Hannah's Blessing (24 page)

Hugh was more personable in the flesh than in the movies. He was childish and high-strung but funny and courteous at the same time. He sent her charming smiles and went out of his way to include her in their conversations even when he was promoting his new project to Devlan. Diana reached under the table to squeeze Devlan’s leg in a show of support, and she smiled when he turned his attention to her.

“You must hear this kind of thing a lot,” she said.

They had just cleared away dessert, a wonderful selection of banana cake with delicious frosting, macadamia nut bars and coconut cream cake. Diana had tried a little of everything on those plates as well, much to everyone’s surprise. Hugh’s companion stared at her with envy in her eyes, and Diana had smiled back. It was a slight consolation to see that she had to go without to keep her voluptuous figure.

Having finished his second pitch, Hugh and his date disappeared to try their lot at Hula dancing in the rear of the show. Devlan was staring straight ahead at the beautiful dancers, watching their hips sway in time to the music. When she spoke he glanced down at her and shrugged one shoulder, but his exasperation was evident.

“It wouldn’t be so bad if I wasn’t on vacation.”

“Vacation?” Diana blurted. “But you’ve worked at least four hours every day.”

“You’re absolutely right, and I am sorry if that bothers you.”

“It doesn’t bother me,” she replied quickly. “I get angry that you never seem to be able to fully let go.”

“Ah, but I’ve had fun letting you relax me after a long day’s work,” he teased.

She chuckled at his soft tone. Feeling the effects of the alcohol she had consumed, she reached up and laced her fingers in his thick hair. Slightly tugging on the silken strands, she pulled him closer to whisper in his ear. “And I
really
like helping you relax after a long day.”

Her suggestive tone caused Devlan to raise a brow. He stared down at her for a moment, taking in her moist lips and heavy lidded eyes. His observant gaze also noted her growing intoxication.

“Perhaps I should’ve monitored what you drank instead of what you ate,” he said thoughtfully.

“No, I’m fine,” she said smiling.

“Well because of you I’ve been reconsidering all the work I’ve been doing, but unfortunately changes don’t happen overnight.”

“That’s true… But you can relax now and enjoy the show.”

Diana spun slightly to lean into Devlan when his arm came to rest on her shoulders. It felt good to have his arm around her. She felt warm and snug, but unfortunately their respite was brief. Taking in their cozy postures, Hugh frowned dramatically.

“Oh no, you don’t. We can’t have any of this. You’re here with me tonight, so let’s start the par-ty!” Clapping his hands together, he smiled widely at Devlan just moments before he reached for Diana and pulled her to her feet. “Come on Diana, let’s dance.”

Before Devlan could object, Hugh sped her away to a clear spot on the dance floor and swept her gracefully into his arms. His movements were fluid and steps light, and Diana noticed that in addition to being charming Hugh was a skilled dancer. After several moments of feeling like a gawky schoolgirl, Hugh came to her aid by guiding her movements. She responded to his familiarity by dancing like never before, and she thanked the potent alcoholic beverages for helping her release her inhibitions. Fortunately she was a quick learner, and soon Hugh was watching her move with new interest in his eyes.

From his seat Devlan watched moodily.

“You dance well,” Hugh remarked.

“Not at all, really. It’s all you, Hugh.”

“Well if it is, you make me look very good. Doyle is jealous as hell,” he said with a broad grin.

“I don’t know about that.”

He shrugged. “At any rate. I’ve got you on my side. You’ll plug this project for me, right? Any help you can give me would be great.”

“I don’t think he’d listen to me.”

“He may not listen, but I can guarantee that he’ll agree to anything you ask in order to get you away from me. Wow, I never knew he was so possessive.”

“Possessive?” Diana asked breathlessly just before Hugh dipped her yet again. “Of me?”

He chuckled. “Yep, he’s had enough and is on his way over now. Since he’s looking very territorial right now, I think I should escape before he accuses me of stealing his date.”

With one last spin, Hugh pressed a quick peck on her cheek. “A good word, right?”

Hugh abruptly thrust her away as soon as she nodded in agreement. She stumbled, but Devlan’s hands were there to grip her waist from behind and prevent her fall. He scowled at Hugh, but the younger man laughed cheerfully and danced alone back to his pouting girlfriend with a happy wave. Diana leaned her head back into Devlan’s chest and inhaled deeply.

“Wow, that was something,” she murmured. “Did I tell you how good you smell tonight?”

“I thought you were supposed to be dancing with me tonight,” came the sullen response.

“Are you jealous?” she teased.

“I think it’s almost time to go,” he growled. “They’re beginning to clear everything away.”

Stilling her hips with his hands, Devlan spun her around to face him. She reached up to wrap her arms around his neck.

“Dance with me now?”

“I can think of better places to dance.”

Diana giggled, her eyes shining. “Later. But now I want you to dance with me. Hugh was right. You need to have a good time. Relax and enjoy yourself.”

“You’re drunk.”

“And you’re being a grouch. I never drink, Devlan, allow me one time.”

Taking her words in slowly, his dark head nodded slowly and then dipped as he pressed his lips against hers. She entwined her fingers in his hair and pulled his head closer to hers. After a moment of allowing her to deepen the kiss, Devlan slowly pulled away and looked down at her. The corners of his mouth had turned up in a teasing smile.

“If you’re like this every time you get drunk, Diana, I may never let you get sober again.”

Feeling slightly foolish, she giggled again. She noticed that her voice sounded high pitched and happy. “It’s you, you know. You do this to me.”

“Me?” His smile faded. “What do I do to you?”

“You make me all crazy. Fluttery.” Waving her hands at her middle, she took a step away from him and pointed to her middle. “I’ve never felt like that with anyone but you. It’s all you.”

A slow and very satisfied smile appeared on his lips. “Must be love.”

“Yep. Must be.”

She leaned into him and placed her head on his chest. He was strong and felt so nice that she sighed happily. Raising his hand to press her head against him, Devlan tenderly smoothed the loose tendrils of hair from her face.

“I truly hope so.”

Chapter 13

Darkness had overtaken the glorious night. The laughing voices and music were loud to her ears, but Diana was only aware that Devlan was finally dancing with her and she again felt like her dream fairytale princess. The hypnotic music captured her, and they danced together in sync. It was as though they were one, for their feet moved effortlessly in the crowd under Devlan’s expert guidance.

The warm night caused her dress to cling to her. Devlan’s hands seemed to be all over her, touching her in her sensitive spots that he had so studiously taken note of in the past few days. She was dizzy from alcohol and giddy from happiness. For better or for worse she had been blessed with some sort of magic in meeting Devlan. It was because of Hannah that she was here. Though her accident was terrifying and painful, it had ended up bringing them both great joy. It was Hannah’s magic, Hannah’s blessing.

Too soon the luau came to a close. Speaking on behalf of both of them, Devlan was quick to say good night to Hugh and his still pouting girlfriend. Her dramatics eased any remaining insecurities that Diana may have had. Of all the things that she had learned about Devlan in the weeks they had spent together, she knew there was no way he would accept that kind of behavior for very long.

As she watched them disappear in the evening, Mike appeared from seemingly out of nowhere. His hair was slightly ruffled from the wind, and there was a ruddy glow on his cheeks, both signs that he had been having a good time as well. He was all smiles as he escorted them back to the dock, and he and Devlan fell into an animated conversation about the evening while Diana followed along reluctantly. 

“I had a great evening,” she whispered when he helped her into the launch. “Thank you for convincing me to go.”

“I’m glad you had fun, Diana.” Grinning with true pleasure, he followed her into the boat and pulled her against him for the ride back to the yacht.

She smiled at him teasingly. “How shall I ever repay you?”

His eyes danced with amusement. “Oh, I’m sure we can think of some way.”

“I have a few ideas myself,” she announced softly. “But it may involve a bedroom.”

“Is that so?”

“Yes. I’d like to make sure you’re a willing partner.”

“I could probably be convinced,” he said with a grin. “Are you up to the challenge?”

“Yep.” Her hand went to his thigh, and she began to walk her fingers oh so slowly up until he captured her hand in his. Smiling impishly she pursed her lips. “But I guess you’ll just have to wait and see to be sure.”

Growling in answer, he held her hand tightly for the remainder of the ride. No sooner had they come to a stop alongside the yacht than Devlan was shuttling Diana from the launch and down to their stateroom. As they disappeared down the stairs, they heard Mike behind them laughing aloud in true amusement.

Diana paused long enough to read the note that Lani had left posted on Hannah’s door. Her alcohol-fuzzed brain took a moment to decipher that the two had spent a leisurely evening watching movies on the big screen television before retiring early. It sounded great to Diana, but she still opened the door to check on her. Hannah was sleeping soundly, her small arms wrapped securely around her stuffed bear, and she did not flinch when Diana leaned over her and kissed her cheek. Nor did she move when Devlan pulled her covers up to her chin. Diana smiled up at Devlan and entwined her fingers with his. 

Returning her smile, Devlan led her from the room. Hand in hand, they crossed the hall together and slipped into their room like newlyweds fresh from their wedding. No sooner had the door closed behind them than Devlan turned the lock. It was dark, with only the light to the bathroom casting shadows on their waiting bed.

“What does my locket say?” she whispered in the darkness.

Devlan glanced over as he pulled his shirt from his slacks. Gone was the tender man gazing down at the little girl as though she were his own. In his place was the male, the virile alpha who was remembering how seductively she had danced with him. His tousled hair gave him a rugged look, and his pupils were dilated with both hunger and promise. He strode to their bed and pulled back the covers before returning to her and pulling her into his arms.

“Right now I have more important things on my mind.”

“Like what?”

He smiled devilishly. “Like how you’re going to repay me.”

Remembering her earlier words, Diana tossed back her head and laughed. His eyes were dancing as he watched her display, but then his head lowered and he became all business again. As if from a will of their own, their clothes seemed to suddenly disappear, and together they fell backwards onto the soft mattress. 

When Devlan finally raised his head, Diana was breathless. She gazed up at him, holding him riveted as every emotion she felt and was feeling were exposed in her wide eyes. At the moment she did not care if he saw how deeply she had grown to care. This night was their night; it was magical and the fulfillment of every one of her dreams.

“I want you, woman,” he growled. 

“Yes,” she gasped in answer.

Their gazes remained locked as he filled her and suddenly they were flying, soaring high above with the blue sky and puffy white clouds of Hawaii. Right beside her was Devlan, his warmth and strength supporting her. For one night, they were completely in tune to each other. And after days of learning each other’s needs and likes, they culminated their newfound knowledge with action. Her body answered his need, and she felt like a part of him as though they were truly one. Never taking his eyes from hers, he watched her lips part and her breath come in quick gasps. Unable to stop, she finally broke their gaze when her eyes squeezed shut and she cried out in a mixture of pure joy and pleasure. Though shaking from the effort, he allowed her to arch against him before he took his own release with a low growl of triumph.

After several moments, Devlan rolled to his side and wrapped his arms around her tightly. In the silence of the room all Diana could hear was their mingled breathing while his fingers gently stroking the smooth skin of her back. Her eyes were just drifting closed when she heard him speak.

“I take it back,” he whispered.