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“I saw Ian’s face when he found out Emily was yours,” Tessa said, shoving her hair behind her ear. “He was definitely caught off guard, but the man wasn’t unaffected by whatever happened between the two of you or he wouldn’t have just stopped to watch you ride by. He may be torn, but he’s still interested. You can’t blame him for being shocked you’re a mother.”
Yeah, well, Ian’s interest more than likely consisted of getting in her pants again...which she wouldn’t allow.
But the memory of last night still played through her mind. His touch had been perfect. His words had seduced her until she’d forgotten about anything else but the moment they were locked in.
No matter how her body craved to be touched by his talented hands again, Cassie knew she deserved better than the way she’d been treated afterward.
So if Ian wanted her, that was his problem and he’d have to deal with it. She had enough on her plate without worrying about some big-time Hollywood agent who was only looking for only a fling.
She had a racing season to finish and a school for handicapped children to get started.
Her soon-to-be brother-in-law, Grant, had a paralyzed sister who used to ride, and her story had inspired Cassie on so many levels. Even though they hadn’t met yet, just her story alone was enough to drive Cassie to want more for the next chapter of life. And what better way to teach her daughter to give back and love and care for others? Instilling love in young children made all the difference. She and Tessa were evidence of that.
Throwing a glance over her shoulder, Cassie had mixed emotions when she saw Ian was nowhere in sight. On one hand, she was glad he’d moved on. On the other, she kind of liked knowing she’d left some sort of impression on him.
No matter how things were now, for a time last night, she’d been in a sexy man’s arms and that man had been attentive and giving and had made her feel more self-worth than ever.
Having regrets at this point was kind of in vain.
Besides, no matter what common sense played through her mind, she couldn’t deny the physical pull she still felt toward Ian. And she was positive she hadn’t seen the last of him.
Eight
After shooting wrapped for the day, Ian headed toward the stables to see if Lily was in there. He hadn’t seen her for two days, and Max had mentioned he’d seen her heading that way. Ian hadn’t had a chance to speak with her yet. The chaos of filming and so many people around had gotten in the way. Other than the usual small talk, he’d not been able to catch her alone.
Hopefully he could find her and perhaps they could arrange for a time to sit down and talk.
The sun was just at the edge of the horizon, casting a vibrant orange glow across the sky. The air had turned warmer as spring approached summer. Soon they’d be off to the Preakness Stakes, where Tessa would try to win the second race on her way toward the coveted Triple Crown.
The entire crew was riding the high of the shoot as well as getting sucked into the excitement of cheering the Barrington girls on toward victory. He had no doubt Tessa and Cassie were a jumble of anticipation and nerves.
Ian shoved his hands into his pockets as he approached the stables. He wasn’t letting his mind wander to Cassie, because if he thought of her, he’d think of her sweet curves, her tempting smile and the fact he still wanted her.
Before he could travel too far down that path of mixed emotions, Ian rounded the corner of the open stable door and froze.
Lily was in the stable all right. But she wasn’t alone. The groom, Ian believed his name was Nash, had his back to Lily, and Lily’s hand rested on his shoulder, a look of concern marring her beautiful face.
She whispered something Ian couldn’t make out and Nash’s head dropped at the same time Lily’s arms slid around his waist and she rested her forehead on his back. The intimate, private moment shocked Ian and he really had no clue what he’d walked in on.
The old-fashioned lanterns suspended from the ceiling cast a perfect glow on them and Ian quickly stepped out of the stable before he could be spotted...or interrupt whatever was happening.
He had a feeling whatever was going on between the groom and the star of the film was on the down low...especially since an affair had nearly cost Grant Carter his job when he’d been sneaking to see Tessa.
But that had all worked out and the two were headed down the aisle in the near future.
Their secret would be safe with him. For one, he wanted Lily to trust him and sign with his agency. And for another, why stir up trouble? Ian couldn’t help but laugh. He and Cassie were pretty far-fetched in terms of the possibility of getting together, but look where they were now after a heated night in the attic.
