by Dee Stewart
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.”
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 bla
ckmail? 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.
Reed let out a shout and lifted her into his arms. He spun her around and carried her to the bed where he deftly removed the rest of her clothes. His eyes feasted on the curves of her body before his lips and hands began a fiery exploration of the hills and valleys.
“Reed!” Devon gasped in astonishment as delicious sensations coursed through her limbs. “What are you doing?”
He chuckled as his eyes glinted with a devilish light. “I’m giving you a reason to keep wanting me.” Reed leaned down and kissed her one last time. “Sleep well, my love.”
Sleep well indeed, she thought in a daze. It took Devon a long time to fall asleep when she couldn’t banish images of making love with Reed from her mind.
Chapter Fifteen
Reed awoke with a jolt the next morning. Heaviness seized his heart instead of the joy he experienced last night. He touched his chest where Devon had placed her hand and declared her choice. She chose him. In the passion of the moment, it seemed right. Now, though, in the cold light of day, he wondered if he’d put too much pressure on her. He still didn’t believe Devon and Shane loved each other and planned to confront his brother as soon as he returned to Dallas.
He needed to get to the bottom of this convoluted mess once and for all. Hoping Devon hadn’t changed her mind about choosing him, he climbed from the bed and took a shower. He dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, grabbed his hat, and headed downstairs to meet Devon for breakfast.
Reed couldn’t hide his somber mood when Devon lifted her deep brown eyes to look at him. She attempted a small smile of reassurance. He cleared his throat. “Devon, I…”
A waiter interrupted them to serve steaming mugs of coffee.
“I know what you’re thinking,” she began when the waiter left the table. “You want to know how much time it will take for me to settle my relationship with Shane, and I wish I could give you an answer. The truth is, I’m not sure of anything right now. Everything is happening so fast.”
Reed winced with guilt. The conversation he intended to have with Shane should alleviate the anxiety he heard in her voice and saw in her eyes. He didn’t want to be that guy, the one who took control and forced things to be his way, but he’d had enough of his brother and his selfish games. “Let’s help ourselves to the buffet and discuss this further.”
They filled their plates and returned to their table. After a few minutes, Devon took a deep breath. “I rushed into marriage with Jack because I didn’t have time to explore a relationship outside of medicine. With him, marriage was a matter of convenience, and it ended tragically. I did love him, Reed. We just couldn’t survive my miscarriage. And I agreed to marry Shane when he proposed because Jack was pressuring me for a reconciliation. I was desperate to leave San Francisco. Now, here I am engaged to your brother and wanting you with every fiber of my being. I don’t know who I am anymore. I used to be the one with all of the common sense in the family, according to my brother and sister. Lately, I’ve been behaving…”
“Every inch the incredible woman you are,” Reed interrupted. “I can tell you who you are, Devon. You’re bright, intelligent, and beautiful. You’re filled with compassion and generosity, and I suspect you have a great capacity for love. That’s the woman you are. As far as I’m concerned, we can take all the time we need to discover what’s between us. It’s not my intention to hurt my brother.”
His gentle reassurance caused an odd, pained expression to spread over her lovely face. He wanted to take her in his arms, kiss it away, and never let her go.
“Reed.” She said his name softly, her voice filled with longing.
He reached across the table and touched her hand. “I don’t want you to worry. Everything will work out the way it’s supposed to.”
Devon squeezed his hand. “I hope so.”
When they returned to the Barrington homestead later that afternoon, Reed assumed Jasper would express his disapproval over their weekend in Kentucky, but he didn’t. He welcomed them home and asked if his trip had been productive.
“Yes, sir, it was. We have several new additions to our stock. One thoroughbred in particular, Sun Rise, could easily be a contender for the Derby.”
Jasper rubbed the stubble on his chin. “What about Pale Promise?”
“We’ll have to wait and see. She’s definitely ready, but Sun Rise is magnificent. Wait until you see him.”
“When will he arrive?”
“In a few days.”
“Good, very good.” Jasper glanced between Reed and Devon. “By the way, Shane is on a second tour of our offices across the country. I expect he’ll be gone for two weeks.”
Devon let out a tiny gasp of surprise. “He is? He didn’t mention he was going out of town again.”
“You were unavailable,” Jasper replied, his voice discreet. “When Shane returns, Miss Brooks, I expect you to set your wedding date. You and he have procrastinated long enough.”
Reed saw panic rising in Devon. Her face suffused with heat and her chest rose and fell. “Dad, you can’t force Shane and Devon to set a wedding date if they’re not ready.”
“Reed, it’s not your concern.”
“It…” he began to argue before Devon’s slight touch on his arm prevented him from continuing his thought. “You’re right, of course. It’s not.”
“Glad you agree. Excuse me. I have work to do. I’ll see you both at dinner.”
When they were alone, Reed whirled on Devon. “You should have let me tell him the truth.”
“We will. At least we have two weeks to figure it out.”
“Are you having second thoughts?” Reed pinned her with his gaze.
Glancing around, Devon moved closer to him and caressed his chest. “No. You?”
“Absolutely not. We’re in this together.” He leaned down and kissed her. “I’ve got business to attend to in the stable. You look tired. Why don’t you get some rest before dinner?”
“All right. See you in a couple of hours.”
Down at the stable Reed found Harry and Smitty huddled together. From their wild gesticulations, he guessed they were having an argument about something. “Hey, fellas,” he greeted them. “What’s going on?”
They froze for a moment, then turned toward him with wide grins on their faces. “Boss, you’re back,” Harry noted with a nod.
“I am. Any trouble while I was gone?”
They glanced at each other. “None. You know we keep this ranch running in tip-top shape,” Smitty bragged.
Reed thought they were acting strange but cast it aside in favor of his enthusiasm regarding the newest additions to the stock. “Boys, wait until you see the thoroughbred I acquired from Lewis Stockton. Sun Rise is a real beauty. He’s bound to be a champion.”
“Wait a minute,” Harry protested. “You ain’t enterin’ him in the Derby, are you? Not after all the hard work we done on Pale Promise.”
Reed tossed a bale of hay. “Don’t think so. You’re right about Pale Promise. We’ve invested a lot in her, and she’s ready. Sun Rise needs far too much training.”
“That’s a relief,�
�� Smitty commented and joined Reed in tossing the bales of hay.
As they worked in the stable, Reed discussed the other horses he’d purchased and his plans for them. “I don’t mind selling them after they’ve been trained,” he finished. “Sun Rise, though, won’t be for sale. After the Triple Crown in June next year, I’ll be entering him in the Derby. Barrington thoroughbreds are going down in history, boys. Wait and see.”
Harry and Smitty agreed, and after they completed their chores, they retreated to the bunkhouse while Reed went into his office to check the accounts. Two hours later, he headed up to the main house to take a quick shower and join his family for dinner.
Placing a hand on both Devon’s and Blair’s shoulders, he kissed each on a cheek and smiled at Jasper as he took his seat. Conversation centered around the ranch side of their business for most of the meal. Afterward, Jasper excused himself, and Reed turned toward his sister and Devon.
“There’s a full moon tonight. Care to take a ride with me?” His invitation included both women.
Blair shook her head and eyed Devon and Reed with disapproval. “You’re flirting with disaster.” She shot Devon a meaningful look.
“No worries, Blair,” Reed responded with ease. “Everything is going to work out for the best.”
“For both your sakes, I hope so. Good night.”
Devon and Reed wished her good night, and, holding hands, they strolled down to the stable.
As she watched Reed saddle a gentle mare for her instead of Pale Promise, Devon commented, “I hope she’s right.”
Reed tightened the cinch. “I want you in my life, Devon. We’ve got two weeks to figure out how to approach Shane. Maybe you should let me handle him.” He intended to anyway, but if he didn’t have to do it behind Devon’s back, even better.
That startled her. “No. I have to talk to him myself.”
Reed helped her mount the mare. “All right. Tonight, though, let’s enjoy the moonlight and forget about Shane.”
A full round moon sat high in the dark night skies. Its white beams lit their way as they rode across the verdant land. In the perfect silence they didn’t feel the need to fill it with conversation. Reed avoided his cabin, knowing if he led Devon there, he wouldn’t be able to restrain himself. It took all of his self-control to leave her alone the previous evening, especially after he saw her lovely body. In spite of what he’d said to her, he planned to confront his brother before she had the opportunity to speak with him. He wanted to be in control of the situation and save Devon from heartache. Reed hoped it wouldn’t backfire on him.