form a roadblock on his path to being even more successful.
He’d originally taken on this film because so many key players were involved, and he wanted every layer of career achievement possible.
But he hadn’t planned on Tessa. Hadn’t expected to be blindsided by a feisty, yet innocent vixen who made him face his fears...and his feelings.
“I’ll be fine,” he told his dad. “So now you can tell Mom I am doing great and you won’t be lying.”
“When do you think we’ll be able to see you?”
Grant smiled at an elderly couple that walked by. “I’m not sure. I’ll be on location for a couple of months at least. I may be able to take a brief break right after that.”
“Well, there’s another reason for my call.”
Grant knew it. He’d been waiting on this “other reason.” Spotting a bench along a stone retaining wall, he made his way over and took a seat. He had a sinking feeling he’d need to be sitting when his father asked the next question.
“Since you’re moving on and making progress,” his dad continued, “your mother and I would like it if you would come visit when you’re done filming. Melanie would like to see you.”
Grant closed his eyes, waiting for that stab of guilt and angst that always accompanied his sister’s name. He knew Melanie had asked to see him over the years, but he just couldn’t. And he wouldn’t put her through trying to be kind to him. How the hell could she even stand to say his name, let alone be in the same room with him? He’d nearly killed her...and from the way she was living, he might as well have. He’d murdered her dreams, her promising future.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Dad.”
His father sighed. “You can’t avoid her forever, and you can’t avoid the issue.”
Oh, he could, and he had been for several years. Grant believed he was doing the best thing, letting his sister live without seeing him and being reminded of how he’d stolen the life she’d so loved.
In all honesty he wanted to see her. As twins, they shared a special bond. But he worried that she’d only be reminded of how he’d physically destroyed her.
Even though he hadn’t seen her, he always asked about her, and never missed sending her a Christmas or birthday present.
Wow. What a coward’s way out.
But in some ironic, twisted way, he was making this film as a tribute to her. A small gesture, considering, but he couldn’t turn back time and reverse the damage he’d done.
“When I’m done filming, I’ll fly you and Mom out to see me,” he offered.
“We always come to you,” his father said. “And not that we don’t love seeing where you live and work, but you need to come home, son. It’s been long enough.”
No, it hadn’t. Because Grant knew if he went back home and saw the stables, saw the old farmhouse, saw Melanie, he’d be imprisoned by that damn nightmare he’d worked like hell to stay out of.
He’d actually hoped taking on this film would help him conquer those demons once and for all. Conquer them so much that he could return home on his own terms, without the begging and pleading from his parents.
“Listen, Dad, I’ll call you in a few days. Tell Mom I’m fine and I’d love to see you in L.A. when I’m done filming.”
He extended his love and disconnected before his father’s stern tone could kick in. Even though Grant was an adult, he still respected his parents and didn’t want to disappoint them, but he couldn’t go home.
It had taken him a good amount of time to be able to face even them, let alone his twin sister.
He’d left home only months after the accident and hadn’t looked back since. He’d needed the polar opposite of that small farm community he’d grown up in. L.A. was as far away and as opposite as he could get.
So, no, when this film wrapped up, he would not be returning to Kentucky to his hometown.
* * *
Late that evening, when Grant knew everyone was either asleep or in for the night, he sneaked down the hall of the hotel to Tessa’s room and tapped lightly.
He hadn’t seen her alone since the night at his cottage. He missed her, missed talking to her.
How had something as common as sexual attraction turned into so much more?
The hotel door cracked slightly as she peered out, but when she recognized him, she pulled it open farther.
“Grant. What are you doing here?”
He took in her hair, slicked back into a low bun, but it was wet, so he knew she’d showered. The leggings and long-sleeved T-shirt she’d donned fit her petite, curvy body beautifully. The woman was never rumpled or disheveled. Ever.
“Can I come in?”
Without a word, she stepped back. To torture himself or to give her something to think about, he brushed against her on his way through the door, and appreciated the swift intake of breath she rewarded him with.
He’d been wandering around for most of the evening. He’d had dinner alone, looking over fresh notes about the race, the atmosphere, comparing them to old ones, emailing Bronson and Anthony. And then he’d been stewing over his father’s call.
But he hadn’t seen Tessa for...too long.
“You did amazing today,” he told her, raking his eyes over her.
She closed the door, leaned back against it and smiled. “Thank you. It’s a relief to have today over with, but now the work and pressure really begin. But this is the part I love. The buildup, the anticipation.”
“Take this win and leave the rest for tomorrow,” he told her.
He glanced around the neat space, noting the perfectly made king-size bed, the single suitcase on the stand.
“I didn’t want to interrupt after the race. You had quite the press surrounding you.” Her fresh-from-the-shower scent and those hip-hugging leggings were killing him. “I had to tell you congratulations.”
Tessa’s smile widened. “Thanks. That means a lot to me.”
Pushing away from the door, she moved through an open doorway to a small living area. When she sank onto the floral sofa, she gestured toward the other end. “Have a seat.”
He sat down on the edge of the couch, rested his elbows on his knees and leaned forward. “So, we go back to Stony Ridge tomorrow?”
“Yeah. More training awaits,” she told him, tucking a bare foot up onto the couch. “Did you get more useful information today?”
“I did. I’ve touched base with Bronson and Anthony, and we’re excited for next week, when they arrive.”
Tessa
