LITMIR.BIZ

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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 the chance at starting his own production company? Hell yeah, he’d stick it out. Besides, this was the biggest film he’d ever worked on, and there was no way he’d let some minor insecurity 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

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