Page 21 of Waiting for Devon
Hearing strains of music inside the ballroom, Reed held out his hand. “Come, dance with me.”
“I will on one condition, Mr. Barrington.”
“What’s that?”
“Will you please stop calling meMiss Brooks? Dispense with formality and call me Devon. Please.”
Reed laughed and tucked her arm through his. “I wondered how long you would tolerate it.”
The moment he took her into his arms Devon knew it was a mistake. Her heart pounded, and her pulse stirred to life. Reed held her closer than propriety allowed, and the lean length of his body pressed against hers caused a warm languor to spread throughout her limbs.
As she smiled at him, she noticed his gaze focused on her mouth and wondered what wild thoughts ran through his mind. His eyes darkened. Devon held her breath. Would he kiss her again right then?
He tore his eyes away from her lips and saw they had become the center of attention. No one else occupied the dance floor. “Don’t look, Devon,” he murmured. “Everyone is watching us with their brows raised in speculation.”
“Good. Let them speculate. I don’t give a damn what they think.”
“Such strong language for a lady,” Reed teased. “Let’s give them a good show.”
Reed dipped Devon and brought her body up hard against his. Desire exploded within her and burned like liquid fire rushing through her veins.
Dear God, I can’t take much more of this.
As Jasper watchedDevon and Reed, an old friend slapped him on the back. “They make a striking couple.”
“Yes, I suppose so.” His eyes narrowed as Reed leaned down and whispered something in Devon’s ear that caused her to laugh.
“Frankly, Jasper, I’ve never seen Reed look so relaxed. Perhaps your Dr. Brooks is engaged to the wrong brother.”
Jasper turned cold. This was an unforeseen complication he hadn’t anticipated. Could he do anything to stop it? Moreover, did he even want to try?
Shane chose thatopportune moment to tap Reed on the shoulder. “I believe the next dance is mine, big brother.”
Reed made a gallant show of bowing to his brother’s claim on Devon and disappeared into the shocked crowd.
Devon’s face burned with embarrassment, and she trembled. When the dance ended, she excused herself and rushed to the elegant ladies’ dressing room. She splashed her face with cold water, and slowly her breathing returned to normal.
What kind of power did Reed hold over her so that one glance from those incredible blue eyes nearly made her swoon? It wasn’t as if she were a virgin experiencing her first taste of desire.
Perhaps Jack is right. It’s been a long time since I’ve had a man in my life.
As Devon reapplied her makeup, she saw Alana Turner watching her. “Hello, Alana,” she acknowledged the other woman in a soft tone of voice.
“So, you’re the one,” Alana replied. “When I saw you earlier, I realized you’re even more beautiful than Shane described.”
“Alana, I know this must be painful for you. It can’t be easy watching the man you love pretend to be engaged to someone else.”
“This was supposed to bemynight. My night to shine.”
“I’m in an extremely difficult situation. When Shane introduced me to his father as his fiancée, I had no idea I’d be trapped like this. Surely he explained the circumstances behind my being here.” She paused as she met Alana’s tear-filled eyes. “I know why you’re afraid. You’re afraid Shane and I will fall in love. Trust me, nothing could be further from the truth. Shane and I have nothing in common. Besides, he’s crazy about you. He loves Barrington Industries, but he can’t live without you. He’s told me so on several occasions. You are the best thing that’s ever happened to him, and whatever he’s doing, right or wrong, is for you and your future together.”
“He said those things about me?” Hope replaced her fear.
“And more.” Devon grinned. “Have you taken a good look at Reed? How could I fall in love with Shane when he has such an incredibly sexy brother?”
Alana smiled in return. “He is gorgeous, isn’t he?”
“Like Greek god gorgeous.”
