by Sandy Loyd
Dev picked up on her tone and smiled. Obviously, she had her doubts.
“Okay, sounds like a plan,” he readily agreed in order to prove her wrong. “But since I can’t spend the night with you, can’t you spend the night with me?” he asked, giving it a last ditch effort to salvage something of the evening.
“No, I’d feel funny, leaving them to go off. Besides, they don’t come up very often, and I rarely see them.”
“But they just showed up without notice. How can they do that without at least finding out if you were free or not?”
“You’re being childish. You didn’t ask either. Last night you just told me you would be here tonight and I would fix dinner. Accept it gracefully. So we’re not spending tonight together? We’ll have tomorrow night. What’s one more day?”
“Hell, I feel like a kid who’s had his candy taken away,” he said, almost pouting. “I don’t like it but I’ll accept it. You owe me one, Judith, and I always collect my debts.”
“I know, Dev.” Judith sighed. “Where do you want to meet for dinner and when?”
“Let me call around and make reservations. Mike’ll pick you up at seven. He doesn’t have class on Fridays. Okay?”
“Okay.”
“Damn,” he said under his breath as he hung up the phone. Thoughts of spending the evening wrapped in her arms, slowly moving in and out of her, were all that had kept him sane these past hours. He expelled a long sigh, releasing a sharp pang of disappointment.
His need for Judith had already overwhelmed him before tasting her passion last night. Now, he could barely contain it. He hadn’t slept worth a damn and tonight would be no better.
James’ advice filtered into his brain. Just marry her. That will solve all of your problems.
Definitely something to consider.
~
Dev walked up to Judith’s door at seven sharp and rang the buzzer.
When she answered, Dev quickly pulled her out of the house and tugged her into his arms.
“This is cruel and inhumane, Judith,” he whispered, his head an inch above hers. “All I can think of is to be wrapped with your naked legs around me, with me moving inside you, fulfilling both our needs. And I want you to know that whenever you look at me tonight, those will be my thoughts.”
His mouth connected with hers. The second she melted against him, he pulled away.
His gaze swept her confused features and he smiled. Mission accomplished. Judith was off balance.
“Just wanted to fan the flames for tomorrow,” he said softly. “Wreak the same havoc on your senses that tonight’ll be doing to mine.” Then he led her back inside.
The look on her face kept his grin in place. Judith cleared her throat and stumbled through introductions, clearly working to maintain her dignity.
Kenneth and Miriam Reid were exactly as he’d pictured them, late fifties, polished, and reeking of money.
Trailing after them, he mentally rubbed his hands together. The evening might be more entertaining than he thought.
The group reached the street and the limo inched forward.
Dev observed the Reids’ reaction and swallowed a smile. He’d never been one to boast of his achievements. In fact, sometimes having a limo and driver warred with his middle-class background. Though need facilitated the use, deep down, he still thought it pretentious. Yet, noting the look of acceptance in Judith’s parents’ eyes as Mike raced around opening doors, he felt like pounding his chest.
Suddenly their approval mattered, mainly because he knew it would please Judith. And, as he was coming to understand, pleasing Judith also pleased him.
He’d have to think about that later. Now, he simply wanted to get through the evening without embarrassing himself.
He shook his head at the direction his mind traveled and gave directions to Mike, who seemed to be grinning a lot lately.
“Am I amusing you?” he asked, noting another smile.
“No, sir.” Mike met his gaze, his grin not fading one bit. “Just doing my job.”
“You seem awfully happy. Why?”
“School’s going well.”
He accepted the explanation as the Reids seated themselves.
Dev followed Judith and sat next to her. During the ten-minute ride, he couldn’t resist taunting her. Just a little. Every chance he got, his hand would land on her thigh. He’d give a slight squeeze and watch her face redden. Several times, he reached across under the pretext of pointing something out, intentionally brushing his elbow or the back of his fingers over her breasts. Then he would lean in, whispering low enough so only she could hear, “Do you know what I’m thinking, Judith?”
“Will you stop,” she whispered, climbing out while Dev held the door after Mike had pulled to the curb. “You’ve proven your point. They should’ve found a hotel. Are you satisfied?”
Dev grinned deviously. “Not at all, sweetheart. You haven’t seen anything yet.”
Judith snorted, as they walked single file into the trendy and noisy Marina District restaurant.
“It’s always crowded. We’ll probably have to wait, but the food’s excellent,” he explained to Kenneth before giving the hostess his name.
“It’ll be about twenty minutes, Mr. McAllister.”
“Thanks.” He looked expectantly at the group. “It’s a nice night. We can walk.”
All agreed and headed up Chestnut Street in two groups, Dev and Kenneth several steps in front of Judith and her mother.
“So, what do you do, Dev?” Kenneth asked after half a block.
“Started out in computers. Designed websites. Now I scout companies to invest in. How about you?”
“Safety pins. Business changed when Velcro took off. Wasn’t any fun after that, so I sold everything and moved south. Got tired of the fog.”
“Santa Barbara, right?”
“Yes. Play golf in perpetual sunshine now. I keep my mind busy managing my assets.”
Dev nodded. He didn’t add to this, but almost choked when he heard Kenneth’s next question.
“So, what’re your intentions toward my daughter?”
“Excuse me?”
“Only a dead man could miss the electricity sizzling in the air when the two of you look at each other. I’m old, not dead.”
“Oh?” Dev stared at him, too speechless to say more.
Kenneth chuckled. “I didn’t miss the bit on the ride over, either.”
“Really?” How had he overlooked those shrewd eyes? Dev definitely underestimated the man, which immediately snapped his admiration up a notch.
“She’s a diamond in the rough, my Judith. A rare jewel. Takes an exceptional man to see that and I’m thinking you might be one.”
“You have a point. She does sparkle,” he said noncommittally.
“That she does.” He clapped Dev on the shoulder. “You’ve obviously done some polishing. She shines when she’s with you, my boy.” Kenneth sighed and shook his head. “Never understood her. Always been off in a world all her own. Her mother and I had lost hope in her finding someone who would interest her enough to venture out. You are more than friends, am I right?”
Dev cleared his throat. “You could say that.”
“Humph. Could and do. Don’t try to deny it. I’ll be honest and straightforward here, because that’s my way. I like you. I can tell Miriam likes you. Nothing would please us more than to see her settled with someone like you. But don’t hurt her, or you’ll have me to deal with.”
Dev stiffened. “You’ve been blunt, so I’ll be honest as well. I understand your concern. I have no intention of hurting Judith, but our relationship’s between the two of us and none of your business.”
“Good answer,” Kenneth grunted, chuckling. “I knew there was a reason I liked you.”
It was time to turn around.
“So what did you and my dad talk about?” Judith asked after they split off into couples.
“You,” Dev said, nuzzling, unwilling to let Ke
nneth Reid’s warning stop his fun. “He thinks you’re a diamond in the rough…that I’ve been polishing you.”
“He did not,” she huffed.
He nodded and grinned, noting her blush. “Didn’t want to spoil his fun and tell him I haven’t quite finished…that tomorrow night I get to buff the top layer.”
“Shush. They’ll hear you.”
“Cat’s outta the bag. They know we’re attracted to each other.”
“What’d you say to him?” She viewed him warily.
“Nothing. He’s got eyes and he keeps them on you. He’s a shrewd son of a bitch.” Dev nuzzled her neck again and whispered, “Yet he has no idea how much I want you. But you do. Don’t you?”
“You’re not letting up, are you?”
“No.” Judith was still blushing. His grin widened. “I like melting that cool layer of calm reserve you throw off. Can’t resist the woman underneath,” he murmured, circling her ear with his tongue before biting the lobe. When Judith shuddered, he pulled away. No sense embarrassing himself in front of the wily older man a few steps ahead of them.
They eventually made it back to the noisy restaurant. Minutes later, the foursome was seated and the waiter handed out menus.
Conversation flowed freely, helped as much by their easy camaraderie as the wine, also flowing freely. Dev sat next to Miriam and across from Judith. His position at the table limited his attempts at catching Judith’s eyes and sending her smoldering looks. Eventually, he tired of the game, relaxed, and enjoyed the rest of the meal.
Judith and Miriam laughed when both men grabbed for the check. Since Kenneth was sitting closest to where the waiter placed it, he emerged the winner.
“Thanks for dinner,” Dev said graciously, rising from the table. He usually didn’t like being on the receiving end, especially with men of means and power. It implied a debt owed, no matter how small, another throwback to his humble upbringing. Now, however, he didn’t care. He turned to help Miriam with a small thought niggling at the back of his mind. Being around Judith Reid was changing him. In fact, he was starting to realize he had a tainted view of wealthy people and had become a reverse snob. Despite having money and being a traditional family, the Reids appeared no different from Dev and his mom. They loved their daughter like Maggie loved him. Their challenges in life were just different.
The return ride to Judith’s was made in companionable silence.
When the limo halted in front of her driveway, Dev sighed, wishing the evening didn’t have to end. Unfortunately, he saw no way to extend it.
Mike came around and opened the door. The Reids scooted out, scurrying up the walk and into the house with amazing speed for an older couple.
Dev took advantage of their hasty departure to prolong his own. He emerged and tendered a hand to help Judith.
Slowly, they ambled up the walk. Someone had turned out the porch light, giving them privacy. Using it wisely, he wrapped his arms around Judith, pulled her closer, and just held her for a moment with her head against his shoulder. He then placed his chin on her head and sighed.
Finally, he spoke. “What am I going to do with you?”
Judith leaned away. With searching eyes, she placed her hand on his mouth, silencing him. “Let’s focus on what we’ll have tomorrow night and not on what we’re missing, okay? I’m sorry your plans for tonight got mucked up, Dev. But at the same time I am so happy you had an opportunity to meet my parents. I enjoyed the evening. Thank you!” She then stretched on tiptoes, reached a hand around his neck, and pulled his head lower.
Her lips touched his.
Dev needed no further invitation to taste her. Usually his kisses were hot and demanding, but tonight they were gentle and accepting. He didn’t want to let her go, so he prolonged the kiss. She held him captive with her mouth and his need for her increased exponentially in those long seconds. Soon, he had to break the connection. His control was shot.
With regret, Dev kissed the top of her head. Then he spun her around and opened the door.
“Try to get some sleep, Judith. You’re going to be busy tomorrow night, and sleep will be the last item on the agenda.”
“Promises, promises,” she said before she closed the door.
He grinned and started walking down the path. No doubt about it, he was in love with her. He’d have to figure out a way to get her to marry him as nothing less would do.
Chapter 13
“We need a break. While we’re gone, decide where you want these columns.” Dev worked to keep annoyance out of his tone. Relegated to helping Alicia Morrison with last-minute chores for the big event being hosted at a hotel across from Stanford University, he and James had spent the last ninety minutes attempting to appease her, with little luck. The woman was crazy when it came to details. “When we return, we’re only moving them one more time. Come on, James.”
Yearly growth in popularity made this ball the “must-do event.” Two banquet rooms, along with the lush courtyard including four fountains, were needed to accommodate ticket holders.
“I know I’m being difficult,” Alicia said, a little too contritely to be believed. “But it needs to be perfect and no one sets the stage like my boys.”
Dev snorted. He was on to the slave driver. Even though there were plenty of workmen to set the stage, she always used her boys because she could and did get her pound of flesh.
“It looked perfect the first five times we moved them, Mom,” James said, before stalking off with Dev.
“Your mom can sure be a pain. Next year I’m going to be out of the country when this comes up,” Dev complained as they reached a soft drink machine.
He checked his watch. The day wasn’t going fast enough. He still had two hours to go until Judith arrived. Kenneth and Miriam were treating her to lunch to celebrate her birthday before driving south to Palo Alto.
Dev shoved in correct change and pushed the button. He snatched the Pepsi that dropped from the chute, popped the top, and guzzled.
“So, Mac, how goes the love life?” James wiped off his can.
“My, we’re nosy.” Dev leaned onto a table, crossed his legs, and swigged more cola.
“Yeah, I guess I am.” He grinned. “So? Don’t keep me in suspense.”
“You’re a good friend and all, but that I don’t share.”
“Still not getting any?” James snorted, slapping his thigh. “That’s my Judith—a challenge to the end.”
“She’s not your Judith.” He fought to keep his jealousy at James’ possessive tone from sliding out in his voice. Nor could he mention his true thoughts about Judith and marriage. That would only provide more ammunition for razzing. “Speaking of Judith, I assume you’ll be at her dinner with Kate and Paul tomorrow night?”
“Okay, I can take a hint.” James laughed. “I wouldn’t miss her twenty-eighth birthday, but I’ll probably go alone. It’s only been a couple of months and Stacy’s already dropping hints about marriage. Why do women jump to that stage so quickly?”
Something about James’ comment bothered Dev. “Judith has to be older than twenty-eight. Paul and Kate are both thirty and she went to school with them.” He frowned. “Are you sure?”
James shrugged. “No. I overheard Kate and Paul talking, so I probably misunderstood.”
“Hmmm.” He would have to ask Judith about it later. “So, you’re thinking of giving Stacy the boot, huh?” he asked, shelving the thoughts. “You know, James, maybe you should think about settling down. We’re not getting any younger.”
“Hell, Mac!” James snorted, scrunching his nose in disgust. “You sound like my mother. You used to be more fun and understanding before you got all starry-eyed with Judith.”
“I’m not starry-eyed, and don’t knock it if you’ve never tried it.” He broke off. “Damn! Listen to me. Now I sound like my mother,” Dev said, horrified by the thought.
“God save me from reformed womanizers. They think they can save the world.”
Dev laughe
d. “Yeah, well you just wait. Someday you’ll meet someone who’ll knock your world upside down, and when that happens, I want to be there to gloat.”
“Don’t hold your breath. Women like Judith don’t come along every day and I’m not willing to settle for second best. Let’s get back to work. I hate talking about relationships. I especially hate the word relationship. It ruins my appetite.”
Dev grinned as James stormed off. Hell, he was happy and wanted everyone to feel the same way. He gulped the rest of his Pepsi, then tossed the can in the trash and followed James.
~
“Dev seems nice,” Miriam said, as Kenneth made a left turn onto Nineteenth Avenue, driving south to I-280 for the trip to Palo Alto. Her eyebrows rose, as she angled her head to make eye contact with Judith, who was sitting in the backseat. “Will he be staying at the same hotel?”
Judith nodded, noting her speculative look. Since all the general, safe topics had been covered during lunch, Miriam was now digging. Worse, she was drawing conclusions.
“I liked him. Man’s got character. He obviously knows quality when he sees it,” Kenneth said, cheerfully. He caught her attention in the rearview mirror. “And he’s obviously taken with you.”
Judith groaned inwardly. Her father’s smug smile meant he’d drawn the same conclusions. Her parents probably wouldn’t be so understanding or pleased if they knew of her plans. In fact, she knew exactly what they wanted for their daughter. Marriage.
She had no idea where the relationship with Dev would lead and, judging by what he’d told her, marriage wasn’t the main item on his agenda. No! Tonight, seduction was. She smiled. It was definitely the main item on her agenda.
She wasn’t about to divulge her thoughts, and rather than remaining silent, as she often did with them, she diverted their attention with, “I love Alicia’s theme. A Taste of Italy sounds so romantic.”
“I can’t wait to see what she’s done this year,” Miriam said. “Her parties are always fun. She really knows how to squeeze the most out of these affairs.”