minutes.
She leaned down, patting her Thoroughbred’s neck, and whispered, “We’ve got this, don’t we, Don Pedro?”
In no time the signal was issued and Tessa readied herself for the gate to move, allowing her the freedom she needed to take a qualifying position.
Adrenaline pumped through her veins, and she gripped the reins, ready to take the first step in making her mark as another Barrington champion.
* * *
Grant couldn’t help but cheer when the official results came in and Tessa qualified. She not only qualified, she came in first. Damn, but she was impressive to watch on that track.
He’d never been so nervous in all his life as he was in those moments before the gate lifted. Now he wanted to go to her, wanted to congratulate her. But he wouldn’t be able to resist hugging her, kissing her.
He had to keep himself in check, though. Congratulations were one thing, but anything else in public could cost him everything.
Grant made his way to the stable, only to find Tessa surrounded by reporters and family. Slipping out his notepad and pen, he started scribbling. He’d been taking notes the entire day, on everything from the camaraderie of the jockeys to the excitement in the stands.
Tessa pulled off her matching blue helmet and wiped her forehead as she smiled for one of the cameras. She was stunning. Her beauty radiated through her smile, and her love of the horses, of the sport, came shining through in ways words never could express.
Grant moved away, knowing anything he wanted to say to Tessa could wait until they were alone. As he turned to make his way back through the crowd, his phone rang.
Moving over to the far side, where there was less commotion, or as little as he could get, considering he was near the grandstands, he pulled his cell from his dress pants and glanced at the caller ID before answering.
“Hey, Dad.”
“Grant,” his father’s voice boomed. “Haven’t heard from you for a few weeks. How are things going?”
“Really well.” He continued to move away from the crowd, heading toward the end of the stands. “I’m actually at a race right now.”
“Oh, damn. I’m sorry, son. I never know when it’s a good time to call.”
“No problem. If I can’t talk, I just won’t answer. Is everything okay?”
“Fine.” His father sighed. “To be honest, your mother is worried about you.”
Grant turned his back to the sun and slid his free hand into his pants pocket. “Dad—”
“Now just listen,” he interrupted. “I know you’re going to say you’re fine. I know you’ll tell me there’s nothing to worry about, but that’s why I’m calling and not your mother. I’ll tell her anything to give her peace of mind, but I want you to be truthful with me. Is this project harder than you thought?”
“The film itself won’t start for another two weeks, so it’s been pretty easy so far.”
“You know I’m not talking about the actual film, son. How are you holding up working around the horses?”
Yeah, unfortunately Grant knew exactly what his father had been referring to, but he’d tried to dodge it...just as he’d been dodging this topic for years.
“Honestly, it’s hard, but not unbearable.”
“Do you think you’ll be able to stick it out?”
For
