Page 46 of Waiting for Devon
Devon stared out the window. “I know what you did to me.”
Reed didn’t respond, and they drove the rest of the way to the ranch in silence.
Mrs. Peters and O’Rourke greeted Devon with warmth, and the housekeeper declared, “Your room is fresh and clean, Dr. Brooks. Let me know if you need anything.”
“I will,” Devon promised with a grateful smile as she began to climb the winding staircase.
When she faltered on the fourth step, Reed lifted her into his arms, much to her chagrin. She did not want to be this close to him, so close the warmth of his body penetrated her clothes and caused a tingle to spread through her already weak limbs. So close, the husky scent of his aftershave teased every one of her senses and brought a flush to her cheeks. If Reed held her a little longer than necessary before he laid her on the bed, neither commented on the indiscretion.
“Rest,” Reed ordered. “I’ll bring you a tray later.”
“Thank you. I’m afraid I’ve sapped my strength.”
After Reed left her alone, Devon curled on her side and closed her eyes. She’d barely fallen asleep when she received an unexpected call from Caleb and grew weepy.
“I didn’t mean to make you cry!” Caleb exclaimed with a laugh.
“Caleb, I’m in a terrible jam down here in Texas, and I don’t know how to extricate myself.”
“You only have two choices, Dev. Either walk away without an explanation and leave the selfish idiot who got you into this mess to clean it up or tell Jasper Barrington the truth.”
“I wish it were that simple. First, the clinic is my responsibility. I can’t walk away from my commitment until I’m sure someone can take my place. I’ve also become good friends with Blair and… and… Oh, God, Caleb. I’m in love with Shane’s brother, Reed.”
“Are you insane? How could you let this happen?”
“Well, I…” She sniffed.
“Never mind.” She heard his heavy sigh. “Look, I have a two-week vacation planned beginning next Monday. Why don’t I fly to Dallas and help you find a solution to your dilemma?”
For a moment, the temptation to allow Caleb to swoop in and rescue her overwhelmed her. He’d fix everything, and she wouldn’t have to deal with it anymore. No, that wouldn’t be fair. This was her doing, and she’d have to handle it alone. “Thanks, Caleb, but I have to deal with this myself.”
“It doesn’t sound like you’re dealing with it at all,” he scolded.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be back in San Francisco before you know it.”
“Keep in touch, Dev.” Caleb paused. “I hope Reed Barrington realizes what a fine woman you are. If he does anything to hurt you, well, I’ll have to pound him into the ground.”
Devon grinned as she bid her brother goodbye and ended the call.
When Devon joinedthe family for breakfast Saturday morning, Jasper greeted her with unusual warmth. “It’s good to see you at the table today, Miss Brooks. Your effervescence has been missed.”
“Thank you, sir. Blair told me you visited me at the hospital. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.” Devon paused and grinned at him. “Tell me, sir, are you ever going to address me asDr. Brooks?”
Jasper lifted a heavy eyebrow. “It depends, Miss Brooks, on whether or not you continue to address me assir.”
Devon raised her glass of orange juice. “Touché, sir.”
Looking forward to relaxing with a good book, Devon went to the library after breakfast and curled up in one of the leather rocking chairs. Immersed in a psychological thriller, she lost track of time until Reed interrupted her, bearing a tray of sweet iced tea, ham and cheese sandwiches, and fresh fruit.
“It’s nearly two o’clock. You need to eat.”
“I am hungry,” she admitted.
Reed waited until she finished the sandwiches and some of the fruit before he commented, “You’re pale, Devon, and the light has gone out of your gorgeous brown eyes.”
Devon dropped her fork as she met his hypnotizing blue gaze. “No, don’t…” she pleaded.
“Why do you keep running from me?” His eyes never wavered from hers.
