Jules Bennett
“When I want something, I find a way to make it mine.”
After a near-fatal accident, Hollywood hotshot Grant Carter never imagined returning to the equestrian world. But producing a movie about a racing dynasty means he has no choice. Luckily Tessa Barrington, star jockey, provides the distraction he needs—feisty attitude, stunning looks…and a surprising innocence he can’t resist.
Tessa won’t give herself to just any man, especially a smooth-talking player like Grant. Once filming wraps, how can she trust he’ll stick around? He’s already keeping secrets. Besides, Tessa has her eye on bigger prizes…unless falling in love is the biggest prize of all, for both of them.
This entire trilogy is for my amazing agent, Elaine Spencer, who, when I mentioned a horse series, said, “Horses? I’m more familiar with dogs, but go for it.” From one animal lover to another, thanks for holding my hand during this journey.
Also, a special thank-you to F.J. Thomas, my Twitter buddy who answered many questions regarding the world of horses and racing.
Any mistakes are mine alone.
With a nice, round backside greeting him as he stepped over the threshold of the fancy stables, Grant Carter was more certain than ever that accepting this film project was not only a chance of a lifetime, it was a gift from God.
He might be looking to settle down and calm his ways, but to ignore the perfection displayed before him would be a sin. Besides, Grant knew his place, and he hadn’t worked this hard in Hollywood to blow it just because temptation seemed to be glaring right in his face. Literally.
Temptation would have to wait, because producing a film revolving around horse-racing icon Damon Barrington was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up...no matter the nightmares that followed him here.
The shapely woman in front of him might be a slight distraction, but that’s all she could be. The new clause typed up in his contract had been reinforced before his arrival at Stony Ridge. Apparently, fraternizing with anyone involved in this film was a no-no. Shame, that.
Besides, even without the clause, nothing could cripple him more than being thrust back into the world of horses. But he could compartmentalize and he could be a professional on set. He simply couldn’t let personal conflicts pass the barrier he’d built around his heart.
Grant eyed the round bottom hugged by tight black riding pants. Damn clause and personal demons.
The familiar smells of the straw, the feed, the leather saddles; the sight of beautiful Thoroughbreds... The combination brought back memories—memories that had no place in his life. Especially now.
Concentrate on the backside. A body like that could surely cure all ails. Even if she was off-limits, he had already taken a mental picture to fuel fantasies.
“Excuse me. Can you tell me where I can find Tessa Barrington?” he asked, carefully stepping farther into the stables, straw crunching beneath his new boots.
The petite, yet curvy woman stood up, turned and slid the vibrant red ponytail back over her shoulder. And he’d be a complete liar if he tried to deny the punch to the gut he felt when those sapphire eyes landed on him. In an instant, he wondered how many times she’d used those intriguing eyes to lure a man into her clutches.
Between the body and the face, she was a stunner, but he wouldn’t be as clichéd as to say so. No doubt she had men falling all over her, and he refused to be so predictable.
“Are you the producer?” she asked, setting aside the brush she’d been using on the horse.
“One of them. Grant Carter.” He closed the gap between them and extended his hand.
“I’m Tessa.”
Surprise slid through him, but he prevented himself from dropping his jaw...just barely. So, he’d been admiring the beautiful jockey. Interesting.
When she propped her hands on her slender waist, just above her flared hips, he nearly swallowed his tongue. That sweet little package all wrapped in denim and plaid? Who knew he had a thing for country girls? Of course, Tessa Barrington was hardly just a country girl. This woman put the fear of God in most male jockeys, trainers and owners, if rumor served correctly.
“My father said you’d be arriving today.” She gripped his hand, her gaze sliding down to his feet. “Pretty shiny boots you got there, Slick. We’ll have to scuff those up a bit.”
He couldn’t help but smile at her piercing glare, her judgmental words. A woman who didn’t hold back and wasn’t throwing herself at him? He liked her already.
When she pulled her hand from his, Grant hated how such delicate features had calluses on them, but he knew this jockey took her lifestyle seriously. She didn’t get to be the number-one contender in the country by sitting on the sidelines sipping mint juleps and wearing oversize hats.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you,” he told her, offering a smile. “I have to say, you’re quite impressive.”
A perfectly sculpted brow lifted as she crossed her arms beneath her breasts.
Grant laughed. “That didn’t come out right.”
Seriously? Was he in high school and suddenly unable to form an intelligent sentence?
“What I meant to say was I’m impressed with your talents.”
Damn it. Nothing was working for him right now.
“I’m assuming you mean because of my racing,” she replied, her brow still raised.
Relieved that she’d let him off the hook, he tilted his head. “I know you have a busy schedule—”
“It’s beyond busy, Mr. Carter.”
“Call
