Authors: Collette Scott
He wanted Diana.
Once again he was reminded of how much she had changed him. Gone were the days that he enjoyed being associated with the top beauties in the country. Right now he wanted to curl up with Diana and watch a movie, just like all those pleasant evenings they shared on the yacht. He wished more than ever that he was back there at that moment.
“Roxanne, no. I can’t do this.”
He pulled away from her nibbling teeth. As she straightened, he turned to face her, knowing instinctively that she was tensing for a fight.
“What’s with you?” she snapped.
“I have jet lag, and I haven’t slept very well.”
“Is this because of your house guests?”
“No Roxanne, I’m just not interested in you that way.”
She smoothed down her dress, her long, painted fingernails nearly snagging the fine material. “I don’t know why I waste my time with you, Devlan. Do you have any idea how many propositions I get a week? People are dying to date me.”
He tried to hide his growing frustration, but his sarcasm did not escape her finely tuned ears. “Then maybe you should experiment with them.”
She frowned at him, her beautiful face contorting with anger. “I don’t want to, Devlan. I think that we have a future here. I think that you should go home thinking about that. It’s time to make a decision as to where you think we’re going. I’m tired of going out as friends. I want more.”
With a weary sigh and an almost imperceptible shake of his head, Devlan answered her ultimatum. “I’m not prepared to go further with you, Roxanne. If you think that we can’t be together as friends then you should move on. You’re a lovely, vibrant, beautiful and fun-loving young woman. I wouldn’t blame you in the least.”
“Go home and think about that before you come to a decision, Devlan. You’re telling me now that you want to break it off, and I’m not sure you’re ready to make that decision.”
“I’m sorry.”
She slid back into her seat and crossed her arms over her chest, but Devlan barely noticed. They were fast approaching her apartment, and his heart began to quicken. Soon, soon he would be home.
“I’m going back to New York Friday for ten days. I’ll be back here until the holidays are over. Then after Christmas I fly to Italy to shoot a commercial. Try to work this out with me before then, okay?”
With a sympathetic smile, Devlan nodded his head. He was not a cruel man, and he was certain that once Roxanne came to terms with his lack of interest she would set her sights on someone else. The lights of the passing cars caught his attention, and he glanced out the window to help pass the time. The action effectively ended any further conversations for the remainder of the ride.
Ever the gentleman, Devlan escorted Roxanne up to her apartment, but as soon as she was safely within her apartment walls he dashed back to the waiting Bentley. No sooner had he closed the door behind him than he was urging Wills to hurry home. Wills was apparently the only one at present feeling sympathetic and did as he was asked, managing to get them home in record time. But the house was dark when they pulled into the drive. The fountain was brightly lit, and it was the only light as far as he could see. The dark interior and lack of outdoor lighting spoke volumes. He was in trouble here.
The three men stared at the house in silence.
“Uh oh,” Wills said meaningfully.
“Just go to bed,” he said.
With bated breath, he made his way through the front door and up the winding staircase to Diana’s room. It too was dark, and she did not answer his knock. Unwilling to give up, Devlan opened the door and slipped into the room. The urge to see her and touch her was overwhelming. Too many days had passed since he had made love to her, and he needed to be with her again.
“Diana?”
Only silence answered his soft call, and to his dismay he saw that her bed was still neatly made and untouched. She had not retired yet. Where was she?
Stepping out onto her balcony, he looked down at the pool. The night had grown slightly chilly, but it was still comfortable enough to swim in. Although the whole house was dark, there were security lights illuminating the patio and the beach below indicating that someone had been out there. It took him a moment for his eyes to grow accustomed to the darkness.
Then he saw her.
A woman was running gracefully along the surf, her steps sure and methodical. The thick mass of blond hair was pushed away from her face by a black headband, yet the rest hung down her back in long blond waves. She was dressed in tight black shorts and an old gray zipper sweatshirt that was zipped halfway. Naturally, she did not wear anything he had purchased.
Devlan’s breath caught at the sight, and suddenly he was reminded of the song that he had heard through Diana’s headphones that morning. There were waves and soft sand all around her in the darkness, yet there she was enjoying herself and the night. It was a sight that burned itself into his memory, one that he would forever hold dear. He did not just want to continue their relationship, he wanted more. A lot more. All of her. Forever. The longed for discussion would not just be about a permanent relationship. It would encompass so much more, like a life together, children, family pets, and retirement.
Yes, he was in love with her. He loved the way she laughed and the way she smiled. He even loved it when she argued with him over his generosity. He loved her mothering skills, and he loved his niece. He needed her by him always. She was
the one
.
More determined than ever to tell her these things before the evening was over, Devlan hurried outside to greet her. She was still jogging when he reached the stairs to the beach, and he rushed to meet her halfway out. The sand did not slow him, even though it got into his shoes and scratched the fine leather.
“Diana,” he called.
She stopped jogging and turned around, her eyes wide with surprise. “Wow, you’re back early,” she said, a little breathless.
“Why is the house so dark? Am I not welcome in my own home?”
His attempt at humor was lost on her ears. Her face remained still, although she began to jog in place as he continued to advance. “I saw you on TV tonight.”
He nodded and stopped in front of her. Her chest was heaving slightly, and he saw the sweat glistening in her cleavage. Watching it drip lower and disappear into the cloth of her sports bra, Devlan licked his lips as he imagined tasting the saltiness on her skin. But he stopped from reaching out for her while he studied her closed countenance.
“I bought tickets to this charity a couple of months ago. I couldn’t stand her up. It would’ve been humiliating for her and detrimental to me.”
“Kathy told me.”
“Oh,” he said. He glanced down at his shoes. “Listen, Diana, I’m really sorry. I did everything I could to get out of it.”
She held up her hand. “You don’t have to apologize to me, Devlan. I understand.”
It was plain that he did need to, more than anything. She was hurt, that much he could see in her otherwise guarded face. When Diana turned to jog away, Devlan reached for her and grasped her upper arm.
“What are you doing?”
He pulled her against him, his arms encircling her tightly. “I just got back from New York, and all afternoon I’ve been harassed by the women in my life. Right now I need you. I need your forgiveness.”
“I don’t know, Devlan. I’m all sweaty, please let me go –”
His lips came down on hers at the same time as he pulled her hips against his. Though he felt the breath rush out of her lungs, he did not release her. There was no way he could. Despite the damp sweatshirt that clung to her skin and her salty taste, Devlan thought she was freshest thing he had seen all day. His heart was pounding violently against his chest, and it was matched by her heart as well. No matter how long it took or how many kisses he had to give her, he was determined to ease her anger and make her smile for him again.
Luck finally seemed to come to his rescue when she began to relax slightly against him. Apparently he was wearing her down, for her fingers slid through his hair and gave him a slight tug when he began to move away.
He raised his head a little, his tongue slipping out to taste her on his lips. “You truly are a sight for sore eyes,” he whispered.
“Well, when you put it that way,” she said with a brief smile. It was fleeting, too quick for his tastes.
He sighed in frustration. “I spent the entire day planning your birthday dinner. I had so much to discuss with you, and I was dying to see you and Hannah. Then I get called to this ridiculousness. I’m such a fool.”
Nodding her head, she evidently agreed.
“Thanks for your support,” he said wryly.
Her lips curved again, this time in a half smile. “Why can I not stay angry at you?”
“Because I don’t want you to.” When she shook her head and began to pull away, he grasped her tighter. “And I’m willing to work very hard to get what I want…”
She chuckled softly in the night.
“Let’s go in before I ravish you on this beach where everyone can see us. I really do need to talk to you.”
“Alright,” she murmured. “But let me at least shower.”
“I’ll join you,” he said, raising his head and wiggling his brows at her.
She chuckled and pushed away from his loose grasp. “I don’t know about that.”
“Come inside,” he said. “Now, before I do something stupid again like throw you to the ground and take you right here on the beach.”
“Alright already.”
Grasping her hand, he smiled when her fingers entwined with his. She laughed her magical laughter, and the sound warmed his heart. He really had missed her, and once more he was overcome with the urge to discuss his plans with her. And he would have if her joyous laughter had not given away their precise location.
“Mr. Doyle, sir? Telephone.”
Devlan stopped dead in his tracks, the blood rushing in his ears louder than the words he dreaded hearing. Mike stood on the steps, holding the house phone in his hands and peering out into the darkness. He looked uneasy, and his eyes remained averted when he spotted them.
“Take a message,” Devlan said shortly.
“Uh… I’m sorry, but it’s Roxanne. She said it was imperative that she speak with you now.”
Devlan felt Diana go rigid beside him, and her fingers tightened around his. Devlan glanced down at her, very aware of her discomfort.
“Can’t you see that I’m busy?”
His sharp tone surprised Mike, but he nodded and took a step back. “Yes sir.”
Devlan grasped Diana’s hand and pulled her up the steps behind him, eager more than ever to lock them in his bedroom.
“Come on before something tragic happens,” he muttered.
Diana smiled and picked up the pace, her long legs matching his strides easily. They were halfway up the stairs when Mike caught up to them. His face bore a pained expression, and he stared at a spot beyond Devlan mournfully.
“I’m sorry, sir, but she said it was an emergency. She said that she mistakenly overdosed on her sleeping pills tonight and is afraid that she’s going to die.”
Diana gasped, but Devlan was unmoved. He spoke through clenched teeth. “Has she called an ambulance?”
“No sir, she’s afraid of what the news would report. She’s asking for you to come and drive her to her doctor.”
“This is unbelievable.”
“I’m sorry for interrupting. I wouldn’t if it was unnecessary,” he said again, his gaze flickering to Diana.
Before he could refuse again, Diana turned to face him and placed her hand on his arm. “Go, Devlan,” she said softly. “Go take care of her. Who knows what will happen next?”
Devlan glanced at Mike, who nodded in agreement. “She’s right.”
With a heavy sigh, Devlan turned to face Diana. He took her hands in his and pressed his lips to her forehead. “I’m so sorry to keep doing this to you.”
“I do understand.”
“I don’t know how long this will take.”
Though he did not hear it, he felt her heavy sigh. It matched his feeling of helplessness. Her disappointment was evident in the drooping of her shoulders and the strained look on her face. As he watched, she continued up the stairs slowly, her feet dragging and her head down. It made him feel a little better to see that at least he was not the only one affected.
“I’ll call you tomorrow,” he called after her. “We still need to talk, Diana.”
She waved in answer and disappeared into the dark house. Devlan remained where he was, watching her balcony until the light went on. Then he gave Mike his attention.
“That woman is turning into a nightmare,” he ground out angrily.
“This is pretty serious,” he agreed. “Who knows what she’s capable of?”
“I know, Mike.” He took a deep breath and adjusted his clothes in an attempt to regain his composure. “Let’s go and get this over with.”
Mike fell in step beside Devlan. “You know, sir, you’ve stood Mrs. Somerset up twice tonight.”
“You don’t need to remind me,” Devlan snapped.
Mike chuckled as he dropped the phone on the long dining room table. “I meant to say that it’s her birthday and all, and you’ve left her twice for another woman. She’s been pretty understanding about it.”