Page 51 of Waiting for Devon
“No. I feel fine.”
“I think I should take your temperature just to make sure.” In a fluid movement Reed settled Devon on his lap, and his tongue began a lazy but thorough exploration of her mouth. A hand found its way beneath her short denim skirt and caressed her thigh. When they drew apart, he chuckled. “You’re definitely hot.”
“You’re the one with a fever,” she returned, fanning her face with a hand.
“Yes, I am. You’re a fever raging in my blood, and I can’t get enough of you.”
On board the Barringtons’ private jet, Reed showed Devon a map of the bluegrass region of Kentucky where the best thoroughbred horse farms were located.
“We’ll be staying in Lexington and driving to the Double S ranch early in the morning. It’s owned by Lewis Stockton who bred last year’s Derby winner.”
When they arrived in Lexington a couple of hours later, Reed rented a car and drove to a charming bed and breakfast on the edge of town. A pleasant proprietress assigned the couple adjoining rooms on the second floor and gave them the name of a quaint restaurant where they could enjoy a late dinner.
“It’s such a beautiful summer evening,” the proprietress commented. “You might want to walk to the restaurant.”
“Thank you.” Reed smiled. “We will.”
At dinner Devon found Reed charming and attentive. A natural sensuality and charisma replaced his aloofness and reserve. Caught in the spell he wove about her, Devon fell hard for him. She knew she shouldn’t. She knew she should fight the attraction with every fiber of her being, but it was too late. He’d ensnared her heart.
The following morning Devon dressed in a pair of jeans and a T-shirt, and after French-braiding her hair, she stepped into riding boots and met Reed downstairs in the dining room for breakfast.
“You look pretty this morning,” he complimented as he held her chair.
“Thank you. I’m not late, am I?”
“No, you’re right on time. Lewis Stockton is expecting us in two hours.”
“Are you planning to train a thoroughbred for the Derby in May?”
“I’m counting on entering Pale Promise. However, it really depends on what I find at Stockton’s ranch.”
When they finished their omelets and coffee, they headed toward the Double S ranch in the convertible Reed had rented. As they drove through the vast Kentucky countryside, Devon touched Reed’s thigh every time she wanted him to see something that had caught her attention. Becoming aware of his muscles tensing beneath her hand, she blushed as she realized the effect of her innocent touch.
She tried to remove her hand, but he murmured, “Leave it.”
Arriving at the Double S, they followed a long, straight driveway for almost a mile before the main house came into view. Lewis Stockton, a slight man with gray hair and hazel eyes, strode toward them as they climbed from the convertible. A wide smile split his weather-beaten face, and he grasped Reed’s hand in a strong grip. “Reed Barrington,” Lewis boomed with good humor. “It’s a pleasure to see you again. How long has it been?”
“A little over a year,” Reed replied in a tone warm with friendship.
“And much too long.” Lewis’ interested gaze fell on Devon. “Who is this pretty filly?”
“Dr. Devon Brooks.”
“Ma’am.” Lewis tipped his hat. “Welcome to the Double S Ranch.”
“Thank you, Mr. Stockton. You have a beautiful ranch.”
“We are proud of what we’ve built here, Dr. Brooks.” Turning to Reed, Lewis continued, “I have a fine stock of thoroughbreds for you to look at. Shall we head to the stables?”
Reed nodded and held Devon’s hand as they followed Stockton around the house, through a landscaped yard, and further to the immaculate stables. Saddles made from the finest leather were polished to a clean shine, and bridles gleamed in perfect condition. Ribbons and trophies adorned the shelves along one wall. Devon perused them while Lewis and Reed moved from stall to stall.
“This is Sun Rise,” Lewis said with pride as he gestured toward a thoroughbred sixteen hands tall. “He’s got the makings of a champion, Reed, but so far he hasn’t responded to any of my trainers.”
Reed stroked the horse’s velvety nose. “May I take him for a run?”
“Go ahead. Maybe he’ll respond to you.”
Reed saddled Sun Rise and led him to a corral where jumps sat in neat rows. Lewis took Devon by the arm and said, “You’ll want to watch this.”
