Waiting for Devon

by Dee Stewart

  Reed pushed Devon back upon the blanket and half covered her body with his. He took the wildflower she held and traced a path from her forehead down the side of her face, across her chin, and up the other side. The erotic gesture caused her chest to rise and fall in tandem with her rapid heartbeat. In a swift, unexpected movement, she pulled his head down to meet her eager lips. Her initiation of their lovemaking thrilled him. It proved she wanted him as much as he wanted her. Each of her intoxicating kisses and the touch of her hands on his back spoke far more eloquently than words.

  Reed drank deeply of her sweetness before his lips left hers and moved down her neck. When he lifted her tank top and enclosed a sensitive nipple with his mouth, Devon clenched her teeth to keep from gasping her pleasure aloud.

  A moment later, he whispered, “Devon, I…I…” The words stuck in his throat. “I think we’d better go for a swim and cool off. It’s much too hot out here.”

  Without another word, he helped her repack the picnic basket, and they returned to the ranch.

  When Devon joined him later at the pool, she wore a provocative white spandex bikini. Reed didn’t say a word. His eyes devoured every inch of her perfect body. Flashing a smile at him, she dove into the deepest end of the pool and floated up to the surface. Reed cut the water next to her, and they spent the rest of the afternoon swimming and then relaxing on chaise lounges. Mrs. Peters served them a light supper on the patio toward early evening, and afterward they played tennis.

  “You’ve worn me out,” Devon complained as Reed escorted her to her suite of rooms. She placed her small hand on his chest. “Thank you for a wonderful day. I can’t remember the last time I’ve enjoyed myself so much.”

  Resisting the temptation to kiss her until they were both breathless, Reed had to be content with kissing the palm of her hand instead. “It was my pleasure. Good night, Doc.”

  “Good night,” she murmured, her voice soft.

  Chapter Twelve

  Feeling rejuvenated after a relaxing weekend, Devon headed to the clinic on Monday morning. As she glanced in her rearview mirror, she noticed an old pickup following her. She’d seen it before parked on Third Street and didn’t think too much about it. Shrugging, she assumed it belonged to one of the residents.

  Midmorning Inez arrived for her appointment with Devon. The women greeted each other with a warm hug before Inez removed the bottom half of her clothes and climbed on an examination table. As Devon began to check the progress of Inez’s pregnancy, a loud commotion outside the room distracted her. She heard Blair yelling, “Sir! Sir! You can’t go in there!” In the next instant an angry young man burst into the room.

  “Inez!” Fury turned his dark eyes into fathomless depths. “What the hell are you doing here? Get dressed. We’re going home.”

  “Antonio!” Inez gasped in astonishment. “I didn’t expect to see you this soon. No, no, I can’t go. Dr. Brooks needs to examine me.”

  Antonio glared at Devon. “No, she doesn’t. Gennaros do not accept charity from rich people.”

  “I don’t know who you are, sir,” Blair interjected, “but you have to wait outside.”

  “This is my brother, Antonio Gennaro,” Inez clarified. “Tony, this is Dr. Devon Brooks and Blair Barrington.”

  “Barrington,” Antonio spat, his voice dripping with disdain. “Do you enjoy slumming, Miss Barrington? Do you get a secret thrill from getting your lily-white hands dirty associating with the poor and oppressed? Do you perhaps want to save us? Spare me.” He flung his hand in a dismissive gesture.

  Taken aback by Antonio Gennaro’s savage accusation, Blair stood speechless in her acute embarrassment.

  Devon touched Antonio’s arm and ordered, “Wait in the lobby, Mr. Gennaro. You’re upsetting the other patients. Inez will join you in a few minutes.”

  Nodding, he followed Blair to the waiting room.

  “Your brother is a proud man,” Devon commented as she began her pelvic examination.

  “And intelligent,” Inez declared with pride. “Antonio graduated from law school in May and just passed his bar exam. He’s come home to practice law at a huge firm and has promised to provide for me and my children while I look for work.”

  “That’s wonderful.” She paused. “You’re coming along beautifully. It won’t be too long now.”

  As Antonio rose to his full height to meet his sister, Blair couldn’t tear her eyes away from his tall, athletic body. His jet-black hair, cut in short layers, gleamed beneath the florescent lights of the clinic. Dark eyes were set in a face reminiscent of Spanish aristocracy. Antonio lifted his chin and announced, “My sister will not be back to see you, Dr. Brooks.”

  “You can’t make this decision for me, Tony! My baby is due in two weeks, and I don’t trust anybody but Dr. Brooks.”

  “I can afford to find you a real doctor.”

  “Devon is a real doctor. She chose to devote herself to our community. Listen to me, Tony. She saved Téa’s life when she was ill. She is my friend. Blair, too.”

  “We will discuss this in private,” Antonio replied, his voice like stone. He inclined his head at Devon as they took their leave, but he bowed before Blair. “Good day, Princess.”

  Blair’s eyes widened in astonishment. She turned to meet Devon’s amused smile and grinned. “My God! I have finally met a real man. He’s utterly fantastic. Did you hear what he called me?”

  “I did. Inez said he’s a lawyer.”

  “Incredibly sexy, and intelligent, too? How could I get so lucky?”

  “May I remind you he insulted you?”

  “I know. I have never heard such wonderful insults in my entire life.”

  Devon laughed. “Let’s get back to work, Princess.”

  Two days later, Blair was filing medical charts when Antonio Gennaro said from behind her, “Still getting your hands dirty, Princess?”

  “Still living, Mr. Gennaro?” Her eyes flickered over him. “You know those jeans don’t change who you really are.”

  Antonio scowled as his dark eyes perused her. “And who might that be?”

  “A lawyer. I hate lawyers.”

  “And I hate spoiled, rich debutantes.”

  “Well, then, we have nothing more to discuss, Mr. Gennaro. Would you like to make an appointment to see Dr. Brooks?”

  “What I would like, Princess, is to continue our disagreement over dinner. I’ll pick you up here at six o’clock,” Antonio informed her. His expression dared her to refuse.

  Blair slowly expelled her breath. “How could I refuse such a polite invitation?”

  Antonio’s lips parted in what might have been a smile. “See you tonight.”

  With clammy hands Blair reached for the phone on her desk and called the ranch. “Mrs. Peters! Please look in my closet for a dress I must have for a date tonight. It can’t be too casual or too sophisticated. Choose something ordinary but attractive. Have Lincoln bring it to the clinic before five o’clock. Thanks! You’re a doll.”

  A few minutes later Blair joined Devon as she placed a sweet eight-month-old baby in his mother’s arms and offered last-minute instructions concerning the infant’s medication before she bid them goodbye.

  Devon turned to hand Blair the chart and asked, “What’s wrong? You look panic-stricken.”

  “I have a date at six o’clock.” She fanned herself with the baby’s chart.

  “With Rodney Merrill?”

  “No. With him. Tall, Dark, and Obnoxious.”

  Devon grinned. “You’re kidding. You have a date with Inez’s brother?”

  “Yes. He demanded I have dinner with him.”

  “Demanded?”

  “That’s what I said. I’m so scared I can hardly concentrate on my work.”

  “Good luck,” Devon replied with a smirk. “You’re certainly going to need it.”

  Devon treated her last patient at seven-thirty and sat down at her desk with a stack of charts that needed updates. As she finished the last one, she hea
rd heavy footsteps approaching her. Glancing up, her eyes widened in shock. “You!” she gasped.

  “So, it’s true.” Jack’s face furrowed into a frown. “You’re working in this clinic for free.”

  “How did you find me?”

  “It wasn’t hard when the media touted you as ‘Dallas’ Angel of Mercy.’ Have you totally lost your mind, Devon? Your rich playboy must be a fool for allowing you to do this.”

  “I don’t like your tone or your choice of words, Dr. Taylor,” a voice drawled from behind Jack. “Apologize to the lady.”

  “Jack, this is…” Devon began with haste.

  “I know who he is.” He glared at the man who had joined them. “Do you realize what you’ve done to Devon? You dragged her away from a promising career with exciting possibilities and brought her to this.” His arm swept in an arc. “She is one of the most brilliant pediatricians in our field. Her work at San Francisco General Hospital was in the process of being modeled at other hospitals across the States. Now she’s lost it all because of you and your selfishness.”

  Reed’s eyes flashed blue fire and his jaw grew taut. Not knowing what else to do, Devon slipped an arm around his waist and addressed her ex. “No, Jack, that’s not true. I lost it all when our baby died and you neglected me. I had nothing until this wonderful man came into my life. He…he has taught me how to love again, something far more important than a promising career.”

  Devon took a deep breath as Reed’s body stiffened beside her. What he might be thinking caused her stomach to tighten with grief. “As far as the clinic is concerned, it was my idea and my future father-in-law financed it. Everything I want and need is right here. The man I love is… standing by my side, and I am helping people who are desperate for good medical care. What more could I ask?”

  As she spoke, she radiated peace and contentment. Gazing at her, Jack’s bluster dissipated, and he relaxed his defensive stance. “I came here, Devon, fully intending to bring you back to San Francisco where I thought you belonged. I’m still not sure about this sudden engagement, but if you’re happy, so be it.” He held out his hand toward Reed, who accepted the gesture. “Cherish this incredible woman, Barrington. Don’t let her slip through your fingers the way I did. I’m sorry for intruding. I wish you all the happiness you deserve.” His eyes met Devon’s for a moment. “If you ever need me, don’t hesitate to call. I mean it.”

  When Jack left, Devon turned to Reed with misery shining in her eyes. “Reed, I…”

  He held up a hand. “I’m not a fool, Devon. I wish Shane could have heard what you said. Maybe it would have reminded him why he fell in love with you.”

  Devon’s heart ached. For one moment, for one brief, wonderful moment, she sensed he knew the truth. “Why do you keep coming here? Still trying to seduce me?” She regretted the hasty words as soon as they left her lips. But what choice did she have? Pushing Reed away seemed to be the wisest course of action.

  Reed turned cold and his eyes darkened into hard sapphires. “You won’t see me walk through that door again, Doc, and as far as seducing you is concerned, don’t flatter yourself.” He disappeared into the darkness outside the clinic, leaving Devon shattered.

  Lost in her desolation, she didn’t notice the old pickup following her until she turned into the long driveway leading to the Barrington estate. It continued down the road at a slow speed, but it barely made an impression on her. A heavy weight pressed on her heart.

  When Devon stepped into her bedroom, she found Blair waiting for her. “How was your date with Antonio Gennaro?” Weary from the confrontation with Jack and grief-stricken by Reed’s declaration, she threw herself onto the bed.

  “Wonderful.” Blair plopped down next to her. “Antonio is brilliant and sophisticated and full of passion and pride. Honestly, Devon, I’ve never met anyone like him nor have I ever been so affected by a man. Look, I’m still shaking.” She held out her hands. Noting the unusual dullness of her friend’s eyes, she continued, “What’s wrong? You’re not yourself.”

  “Blair, please help me find a way to extricate myself from this situation. I can’t take any more. It’s killing me.”

  “Have you discussed your feelings with Shane?”

  “Of course. He keeps telling me to wait a little longer because it’s only a matter of time before Jasper is ready to turn BI over to him. It’s never going to happen, and in the meantime, I’m losing the brother I want more than life itself.”

  “Your only recourse is to tell Reed the truth,” Blair advised.

  Devon shook her head. “He won’t react with your understanding. Reed sees the world in terms of right and wrong. His approval was hard won in the first place, and if I tell him I’ve been part of Shane’s scheme to influence his father, he’ll never forgive me.”

  “Maybe you’re underestimating him.”

  “No, I’m not. You don’t really believe that, either.”

  “So, what are you going to do?”

  “What’s necessary. I’m avoiding him from now on.”

  During the following week, Devon returned to her previous routine of staying away from the Barrington ranch until late in the evening. The hours she devoted to her work left little time for anything else, and for a while she forgot about the pain rejecting Reed caused her.

  Devon’s conspicuous absences from the ranch caught Jasper’s attention. After her place at the dinner table sat empty for the seventh night in succession, he turned to Shane and demanded, “Would you mind explaining why Miss Brooks continually shuns our company? Are you and your fiancée having problems?”

  Shane glanced at his brother. Reed had grown cold and unapproachable over the last week, and as he perused the granite features of his brother’s face, guilt overwhelmed him. If Devon were free… He swallowed the hard lump in his throat. “No, Dad, we’re not. Devon is a dedicated doctor. She would stay at the clinic all night if she thought she were needed. It’s one of the reasons why…why I love her so much.” Choking over the blatant lie, he reached for a glass of water and dared not look at Reed.

  “If you love Miss Brooks, why haven’t you set a wedding date?” Jasper questioned with a piercing look.

  Shane flinched. “We’re not rushing into marriage. We want to be sure we’re not making a mistake.”

  Reed rose from the table and threw down his napkin. “Excuse me.”

  Shortly after dinner, Blair followed Shane into the study and closed the door. “I know the truth, Shane.”

  He frowned. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “I’m talking about pretending to be engaged so Dad will make you CEO of Barrington Industries.”

  “You have a fertile imagination,” Shane scoffed, but his face burned with guilt.

  “No, I could never imagine anything so stupid. Devon confessed.”

  “She had no right to tell you. It’s no one’s business but ours.”

  “Do you care at all about the people you’re hurting? First, there’s Alana. Watching you with another woman must be killing her. Then there’s Devon. You placed her in this deplorable situation when it conflicts with her sense of decency. What about Reed? He’s in love with Devon, in case you’ve been too blind to notice. And she’s crazy about him, too. Why do you think she’s never here? She can’t run the risk of allowing him to see her true feelings. Everyone’s life is on hold because of you, big brother. Now what do you intend to do to end this charade?”

  “If I knew, don’t you think I would have done it by now?”

  “It doesn’t take a genius to figure this out, Shane. Tell Dad the truth and set things right.”

  “I can’t do it. I’m in too deep.”

  “You’re a coward. Frankly, it would serve you right if Devon left and let you face the consequences by yourself. Don’t you realize you may have already destroyed Reed and Devon’s chance to be happy? Tell the truth. If you don’t, I may have to.”

  “Don’t do it, Blair, please,” Shane begged. “Giv
e me time to decide the best way to handle Dad.”

  “Don’t tarry too long. I have nothing to lose by telling Dad the truth.”

  When Blair left the study, she headed down to the stable in order to check on Pale Promise who suffered from an enflamed forelock. She found Reed changing the poultice and asked, “How is she?”

  “Fair.”

  “And how are you?”

  Reed grunted. “I’m working, Blair, and don’t have time to discuss my personal feelings with you.”

  “If you miss Devon, go to the clinic to see her. Maybe you can convince her to stop this nonsense. She’s running herself ragged, not coming home much before midnight. She won’t listen to me. Perhaps she’ll listen to you.”

  “I don’t give a damn what Dr. Brooks does with her time,” Reed snapped. “She’s Shane’s responsibility, not mine. If you want to stay and help, fine, but don’t mention her again.”

  On Saturday morning Devon awoke with a terrible headache and burning eyes. Her chest felt tight and her throat scratchy. Every part of her body ached. She was so weak she couldn’t even begin to rise from the bed. When she didn’t come downstairs for breakfast, Mrs. Peters brought Devon a tray and asked if she was feeling well.

  “Of course,” Devon lied behind a bright smile. “I just lost track of time, Mrs. Peters.”

  “All right, Devon. Ring downstairs if you need anything.”

  “I will. Thank you for your concern.”

  Devon tried to eat, but she couldn’t keep any food in her stomach. She spent the remainder of the day sleeping while she grew feverish. Rain pounding on the roof and the buzzing of her cell phone jarred Devon out of a restless sleep sometime after dark. “Dr. Brooks,” she answered in a raspy voice.

  “Dr. Brooks? It’s Tony. Inez just went into labor.”

  “I’ll meet you at the clinic as soon as I can.” Devon groaned. She never expected to deliver a baby tonight.

  Somehow she managed to get dressed and make her way downstairs. When she reached the front door, Reed’s deep voice startled her.