A Thistle Beyond Time: Book 2 of The Thistle & Hive Series Read online

  “How did the wee dancing bird get inside of yer phone?”

  Jenna burst out laughing, as did the manicurist.

  “Cormac, you are so funny. Oh gosh, it’s a good thing I haven’t had my makeup done yet, I’d have mascara running down my cheeks,” Jenna said.

  The two women continued giggling, even as Cormac stood there dumbfounded as to what he had done that had them laughing so hard.

  “I dinnae ken why yer laughing. I saw the wee bird and wondered how it got into yer phone, and how did it learn to dance? I truly dinnae understand this thing,” he said as he waved his hand over the phone and placed it on the table. “Or that thing in there.” He indicated the television across the room.

  “I’ll try to explain it to you later, or you can ask Dylan. He’s much better with technology than I am,” Jenna sounded different to him today. She hadn’t gotten angry with him for his questions. She had laughed, but that was better than yelling, he supposed.

  The doorbell rang and Jenna asked, “Can you get that for me, Cormac. It’s probably my hairdresser.”

  Cormac turned and walked to the door. He opened it to a smiling young woman with red hair, who was wheeling a trunk behind her.

  “Hi,” she said. “Is Jenna here?”

  “Aye, lass. She be right in there,” Cormac said, pointing towards the dining area.

  “I love your accent. Where are you from?” she asked.

  “Scotland,” Cormac said, wondering why all the women in America were in love with the way he spoke. No one at home had ever said anything to him about it. He followed the nameless redhead as she bustled over to Jenna.

  Melanie was packing up her bag and getting ready to leave. “Becky,” she gushed as she hurried over to the new arrival and offered her a hug. “How’ve you been? I haven’t seen you in ages.”

  “I know. Can you believe how long it’s been?” Becky responded.

  “Becky, this is Cormac. Cormac - Becky.” Jenna introduced them and gave Melanie a quick hug. “Thanks so much, Mel. I appreciate you making a special trip for me.”

  “No problem, Jenna. Have a good time tonight,” Melanie said, and she gave Cormac one last, lingering look as she headed for the door.

  “Cormac, this won’t take long, so maybe you should go and get showered and dressed,” Jenna suggested.

  “Aye. I’ll do that.” Cormac headed into the bedroom he’d been using since he arrived and closed the door behind him. He didn’t think he’d ever get used to all of the oddities of twenty-first century San Francisco. He sat on the bed and called to Edna. After a few moments she was there in his mind, speaking to him.

  “Cormac? Can you hear me?” Edna asked.

  “Aye, Edna. I’m here.” Cormac responded.

  “Is everything alright? I haven’t heard from you and I was a wee bit worried.”

  “All is well, Edna, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to convince Jenna to come with me.”

  “Well, if that’s the case, you’ll have to leave without her. You still have a few days left. Don’t give up.”

  “I willnae. We’re going to an important dinner this evening. I’m worried I will do something to embarrass Jenna.”

  “Cormac, do not think that way. As I told you, just act like you’ve seen it all before. If people ask you questions, just give them basic answers. Nothing about witches and time travel, you ken?”

  “Aye.”

  “Good. You are a handsome and charming young man. Don’t you forget that. Jenna will see that, I promise. I will contact you again before it’s time to leave.”

  “Thank ye, Edna.” Cormac got up and headed into the bathroom, feeling a little more confident about the situation with Jenna and the evening to come.

  TWELVE

  Jenna knew she looked good, but the expression on Cormac’s face when he saw her was worth a million bucks. Her dress was perfection. A very pale aquamarine silk fabric flowed in soft pleats from a banded empire waist. The strapless, sweetheart neckline and top were covered in beautiful aquamarine crystals. She wore long, dangling diamond earrings and a matching bracelet. Her delicate hand was adorned by a beautiful emerald cut aquamarine ring that matched her dress. Jenna liked the way that her heels made her tall enough to rest her head comfortably under Cormac’s chin, if need be. Best of all, were the pair of soft blue eyes staring with lustful appreciation at her and only her.

  Cormac strode across the room and took her hand in his, raising it to his lips. His eyes never left hers and a chill of delight covered her from head to toe.

  “You are more beautiful than a field of heather in the Highlands. You take my breath away, a thaisce,” he stated, in a voice filled with desire.

  “Thank you. What does it mean?” she asked, not understanding the last of what he said.

  “My treasure.” He leaned down and softly kissed her cheek, his hands caressing her from shoulders to fingertips.

  Jenna could feel herself warming at his words, his touch, and his eyes on her. “You look very handsome. That tux fits you so well,” she babbled and self-consciously looked away. “We should go. I just got a text that our limo is waiting downstairs.” She grabbed her wrap and purse and hooked her arm through Cormac’s as she headed for the door. She smiled up at him and he gave her his most devastating smile right back. This was going to be quite a night.

  ***

  The limo pulled up outside the St. Francis Hotel, where the event was taking place. As they stepped from the car, they were greeted by a large group of people who hoped to see a celebrity or two emerge from the row of limousines arriving at the curb. Cormac threaded Jenna’s fingers through his own as they made their way up the red carpet. They stopped to have their photos taken in front of a backdrop announcing the event and its sponsors. Cormac wasn’t sure what was happening, but Jenna explained and he nodded his understanding. They were shown to the ballroom where the gala was to take place and Cormac was amazed at how beautifully the room was decorated, with flowers everywhere and lights the likes of which he had never seen. They were more brilliant than candles or torches, but still added an ambience to the room which gave the feel of being in a fairy palace. He smiled as he looked around and wrapped an arm possessively around Jenna’s shoulders, drawing her closer.

  “It’s so beautiful,” Jenna sighed in delight.

  “Aye, ‘tis,” Cormac answered.

  A raven-haired woman, dressed in a long, flowing red gown approached them excitedly.

  “Jenna!” she cried. “It’s so good to see you again!”

  “Angelina!” Jenna let go of Cormac and threw her arms around the woman. “I wasn’t expecting to see you here tonight. How have you been?”

  “Just fine. I’m in town for a few days and I thought I’d come and support the hospital and hopefully, run into you.”

  The woman looked over at Cormac and a smile lit her very red lips. “And who is this handsome gentleman?” she asked.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. Cormac MacBayne, this is Angelina Woods. Angelina this is Cormac. He’s visiting with us for a few days. Dylan couldn’t make it tonight, so he volunteered to be my escort.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you Cormac. Lucky you,” she said looking at Jenna and then to Cormac. “I’m Jenna’s aunt. Her mother is my much older sister.” She smiled at this last bit of information and offered her hand, which he took and brought to his lips. He was surprised at the reaction he got every time he made that simple gesture which was common in his own time, but obviously not done here.

  “Oh, Angelina, I’m glad Mom isn’t around to hear you say that,” Jenna teased.

  “Are you accepting the award for them tonight, sweetie?” Angelina asked.

  “I am. I’ve got my speech memorized and I can’t wait to get it over with.” Jenna replied.

  A waiter stopped and offered them each a glass of champagne.

  “Slainte mhath,” Cormac raised his glass to the ladies. They both smiled and clinked their glasses together.

&nb
sp; “What does that mean, Cormac?” questioned Angelina.

  “Good health,” Cormac replied.

  “Gaelic?” she asked.

  “Aye.”

  “He’s from Scotland,” Jenna offered.

  “Nice. I love a good Scottish accent and a good Scot.” Angelina winked at Cormac and he nearly choked on his champagne, once again marveling at how very forward women were here in San Francisco. Not that he didn’t enjoy the attention, but he didn’t want Jenna to be concerned about it.

  “I’m going to go mingle. I’ll see you at the table. I believe we’re seated together.” Angelina touched Cormac’s hand as she began to walk away and whispered something into Jenna’s ear, which made Jenna blush a lovely shade of pink.

  “Yer aunt is very flirtatious,” Cormac stated. He didn’t ask what Angelina had said to get that reaction from Jenna.

  “She’s a very big flirt, always has been. She goes through men like some people go through water. Come on let’s go find our seats,” Jenna said.

  They found their table number and their seats near the dais. Cormac held out Jenna’s chair for her and then sat down beside her. He took her hand and examined her fingers, running his finger over her nails.

  “Nail polish. Do you like it?” she asked.

  “I’ve never seen the likes of it before.”

  “Don’t tell me… they don’t have this where you’re from, right?”

  “‘Tis correct,” he smiled.

  Jenna just shook her head at him. He continued holding her hand, as Jenna didn’t seem to mind and he was enjoying the sensation of it in his own.

  ***

  The dinner was very pleasant, although Cormac had to fend off Angelina’s advances throughout. Jenna hid her laughter. She knew Angelina was not a threat. She just really enjoyed men and flirting was second nature to her. Cormac looked a bit uncomfortable and Jenna tried to let him know that it was alright. In fact, she was quite sure that if he flirted back, Angelina would lose interest and set her sights on someone else, but Jenna was enjoying his discomfort, so she’d keep that piece of information to herself.

  The award ceremony began and Jenna was called to the stage to accept the award for her parents, amidst loud applause. She wasn’t comfortable speaking in front of large crowds, but she took a few deep, calming breaths and began.

  “Thank you so much. On behalf of my parents, I’d like to accept this prestigious award. They wanted me to let you know how honored they are to be recognized. Their passion in life has always been helping children, whether here in San Francisco or in the remote jungles of Southeast Asia, South America or on the savannah’s of Africa. It was a simple choice to help out the Children’s Hospital by donating a new wing to the existing building. It is their hope that with this extra space, the doctors and researchers of San Francisco will work their magic and do what they do best - to come up with cures for some of the more virulent diseases that are affecting children today, not just here, but worldwide. They’ve put together a brief film to give you an idea of what they have been working to accomplish, through their foundation. Thank you again, and I hope you enjoy it.”

  The crowd erupted in applause and Jenna left the stage and headed back to her seat.

  “Jenna, I am so proud of you,” Angelina gushed.

  “Aye, lass, that was verra well done,” Cormac added.

  Jenna smiled at them both and sat back to watch the film. She was proud of the work her parents were doing, even if it meant she never got to see them. She was a grown woman. She didn’t need them anymore. She could manage her life on her own, without their help. That wasn’t really true. They had helped her with Jonathan and she knew if she asked they would be there for her in a heartbeat. She had never been their main focus though. Growing up, her dad was always busy with his start-up company and her mom had been very involved as well. After they sold the company and made a gazillion dollars in the process, they’d dedicated their lives and time to helping underprivileged children. Dylan had the same issues with his folks. They had followed in the footsteps of Mark and Sally and become world travelers. It was an odd feeling, being both frustrated and proud. She hadn’t figured out how to get around it yet, and maybe she never would.

  The film ended to a standing ovation and when they were done, people started moving around from table to table to visit with friends and business acquaintances. Jenna turned her head to find Cormac examining her with an expression on his face she couldn’t quite decipher. She squirmed just a little under his intense scrutiny.

  “What?” she asked.

  “I’m sorry, lass, I dinnae know what yer asking,” he responded.

  “What’s so interesting? You’re examining me as if I’m some sort of rare specimen.”

  “I enjoy watching ye, when yer not aware that I am. Yer expression changed from happy to sad - to something I couldn’t quite put my finger on.”

  “Oh, I guess I was just thinking about my parents.”

  “What about them?” Cormac asked.

  “Why I can’t seem to justify the time they spend away from me. I know they’re doing a good thing, but most of the time, I don’t feel as if I’m their daughter. I could just as easily have been any one of the neighborhood kids when I was growing up.”

  Cormac appeared sympathetic as he listened to her vent.

  “Mayhap they just dinnae ken what it means to ye. Have ye ever told them how ye feel?”

  “I used to tell them all the time when I was a child, but they would tell me not to be selfish. They’d tell me I was lucky to have grown up not wanting for anything, that there were many children going to bed hungry, or sick, and kids who had no schools to attend.”

  “I imagine that would be enough to make ye keep yer thoughts to yerself on the matter,” Cormac sympathized.

  “It did. I learned early on that no matter what I was thinking or feeling on the subject I should just keep it to myself. And I have, still do, even now.”

  They were alone at the table now; the others who’d been seated with them were moving about the room and socializing. Cormac reached out and caressed Jenna’s cheek with the back of his hand, and Jenna leaned into his comforting touch. There was something about him that put her at ease, even when she was feeling out of sorts. His very presence grounded her and she knew that if she let him, Cormac would be there for her, through any struggle she may have. He’d protect her and care for her and it was very seductive to see him in that light.

  Music began to play and Jenna suddenly wanted to be closer to Cormac, to have him hold her in his arms and to feel his warmth shield her from the rest of the world. She held out her hand to him. “Dance with me,” she said.

  He stood and took her hand, guiding her to the dance floor.

  “I’m afraid I’m not familiar with yer music or dances, lass,” he apologized.

  “Nothing to it. You just need to put your arms around me and move around the floor. It’s not rocket science,” she laughed.

  Cormac lifted an eyebrow. “Rocket science?”

  Jenna tipped her head and pursed her lips. She wouldn’t ruin this moment with a snarky comment. Instead she moved closer to him. The anticipation of touching him sent zinging sensations across her skin, and from the satisfied look on his face, she knew he was pleased.

  “I’d be more than happy to hold ye in me arms, Jenna.” Cormac pulled her into his embrace and they swayed around the dance floor, oblivious to the others dancing around them. She rested her head under his chin as she had imagined doing earlier, and let his presence comfort her.

  The music was slow, an Etta James song, handled masterfully by the woman singing with the band. Jenna looked up at Cormac and their eyes locked together. She was falling under his spell. She knew she shouldn’t, but didn’t seem to be able to stop herself. This man, whoever he was and wherever he was from, had worked his way into her heart and she was helpless to stop it. The fact that he was leaving in a few days was distressing, but Jenna wasn’t about to
go with him. Besides, she wasn’t so certain he was going anywhere. There was no such thing as time travel and in her world, witches didn’t send people clear across the ocean to collect a wife. How was she going to deal with that aspect of Cormac? Maybe she could get someone to help him with his delusions, if he stayed. She needed to figure this all out. Dylan hadn’t been any help at all. He just continued to feed the flame of this unbelievable story Cormac kept spinning. The song ended and Jenna was loathing the need to pull herself away from Cormac - and he didn’t seem too eager to let her go, either.

  “It’s warm in here,” Jenna observed. “Let’s go outside for some fresh air.”

  Cormac took her hand and led her to the doors leading outside. As they exited the building and stood on the sidewalk, he turned her to face him and much to her surprise, leaned down and kissed her, quite thoroughly. His lips were soft, his breath warm and his arms wrapped around her, holding her in place. She felt her knees go weak and her heart began to pound. With shaking hands she ran her fingers through his gloriously soft hair and wrapped her arms around his neck. The kiss seemed to go on forever, and she would have loved it if it were true, but all too soon it ended and they stood face to face, unable to look away from each other.

  “Well, well, well, who do we have here,” a familiar voice chanted.

  Jenna started at the sound and released her grip on Cormac. “Jonathan! Oh, my God! Are you following me?”

  “Of course not, baby. I just happened to be in the neighborhood, walking down the street, just as anyone has a right to do, and I saw the two of you over here doing the kissy-face thing. You really ought to get a room. You are at a hotel, you know,” he laughed, even as he sneered at Cormac.

  “I suggest ye just continue on yer way.” Cormac glared at him and stood to his full height, dwarfing Jonathan in the process.

  “You do, do you?” Jonathan asked, with a hint of a challenge to his voice.

  “Aye. This is not the place to cause a scene. I’d be happy to meet you elsewhere, if ye like.”

  “Cormac, just ignore him. He’s just trying to get a rise out of us,” Jenna growled, tugging on the sleeve of Cormac’s jacket.