He’d been fortunate in the past several years to have some major deals, which set his name on the film map. But his own company would take his career to a whole new level.
“Man, that’s great,” Grant said. “I don’t even know what to say.”
“You deserve it,” Bronson replied. “Marty was going to call, but I wanted to be the one to tell you. I’m sure he’ll be calling you later today.”
Grant had worked with the man several times. Being the CEO of Russo Entertainment, Marty often had a direct hand in the company’s films, and was a very hands-on guy. Grant respected the hell out of him and had every intention of not letting him down.
“Anthony and I are wrapping up at Churchill Downs today. Between there, New York and Maryland, we’ve covered the main tracks and have some amazing areas for scenes. We should be arriving at the end of next week.”
Grant continued walking his path again as he and Bronson discussed the church, cemetery and other local places that had meaningful ties to Damon Barrington’s past.
By the time he disconnected the call, he was beaming. The sun had risen, the spring day was beautiful and promised to be warm, and he had the chance of a lifetime right within his reach.
But his smile faded and fear set in when he saw Cassie running alongside the fence and Tessa on a horse, barreling faster than he’d ever seen seen her go.
Fear flooded him, and he had to force himself not to overreact. Another time, another woman flashed in his mind and nausea threatened to overtake him.
Especially when Tessa kept pulling back on the reins and yelling, alarm lacing her voice.
Grant ran to the fence, having no clue how he could help or even what the hell had happened.
The horse seemed to reduce his speed, barely, but then reared up, after which everything seemed to happen in slow motion. Tessa screamed, slicing a new layer of dread straight through Grant. When she fell off the back of the horse, he leaped over the fence, not giving a damn about anything but getting to her.
He crouched down beside her as she was rolling onto her back, gasping—whether in pain or because the wind had been knocked out of her, he didn’t know.
“Tessa, honey.” He ran his hands gently over her, praying for no broken bones, no broken skin. “Talk to me. Are you hurt?”
She groaned and tried to sit up, but he placed a hand on her shoulder. “Just lie here for a minute,” he told her.
“Macduff...where...” Tessa continued to try to catch her breath as she searched the track. “Is he okay?”
Fury bubbled within Grant. Was she seriously more worried about this horse than her own welfare?
Because she wasn’t going to relax until she knew about the animal, Grant glanced back and saw Cassie managing just fine, along with the new groom. They’d taken control of the horse and were leading him into the stables.
“He’s fine,” Grant told her. “Cassie has him.”
Tessa’s shoulders relaxed into the dirt and her eyes closed as she exhaled a shallow breath. The color had left her face and her arm was draped across her ribs.
“I need to know what hurts, so I can tell the squad.” He pulled out his phone and barely hit the 9 before she put her hand over his.
“No, I’m fine.” Her eyes locked on to his. “Don’t fuss with calling anyone.”
“Like hell I’m not, Tessa.”
Bad memories played through his mind like a horror movie...only it had been real life. Internal injuries were by far even more terrifying. He’d done a somewhat good job of keeping these two worlds—caring for Tessa, and her lifestyle—apart. But the two had just collided and blown up in his face.
“You’re white as a ghost, Grant. Are you okay?”
He ran a hand down his face and nodded. “I’m fine. But you’re going to get checked out. Internal injuries may not make their appearance known until it’s too late.”
“Grant—”
“You can either ride in an ambulance or I’m taking you, but this is not up for debate.”
Tessa flinched at his raised voice.
“Is she okay?” Cassie asked, squatting down next to them.
“She’s stubborn,” Grant hissed, coming to his feet. “Talk some sense into her while I call for the medics.”
While he did so, he at least heard Cassie taking his side. No way in hell would he allow Tessa to ignore what had just happened. And knowing her, she’d probably get right back on the damn horse and go another round.
After his call was placed, he returned to Tessa, who was now sitting up with Cassie’s arm supporting her.
“They’re on their way,” he told them.
“I hate to leave her, but I need to tell Nash she’s going to the hospital, and I need to go find Dad.”
“Who’s Nash?” Grant asked.
“The new groom,” Tessa told him. “Go, Cass, I’m fine.”
Cassie shot Grant a look, but he nodded, giving her the silent go-ahead. There was no way he would be leaving Tessa’s side.
“I’m sure Dad will be at the hospital as soon as I let him know,” Cassie said.
“That’s fine. I’ve got my cell, so he can call me, too.”
As soon as the squad arrived and loaded Tessa—carefully, as per Grant’s demands—he went to get his rental car to follow. As much as he wanted to ride with her, he needed his vehicle, because when they left, he sure as hell would be the one bringing her back.
* * *
“This is all really silly,” Tessa complained as Grant eased his car into the drive, passing beneath the arched sign for the estate. “I can stay at my house just fine, Slick.”
“We already went over this. You can stay at your house with me or at my house with me. Since you only huffed when I gave you your options, I decided we’d stay here so your dad and sister are closer.”
Tessa rolled her eyes as he parked in front of the cottage. “I only live one property over.”
He turned, offered her that killer smile complete with dimples and said, “Yes, but there are several acres separating the two. Your father and I agreed this was best.”
“My father probably has no clue you have the hots for his daughter, either,” she mumbled.
Grant barked a laugh and came around to help her out. She wasn’t some invalid. She’d fallen off Macduff because she’d not been paying attention, and the once-abused horse was still skittish.
Cassie had bought the horse from an auction, and they all knew he’d been mistreated. But Cassie was a softy for any animal, especially ones not properly cared for. Tessa was confident she could keep him under control...and she had, until she’d seen Grant walking toward the stables, phone to his ear and wearing the most brilliant smile. He’d stolen her breath, and she’d lost her concentration. Macduff was nervous, anyway, but the accident was totally her fault.
Grant slid his arm around her as she started to climb from the car. “Really, I can walk,” she protested. “I won’t fall over.”
“The doctor said you had a concussion, and you admitted you were dizzy.” He tightened his grip. “You’re not going down on my watch.”
Okay, so a bit of her was thrilled at the fact he wanted to care for her, but she seriously could’ve taken care of herself. Did he think she was sharing his bed tonight? Surely that wasn’t a