Page 11 of Waiting for Devon
Devon bristled with indignation. “My parents are deceased, and my brother and sister have no interest in the Barrington money, I assure you. My brother is a successful architect and my sister is a teacher. They don’t even know I’m engaged. Frankly, I doubt they’ll be pleased when I tell them.”
Reed smirked. “How long have you rehearsed this pretty speech?”
“Watch your mouth.” Shane swallowed a bite of meat. “I’ll not have you insult the woman I intend to marry.”
“And I’ll not have this family taken advantage of by an opportunist,” Reed flung in return. His dark blue eyes bore into Devon. “You said you’re a doctor. What kind?”
“Pediatrician.” Devon stared back at him.
“Private practice?”
“Emergency care.”
“So, San Francisco General Hospital is public.”
“Yes.”
“And does it pay well?”
“Want a copy of my tax return?”
Blair laughed outright. “Well, Reed? Would that satisfy you? Look, I hate to put an end to this fascinating lovefest, but I promised my future sister-in-law a tour of the grounds. Let’s go, Devon, before it grows too dark.”
Alone outside the main house, both women burst into laughter.
“Thank you for rescuing me from your brother, Blair,” Devon exclaimed. “Is he always so…?”
“Yes,” Blair answered with a smile. “Shane thinks I deliberately put off any potential boyfriends, but the truth is they take one look at my overbearing older brother and bolt through the nearest door.” She paused. “You certainly didn’t have any trouble holding your own with my father and Reed.”
“Would I command their respect if I showed myself a coward?” Devon countered.
Blair remained silent until they reached the pool area illuminated by floodlights. “No. You really aren’t what we expected at all. Shane’s taste in women has always been less impeccable, well, with one exception.”
“Alana Turner.”
“You’re aware of her?” Blair asked in surprise.
“Shane told me about her.”
“Devon, it’s not my intention to hurt you or make you doubt Shane’s feelings for you, but it was my understanding he was going to propose to Alana before Dad sent him on an extended business trip across the States.”
“Deliberately, I assume. Shane told me his father would never approve of Alana as a Barrington bride.”
“It’s a game I refuse to play.” Blair dropped her cigarette on the ground and snuffed it out with the toe of her shoe. “Needless to say, I’m not Dallas’ most popular debutante. I’m really glad you’re here. I hope you and Shane will be happy together.”
After a stroll through the gardens, they said good night.
As Devon undressed in her bedroom and started brushing her hair, she couldn’t banish a nagging vision of Reed. The rugged sensuality he exuded was far more potent than she imagined. Even now, desire leaped through her entire body and brought a flush to her skin. Her hand burned where Reed had touched it.
“What have I gotten into?” She had never felt so on fire as she had tonight when Reed’s deep blue eyes met hers for the first time. Had he noticed her reaction? If so, what had gone through his mind? Would he be even more suspicious of her relationship with Shane?
Devon tossed and turned in her unfamiliar bed during the night and awoke with a start, thinking she was on call at the hospital. The red ball of sun rose over the distant horizon and brought the promise of another hot mid-June day.
She showered, dressed in a pair of denim shorts, a white tank top, and sandals. After she French-braided her hair, she went downstairs.
Since it was still early and there wasn’t anyone in sight, Devon wandered outdoors. Strolling with no particular destination in mind, she soon found herself near the corral where Reed exercised a magnificent black stallion. This was the last place Devon should be, but she couldn’t tear her eyes away as man and beast moved in perfect harmony. When Reed spotted her watching him, he galloped toward her.
He reached the short, wooden rails where Devon stood, held out his hand, and ordered, “Ride with me.” He lifted her with ease onto the horse’s back, forcing her to wrap her arms around his waist in order to keep from falling to the ground.
