Waiting for Devon Read online

  “Until your wedding night?” Reed concluded as his eyes danced with mirth. “He deserves a medal for his restraint. No wonder you’re so eager for my kisses.”

  Devon gasped in outrage. “I beg your pardon!”

  Reed laughed as he caressed her hot face and placed one last kiss on her lips. “There’s no need to run anymore, Devon,” he told her before he left her alone and aching with need.

  At five o’clock on Monday, Lincoln surprised Devon when he entered the clinic and announced, “I’ve been instructed to escort you to your date, Dr. Brooks.”

  “I don’t have a date. Are you sure you aren’t supposed to escort Blair instead?”

  “You do have a date. The gentleman was quite insistent I not leave the clinic without you.”

  Intrigued by the invitation, Devon said, “I’ll join you in a minute, Lincoln. I need to get my things and lock up first.”

  Thirty minutes later the limousine rolled to a stop in front of Dallas’ Grand Hotel where a bellboy opened the door for Devon and held out his hand. “Welcome to the Grand, Dr. Brooks. Your suite is ready. Everything you need is waiting for you.”

  “My suite,” Devon declared in amazement. “What is going on?”

  “I’m sworn to secrecy,” the bellboy replied as they rode an elevator to the sixth floor.

  When Devon stepped into the elegant suite, she emitted a soft gasp. A shimmery, strapless, black gown lay on the bed, along with a matching silk wrap, long black gloves, shiny black stilettos and delicate underthings. In the bathroom Devon found an assortment of bath oils and everything she would need to pamper herself, including makeup.

  After soaking in a perfumed bath, Devon moisturized her skin and slipped into her undergarments. She curled her hair with hot rollers her thoughtful gentleman provided and applied her makeup. The beautiful gown fit perfectly, outlining to advantage her curves. As soon as she completed her ensemble, she surveyed her appearance in a floor length mirror. An exquisitely dressed woman stared back at her.

  The bellboy knocked at seven-thirty on Devon’s door. He handed her a delicate wrist corsage of white roses and said, “The gentleman sent this for you. Here, let me help you with it.”

  Outside the Grand Hotel, Lincoln waited by the limousine. He nodded his head with approval when he saw Devon. “Your gentleman is awaiting your arrival, Dr. Brooks.”

  “Are you going to tell me his name?” she asked in a soft voice.

  “No. He prefers to remain anonymous.”

  “Can you at least tell me where we’re going, Lincoln?”

  “That, too, is a secret.”

  As she traveled through the city on her way to an unknown destination, Devon felt like Cinderella about to arrive at the ball where she would meet the man of her dreams. No one had ever made her feel so special or so wanted. During her brief marriage to Jack, he’d been too busy to indulge in any romantic attention. Her pulse quickened as she anticipated meeting the man responsible for giving her such a wonderful evening, the man whose slightest touch set her heart and soul on fire.

  Reed.

  When they arrived at Dallas’ performing arts center, Lincoln escorted Devon to the Barringtons’ private box in the balcony. “Dr. Devon Brooks, sir,” the driver announced.

  Excitement and pleasure almost caused Devon to swoon when her eyes met those of the man who turned to meet her. “Thank you, Lincoln,” Reed declared with an odd catch in his voice, “for bringing her to me.”

  “My pleasure, sir. Enjoy the performance.”

  Reed’s eyes burned with intensity as he perused every aspect of Devon’s appearance. “You are the most beautiful and elegant woman I’ve ever seen.”

  “Thank you.” Her voice trembled. “You look resplendent in your tux.”

  Reed helped Devon to her seat. “We’re seeing The Phantom of the Opera. I hope you like it.”

  “I love it. It’s my favorite musical.”

  Sitting next to the man she adored in companionable silence as their shoulders brushed against each other made Devon’s head swim with a myriad of emotions. When Reed reached over to hold her gloved hand, she thought her heart would leap out of her chest as hard as it pounded.

  While they sipped wine and discussed the production during intermission, a nosy member of the press snapped their picture.

  “I hope you don’t mind being the subject of gossip,” Reed murmured.

  “I’ve learned to deal with it.”

  “Good. Let’s return to our seats.”

  Devon thought the evening would end at the musical’s conclusion, but Reed had arranged a late supper for them in a private dining room at the Reunion Tower. The table was set attractively with an arrangement of fresh flowers, candles, and glittering china and crystal. A waiter brought appetizers and promised to serve their main course in another few minutes. After they ate cold shrimp cocktail, Reed rose and held out his hand.

  “Dance with me?”

  “Of course.”

  In Reed’s arms Devon felt safe, secure, and content.

  Oh, God, I love you, Reed. I wish I had the courage to tell you everything on my mind and my heart.

  As if on cue, she raised her lips to meet Reed’s kiss, but the moment was interrupted by the arrival of their dinner. It didn’t matter, though. Reed’s heated glances assured her the moment would come again.

  When they arrived at the Grand Hotel and entered Devon’s suite, Reed ordered in a silky tone, “Come here, Doc.”

  His hands cupped her face as his golden head lowered and his lips touched hers. Forbidden pleasure exploded between them as they shared deep, erotic kisses. Reed’s hands wandered from her face to her neck and across her bare shoulders before crushing her against him.

  “Tell me how you want this evening to end, Devon,” he whispered, tantalizing her ear with his tongue. One hand toyed with the zipper on her gown. “Tell me and I’ll make it happen.”

  The joy went out of her eyes and disappointment clouded her face as she suspected Reed’s ulterior motive for giving her this night. “I can tell you how you want this evening to end. You want it to end here in a tawdry one-night stand so you can finally satisfy the desire you claim to feel for me. I won’t give myself that easily to any man, Reed. I never have and I never will.”

  Reed tilted her chin. “Is that what you think? I didn’t plan this evening for us so I could get you into my bed.” His eyes glittered with intensity. “Yes, I desire you, but I desire all of you, not just your body. I don’t want a one-night stand. I want much more than that with you.”

  Regret for her hasty assumption colored her cheeks. “Reed, I’m so sorry. No one has ever done anything like this for me. Tonight has been magical, almost like a romantic fairy tale. Let’s not spoil it with another misunderstanding.”

  Reed gathered her close again and kissed her until they reeled from mutual desire. “I can give you more nights like this one, Devon. I can give you what your heart desires the most, if you’ll let me.”

  “Yes,” she whispered. “Oh, yes.”

  Chapter Fourteen

  Harry and Smitty stared at Reed as he entered the stable, whistling a tune from The Phantom of the Opera. “Good morning, fellas.”

  “’Mornin’, Boss,” they echoed, glancing at each other.

  “Let’s give Pale Promise a good workout. I think she’s ready.”

  “Sure thing, Mr. Barrington,” Horseface replied. He didn’t mind his nickname. Horses were beautiful creatures, and what he lacked in good looks, he made up for in brawn. Harry could toss a bale of hay as easily as a horseshoe. He and Smitty set about saddling Pale Promise while Reed tended to other ranch business.

  “Stealing Pale Promise would be easier than snatchin’ Shane’s fiancée,” Smitty whispered. “She’d fetch a pretty penny.”

  Harry snorted. “You sick son of a bitch. This is Texas. Horse stealin’ is a capital crime.”

  “Yeah, but we’d give her back. And Boss promised us a slice of the pie if P
ale Promise wins the Derby next year. We’d have even more dough.”

  “Shut the fuck up, asshole. That’s a really big if. We’ll get ten times as much for the broad now we know she’s a two-timin’ hussy fuckin’ both brothers.”

  Smitty guffawed. “Hell, she’s probably doin’ the old man, too.”

  Harry grinned. “Keepin’ it all in the family.”

  Smitty tightened the cinch on Pale Promise. “I’d like to do the daughter. She’s one fine woman.”

  “Nah. She’s a cold-hearted bitch. Ice water runs in her veins.”

  “Come on, let’s put Pale Promise through her paces and plan our next move.”

  Shane strode into the dining room and threw a copy of Dallas’ daily newspaper in front of his brother. “You’d better explain this, Reed.”

  Reed grinned at the photograph taken of him and Devon while they attended The Phantom of the Opera. “It’s a flattering picture. Here, Devon, take a look.”

  He passed the newspaper to her and, she, too, smiled. “It turned out very well.”

  “I’m waiting for an explanation,” Shane interjected.

  Reed shrugged as he spooned mashed potatoes onto his plate. “There’s nothing to explain. Devon and I went to see a musical.”

  “No, that’s not true. According to certain sources, you arranged a hotel suite for Devon and even chose the gown she wore. Another source claims you shared an intimate dinner in the private dining room at Reunion Tower. Jesus, Reed, I must have fielded questions from a dozen reporters today. I’ve warned you before to stay away from Devon, and I’m telling you again. Leave her alone.”

  “I can defend myself, Shane,” Devon asserted. “Frankly, I enjoyed myself with Reed, and in case you’re wondering, he conducted himself like a perfect gentleman. Since you seem uninclined to take me anywhere, I saw no reason to reject your brother’s invitation.”

  “For an intelligent woman, you are so naïve.” Shane spoke to her as if she were a child. “Can’t you see what Reed is doing? He’s coming between us.”

  “Something has already come between us,” Devon argued. “Barrington Industries.”

  “What about the clinic? I hardly see you.”

  “Whose fault is that?” she shot back.

  “Enough!” Jasper bellowed from his place at the head of the table. “Perhaps you should discuss this privately.”

  “I couldn’t agree more,” Shane snapped as he grabbed Devon’s hand.

  When they were out of earshot, both burst into laughter. “Were we convincing?” Shane wondered.

  “I think so,” Devon gasped as she tried to catch her breath. “Please break up with me.”

  “Do you think it’s a viable solution?”

  “Yes. Reed isn’t going to stay away from me, and I have no intention of discouraging him. Catch us in a compromising situation, and it’s over for you and me. Or let me catch you with Alana. Either way we can finally put an end to this.”

  “What will you do when it’s over?”

  “Convince your brother I love him with all my heart.”

  Toward sunset Devon wandered down to the stable where she found Reed grooming Prince. “Blair told me you were here. I’m sorry you had to witness that scene earlier. Shane is furious with me. I think he may want to…”

  The expression on Reed’s rugged face indicated his lack of concern for his brother’s feelings. He stared into Devon’s eyes and declared, “I’m flying to Kentucky on Friday in order to look over a few thoroughbreds I plan to buy. I’ll be there for the weekend, and I’d like it if you would accompany me.”

  She drew in a sharp breath. “You can’t be serious.”

  “Oh, I’m very serious. I wouldn’t have asked you to join me if I weren’t.”

  “But Shane…”

  “To hell with Shane.” Reed swore beneath his breath before he pulled Devon into his arms and kissed her. “Please come with me,” he murmured, enticing her with his brilliant blue eyes. “Please.”

  “All right,” she whispered as she succumbed to his plea. Then, she turned and fled the stable.

  As soon as she reached her bedroom, Blair joined her.

  “Please don’t be upset, but Reed invited me to go to Kentucky with him this weekend, and I agreed,” Devon began in a rush.

  “It isn’t right,” Blair declared with a note of censure in her tone. “You and Shane are using Reed’s feelings for you as an excuse to extricate yourselves. Sooner or later, it’s going to backfire on you. What will you do when Reed realizes both of you made a fool of him?”

  “I hope it won’t come to that. If Shane has a legitimate reason to end our engagement, Reed won’t ever know the truth.”

  “You’re living in a fool’s paradise.”

  “I have to go with him. The opportunity to be alone with him may not come again.”

  Blair flopped onto Devon’s bed. “You’re killing me, Dev. Let’s talk about something else like my love life for a change.”

  Reed did not seek Devon’s company for the rest of the week. At dinner he pretended to ignore her as they bided their time. He could afford to be patient, his eyes told her, as he listened to her lively chatter with Blair at the table. Soon, his body language communicated. Soon.

  Underneath the table, Shane squeezed Devon’s leg to let her know he supported her decision to be with his brother. He’d already discussed with her how the situation would play out when Reed and Devon returned from Kentucky. When he’d left her room, he’d kissed her on the cheek and told her that her passion for Reed inspired him to put his love for Alana ahead of his career.

  “I think you’ve finally figured out what your father wanted you to learn. Tell him you’re in love with Alana. Fight for her. Fight for BI. And win both,” Devon encouraged Shane.

  “I hope both of us can win our heart’s desire. Enjoy being with Reed in Kentucky. He’s lucky to have you in his life.”

  Excitement drove Devon out of bed early Friday morning. She packed a few clothes and necessities, summoned O’Rourke to her room, and instructed him to put her suitcase in the limousine. Since the dining room was deserted, she drank a cup of coffee in the kitchen and ate a slice of buttered toast before she headed to the clinic.

  As she approached her Mercedes, happiness bubbled within her at the sight of Reed leaning indolently against the driver’s door. “Good morning, Doc,” he drawled as he tipped his hat and opened the car for her.

  “Good morning.” She offered a warm smile.

  Lowering his head, Reed’s lips brushed against her ear. “Having you all to myself for the entire weekend is driving me wild. Lincoln and I will pick you up at five o’clock.”

  “I’ll be waiting,” Devon whispered and touched his clean-shaven cheek before she slid behind the wheel.

  Devon stayed busy all day at the Barrington-Brooks clinic. She set broken bones, treated serious wounds and sinus infections, counseled distraught patients, and dealt with a case of chicken pox. At five o’clock, she scooted her last patient out the door as the limousine pulled alongside the curb.

  Handing her lab coat and keys to Blair, she said, “Close the clinic. And, Blair, please be happy for me.”

  Blair hugged her. “Have a great weekend with Reed.”

  “I will.”

  When Devon slid next to Reed on the leather seat, he commented with a sparkle in his eyes, “Your face is flushed, Doc. Are you ill?”

  “No. I feel fine.”

  “I think I should take your temperature just to make sure.” In a fluid movement Reed settled Devon on his lap, and his tongue began a lazy but thorough exploration of her mouth. A hand found its way beneath her short denim skirt and caressed her thigh. When they drew apart, he chuckled. “You’re definitely hot.”

  “You’re the one with a fever,” she returned, fanning her face with a hand.

  “Yes, I am. You’re a fever raging in my blood, and I can’t get enough of you.”

  On board the Barringtons’ private jet,
Reed showed Devon a map of the bluegrass region of Kentucky where the best thoroughbred horse farms were located.

  “We’ll be staying in Lexington and driving to the Double S ranch early in the morning. It’s owned by Lewis Stockton who bred last year’s Derby winner.”

  When they arrived in Lexington a couple of hours later, Reed rented a car and drove to a charming bed and breakfast on the edge of town. A pleasant proprietress assigned the couple adjoining rooms on the second floor and gave them the name of a quaint restaurant where they could enjoy a late dinner.

  “It’s such a beautiful summer evening,” the proprietress commented. “You might want to walk to the restaurant.”

  “Thank you.” Reed smiled. “We will.”

  At dinner Devon found Reed charming and attentive. A natural sensuality and charisma replaced his aloofness and reserve. Caught in the spell he wove about her, Devon fell hard for him. She knew she shouldn’t. She knew she should fight the attraction with every fiber of her being, but it was too late. He’d ensnared her heart.

  The following morning Devon dressed in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, and after French-braiding her hair, she stepped into riding boots and met Reed downstairs in the dining room for breakfast.

  “You look pretty this morning,” he complimented as he held her chair.

  “Thank you. I’m not late, am I?”

  “No, you’re right on time. Lewis Stockton is expecting us in two hours.”

  “Are you planning to train a thoroughbred for the Derby in May?”

  “I’m counting on entering Pale Promise. However, it really depends on what I find at Stockton’s ranch.”

  When they finished their omelets and coffee, they headed toward the Double S ranch in the convertible Reed had rented. As they drove through the vast Kentucky countryside, Devon touched Reed’s thigh every time she wanted him to see something that had caught her attention. Becoming aware of his muscles tensing beneath her hand, she blushed as she realized the effect of her innocent touch.

  She tried to remove her hand, but he murmured, “Leave it.”