Page 32 of Waiting for Devon
“Yes, ma’am. We work quickly and efficiently at Barrington Construction.”
“So it would seem.”
Blair and Devonwere laughing over a shared joke when they entered the dining room at the Barrington ranch. In an uncharacteristic gesture, Blair leaned down and kissed her father on his taut cheek.
“Good evening, Dad.”
For a brief moment a flash of pleasure crossed his hardened features before it faded.
In an affectionate gesture, Devon placed her hands on Shane’s shoulders and kissed him on the cheek. She took her place next to him and couldn’t avoid meeting Reed’s intense gaze. The moment she walked into the room he was affected by her natural warmth and vitality. Strands of her dark brown hair had come loose from her braid which gave her a charming, tousled appearance, and her sunburned skin made her even more alluring to him. Reed’s pulse leaped as he recalled those heated kisses they’d shared last night.
Christ. She’s my brother’s fiancée.
“You’re late,” Shane remarked.
“I was working. There were a lot of people who needed to see me today.”
“Mark my words, Devon, those people will turn on you if given the opportunity.”
“Why? Because they weren’t born with silver spoons in their mouths? I’m ashamed of you, Shane. These people are no different from you or me. They share the same hopes and dreams and the same pain and heartache. All you see is their poverty, but I see people who want better lives for themselves and their children, and I intend to help them as much as I can. I’m even thinking of expanding the clinic to include an education and job training center.”
“You’ve got to be kidding.”
“Shane, you’ve been working too hard, and I think it’s time you take a vacation,” Jasper interjected.
Four heads turned in Jasper’s direction.
“What?” Shane exploded in disbelief.
“You heard me. I insist you take a two-week vacation. For your own good.”
“Dad, that’s ridiculous. You know how busy I am. I can’t afford to leave the office. And besides, Devon just started this new project and can’t even go with me. It wouldn’t be right to go anywhere without her. And I sure as hell don’t want to hang around here alone while she’s working.”
“Shane, really, I think you should take this opportunity to get away. Your father is right about one thing. Youhavebeen working way too much and way too hard. Just last night you mentioned another extended business trip might be on the horizon. I insist you go somewhere fun and take a friend with you. You know, maybe a guy’s road trip or something like that.”
“A friend?” A puzzled frown crossed his face. “You’re sure you wouldn’t mind?”
“No, not at all. Take afriendwith you and have a good time.”
Puzzled himself, Reed glanced between his brother and Devon. What the devil?
Shane brightened and he leaned over to press a light kiss against her lips and caress her bare neck. “All right, you win. I’m going to make arrangements, then let you know what I’ve decided.”
When Devon met Reed’s interested gaze, she smiled at him. His heart slammed into his chest.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.He seemed to be thinking it a lot lately. And about doing it, too. With his brother’s bride-to-be.
Toward the end of dinner, Devon asked Blair if she would join her for a swim. “Where do you find the energy?” Blair complained with a groan. “I’m exhausted and going straight to bed.”
“I’ll join you for a swim,” Reed offered with a gallant smile.
Startled, Devon’s deep brown eyes met his. “If you wish. I’ll meet you at the pool as soon as I change my clothes.”
When she was out of earshot, Jasper stared at Reed and asked, “What are you doing, son?”
“Going for a swim, Dad.”
“Don’t be impertinent with me. You know what I’m referring to. Stalking your brother’s fiancée is not wise.”
