Page 48 of Waiting for Devon
“That, too, is a secret.”
As she traveled through the city on her way to an unknown destination, Devon felt like Cinderella about to arrive at the ball where she would meet the man of her dreams. No one had ever made her feel so special or so wanted. During her brief marriage to Jack, he’d been too busy to indulge in any romantic attention. Her pulse quickened as she anticipated meeting the man responsible for giving her such a wonderful evening, the man whose slightest touch set her heart and soul on fire.
Reed.
When they arrived at Dallas’ performing arts center, Lincoln escorted Devon to the Barringtons’ private box in the balcony. “Dr. Devon Brooks, sir,” the driver announced.
Excitement and pleasure almost caused Devon to swoon when her eyes met those of the man who turned to meet her. “Thank you, Lincoln,” Reed declared with an odd catch in his voice, “for bringing her to me.”
“My pleasure, sir. Enjoy the performance.”
Reed’s eyes burned with intensity as he perused every aspect of Devon’s appearance. “You are the most beautiful and elegant woman I’ve ever seen.”
“Thank you.” Her voice trembled. “You look resplendent in your tux.”
Reed helped Devon to her seat. “We’re seeingThe Phantom of the Opera. I hope you like it.”
“I love it. It’s my favorite musical.”
Sitting next to the man she adored in companionable silence as their shoulders brushed against each other made Devon’s head swim with a myriad of emotions. When Reed reached over to hold her gloved hand, she thought her heart would leap out of her chest as hard as it pounded.
While they sipped wine and discussed the production during intermission, a nosy member of the press snapped their picture.
“I hope you don’t mind being the subject of gossip,” Reed murmured.
“I’ve learned to deal with it.”
“Good. Let’s return to our seats.”
Devon thought the evening would end at the musical’s conclusion, but Reed had arranged a late supper for them in a private dining room at the Reunion Tower. The table was set attractively with an arrangement of fresh flowers, candles, and glittering china and crystal. A waiter brought appetizers and promised to serve their main course in another few minutes. After they ate cold shrimp cocktail, Reed rose and held out his hand.
“Dance with me?”
“Of course.”
In Reed’s arms Devon felt safe, secure, and content.
Oh, God, I love you, Reed. I wish I had the courage to tell you everything on my mind and my heart.
As if on cue, she raised her lips to meet Reed’s kiss, but the moment was interrupted by the arrival of their dinner. It didn’t matter, though. Reed’s heated glances assured her the moment would come again.
When they arrived at the Grand Hotel and entered Devon’s suite, Reed ordered in a silky tone, “Come here, Doc.”
His hands cupped her face as his golden head lowered and his lips touched hers. Forbidden pleasure exploded between them as they shared deep, erotic kisses. Reed’s hands wandered from her face to her neck and across her bare shoulders before crushing her against him.
“Tell me how you want this evening to end, Devon,” he whispered, tantalizing her ear with his tongue. One hand toyed with the zipper on her gown. “Tell me and I’ll make it happen.”
The joy went out of her eyes and disappointment clouded her face as she suspected Reed’s ulterior motive for giving her this night. “I can tell you howyouwant this evening to end. You want it to end here in a tawdry one-night stand so you can finally satisfy the desire you claim to feel for me. I won’t give myself that easily to any man, Reed. I never have and I never will.”
Reed tilted her chin. “Is that what you think? I didn’t plan this evening for us so I could get you into my bed.” His eyes glittered with intensity. “Yes, I desire you, but I desireallof you, not just your body. I don’t want a one-night stand. I want much more than that with you.”
Regret for her hasty assumption colored her cheeks. “Reed, I’m so sorry. No one has ever done anything like this for me. Tonight has been magical, almost like a romantic fairy tale. Let’s not spoil it with another misunderstanding.”
Reed gathered her close again and kissed her until they reeled from mutual desire. “I can give you more nights like this one, Devon. I can give you what your heart desires the most, if you’ll let me.”
“Yes,” she whispered. “Oh, yes.”
Chapter Fourteen
