Page 49 of Waiting for Devon
Harry and Smittystared at Reed as he entered the stable, whistling a tune fromThe Phantom of the Opera. “Good morning, fellas.”
“’Mornin’, Boss,” they echoed, glancing at each other.
“Let’s give Pale Promise a good workout. I think she’s ready.”
“Sure thing, Mr. Barrington,” Horseface replied. He didn’t mind his nickname. Horses were beautiful creatures, and what he lacked in good looks, he made up for in brawn. Harry could toss a bale of hay as easily as a horseshoe. He and Smitty set about saddling Pale Promise while Reed tended to other ranch business.
“Stealing Pale Promise would be easier than snatchin’ Shane’s fiancée,” Smitty whispered. “She’d fetch a pretty penny.”
Harry snorted. “You sick son of a bitch. This is Texas. Horse stealin’ is a capital crime.”
“Yeah, but we’d give her back. And Boss promised us a slice of the pie if Pale Promise wins the Derby next year. We’d have even more dough.”
“Shut the fuck up, asshole. That’s a really bigif. We’ll get ten times as much for the broad now we know she’s a two-timin’ hussy fuckin’ both brothers.”
Smitty guffawed. “Hell, she’s probably doin’ the old man, too.”
Harry grinned. “Keepin’ it all in the family.”
Smitty tightened the cinch on Pale Promise. “I’d like to do the daughter. She’s one fine woman.”
“Nah. She’s a cold-hearted bitch. Ice water runs in her veins.”
“Come on, let’s put Pale Promise through her paces and plan our next move.”
Shane strode intothe dining room and threw a copy of Dallas’ daily newspaper in front of his brother. “You’d better explain this, Reed.”
Reed grinned at the photograph taken of him and Devon while they attendedThe Phantom of the Opera. “It’s a flattering picture. Here, Devon, take a look.”
He passed the newspaper to her and, she, too, smiled. “It turned out very well.”
“I’m waiting for an explanation,” Shane interjected.
Reed shrugged as he spooned mashed potatoes onto his plate. “There’s nothing to explain. Devon and I went to see a musical.”
“No, that’s not true. According to certain sources, you arranged a hotel suite for Devon and even chose the gown she wore. Another source claims you shared an intimate dinner in the private dining room at Reunion Tower. Jesus, Reed, I must have fielded questions from a dozen reporters today. I’ve warned you before to stay away from Devon, and I’m telling you again. Leave her alone.”
“I can defend myself, Shane,” Devon asserted. “Frankly, I enjoyed myself with Reed, and in case you’re wondering, he conducted himself like a perfect gentleman. Since you seem uninclined to take me anywhere, I saw no reason to reject your brother’s invitation.”
“For an intelligent woman, you are so naïve.” Shane spoke to her as if she were a child. “Can’t you see what Reed is doing? He’s coming between us.”
“Something has already come between us,” Devon argued. “Barrington Industries.”
“What about the clinic? I hardly see you.”
“Whose fault is that?” she shot back.
“Enough!” Jasper bellowed from his place at the head of the table. “Perhaps you should discuss this privately.”
“I couldn’t agree more,” Shane snapped as he grabbed Devon’s hand.
When they were out of earshot, both burst into laughter. “Were we convincing?” Shane wondered.
“I think so,” Devon gasped as she tried to catch her breath. “Please break up with me.”
“Do you think it’s a viable solution?”
“Yes. Reed isn’t going to stay away from me, and I have no intention of discouraging him. Catch us in a compromising situation, and it’s over for you and me. Or let me catch you with Alana. Either way we can finally put an end to this.”
