Page 47 of Waiting for Devon
“I’m not running from you. Why would I?”
“Because you know what happens every time we’re in the same room together.”
“Oh? What’s that? A new way to insult me?”
“No.This.”
Before she could protest, Reed leaned down and captured Devon’s lips in a warm, intimate kiss. Excruciating passion flowed between them, so devastating in its strength and power that Reed pulled away, not allowing the flame to destroy them.
“Thatis what happens, Devon. Don’t deny you felt the same jolt of desire I did. Admit it,” he demanded. “Admit it.”
“All right!” she cried, losing the battle with her common sense. “I admit it. What now, Reed? So, we’re attracted to each other. It doesn’t mean anything.”
“I think it does. I think it means more than you’re willing to admit.”
“It doesn’t mean anything more than the obvious. What else am I supposed to admit? More importantly, why does it matter to you?”
Reed tilted his head. “No matter how hard Shane tries, he can’t light the fire in you. Think about that the next time he makes love to you.”
“I don’t have to think about it. We haven’t…” She broke off and clapped a hand over her mouth. Heat flushed her cheeks at what she’d almost confessed, but it was too late. By the expression of utter astonishment on Reed’s face, she knew he guessed the truth.
Stunned, he gaped at her before he threw his head back and guffawed. “Made love? My brother must be a saint or a damn fool.”
“He’s a gentleman.” Devon leaped to Shane’s defense. “He’s waiting until…”
“Until your wedding night?” Reed concluded as his eyes danced with mirth. “He deserves a medal for his restraint. No wonder you’re so eager for my kisses.”
Devon gasped in outrage. “I beg your pardon!”
Reed laughed as he caressed her hot face and placed one last kiss on her lips. “There’s no need to run anymore, Devon,” he told her before he left her alone and aching with need.
At five o’clockon Monday, Lincoln surprised Devon when he entered the clinic and announced, “I’ve been instructed to escort you to your date, Dr. Brooks.”
“I don’t have a date. Are you sure you aren’t supposed to escort Blair instead?”
“Youdohave a date. The gentleman was quite insistent I not leave the clinic without you.”
Intrigued by the invitation, Devon said, “I’ll join you in a minute, Lincoln. I need to get my things and lock up first.”
Thirty minutes later the limousine rolled to a stop in front of Dallas’ Grand Hotel where a bellboy opened the door for Devon and held out his hand. “Welcome to the Grand, Dr. Brooks. Your suite is ready. Everything you need is waiting for you.”
“My suite,” Devon declared in amazement. “What is going on?”
“I’m sworn to secrecy,” the bellboy replied as they rode an elevator to the sixth floor.
When Devon stepped into the elegant suite, she emitted a soft gasp. A shimmery, strapless, black gown lay on the bed, along with a matching silk wrap, long black gloves, shiny black stilettos and delicate underthings. In the bathroom Devon found an assortment of bath oils and everything she would need to pamper herself, including makeup.
After soaking in a perfumed bath, Devon moisturized her skin and slipped into her undergarments. She curled her hair with hot rollers her thoughtful gentleman provided and applied her makeup. The beautiful gown fit perfectly, outlining to advantage her curves. As soon as she completed her ensemble, she surveyed her appearance in a floor length mirror. An exquisitely dressed woman stared back at her.
The bellboy knocked at seven-thirty on Devon’s door. He handed her a delicate wrist corsage of white roses and said, “The gentleman sent this for you. Here, let me help you with it.”
Outside the Grand Hotel, Lincoln waited by the limousine. He nodded his head with approval when he saw Devon. “Your gentleman is awaiting your arrival, Dr. Brooks.”
“Are you going to tell me his name?” she asked in a soft voice.
“No. He prefers to remain anonymous.”
“Can you at least tell me where we’re going, Lincoln?”
