Page 3 of Waiting for Devon
“Yes. I need to see you in my office immediately.”
Puzzled by what seemed a peculiar summons, Devon knocked once on Mr. Linhart’s door and entered the office. He rose from his comfortable leather chair and smiled. “Congratulations, Devon.”
“Congratulations?” She frowned. “What are you talking about, sir?”
“I’m referring to your recent engagement to one of the richest men in America, Shane Barrington, of course,” Linhart explained, as though he had personally arranged it himself. “It’s little wonder you wanted to keep it a secret for as long as possible.”
If she weren’t so stunned, Devon would have laughed out loud. She shook her head. “But, Mr. Linhart, I’m not…”
He held up a hand. “Now, I know what you’re going to say. Don’t worry about taking an indefinite leave of absence. It’s all arranged.”
“What in the world do you mean by that?”
“Your future father-in-law, Jasper Barrington, made arrangements for you to take a personal leave so you can join your fiancé in Texas before you get married.”
“Hewhat?” she sputtered in astonishment. “He had no right to interfere in my life.”
Mr. Linhart coughed. “Well, I’m afraid he had every right. He gave San Francisco General Hospital a two-million-dollar endowment for children’s cancer research.”
Her eyes grew round. “But, sir, I have obligations here. I have patients and staff members who count on me. There is still so much to be accomplished in the pediatric care unit.”
“I interviewed a highly recommended pediatrician an hour ago who says he’s familiar with you and your work. He’s interested in relocating to San Francisco, and I think he’ll fill your position quite nicely. His name is Dr. Jack Taylor. If you decide to return, you will still have a position with this hospital. Frankly, I think you and Dr. Taylor would make a fine team. Good luck. You’ll be missed.”
Feeling herselfdismissed, Devon left Mr. Linhart’s office in a haze of disbelief. If she didn’t know better, she would think she had just entered the twilight zone. She had to pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t having a horrible nightmare. No, she was definitely awake. An hour ago she had a career she loved and a safe, if predictable, life. Now she had neither. To make the situation even worse, a man she loathed was taking her job.
By the time she reached the ER, all of Devon’s colleagues were aware of her good news. Some clapped while others cheered and hugged her as they offered their sincerest congratulations. She tried to tell them her engagement was a misunderstanding, but, unfortunately, the man responsible was waiting for her with a huge bouquet of red roses at the entrance to the ER. Devon’s cheeks grew hot, whether from anger or embarrassment she couldn’t tell.
Shane smiled an apology as Devon glared at him. “I told you I would see you again in an hour.” He indicated his Rolls Royce. “Let’s go.”
“Who do you think you are?” Devon railed at him. “Do you realize your father stole my livelihood? How am I supposed to pay my bills without a means of support?”
“As long as you’re living on the family ranch in Texas, your needs will be taken care of. And there will be a payoff for you at the end.”
His calm tone of voice irked her even more. “What?What kind of a person do you think I am? I’m not going to Texas with you. I don’t know the first thing about you, other than you’re a rich playboy and businessman. Tomorrow I plan to get my job back.”
“I’m afraid my father didn’t leave either one of us a choice. He doesn’t believe we’re really engaged. By the way, where do you live?”
“I don’t believe this. You must be used to throwing your money around and having everyone jump at your command.”
“Well, yeah. Address?”
Devon fumed as she told him where she lived. She couldn’t believe she was allowing a casual acquaintance into her elegant Victorian home on the outskirts of San Francisco. Then again, nothing about her life made much sense today.
As they entered the cool interior, Shane surveyed his surroundings and remarked, “This is a beautiful home.”
“Thank you. Would you care for something to drink? A shot of whiskey, perhaps?”
He flashed an amused smile. “Whatever you’re having is fine with me.”
As she poured two glasses of Coke, Devon noticed Shane’s classical good looks—blond hair and bright blue eyes. He wore an expensive, tailored suit and stood slightly under six feet.
When they were both seated on her sofa, Devon began, “I know tai kwon do, and I will take you down if you try anything.”
“Good to know. I’m glad you can defend yourself.”
She lied, but he didn’t seem to know the difference. Now she wished she’d listened to her older brother Caleb when he’d suggested she and their sister Emmaline take self-defense classes. “Tell me why you’re so desperate for a fiancée.”
Shane sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “I know you’re familiar with Barrington Industries.”
