Page 38 of Waiting for Devon
Reed offered a slight smile. “Yes. Let’s go home. I’ll drive, and you can eat the sandwich I brought you.”
“I have my car,” she told him, albeit weakly.
“Don’t argue with me.” Reed took her arm after she gathered her things and escorted her to his truck.
After she devouredthe roast beef sandwich Reed brought her, Devon grew drowsy and fell asleep against his shoulder. He slipped his arm around her and a strange and fierce protectiveness filled him when she snuggled closer. What was happening to him? Every day he looked forward to seeing her and hearing her voice, especially when she laughed. Her smile warmed his soul. And her eyes…her eyes drove him wild with a single glance. A desperate desire to see her tonight compelled him to go to the clinic. Reed shuddered when he considered what might have happened had he not arrived in time.
He decided against taking Devon to the main house and drove to his cabin instead. She stirred in his arms as he carried her inside and asked in a sleepy voice, “Where are we going, Reed?”
“To my bedroom.”
Devon cracked a smile. “Good. I’ve been far too patient with you already.”
Reed chuckled low in his throat as he laid Devon on the bed. Respecting her modesty, he undressed her without laying his eyes on her, no easy feat when he desired to devour her with his gaze. He slipped one of his shirts over her head and longed to slide next to her on the bed. Expelling his breath, he left the room and headed for the couch. Sleeping next to her would be their undoing.
The following morning Reed rose, feeling stiff and sore from a night on the couch that was too small for his frame. He took a shower and dressed in jeans and a T-shirt. Whistling, he went into the kitchen and brewed a fresh pot of coffee before he fried link sausage, whipped up pancake batter, and scrambled eggs. When he heard a cry of alarm coming from his bedroom, he flipped the last pancake and turned off the stove. Hurrying toward the sound, he collided with Devon as she rushed headlong through the bedroom door.
“Whoa, little lady! Where do you think you’re going in such a hurry?” He reached out to steady her.
“I overslept and I have to get to the clinic.”
“It’s Saturday,” Reed reminded her. “The clinic is closed.”
“But…”
“No buts. You have an answering service if there’s an emergency.” His gaze roamed over her body clothed in his shirt. She appeared adorable and incredibly sexy.
Following his eyes, Devon glanced down in horror at her apparel. Her face turned crimson as she stammered, “You…we…did we… I mean, did anything happen last night, Reed?”
“You were exhausted. I changed your clothes and put you to bed. I closed my eyes and preserved your dignity. Believe me, Devon,” here his voice lowered to a husky tenor, “if we had made love, you would remember.”
She leaned against the doorframe for support. “I’ll get dressed.”
“Blair brought clothes for you to wear. You’ll find them on the dresser. When you’re finished, join me for breakfast. You haven’t eaten properly for days.”
Twenty minutes later, looking fresh and pretty from a shower and dressed in shorts and a tank top, Devon found Reed in the kitchen where breakfast sat on the table. He poured two glasses of orange juice and held a chair for her. He handed her a plate filled with pancakes, eggs, and sausage.
“I never did thank you for saving my life last night.” She reached out and laid her hand on his forearm. “Thank you for being there when I really needed you.”
“Kiss me,” Reed murmured, “and thank me properly.”
Devon did not resist his enticing command but rose with him as he took her hand. With slow, sensual movements his hands roamed from her hips up her ribcage. He took her arms and placed them around his neck, bringing their bodies closer together. Reed slid his hands down her arms and caressed her back. One hand slipped beneath her tank top and found a full, naked breast as he prolonged this exquisite moment between them.
When the tension became unbearable, Reed lowered his head and his mouth claimed hers. Sweet agony burst between them as his lips slanted across hers, and her tongue slid against his. Reed wanted her. He wanted her more than he had ever wanted any woman. He wanted her compliant and willing in his arms. He wanted to feel her beneath him as he caressed and explored every inch of her soft skin. And most importantly, he wanted her to know that she belonged to him.Only him.Reed felt her complete surrender and an unexpected thought flashed in his mind.
Do I have the right to ask her to choose between me and Shane?
Reed lifted his head, but he did not thrust her away from him. Instead, he kissed her forehead, and one finger traced the swollen, passion-bruised contours of her alluring mouth. “Spend the day with me. Shane left last night on a short business trip and asked me to look after you. He’s worried about the long hours you’ve been working at the clinic and so am I.”
“There’s no need to be concerned. It’s the nature of my job.”
“Even the most dedicated doctor takes a day off now and then,” Reed argued. “We’ll go for a ride and have a picnic after you change into riding clothes. I’ll be at your command all day.” He didn’t believe Devon could refuse his charming invitation and smiled at her.
“I’d love to spend the day with you.” Her soft voice thrilled him.
When they enteredthe stable, Reed ordered Harry to saddle Pale Promise for Devon.
Harry looked doubtful. “Boss, are you sure? We’ve been trainin’ her for the Derby…” Reed’s expression silenced him. “Yes, sir, right away.”
