Page 34 of Waiting for Devon
Digger snuffed out his cigarette and stroked his beard. “That Barrington bitch, and her doctor friend. Looks like I’ll have to pay Brooks a little visit. In the meantime, I’ll be keeping a closer eye on what’s going on down the street. I suggest you do the same. And this time don’t take no for an answer.”
They nodded and went to carry out Digger’s orders.
Devon had heardabout Reed’s cabin, but this was the first time she’d seen it. Once inside, she admired the high, vaulted ceiling with a reading loft, the mahogany furniture, and inviting stone fireplace. The masculine décor fit a rugged man like Reed Barrington.
“This is a charming cabin,” she remarked. “I like it.”
Reed handed her a glass of wine. “I’m glad. You might as well relax, Devon. Dinner will be awhile.”
Sighing, Devon kicked off her shoes and opened the front door. She sank onto a wooden rocker on the porch, took a few sips of wine, and closed her eyes. A feeling of contentment washed over her as she listened to the wind rustling through the trees and felt the breeze on her warm face.
When Reed joined her a few minutes later, Devon watched him through lowered eyes. The now longer length of his layered golden hair lay against his neck while the light blue polo shirt he wore stretched across his muscular torso. The jeans he preferred emphasized his lean strength. Devon’s pulse fluttered as a blush crept into her cheeks. Wild images of being in his arms flashed in her mind.
As she raised her eyes, Devon’s heart missed several beats. She saw Reed staring at her, too, with dark blue lights dancing in his incredible eyes. “Come,” he invited as he held out one hand. “I’ll show you the rest of the cabin while the steaks are grilling.”
The spacious cabin boasted three bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a small room Reed used as an office. In addition, he’d designed a game room with a pool table, card table, and dart board.
“This is a wonderful retreat,” Devon commented.
“Sometimes I just need to get away from it all.”
They made their way into the kitchen where Devon prepared a salad to go with their meal and set the table. Within a few minutes Reed placed a large, juicy steak on each of their plates, along with a baked potato.
After they appeased their appetites, Reed suggested a game of pool.
“I’m sorry, but I don’t know how to play.”
“Not a problem. I’ll teach you.”
In the game room, Devon held the stick, aimed, and missed the ball every time.
Reed chuckled as he came up behind her. “Let me show you how it’s done.” He pressed against her as he positioned the stick correctly in her hands.
Devon attempted a few hits, but Reed’s nearness affected her coordination.
After her last unsuccessful effort, Reed took the stick out of her hand. “You’re hopeless.”
His hands moved up her arms in a slow caress, and he placed exciting kisses on her exposed neck. “You’re trembling,” he whispered into her ear.
He turned her around to face him. It was their undoing. Devon drowned in the liquid pools of Reed’s eyes as he crushed her against him. His mouth moved across hers as he kissed her greedily, providing the pleasure they’d denied themselves the past two weeks. Reed caressed her breasts as his mouth continued to plunder hers. Caught in a tidal wave of desire, Devon was powerless to stop him. His hard, demanding kisses set her frozen soul ablaze.
When Reed realized he was unbuttoning Devon’s blouse with the singular intent of making love to her, he tore his mouth away from hers and groaned in frustration. Anger and disgust replaced the passion shining in his sapphire eyes. “I swore to myself I wouldn’t touch you ever again. For God’s sake, you’re my brother’s fiancée. But you,” here his gaze grew bitter and suspicious, “you haven’t protested once. You haven’t pushed me away or made any attempt to stop me. Why?”
Because I think I fallen in love with you!
The admission exploded inside her brain, and she couldn’t breathe or speak. Devon just stared at him through wide, confused eyes while she debated whether or not to tell him the truth about her engagement to Shane. If she did, she would be free, but Reed would reject her. She knew it intuitively as she struggled with an answer.
She waited too long to formulate a response. Reed retreated from her and declared in a harsh tone, “Shane is coming home tomorrow. From now on, we need to stay away from each other.”
Fury swept through her as she found her voice. “Oh, that’s convenient,” she snapped. “You attempt to seduce me and thenblameme. I haven’t invited these advances, and frankly, I’m tired of having to explain to my fiancé why you can’t keep your hands to yourself.”
“Well, you don’t have to worry about myadvancesanymore. I’ll be perfectly content to keep my hands to myself. Come on. I’ll take you back to the main house.”
As Devon followed him, she wished she could take back what she’d said. She didn’t want to lose these precious, intimate moments with him, but explaining her role in Shane’s charade wasn’t an option.
Looking bronzed, happy,and relaxed from his recent vacation, Shane arrived at the clinic at noon. He shared an enthusiastic greeting with his sister before he saw Devon. After Blair took him on a tour, he met Devon in an empty examination room.
“You look wonderful, Shane,” she observed.
