Page 52 of Waiting for Devon
At first Sun Rise balked when Reed mounted him and almost threw him off his back. However, Reed held on with an expert hand. He urged the skittish horse into a steady walk, then a cantor, and finally a fast gallop. Sun Rise fought the man who rode him, but Reed guided him with a firm but gentle control. When he felt certain the thoroughbred would obey him, he began to take Sun Rise through the jumps. As he and Sun Rise moved in perfect harmony, the sight took Devon’s breath away. There was something so primal, so instinctive about the way Reed blended with the beast that it stirred Devon’s blood.
Noticing the wonder on her face, Lewis commented with reverence, “I’ve never met a finer horse trainer than Reed Barrington. There were those in our line of work who didn’t take him seriously because of his family’s wealth, but when Wander Lust won the Grand National six years ago, he proved himself. I’ve seen Reed work on the most reticent horse and have it under his control before the end of the day. There’s no doubt he’ll have a winner for the Derby. He’s a good man, Dr. Brooks. The horses trust him.”
Reed worked with Sun Rise for another hour. When he dismounted, he led him to the fence where Devon and Lewis stood. “He’s a fantastic animal, Lewis. A bit high-strung but definitely trainable. I’ll take him.”
“Good. I have a few other thoroughbreds you need to see. I think you’ll be pleased with them as well.”
Devon enjoyed watching Reed and Lewis put the horses through their paces. When Reed finished making his selections, he and Lewis coerced her into taking a ride with them.
As they prepared to leave toward the end of the afternoon, Lewis invited them to a barbecue and country dance being held in the pavilion in his backyard. “It’s nothing fancy. Just a bunch of country folk getting together to eat and do some square dancing. You’re more than welcome to join us.”
“We’ll come,” Reed decided. “What time?”
“Seven-thirty.” Lewis gazed at Devon. “It’s been a pleasure, Dr. Brooks. I look forward to seeing you tonight.”
“Likewise, Mr. Stockton.”
Devon and Reed spent a couple of hours touring Lexington before they returned to the bed and breakfast to rest for a while. After taking a brief nap, Devon showered, washed her hair, and dressed in a pair of black jeans and a short-sleeved white blouse, low-cut and trimmed in lace. She applied a light amount of makeup and blow-dried her hair, leaving the long length to hang in attractive waves down her back. When Reed joined her a few minutes later, he suggested she bring a sweater, for the evening might turn cool after sunset.
On the return trip to Stockton’s ranch, Reed spoke about his plans for the horses he’d purchased. When he realized he had monopolized the conversation, he offered an apology. “I hope I haven’t bored you.”
“On the contrary. I find your work fascinating. What you accomplished with those horses today was amazing. I loved watching you work with them.”
Reed took her hand and brought it to his lips. The simple gesture caused her pulse to race with wild abandon.
Cars and trucks lined the driveway at the Double S. Reed found a convenient place to park and took Devon’s hand as he helped her from the convertible. They joined a small group of guests strolling toward the well-lit, decorative pavilion. Fiddlers played lively tunes while the tantalizing aroma of smoked meat wafted through the air. Several tables held various side dishes and delectable desserts. Most of the guests, neighbors of Stockton or associates in the horse trade, knew Reed either personally or by reputation. The friendly folk greeted the couple and put them at ease.
Lewis and his pretty, petite wife, Rhonda, asked Reed and Devon to sit with them as they ate. Good food, music, and conversation swirled around them. When everyone had eaten their fill, the dancing commenced.
“I haven’t square danced since seventh grade,” Devon confessed to Lewis. “I’m not sure I remember any steps.”
“There’s only one way to learn,” he told her with a mischievous wink at Reed. “Jump in with both feet.”
Lewis grabbed her hand and pulled her protesting onto the pavilion’s dance floor. Devon had no idea how to perform the caller’s cues and stepped on several sets of toes before she learned the steps. From the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of Reed laughing at her until Lewis switched partners with him. She and Reed moved through a few sets before taking a break in order to quench their thirst and socialize. A little while later they joined a group in a line dance. Devon found these steps less complicated and moved gracefully in the line.
The evening drew to a close toward eleven-thirty when the crowd began to disperse. Devon thanked her host and hostess for a wonderful time and hoped they would see each other again. Lewis and Rhonda expressed the same and bid the couple good night.
Devon raved about the barbecue all the way back to Lexington. In fact, she was still chattering when Reed followed her into her room and closed the door while she removed her sweater. She found her next sentence smothered in an urgent kiss.
“Will you please stop talking,” Reed commanded. “Do you have any idea what I’m feeling right now?”
She shook her head. He proceeded to show her as his mouth captured hers in a long, intoxicating kiss. His fingers unbuttoned her blouse and pushed it off her shoulders. Her bra soon followed her blouse as it fell to the floor. Reed’s hands roamed over her body as he lifted his head and murmured, “Make love with me, Devon. Tonight.”
His voice, husky and redolent with desire, seduced her. She’d never wanted any man as much as she wanted Reed Barrington. She wanted to submit. She wanted to undress him with leisure and take him into her bed. She wanted to feel his hard body beneath hers as she straddled him. The images she conjured caused a slow burn between her legs.
Then she looked into his gorgeous sapphire eyes and snapped back to reality. “Reed, please,” she begged. “I can’t. I’m wearing your brother’s ring.”
“The ring signifies nothing. I told you I’m not a fool. I don’t know what’s keeping you tied to Shane, but it isn’t love. It isn’t love because you’re here with me, and every time you’re in my arms, your kisses tell me otherwise.” He paused. “What is it? If it’s not love, is it blackmail? Is he holding something over your head? Tell me, and I’ll help you get free of him.”
Devon opened her mouth to spill the truth but shut it again. Reed’s hands teased her breasts and his mouth felt like velvet against the hollow of her throat. She knew the day she gave in to her passion and love for him, she would have to walk away. Still, it didn’t keep her from crying in anguish, “I want you, Reed! I want you with my entire heart and soul. I want you so badly I’m aching with desire. But I can’t do this. I’m not free. Not yet.”
Reed drew a ragged breath. “Not yet?”
“Not yet. Give me time to work this out with Shane.”
His eyes burst with joy and something else she yearned to see. Love. Love caused the blue fire shining in his orbs. “You choose me?” The question whispered so tenderly broke her heart.
“Yes. I choose you.” She placed her hand on his broad chest.
