by Dee Stewart
“Where are you going, Doc?”
Devon took a long, steady breath and tried to sound normal. “Inez Rodriguez went into labor. I’m on my way to the clinic.”
“I’ll drive. We’re in the middle of a heavy downpour, and I know the roads better than you do.”
“Thank you,” she replied, gratitude sweeping through her.
By the time they reached Reed’s truck, rain drenched them. Their umbrellas weren’t much protection against the storm’s fury. Devon’s shivers drew Reed’s attention as they headed toward Dallas.
“You’re not well.”
“I’m fine.” Her teeth chattered.
“No, you’re not.”
“I’m merely wet, nothing more.”
“If you say so.” Reed shrugged.
What did it matter to him if she were sick or not, Devon surmised from his ambivalence. Especially when he dropped her off and sped away. She supposed she would have to find another way back to the ranch.
Devon realized she shouldn’t deliver a baby when she knew she had a temperature and chills and had decided to contact another doctor when Inez, Tony and Téa arrived at the clinic, but there wasn’t time. Inez’s contractions were less than two minutes apart. Whether she liked it or not, Devon was going to have to deliver the infant. She took all the proper precautions, and fortunately, the birth was an easy one.
She held the squalling baby in her arms as she declared, “It’s a boy, Inez. You have a healthy baby boy.”
Téa and Tony hugged as Devon placed the infant in his mother’s arms. “Thank you, Dr. Brooks!” Inez exclaimed, her face sweaty. “If it hadn’t been for you, I don’t know what we would have done.”
“I, too, owe you my thanks,” Tony added. “And an apology. You have done a wonderful thing here. I’m sorry for doubting your commitment.”
Devon brushed aside his compliment as she fought against a wave of dizziness. “You don’t need to apologize, Tony.” Turning to Inez, she continued, “I’m going to call an ambulance and have you transported to the hospital. I don’t have the proper facilities to make sure you and the baby are all right.”
“Is that necessary?” Inez asked.
“Yes, it is.”
Fifteen minutes later, Téa, Tony, Inez, and the infant left for the hospital. The silence roared in Devon’s ears as she stared unseeing at the bed where Inez delivered her baby. The room began to spin and her world went black as she crumpled unconscious to the floor.
Chapter Thirteen
“Shit! Is she dead?” one kidnapper clad all in black asked his similarly attired accomplice, who nudged Devon with his boot. She groaned.
“Nah, man. She’s drunk as a skunk.”
“I ain’t smelled no liquor.”
“Don’t matter. Let’s grab her and get the hell outta here.”
His partner cackled. “We’ll be rolling in dough. The Barringtons will pay a shitload of money to get her back.” He slung Devon over his shoulder.
Both men froze when headlights swept the front of the clinic.
“You’ve got to be shittin’ me!” one exclaimed.
The other dropped Devon. “Quick! Out the back!”
They disappeared into an alley and hightailed it for their old truck. Wanting to find out what happened to their prize, they hung around to watch.
Reed followed the ambulance to Dallas General Hospital. When he realized Devon wasn’t with Inez, he approached Antonio Gennaro and demanded in a rough voice, “Where’s Doc?”
“Who the hell are you?”
“Reed Barrington. Tell me where the fuck Devon is.” He glared at Gennaro.
“She stayed behind at the clinic. She…” Before he could explain further, Reed bolted for the ER exit.
As he drove toward the clinic, he cursed himself for being a stubborn, proud fool. Though she’d denied it, Reed knew Devon was ill, and he’d left her alone. Bursting through the unlocked front door of the clinic, he shouted, “Devon!”
No answer.
And then he saw her lying in a heap in a hallway. “Devon!” Reed knelt next to her and felt her forehead. She burned with fever. Unable to rouse her, he lifted her into his arms and rushed toward his truck. He could get her to the hospital faster than an ambulance.
A few minutes later he screeched to a halt in the ambulance bay at Dallas General Hospital. Reed carried Devon into the ER and yelled, “Help! I’ve got Dr. Devon Brooks, and she’s burning with fever!”
A doctor who turned toward the commotion when he heard Devon’s name hurried to meet Reed. “I’m Dr. Bailey, a colleague of Dr. Brooks. Follow me.”
Reed followed Dr. Bailey into a cubicle. The physician took Devon’s vitals and frowned in concern. He lifted her eyelids to check her pupils and listened to her heart and lungs. He turned to a nurse who’d joined them. “Let’s get her started on fluids. We’ve got to bring her fever down. It’s one hundred five degrees. Get a blood panel, too. I want to know what we’re dealing with.”
Feeling helpless, Reed stood to the side as Dr. Bailey tended to Devon. How would he explain this to his brother? Hell, would Shane even care that his fiancée had collapsed?
When Devon had been stabilized, Dr. Bailey approached Reed and asked pointblank, “Do you know how Dr. Brooks sustained these bruises on her arms?”
Reed looked down at her, and his gut clenched. Dark bruises marred her skin. “No, Dr. Bailey. I have no idea. Perhaps it happened when she fainted at the clinic.”
“I don’t think so, Mr. Barrington. It looks like someone grabbed her arms.”
“I was careful when I brought her in.”
“Well, perhaps she can explain when she regains consciousness.”
For four days Devon drifted in a black void while fever and chills ravaged her weak body. When she floated near the surface, she heard voices murmuring around her, and she felt a strong hand holding hers. Though she fought against it, a pinpoint of light penetrated the darkness and grew brighter until Devon could no longer resist it. Her eyes fluttered open, and she blinked several times as they adjusted to the glare of the florescent lights illuminating her hospital room.
“Devon!” Blair exclaimed in relief. “Thank God, you’re awake. We’ve been so worried about you.”
“What happened? How did I get here?” she asked in a raspy voice.
“Don’t you remember? You collapsed after delivering Inez’s baby.”
Fear gripped Devon’s heart, and she grabbed Blair’s hand. “The baby! How’s the baby? Did I infect it?”
Blair squeezed Devon’s hand. “Mother and son are just fine. They were released within a day.”
“A day? How long have I been hospitalized?”
“It’s Wednesday evening,” Blair informed her in a comforting tone of voice.
“Wednesday,” Devon repeated in a daze. “Four days. Oh, lord, Blair, what about the clinic? Who’s taking care of the clinic?”
“Don’t worry about the clinic. I found someone to cover for you for a few days.”
“A few days? No, I’m leaving tonight.” Devon struggled to sit up but a wave of dizziness washed over her.
“You’re not going anywhere. Dr. Bailey told me you are malnourished, dehydrated, and exhausted, so you were unable to fight a nasty bacterial infection. Frankly, he was surprised you haven’t taken better care of yourself. He’s not releasing you until you regain your strength.” She paused. “Dev, did something happen after everyone left the clinic? You have strange bruises on your arms.”
Devon frowned. “What?” She looked at her arms and saw the purple imprints. “No, I don’t think so. I mean…” A chill ran up her spine. Had she been alone in the clinic? She couldn’t remember anything after delivering Inez’s baby. “I guess I have no choice but to stay until I speak to Dr. Bailey.” She met Blair’s eyes. “Where’s…?”
Reed.
His name hung unspoken in the air between them.
“Shane is in New York until Saturday. He left yeste
rday,” Blair explained. “Dad has been to see you every day. Isn’t that remarkable?”
“I suppose those apricot roses are from Shane,” Devon observed with a quiver of disappointment in her voice.
“Yes, they are.” Blair’s eyes slid away. “I’m going to let you rest now. I’ll be back to see you tomorrow after I close the clinic.”
Devon despised the helpless tears filling her eyes as she realized Reed had abandoned her and did not care enough to visit her. Even Jasper had that much decency in him. Too fatigued to think about it anymore, Devon fell asleep with her cheeks still wet from her bitter tears.
“Is she asleep?” Reed asked one of the nurses on duty on the second floor of Dallas General Hospital.
“Yes, Mr. Barrington,” the nurse replied with a secretive smile. “You may visit Dr. Brooks now.”
Reed set the bunch of balloons he carried next to the bouquet of roses he had brought the previous day and put a box of Lady Godiva’s finest chocolates on the movable tray where Devon could see it when she awoke. He sank into the chair next to the bed where he had kept vigil every night over Devon as Dr. Bailey did all he could to get the infection under control.
Gently, Reed brushed a stray lock of Devon’s thick brown hair from her forehead as he watched her sleep. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t stay away from her, couldn’t get her out of his mind, and couldn’t stop wanting her. His self-denial only increased the incredible yearning and desire that raged through his blood whenever he recalled every moment she was in his arms. Reed understood the reason she spent all of her time at the clinic because it was the same reason he didn’t want her to know he was here. Silently, he cursed Fate who had brought Devon to Texas as his brother’s future Barrington bride.
If he had never met her, he wouldn’t have known what it meant to crave something he couldn’t have.
When Blair visited Devon late the following afternoon, she thanked her for the balloons and the delectable box of chocolates. “You’re spoiling me with chocolate. I’m afraid I won’t be able to have enough.”
“You’re allowed one or two a day,” Blair teased. “More than that is strictly out of the question.”
“I spoke to Dr. Bailey today. He’s going to release me sometime tomorrow afternoon since I’m stronger today. I’ll be able to return to the clinic on Monday.”
“That’s good news. I can’t tell you how many brokenhearted children I’ve had to comfort because they couldn’t see you. Anyway, I’ll be here to take you home when you’ve been discharged.”
The following afternoon Dr. Bailey released Devon and issued a stern warning for her to take better care of herself. She agreed and signed her release forms. Afterward, she took a shower, dressed, and waited for Blair to arrive.
At five-thirty a nurse entered with a wheelchair and announced, “Your ride is waiting for you, Dr. Brooks. Do you have all your personal belongings?”
“Yes. I’m ready to go.”
When Devon saw who waited for her outside the entrance to the hospital, her heart slammed into her chest, and she swallowed the lump of emotion rising in her throat. Dressed in his typical jeans, white T-shirt, worn boots, and cowboy hat, Reed radiated a raw sexuality, drawing the admiration of every woman passing through the lobby.
He helped Devon from the wheelchair. “Your chariot awaits.”
As soon as she was settled comfortably in the family’s Rolls Royce instead of Reed’s truck, Devon declared in a waspish tone, “I expected Blair.”
“Sorry to disappoint you, Doc,” Reed replied with a sideways glance. “Blair has a date with…oh, yeah…Tall, Dark, and Obnoxious, I believe she called Gennaro.”
Devon managed a smile. “I like him.”
“You approve of Blair’s relationship with him?” Reed raised a dubious eyebrow.
“Absolutely! Tony scorns her money, thinks she’s haughty and spoiled, and calls her ‘Princess.’ He’s a lawyer, by the way, for Matthews, Lawrence, and Morgan. I think he and Blair have an opportunity for a serious relationship, if you and your father don’t scare him away.”
“Is that so?”
“Yes. The first time you accuse him of being a fortune-hunter, he’ll throw a punch or two before Jasper banns him from ever seeing Blair again.”
“You show an incredible lack of faith.”
Devon stared out the window. “I know what you did to me.”
Reed didn’t respond, and they drove the rest of the way to the ranch in silence.
Mrs. Peters and O’Rourke greeted Devon with warmth, and the housekeeper declared, “Your room is fresh and clean, Dr. Brooks. Let me know if you need anything.”
“I will,” Devon promised with a grateful smile as she began to climb the winding staircase.
When she faltered on the fourth step, Reed lifted her into his arms, much to her chagrin. She did not want to be this close to him, so close the warmth of his body penetrated her clothes and caused a tingle to spread through her already weak limbs. So close, the husky scent of his aftershave teased every one of her senses and brought a flush to her cheeks. If Reed held her a little longer than necessary before he laid her on the bed, neither commented on the indiscretion.
“Rest,” Reed ordered. “I’ll bring you a tray later.”
“Thank you. I’m afraid I’ve sapped my strength.”
After Reed left her alone, Devon curled on her side and closed her eyes. She’d barely fallen asleep when she received an unexpected call from Caleb and grew weepy.
“I didn’t mean to make you cry!” Caleb exclaimed with a laugh.
“Caleb, I’m in a terrible jam down here in Texas, and I don’t know how to extricate myself.”
“You only have two choices, Dev. Either walk away without an explanation and leave the selfish idiot who got you into this mess to clean it up or tell Jasper Barrington the truth.”
“I wish it were that simple. First, the clinic is my responsibility. I can’t walk away from my commitment until I’m sure someone can take my place. I’ve also become good friends with Blair and… and… Oh, God, Caleb. I’m in love with Shane’s brother, Reed.”
“Are you insane? How could you let this happen?”
“Well, I…” She sniffed.
“Never mind.” She heard his heavy sigh. “Look, I have a two-week vacation planned beginning next Monday. Why don’t I fly to Dallas and help you find a solution to your dilemma?”
For a moment, the temptation to allow Caleb to swoop in and rescue her overwhelmed her. He’d fix everything, and she wouldn’t have to deal with it anymore. No, that wouldn’t be fair. This was her doing, and she’d have to handle it alone. “Thanks, Caleb, but I have to deal with this myself.”
“It doesn’t sound like you’re dealing with it at all,” he scolded.
“Don’t worry. I’ll be back in San Francisco before you know it.”
“Keep in touch, Dev.” Caleb paused. “I hope Reed Barrington realizes what a fine woman you are. If he does anything to hurt you, well, I’ll have to pound him into the ground.”
Devon grinned as she bid her brother goodbye and ended the call.
When Devon joined the family for breakfast Saturday morning, Jasper greeted her with unusual warmth. “It’s good to see you at the table today, Miss Brooks. Your effervescence has been missed.”
“Thank you, sir. Blair told me you visited me at the hospital. I appreciate your thoughtfulness.” Devon paused and grinned at him. “Tell me, sir, are you ever going to address me as Dr. Brooks?”
Jasper lifted a heavy eyebrow. “It depends, Miss Brooks, on whether or not you continue to address me as sir.”
Devon raised her glass of orange juice. “Touché, sir.”
Looking forward to relaxing with a good book, Devon went to the library after breakfast and curled up in one of the leather rocking chairs. Immersed in a psychological thriller, she lost track of time until Reed interrupted her, bearing a tray of sweet iced tea, ham and cheese sandwiches, and fresh
fruit.
“It’s nearly two o’clock. You need to eat.”
“I am hungry,” she admitted.
Reed waited until she finished the sandwiches and some of the fruit before he commented, “You’re pale, Devon, and the light has gone out of your gorgeous brown eyes.”
Devon dropped her fork as she met his hypnotizing blue gaze. “No, don’t…” she pleaded.
“Why do you keep running from me?” His eyes never wavered from hers.
“I’m not running from you. Why would I?”
“Because you know what happens every time we’re in the same room together.”
“Oh? What’s that? A new way to insult me?”
“No. This.”
Before she could protest, Reed leaned down and captured Devon’s lips in a warm, intimate kiss. Excruciating passion flowed between them, so devastating in its strength and power that Reed pulled away, not allowing the flame to destroy them.
“That is what happens, Devon. Don’t deny you felt the same jolt of desire I did. Admit it,” he demanded. “Admit it.”
“All right!” she cried, losing the battle with her common sense. “I admit it. What now, Reed? So, we’re attracted to each other. It doesn’t mean anything.”
“I think it does. I think it means more than you’re willing to admit.”
“It doesn’t mean anything more than the obvious. What else am I supposed to admit? More importantly, why does it matter to you?”
Reed tilted his head. “No matter how hard Shane tries, he can’t light the fire in you. Think about that the next time he makes love to you.”
“I don’t have to think about it. We haven’t…” She broke off and clapped a hand over her mouth. Heat flushed her cheeks at what she’d almost confessed, but it was too late. By the expression of utter astonishment on Reed’s face, she knew he guessed the truth.
Stunned, he gaped at her before he threw his head back and guffawed. “Made love? My brother must be a saint or a damn fool.”
“He’s a gentleman.” Devon leaped to Shane’s defense. “He’s waiting until…”