In To Blue: Book One Of The Blue Series (3 page)

My nerves return.  I feel my knees start to shake.  I don’t understand why I get so nervous around Grant.  I must like him.  In fact, I think really like him.  I need to get out of here before I make a complete fool of myself. 

“Grant, I must be going.  It’s an hour to Lexington.”  “Avery.”  “Yes.”  “Would you have dinner with me tomorrow night?  Maybe you could show me around Louisville.
”
Are you serious a date with Grant
?
  If this is a dream I hope I never wake up.  “Yes.  I would love too.” 

I give him my number.  “Is your hotel nearby?”  “Oh yes, very nearby.  I’m staying here at this hotel.  “That was quite convenient for you.”  “Yes, it is.  How about you meet me here tomorrow night at seven.  I will send a car to pick you up at six.  Will that work for you?”  “Yes, sounds perfect.”  “Thank you for a wonderful evening Avery.  I have had a great time.” 

I don’t know what came over me but I leaned over him and kissed him on the cheek.  I start to walk away.  He grabs me and pulls me into him.  I am mesmerized by his beautiful green eyes.  He slowly leans in and kisses me.  His lips are soft as they touch mine.  He quickly breaks our embrace. The kiss ended much sooner than I had hoped.

“That donation was well worth the evening I have just spent with you.”  I feel my entire body heat to the sound of his voice.  “I look forward to seeing you tomorrow night Avery.”  My body temperature has just climbed about a thousand degrees.  “Me too.”  With that I turn and walk away. 

I feel him watching me as I walk out of the ballroom. I need a bucket of ice to cool down after my evening with Grant. 
That man as some kind of effect on me.

I scan the lobby for Buddy and Uncle Rex.  “You ready Avery?  Dad is waiting in the car.”  “Yes.”  As Buddy and I walk through lobby of the hotel, I catch Coy out of the corner of my eye.  He is glaring at me.  His eyes are so full of anger and it quickly makes me uncomfortable.    He walks toward me. “Avery we need to talk.”  “Walker she has nothing to say to you.” Buddy snaps.  Buddy and I quickly exit the lobby. We climb back into the car. I am exhausted. 

“So who is the guy you were attached at the hip to all night?”  Buddy asks.  I proceed to tell him all about Grant “That boy better watch it.  It looked like the two of you were getting awfully close there darlin.”  “Trust me Uncle Rex, I can handle it.  Uncle Rex’s phone rings.  “Sorry you two this could be a good lead on a horse.”  He turns away as he takes the call. 

“Avery what was up with the last minute donation of a million dollars?  Buddy ask.  “It was Grant.” “Are you serious?” I nod yes.  I think he likes you Avery.”  “I hope so.”  “Well I hope not.”  “Buddy!” “I’m kidding Avery.  Dad and I know we can’t keep you single forever.”  

“Buddy there is just something about him.”  “He couldn’t keep his eyes off you all night.  You looked comfortable with him and let’s face it you are never comfortable around guys.” Buddy was right.   I was so nervous around guy and I never have figured out why.  You would think I would be comfortable around men.
 
Hell, I have grown up around men. 
“
Are you going to see him again?”  “Yes!  We are having dinner tomorrow night.”  “Wow!  He doesn’t waste much time.”  “I’m glad he doesn’t.”

I am exhausted by the time we make home.  I tell Buddy and Uncle Rex good night as I head up the staircase.   As I make my way to my room, I’m so tired.  Quickly I get undress, put on a t-shirt, and I walk into the bathroom.  I take my hair down and wash my face.

It feels good climbing into bed.  I put my phone on my charger on the nightstand and I start to drift off to sleep.  Just then my phone rings. Startled I sit up quickly and answer it.  I don’t recognize the number at first.  The caller id says it’s a New York number.
 
Shit! 
It’s him. 

“Hello.”  “Avery its Grant.  I hope I didn’t wake you.”  “No.  I was just getting into bed.” “Good. I just wanted to call to make sure you made it home ok.  I saw the man who was harassing you on the terrace approach as you were leaving.  “Don’t worry.  I’m fine.  It was nothing.”  “It didn’t look like nothing.  He upset you.”  “I’m fine.  I promise.”  I really wish he would drop it.  

“I look forward to our dinner tomorrow night Avery.” I wanted to talk more but I’m exhausted. “I look forward to it too.”  I need to get to sleep.  “Goodnight Grant.”  “Goodnight Avery.” We both hang up. I save his number in my phone and I fall asleep.

I awake the next morning and quickly shower.  I head downstairs the boys are enjoying the breakfast that Marie the ranch cook has prepared for them.  “Can I get you anything Avery?”  “Coffee.”  “Coming right up.”  She hands me a cup of coffee and I sit in the empty chair by Buddy.  “How is Tulip?”  “She is seems ok.  She is still favoring her leg.”  “We just need to keep an eye on her and have Doc check her periodically.  I don’t want it to get worse.”  “Will do Avery.” 

I finish my coffee and visit with the boys about what we have going on at the ranch.  “I’m going to check on Tulip and see Blue.  Uncle Rex, when are we doing the trial run for Sapphire?”  “This afternoon. I ran her this morning.  She is one heck of a horse.”  “Good.  I’m looking forward to seeing her in action.” 

As I walk outside it’s a warm day and the sun is shining.  I head out and make my way to Tulip.  She is much calmer and looks as if she is feeling a little better.”  I can tell Doc has been to see her.  She has a fresh bandage wrapped around her leg. 

After checking on Tulip, I make my way to my private stables.  I reserve those stables for Blue and my father’s horses Tilly and Beau.  I go visit Tilly and Beau first. I wish I could just let all of my horses roam free but horse ranching is a competitive business.  I wouldn’t put it past any competitor to try to steal or hurt one of my horses to get ahead.  My daddy told me so many horror stories of things people have done just to hurt another racing team. 

I can hear Blue at the end stall getting restless.  He’s jealous.  I finally make my way down to Blue who settles down as soon as I get to him.  “Now Blue don’t be getting in a tizzy. I was just saying hi.”  I walk in his stall and saddle him.  I hadn’t planned on riding Blue since I retired him but he loves it.  He would rather be ridden as oppose to graze on his own in the pasture.  Once Blue is saddled, I take Tilly and Beau out of their stalls.  They are older so I won’t let anyone ride them.

I walk them alongside Blue so they can stretch their legs.  Once I am done letting Beau and Tilly get their exercise I leave them to graze in their pasture.  Blue and I head out to check on different areas of the ranch.  I check on the all of the horses making sure they all have everything they need.  I check on all the ranch hands and of course everyone is working hard. 

While Blue and I are out and about my phone rings. “Thanks for being so rude and ignoring me all night?  Julie laughs.  “Oh Julie, I am so sorry I….”  I’m not sure what to say.  “Oh don’t get all innocent with me.  I saw that stud you were dancing with.  Damn Avery!  He was fine!  Who is he?”  I tell her all about Grant. 

“You are crazy about him aren’t you?”  “I don’t know.”  “Avery, you got it bad for him.  I can tell.”  “Julie, I hardly know him.”  “Well it was obvious that guy really likes you.” 

“I need to go.  Chance’s parents are coming over for lunch.  Speaking of lunch let’s get together soon.”  “Ok.  I will call you later.” 

Just as I put my phone away my phone rings again.  I pull it back out and look at the screen.  It is Cliff, head of ranch security.  “Hey Cliff.” “Ms. Foster, there is a man here to see you.  His name is Grant Harrison.
 
Crap
!
  He is here.  I told him to come out but I wasn’t expecting it to be so soon.  “It’s ok Cliff.  You can let him on the property.  Please show him to the main house and I’ll meet him there.” 

Blue and I make our way to the house.  I tie off Blue and get him some water.  As I walk into the house, I greet Marie in the kitchen.  “Oh Avery, that is one handsome man in there.  Please tell me he is here to see you and not for business?”  Oh Marie you are too much.  Yes.  He is here to see me.  At least I hope he is.”  I’m so embarrassed. I have on jeans, a fitted blue t-shirt, and boots.  My hair is a mess from riding around the ranch and I hardly put any make up on this morning. 

I nervously walk in to the great room.  Grant is sitting in a chair.  He looks so good.  He has on a black t-shirt, some blue jeans and black boots. He stands as I enter the room.  “Nice to see you again Avery.”  “Same to you Grant.  I wasn’t expecting you so soon.” 

“I apologize for my sudden arrival.  I’ll only be down here a few weeks and during the week I’ll be working.  Since we are having dinner tonight I figured I might as well come on out for a visit.  I hope I’m not intruding.”  “Oh no, of course not.  Would you like to go for a ride?”  “Sure.”

We walk out the back of the house to where I have Blue tied off.  “Wait.  How did you know where I live?  Grant laughs.  “Senator Dobson gave me the address.”  “Oh ok.”  I untie Blue and walk him along as Grant and I make our way to the riding stables.  Along the way, I point out different buildings.  “Over there are my racing stables.  All of the active horses are kept there.  Next to them are the training stables with the horses we are training to become racing horses.” 

“Avery, you seem to have a lot of security on the property.” “Yes.  We have to.  Believe it or not it’s a very competitive business.  There are people out there that would love to either get their hands on one of my horses or hurt one of them.”  “It’s terrible to think that someone would want to hurt an animal.” Grant says. 

We arrive at the riding stables.  I go into Rebel’s stall and saddle him up.  He knows he is going out for a ride.  I bring him out to Grant.  “This is Rebel.  Don’t let his name fool you.  He is a calm horse.  He was just rebellious when he was foal.”  Grant climbs on Rebel. I can tell he knows his way around horses. 

We start off on our ride. I point out some of the additional buildings on the property.  I also introduce him to some of the horses.  We make our way out to one of the ponds out on the property and stop to let the horses take a drink.  I walk up to the oak tree right next to the pond to get out of the sun for a minute. 

Grant is looking around surveying the property.  “This is quite a place you have here.  It looks to go on for miles.  “It does.  It’s one of the largest ranches in the U.S.”  “It’s very beautiful Avery.”  “Thank you Grant.”  “I can see you truly love this place.”  “I do.  This place is my life and my entire world.” 

He walks over to me as I am leaning up against the tree.  “Are you enjoying yourself Grant?”  He leans toward me and places his hand above my shoulder against the tree.  “Of course Avery but I am enjoying this view a lot more.” 

His green eyes gaze upon me.  He brushes his hand against my cheek and gives me a soft gentle kiss on the lips.  I can feel heat spreading like a wildfire throughout my body.  He pulls away trying to gauge my reaction and smiles.  I’m all dreamy eyed at the moment.  Grant kisses me again.  This time the kiss is more deep and passionate.  Our tongues touch with a soft caress.  I place my arms around his neck as he wraps his arms around my waist. My mind is lost and I’m in total bliss. 

Just then I remembered Sapphire’s trial run.  I immediately break the kiss.   “We need to get back.  I forgot one of my horses is up for a trial run and I’m late.”   He looks very disappointed but seems to understand.  We head over to the training field where the trainer and the jockey are warming up Sapphire.  I run over to Buddy and Uncle Rex.  “Don’t worry darlin, you made it.  We’re just getting started. 

I walk back over to Grant.  We both sit up on the fence, watching the jockey run Sapphire around the track.  I’m totally fixated on her.  She is so fast.  She reminds me of Blue.  Blue and Sapphire are from the same bloodline.  “Thirty-six miles per hour.  Damn!  She is fast.  That was one heck of a first run.” Uncle Rex yells. 

I jump off the fence and walk over to Uncle Rex.  “Well what do you think?” I asked Uncle Rex.  “I think we got ourselves a race horse.”  I beam with excitement and jump up and hug him “I told you she could do it.”  “You were right darlin.  I want to run her through the paces before we commit to putting her out there.”  “Of course.  I’m going to head back. I’ll check on you later.” 

I walk back over to Grant.  “That horse is fast.”  He says.  “Thanks.   I am so excited! Come on lets head back.”  “The ride back to the house seems to take forever and neither of us had much to say.  I feel bad.  I was totally unprepared for Grants visit.  I feel like I abandoned him during Sapphire’s trial run.”  We arrive at the house, climb off the horses and I tie them off.

“I’m sorry I didn’t have a more exciting day planned for you.  I apologize for basically ignoring you during Sapphire’s trial run.  That was very rude of me.”  Grant looks stunned.  “Avery you don’t owe me an apology.  I’ve had a great time and besides running this ranch is a full-time job.  I’m flattered that you took the time so show me around.” 

I feel relieved he is not mad.  He walks up to me leans over gazing into my eyes.  “The best part was kissing you by the tree.”  With that he leans in and kisses me on the lips.  I savor every second his lips are on mine.  They are so smooth and soft.  It feels like velvet gliding across my lips.    

Grant slowly pulls away.  “I better get going.  I have a few things I need to take care of this afternoon.  My driver will pick you up at six.”  “Ok.”  I walk him out to his car where his driver is waiting.  He stops and kisses me one more time before climbing into the back of his black luxury sedan.  I’m on cloud nine as I watch Grant leave my ranch. 

I walk around to the back of the house and climb on Blue.  I take Rebel back to his stall.  Blue and I spend the rest of the day riding throughout the property. 

I get Tilly, Beau and Blue settled back in to their stalls and then make my way back to the house.   I quickly shower and throw on my robe.  I rummage through closet looking at my dresses, trying to decide what to wear.  Finally, I decide on a blue three quarter sleeve fitted cocktail dress with matching blue heels. 

I apply my makeup.  I then dry and curl my hair making loose waves throughout.  I grab a blue lace bra and matching panties as I get dressed.  I put on my jewelry and I hear a knock at the door.  “Avery?”  “Yes Marie.”  “There is a man here to see you.” I glance at my watch.
 
Shit!
 
It’s already six o’clock. “I’ll be right there.” 

I quickly finish getting ready and I head downstairs.  I make my way down the staircase.  The boys are getting ready for dinner and they all stop and watch me walk down. 

“Just where in the Sam hell do you think you are going?” I see Uncle Rex laughing as I make it to the bottom of the staircase.  “I’m just messing with you darlin.  You look beautiful.  That boy better treat you like a queen or they’ll be hell to pay.” 

I hug Uncle Rex on my way out the door.  I greet Grant’s driver.  “Ms. Foster, my name is Will.  I’m your driver for the evening.”  I shake his hand.  “Nice to meet you Will.”  I climb in the back of the car.  It is very nice and roomy.  My mind fills with anticipation.  I know the drive is only about an hour but it feels like the longest hour ever. 

We finally arrive at the hotel.  Will walks around and opens my door.  “Mr. Harrison is waiting for you at the bar.”  I walk through the entrance of the hotel and make my way to the bar.  Unfortunately, the bar is packed.  I begin scanning the room for Grant but I can’t seem to find him. 

Finally I see him.  He is sitting at the far end of the bar his eyes are fixated on me.  He stands up and walks toward me.  “You look stunning Avery.”  “Thank you Grant.  I follow him back to the bar.  “Can I order you a drink?” “Yes.  I would like a cosmopolitan.”  Grant turns to the bartender.  “Cosmopolitan and a Manhattan.” 

The bartender hands us our drinks.  “I have reservations here at the hotel’s restaurant. I thought we might have a drink while we wait.”  I take a sip of my drink.  It is perfect.  “How was the rest of your day?”  “It was good Grant.  How was yours?” It was boring.  Lance and I looked through surveys of the land I am considering buying.” 

I’m so nervous.  Deciding I need liquid courage, I quickly finish my drink.  “Another cosmo miss?” The bartender ask.  “Yes please.”  The bartender quickly hands me another cosmo.”  They are so good and I’m starting to relax.   I finish the second one just as quickly as the first.

“Grant what kind of real estate investing do you do?”  “I buy large parcels of land and I build commercial structures such as hotels, apartments, restaurants, malls, and shopping centers.”  “What are you planning to build here?”  “I’m considering a multi-use space with a hotel, restaurants, and shopping.”  “That sounds like quite the undertaking.”  “It is but it’s what I do best.”   “What about the other place you are looking at?”  “I’m not sure about that one.  We are still in brainstorming mode on it.” 

Grant’s cell phone begins ringing in his pocket.  He pulls it out and looks at it.  “I’m sorry.  I need to take this.”  “No problem.  I understand.”  Grant answers the phone and excuses himself from the bar.  I sit in silence sipping my cosmo.  I look around at the other patrons.  The bar is busier than I thought it would be for a Sunday night. 

I sense Grant return to his bar stool.  I turn to greet him but it’s not Grant.  It’s Coy.  “What are you doing here?” I hiss.  He grabs my arm sliding me off the bar stool.  He pulls me over a dark corner off at the back of the bar. 

“The question is what in the hell are you doing here with him?”  “Get your damn hands off of me!”  “No!”  “I guess I didn’t myself clear the last night.  You’re mine and only mine.”  I am shaking at this point and embarrassed at Coy’s actions. 

“I belong to no one.  Least of all you!”  “Stop fighting me Avery!  You will submit to me!”
 
What in the hell does that mean?
 
I glance over Coy’s shoulder. I see Grant at the bar.  He looks concerned.  He is scanning the room trying to find me. 

“Damn it Avery!  Look at me.”  I turn my attention back to him.  “Coy, please stop this you are scaring me.”  “Good.  I’ll do whatever it takes to get you back.  Even if it means using fear as a tactic.”  “You have lost your fucking mind Coy!” 

All of the sudden I feel Coy’s grip pulled away from me.  He is swung around and then an arm swings up and knocks Coy to the ground.  It’s Grant.  “I told you to stay away from her.”   Coy slowly stands up.  I quickly put myself in between both of them.  I don’t want them fighting here in the bar.  “Leave now!”  I yell at Coy.   

“You are mine Avery!”  I feel Grant pressing his body against my back.  I know at any minute he will take another swing at Coy.  “We don’t need to cause a scene.  Coy, you need to get out of here.”  He stares at me for a few seconds and then walks away. 

I turn around to Grant.  “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry.”  I’m shaking trying to fight the tears back.  “Avery, you don’t owe me an apology.  Are you alright?  I nod. “You’re shaking.  Come here.”  He wraps his arms around me and I rest my head on his shoulder. “It’s ok Avery.  He is gone.”  I subdue my tears feeling comforted in Grant’s arms. 

“Would you like for me to take your home?”  I raise my head up.  “No.  I will not let Coy ruin our evening.”  Grant smiles at me.  We walk back over to the bar and Grant orders me a fresh drink.  I quickly drink it as I am trying to shake off my nerves.  Grant places his hand on my leg.  “Relax!  He can’t hurt you.  I won’t let him.” 

I try to analyze what in the hell is going on with Coy.  I don’t understand his actions.  There is something deeply wrong with him.  I wish he would just stay away from me.  “Are you listening to me?”  Grant asks.  “I’m sorry.  I zoned out for a minute.”  “It’s ok.  I just was making sure you are ok.”  I bury my thoughts.  “I’m fine.”

A man walks up to Grant.  “Mr. Harrison your table is ready.” Grant and I make our way to the dining room.  After we are seated, the waiter hands us our menus and a wine list.  “What can I get the two of you to drink?”  Grant looks over the wine list.  “I would like a bottle of champagne please.”  “Certainly sir.”  “I’m sorry Avery.  I didn’t even ask if that was ok with you.”  “Grant its fine.  I like champagne.”  

The waiter returns with the champagne, fills our glasses and places the bottle in the champagne stand.  “To Kentucky and all it has to offer.”  We clink our glasses together and take a sip.  The champagne is fantastic. 

We both look over the menu.  “So Avery, what do you suggest I order?”  “Well Grant, what is your favorite kind of food.”  “I really like seafood.  What about you?”  “I would say I’m a meat, seafood, and potatoes kind of girl.”  “I like you already.” He smiles. 

I quickly scan the menu.  “Here are my suggestions you could order the seafood platter or try a Louisville classic and order the Hot Brown.”  Grant begins looking for the menu items I suggested.   “I think since this is my first time here, I will try the Hot Brown.”  “I tell you what Grant, I will order the seafood platter and if you don’t like the hot brown we can switch.”  “Avery you are so considerate.”  The waiter takes our order and leaves. 

“Avery aside from riding horses all day what do you do for fun?”  He laughs.  “To tell you the truth, the ranch takes up most of my time.  There usually isn’t much time for anything else.” “Is there anything you like to do to unwind or relax?” 

I think for a minute he will probably laugh.  “On warm nights, I like to go out to my lake and star gaze. I know that sounds silly but on clear nights you can see thousands of stars.”  I purposely failed to mention the fact that I skinny dip alone in the lake.  I don’t want him to get the wrong idea.   “Avery, I don’t think that sounds silly at all.  It actually sounds quite nice.  Maybe we can do that sometime.”  “Sure.”  I’m definitely not going to tell him about the skinny dipping part.

“What about you Grant?  What do you like to do for fun?”  “Like you Avery, my business keeps me pretty occupied but I like to play polo.  Other than that,I just like to relax around my house.”
 
Oh damn
!
I knew he couldn’t be perfect that man.  He needs to get out more. 

“Do you date much?”
 
Why did I ask him that so suddenly?
 
“Actually yes.  I do. I have to attend a lot of social functions in New York so I go on quite a few dates.”  “Have you had many girlfriends?”
 
Oh shit!  The three cosmos and the champagne has kicked in the courage
.
“Yes.  I have had several girlfriends.” 

“How old are you?
”
Damn the cosmos
!
  “Is this a dinner date or an interrogation?” Grant asks.  “I’m sorry, I have to admit, I’m a tad nervous.”  “Avery you have nothing to be nervous about but for the record I’m twenty-eight.”  

“So Avery what about you?  Do you date much, had many boyfriends, and what is your date of birth?  Grant laughs.  I finish my glass of champagne.  “No.  I haven’t dated much.  I haven’t had many boyfriends and um….. I am twenty-four.”

“I assume that Coy is an ex-boyfriend?”
 
Damn!  Why he had to ask about Coy
?
  “Yes.  We dated for a few months.  He was the first guy I have dated since my father passed.”
 
Ok, liquid courage was to be able to talk to him not to become an open book
.

Compassion fills his face and he pours me another glass of champagne.  “I’m so sorry.  How long since he passed?”  “Two years ago.”  I quickly change the subject.  “Coy and I only dated a few months and we broke up several weeks ago.” 

“Why did the two of you break up?”
 
Dang it! 
 
I don’t think on first dinner date I should be spilling the beans on the last boyfriend.  “It is very complicated.  My family and his family don’t care for each other.  They have always been rivals in the racing industry.  I guess I thought after my dad died I could mend the fences and Coy has pursued me for years.  It didn’t work out I didn’t have the right feelings for him.”  “That is very honest Avery.” 

“I know this is not my place but you need to be careful.  I can tell Coy has issues.” Grant says with this look of concern on his face.  I quickly change the subject.  No more talk of Coy.  “What about you Grant?  What happened with your last girlfriend?” 

He pauses for a moment.  I think he picked up on the fact that I don’t want to talk about Coy.  “She and I weren’t compatible.  We couldn’t be what the other one needed them to be.  She was looking for status and I was looking for something more.”  He wants more.  I hope in a good way.  Coy’s version of more was attempting to take ownership of me. 

The waiter returns with our food.  I watch Grant as he looks at his dish.  “This looks delicious.”  He cuts into the turkey and takes a bite.  “Well, what do you think?”  “Avery this is wonderful.”  I take my lobster tail and remove it from its shell and drizzle melted butter over the lobster and scallops. Using my fork I cut off a piece of lobster.  I take a scallop and place the scallop and lobster bite on Grant’s plate. 

“What’s this?” Grant asks.  “Well you said seafood was your favorite so why not have both.  Besides I like to share.”  “Avery you are one of the most generous people I have ever met.  I must warn you I am quite protective of certain things.  With those certain things I refuse to share them.”  That worries me.
 
Please don’t be like Coy
.
   He gives me this wicked grin.  “Food however is not one of them.”  Relief washes over me. 

He places a piece of the turkey on his fork.  I think he is going to place it on my plate but then takes the fork to my mouth. I open my mouth and using my lips I slide the turkey off the fork.  “That is very good.”  “Yes it is.” Grant whispers.  We finish the rest of our dinner quietly.  I think we have both provided enough information for one evening.