Page 18 of Waiting for Devon
Everything Devon said made sense, but Shane refused to take the risk. “No. I’m going to carry out our original plan. Perhaps Dad will make a move after the engagement party tomorrow night.”
“What about Alana?”
“I’ll have to do everything in my power to make her believe how much I love her. By the way, I invited her to the engagement party. She wanted to see you for herself.”
Devon shook her head. Shane’s stubbornness was likely to cost him the love of his life. He’d have control of BI and no one with whom to share his success.
On Saturday morning, Blair coaxed Devon into a riding lesson. She didn’t want to go to the stables, for images of Reed had invaded her dreams again last night. No matter how hard she tried, Devon couldn’t banish the memory of being in his arms and feeling his mouth pressed hard against hers. Even before they reached the stalls, she felt jittery and a light blush stained her cheeks.
When Reed saw his sister and Devon approaching, he called, “What can I do for you ladies?”
“Devon wants to learn how to ride.”
“No, I don’t. This washeridea,” Devon clarified.
Reed chuckled. “Wait here. I’ll bring out Pale Promise.”
When Devon caught a glimpse of the beautiful American thoroughbred, she nearly fell to the ground in a dead faint. “I’m going to ridethathorse? Are you sure her name isn’t Pale Death?”
Reed threw his head back and emitted a laugh so deeply resonant that the sound sent secret thrills running rampant through every part of Devon’s body. “I assure you Pale Promise is the gentlest horse we own. Get closer and I’ll show you how to saddle her.”
Once Devon had mounted Pale Promise, Reed took the reins and led the animal to the corral. He explained what Devon should do and how to command Pale Promise. A few minutes later she moved slowly around the corral while Blair rode abreast on Pale Serenity, a sister of Pale Promise.
When Devon noticed Blair itching to urge Pale Serenity into a run, she said, “Go. Enjoy yourself.”
“Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“Don’t worry about Miss Brooks,” Reed announced as he sat astride Prince. “She’s doing remarkably well, and I’ll be right here to watch over her. Go, Blair.”
After some persuasive cajoling, Reed convinced Devon to urge Pale Promise into a faster gait. At first, she felt jarred to the bone, but soon she matched the horse’s natural rhythm. Devon completed one turn around the corral before Reed called a halt to the lesson.
“If you stay on the horse any longer,” he explained with a wry grin, “you won’t be able to dance at your engagement party.”
As he helped her dismount, Devon recalled their last encounter and moved out of his grasp. She followed him back to the stable where Reed showed her how to groom a horse.
“Where’s Shane?” he inquired as he handed Devon a brush. “He should have come down to the stable with you.”
“The last time I saw Shane he and your father were involved in a heated conference call.”
“Marriage won’t change him. If that’s what you’re hoping, you’re only deluding yourself. Barrington Industries is Shane’s first and only love.”
“You’re wrong,” Devon told him, her voice soft. “Shane’s heart is filled with love, and I believe he is ready to be a good husband. There is room in his life for two loves. You’re also forgetting I don’t intend to give up practicing medicine. My schedule is far more demanding on my time than his. Shane will be the one who is home alone most evenings.”
“I never thought Shane would marry a woman with a career of her own. You are a total surprise, Miss Brooks.”
“What about you, Mr. Barrington?” she demanded with unexpected boldness. “Why haven’t you married and started a family of your own?”
Reed grimaced. “I’m not looking for love. God help me if I ever get that desperate. A wife is a liability I don’t want or need.”
“Don’t you want companionship?”
“Look around, Miss Brooks. I have all the companionship I need right here. Horses make better companions than wives do. You’ve met Lara Hampton. Would you suggest I settle down with someone like her?”
Devon shook her head. “No, of course not. I just find it hard to believe you’ve never met a woman you would like to marry.”
“I’ll tell you what. Since you seem so interested in my personal life, you’ll be the first to know if it happens because hell will freeze over when it does.”
Devon didn’t reply, and they finished grooming Pale Promise and Prince in silence. Her heart ached for Reed. Or did it ache for herself?
