LITMIR.BIZ

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up her hand. “Kisses? As in plural? Why didn’t you start there when I asked about him? Why start with all that’s wrong instead of what’s putting that dreamy smile on your face?”

      “Because I’m scared,” Tessa said honestly. “I want him too much and I just... I’m afraid to give in.”

      “Mama made us promise to hold out for love. I truly loved Em’s dad, even though he didn’t love me. I still do in some ways, even though he’s gone.” Cassie shook her head and smiled. “I’ve never seen you even question putting aside your fears for a man. That should tell you something, Tess.”

      Nodding, she returned her sister’s grin. “I know. But I need time to think, and I can’t do that and work on qualifying, too. So, let’s get our day started.”

      “Fine, but this conversation is far from over.”

      Tessa laughed. “I had a feeling you’d say that.”

      * * *

      Grant’s meeting with Damon was insightful. They’d talked quite a bit already, but today Grant was able to get more personal, detailed information from the man. They’d gone over the script with a finer lens, as well.

      He wanted Damon to have a hands-on experience. As coproducer, Grant wished to showcase not only the racing legend, but the man behind the Barrington dynasty.

      And now Grant was headed to Cassie’s cottage to talk to the shiest Barrington sister. He was very interested in getting her angle on being not only Damon’s daughter and growing up with a famous father, but also as a trainer for the mogul.

      Grant had barely knocked on Cassie’s door before she answered it. “Hey, come on in.”

      He stepped over the threshold, taking in the spacious cottage that mimicked his. Of course, his wasn’t littered with a Pack ’N Play, a high chair and various kid toys.

      “Emily is lying down for her afternoon nap,” she told him, closing the door behind him. “We should have a few uninterrupted hours.”

      She gestured for him to have a seat on the floral sofa. “Can I get you a drink?”

      “I’m good, thanks.”

      Cassie took a seat at the other end of the couch. With a sigh, she propped her feet on the coffee table and offered him a smile. “I’m really excited about this film, Grant.”

      Easing into the cushions, he nodded. “I’m pretty anxious to get things going. Once my crew arrives, this place won’t be the same for a few months.”

      Cassie shrugged. “It’s the busiest time of the year for us, but we’ll be here and gone with the upcoming races. So at times we’ll all be tripping over each other and other times you’ll have the place to yourself.”

      “I promise we will all work around your and Tessa’s training. It was written into the contract, but I wanted you to hear it from me as well, so you didn’t worry.”

      “I appreciate that.” She eased an arm along the back of the couch and pinned him with her blue eyes. “Should we talk about you and my sister now or after you interview me for the film?”

      Grant paused for a second, because not many things in this life surprised him, but then he laughed. “And what is it you’d like to know that she hasn’t already told you?”

      “I’d like to know if you’re toying with her or if you’re genuinely interested.”

      “Anything we have going on is really between Tessa and myself,” he told her.

      “Of course it is, but you need to understand who you’re dealing with.” Cassie slid her hair behind her ear and paused, as if to choose the right words. “Tessa has never made time for herself for anything. Dating especially. She’s gone on dates, don’t get me wrong, but she never dates for any length of time because the guys normally can’t handle her love and dedication to her career.”

      Love and dedication to a career? She was speaking his language.

      “She’s had one very serious relationship and that ended recently,” Cassie went on. “I won’t get into details, because she’d kill me, but he used her. He’d put a ring on her finger and taken that as his green light to make her his mat to walk on.”

      Grant wouldn’t mind meeting this jerk. Perhaps meeting him with a swift punch to the face.

      “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?”

       Twelve

      “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

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