told her. “Don’t lump me with whatever jerk broke your heart. And do not downgrade yourself by thinking I’m using you simply to pass the time.”
She lowered her lids and sighed. She was exhausted. Physically and emotionally. No wonder Cassie was worried. Guilt tugged at Grant’s heart. Damn it. His heart had no place in this.
She didn’t want this movie made, didn’t want him here and was fighting this attraction. He wanted the movie and he wanted Tessa.
Grant hated to tell her, but she was fighting a losing battle.
“What’s really bothering you?” he asked. “I realize you’re uncomfortable with...whatever we’re doing, but that wouldn’t have you this angry.”
When she met his eyes, she shook her head. “I’m not sure. It may be nothing, but I’m just so paranoid lately.”
“Tell me what it is, and I can help you decide if it’s nothing. That way you won’t drive yourself insane with your internal battle.”
“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.
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
