by Dee Stewart
To Devon’s chagrin, Shane pulled her toward him and covered her mouth with his. She closed her eyes and tried to hide how much she disliked his lips teasing hers. They hadn’t practiced kissing after all, and she wondered if it looked as awkward as it felt.
At his place at the head of the table, Jasper’s heavy brows lifted in surprise. A moment later his features turned blank.
“When is the wedding?” Reed demanded.
“We haven’t set a date,” Shane answered as he looked at his brother.
“Why not?”
“Devon needs time to adjust to her life here before we make any wedding plans.”
“When can we expect your family to move in?” Reed inquired. “It won’t be long, I’m sure.”
Devon bristled with indignation. “My parents are deceased, and my brother and sister have no interest in the Barrington money, I assure you. My brother is a successful architect and my sister is a teacher. They don’t even know I’m engaged. Frankly, I doubt they’ll be pleased when I tell them.”
Reed smirked. “How long have you rehearsed this pretty speech?”
“Watch your mouth.” Shane swallowed a bite of meat. “I’ll not have you insult the woman I intend to marry.”
“And I’ll not have this family taken advantage of by an opportunist,” Reed flung in return. His dark blue eyes bore into Devon. “You said you’re a doctor. What kind?”
“Pediatrician.” Devon stared back at him.
“Private practice?”
“Emergency care.”
“So, San Francisco General Hospital is public.”
“Yes.”
“And does it pay well?”
“Want a copy of my tax return?”
Blair laughed outright. “Well, Reed? Would that satisfy you? Look, I hate to put an end to this fascinating lovefest, but I promised my future sister-in-law a tour of the grounds. Let’s go, Devon, before it grows too dark.”
Alone outside the main house, both women burst into laughter.
“Thank you for rescuing me from your brother, Blair,” Devon exclaimed. “Is he always so…?”
“Yes,” Blair answered with a smile. “Shane thinks I deliberately put off any potential boyfriends, but the truth is they take one look at my overbearing older brother and bolt through the nearest door.” She paused. “You certainly didn’t have any trouble holding your own with my father and Reed.”
“Would I command their respect if I showed myself a coward?” Devon countered.
Blair remained silent until they reached the pool area illuminated by floodlights. “No. You really aren’t what we expected at all. Shane’s taste in women has always been less impeccable, well, with one exception.”
“Alana Turner.”
“You’re aware of her?” Blair asked in surprise.
“Shane told me about her.”
“Devon, it’s not my intention to hurt you or make you doubt Shane’s feelings for you, but it was my understanding he was going to propose to Alana before Dad sent him on an extended business trip across the States.”
“Deliberately, I assume. Shane told me his father would never approve of Alana as a Barrington bride.”
“It’s a game I refuse to play.” Blair dropped her cigarette on the ground and snuffed it out with the toe of her shoe. “Needless to say, I’m not Dallas’ most popular debutante. I’m really glad you’re here. I hope you and Shane will be happy together.”
After a stroll through the gardens, they said good night.
As Devon undressed in her bedroom and started brushing her hair, she couldn’t banish a nagging vision of Reed. The rugged sensuality he exuded was far more potent than she imagined. Even now, desire leaped through her entire body and brought a flush to her skin. Her hand burned where Reed had touched it.
“What have I gotten into?” She had never felt so on fire as she had tonight when Reed’s deep blue eyes met hers for the first time. Had he noticed her reaction? If so, what had gone through his mind? Would he be even more suspicious of her relationship with Shane?
Devon tossed and turned in her unfamiliar bed during the night and awoke with a start, thinking she was on call at the hospital. The red ball of sun rose over the distant horizon and brought the promise of another hot mid-June day.
She showered, dressed in a pair of denim shorts, a white tank top, and sandals. After she French-braided her hair, she went downstairs.
Since it was still early and there wasn’t anyone in sight, Devon wandered outdoors. Strolling with no particular destination in mind, she soon found herself near the corral where Reed exercised a magnificent black stallion. This was the last place Devon should be, but she couldn’t tear her eyes away as man and beast moved in perfect harmony. When Reed spotted her watching him, he galloped toward her.
He reached the short, wooden rails where Devon stood, held out his hand, and ordered, “Ride with me.” He lifted her with ease onto the horse’s back, forcing her to wrap her arms around his waist in order to keep from falling to the ground.
Devon’s first experience atop a horse created an exhilarating mixture of fear and excitement. As she clung to Reed, his fresh, clean scent assailed her senses. Conscious of her breasts pressing against his hard back, sparks of flame shot through her entire body. She felt as though she were flying as they galloped across the land.
When they reached a thick grove of trees, Reed brought the stallion to a halt and dismounted. As he helped Devon off the horse, her body slid down the length of his. Feeling her tremble, Reed held her steady for a moment while she regained her balance.
“I can tell you’ve never ridden a horse,” he remarked with a soft grin.
Devon rubbed the velvety nose of the stallion. “No, I haven’t. I do admire them, though. There’s something inherently beautiful and majestic about horses. This one is especially handsome. What’s his name?”
“Prince. Look, Miss Brooks, I didn’t bring you out here to discuss horses.”
“What am I doing here, then?” She didn’t like the cold suspicion she perceived in Reed’s eyes.
“I thought it best if we spoke privately.”
“About?”
“About what you’re really after. There’s no doubt in my mind you’re a fraud. I believe you’re just another opportunist ready to make a fool of my brother and cheat my family out of as much money as you can get your greedy hands on. Admit it.”
Devon hoped her eyes wouldn’t reveal her inner fear as she tossed a challenge. “I don’t need to admit anything. You seem to have it all figured out. If you think I’m a fraud, then prove it.”
Without warning, Reed crushed Devon against his lean body. His lips devoured hers in a bold, fiery kiss. His tongue slipped into her open mouth, tasting and exploring. Unable to resist this exquisite assault upon her senses, Devon surrendered to the heady emotions spiraling through her body and spinning her into a passionate abyss. Nothing mattered except for the delightful pressure of his mouth slanting across hers and the warmth of his hands as they caressed her back. No one had ever kissed Devon like this before, not even her ex-husband, who often boasted of his prowess as a lover. Rendered helpless in Reed’s arms, she gave him kiss for kiss. Her tongue swirled in a timeless dance with his.
When he felt her under his control, Reed released her. Triumph gleamed in his brilliant eyes. “You’re not too particular about which Barrington brother you kiss.”
The cold cruelty of his words struck Devon with the intensity of a summer bolt of lightning as she realized she’d been duped. Shaking now from fury rather than desire, Devon hissed, “How dare you! You deliberately planned this. I’m going to tell Shane. I doubt he’ll be pleased when he learns what you’ve done.”
“You’re damn right he won’t be pleased,” Reed snapped. “I doubt he’ll be too happy to find out how easily you can be seduced. You’ll be gone within the hour.”
Devon had never felt such raw anger toward anyone in all her life until she met Reed Barrin
gton. He appeared so cool, so confident, as he faced her like a predatory lion while she trembled from head to foot and wanted to scream in frustration. How could he be unaffected by the wild, wanton kiss they shared? Her stomach still churned with excitement, and her lips ached for more. Gathering her wits, Devon took a deep, cleansing breath and composed herself.
“Take me back to the house,” she demanded with suppressed fury. “Now.”
“As you wish,” he flung, mocking her.
Reed swung himself into the saddle behind her this time, forcing Devon to endure the pressure of his strong arm resting beneath her breasts. Even in her anger, shivers of delight ran up and down her spine.
Jasper, Shane, and Blair had already gathered in the dining room by the time Reed and Devon reached the house. As Jasper took note of the smug expression on his eldest son’s face, he announced, “Well, we were about to send a search party for you. Where have you been?”
“I was showing Miss Brooks the horses,” Reed replied with a shrug. “Right?”
Devon offered a tight smile. “Don’t you mean Dr. Brooks? I hope we haven’t kept you waiting too long.”
Everyone felt the tension between Reed and Devon as he baited her throughout breakfast. To no avail, Shane attempted to divert his brother’s attention away from his fiancée. Disgusted by Reed’s antics, he threw down his napkin and grabbed Devon’s hand.
“I have to get to work. Come on, Dev. Walk with me to the car.”
When they were alone, Shane whirled on her and exclaimed, “What the hell is going on between you and Reed?”
“Your brother believes I’m a fraud, and this morning he wanted proof. He took me for a ride on Prince and kissed me.”
Shane’s brows lifted in surprise a moment before he laughed. “Reed kissed you? Well, I’ll be damned.”
“Shane, this isn’t funny. He thinks you’re going to send me packing.”
“Did you kiss him in return?”
She made a face. “Of course, I kissed him back. He is, after all, an extremely attractive man.”
Shane chuckled. “Well, don’t worry. I’ll have a little talk with Reed tonight and make it clear he can’t go around taking advantage of my woman.”
“I’m glad you think this is so humorous,” Devon responded in annoyance. “Reed is serious in his pursuit to get rid of me. What if he discovers the truth?”
“He won’t. We’re the only ones who know the truth.”
As soon as Shane and Devon left the dining room, Jasper rose to his feet and demanded, “Reed, come with me to my study.”
Alone, father and son faced each other. “Reed, I have always admired your desire to see this family protected from fortune-hunters and the like. You have shouldered this burden much to your own detriment, I’m afraid, but you can rest assured our Miss Brooks is not an opportunist.”
“I disagree, Dad. This morning Miss Brooks allowed me to kiss her in a most unbrotherly manner, and she responded vigorously, I might add.”
Jasper tilted his head. “It was wicked of you to instigate such an amorous encounter, Reed. No wonder Miss Brooks appeared flushed and embarrassed. However, I would never allow an outsider to get close to this family without an investigation. I had Miss Brooks’ background thoroughly checked before she and Shane left San Francisco.”
“What did you learn?”
Jasper sat behind his massive mahogany desk. “Absolutely nothing. Miss Brooks has an impeccable reputation. She was raised in a strict household with a military father. Her mother was a high school teacher. They are both deceased, as she said. After graduating with honors from Stanford University, Miss Brooks attended Boston University’s School of Medicine where she also achieved recognition for being one of its most gifted future doctors. She completed her residency at Chicago’s Mercy Hospital, and eventually made her way to San Francisco General Hospital. Not long after her arrival Miss Brooks became the physician in charge of the emergency pediatric care unit. My sources confirm she is well-known and respected for her integrity and medical skills.”
“Miss Brooks sounds too good to be true. What about her prior relationships?”
“She dated in high school and in college,” Jasper answered with a shrug of his shoulders. “Those relationships were harmless. If there is a black mark in her past, it’s her recent divorce from Dr. Jack Taylor.”
“She was married? What were the grounds for the divorce? Her adultery?” He flung himself into a chair opposite his father.
“No. Mental cruelty and neglect. Miss Brooks miscarried a baby at the end of her second trimester, and, according to friends close to the couple, her husband blamed her for its loss.”
“Was she to blame?”
“Not at all. A simple act of nature. After months of emotional turmoil, Miss Brooks filed for divorce. It was final a year ago.”
“What about Shane? Is his relationship with Miss Brooks really what it appears to be?”
Jasper smiled to himself. That was one tidbit of information he intended to keep to himself for the time being. “Shane has chosen the woman he wants to marry, and we must support his decision. Please refrain from forcing Miss Brooks into a trap in the future, son. Do I have your word on this?”
Reed nodded, though with reluctance. “Yes.”
Reed cursed all the way down to the stable. He’d vowed to himself years ago after being the victim of a greedy gold-digger, he would protect his brother and sister from sharing his fate. Not only that, but he would never again be affected by deep brown eyes and a killer smile and body.
He hadn’t intended to kiss Devon. Her challenge, presented with a stubborn tilt to her chin and mixed with bravado, somehow irked him. Remorse at what he’d done swept through him. Well, he would honor the promise he made to his father and keep his hands to himself. Damn, though. He hadn’t had sex in months, and she felt really good in his arms. It figured Shane would have met her first. He had no idea why that bothered him.
Their steamy kiss, however, replayed in his mind. It stunned him, to be honest. He hadn’t expected such a passionate reaction from his brother’s intended bride. The good doctor hadn’t kissed him as if she were engaged and getting regular sex. She’d kissed him as if she were starving for it.
As Reed stepped inside one of the stables, all thoughts of Devon fled. “Holy hell, Harry. What happened to you?”
Harry “Horseface” Walton looked at Reed through two, swollen black eyes. His face sported purple bruises and a split bottom lip. “Got into a fight, Boss.”
Reed frowned. “Here at the ranch?”
“Nah. In a bar.”
“You know I don’t approve of barfights.”
“Couldn’t help it.”
“If it happens again, you’re gone, Harry.”
With careful movements, Harry picked up a saddle. “It won’t, Boss.”
Reed eyed him. “Broken ribs?”
“Yeah.”
“Take it easy, today. Keep your eye on Dark Mist and her colt. I’ve got accounting to tend to in my office.”
When Reed was out of earshot, Smitty, another ranch hand, joined Harry. “Why’d you lie to the boss?”
“Why’d you think? I sure as hell ain’t gonna tell him I got jacked up by a couple of Digger Sharpe’s goons.” Harry groaned as he mucked out a stall.
“Maybe he’d help.”
“Yeah, right out of my job,” Harry drawled. “I’d rather the boss believe I got into a barfight. You think I want him knowin’ about my gamblin’ habit?”
Smitty grabbed a bale of fresh hay. “What are you in for?”
“More’n what I make, that’s for damn sure.”
“Man, you made a mistake gettin’ mixed up with Digger Sharpe. He’s bad news.”
“The guys outta Las Vegas are worse.”
They worked in silence a few minutes before Smitty remarked with a thoughtful expression on his homely face, “Shane Barrington brought home a fiancée.”
Harry grunted. “Big
fuckin’ deal.”
“Shut the fuck up and listen. I saw her with the boss.”
“So?”
“So, he had his tongue down her throat, and she wasn’t protestin’.”
Harry leaned against his rake. “Interestin’.”
“She’s a real looker, too. See where I’m goin’ with this?”
“Maybe. I ain’t sayin’ nothin’ about it right now.”
“I’m thinkin’ about being on easy street. Tired of this shit.” He pointed at a pile of horse manure in Prince’s stall. “Tired of being ordered around by the Barringtons.”
“We ain’t got it so bad here. Could be worse.”
Smitty snorted. “Yeah, right. You could be swimmin’ with the fishes.”
Harry grimaced and focused his attention on his tasks while Smitty’s comments festered in his mind.
Shortly after breakfast, Blair disappeared, and Devon found herself at loose ends. Teased by the image of the wild, exquisite, forbidden kiss she shared with Reed, Devon was tempted to wander down to the stables where she would, no doubt, run into him. As quickly as the notion entered her head, she resisted the urge to be alone with him again.
There’s no telling what he would do this time.
Releasing a soft sigh, Devon made her way to the extensive library where she found an interesting novel and read for the remainder of the morning.
Bored by the inactivity of a leisurely life, Devon looked forward to Shane and Jasper returning home at six-thirty. When Blair joined them for dinner, she reeked of alcohol. Devon assumed she had spent the day drinking in her room. Jasper frowned his disapproval but refrained from commenting.
As he made his entrance in the dining room, Reed bent low next to Devon and murmured,
“Still here, Miss Brooks?”
She offered a sweet smile. “Yes, much to your annoyance.”
“I’m not worried. You’ll show your true colors in due time.”
“As you have. Beneath that suave veneer beats the heart of a true barbarian.”
“So the ladies have told me on more than one occasion.” Reed flashed a wolfish grin.