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

“I’m sorry for interrupting yer fun. I was hoping to find something to drink.”

  “Oh, I’m sorry… sure…” She was stumbling all over her words and worse yet, she could feel a blush creeping up her face. “What would you like? Beer? Water? Milk?”

  “Get him a beer, Jenna. He could probably use one.”

  Jenna went to the refrigerator, retrieved a bottle, and handed it to Cormac who looked at it as if it was the most puzzling thing he had ever seen.

  “Is that a twist off, Dylan? I didn’t look.”

  “No. He needs a bottle opener.”

  Cormac was still looking bewildered when Jenna handed him the bottle opener.

  “What do I do with this, lass?”

  “Are you serious?” she questioned and when he didn’t answer her, she took the bottle out of his hand and using the bottle opener, removed the cap. “Here you go.”

  Dylan had retrieved a bottle for himself and took the opener from Jenna. He nodded at Cormac and took a swig from the bottle.

  Cormac followed suit, finally realizing what he was supposed to do with the bottle.

  “Don’t they have beer in bottles, where you come from?” Jenna asked.

  “Nay, not like this.”

  “You’ll have to tell me all about… Scotland. The part you’re from, that is.” Jenna’s curiosity was piqued and she hoped to catch him in a lie and then this crazy practical joke would be over.

  “Aye. Mayhap another time, if ye dinnae mind.”

  “Of course. I think I’ll go get dressed for our night on the town.”

  Jenna was relieved to walk out of the kitchen. It was getting a bit awkward in there, and hot. She felt like she would spontaneously combust at the sight of Cormac in the doorway. She hoped the evening would be fun and that she’d be able to relax around him. The way he looked at her made her feel a bit shy, which was an emotion she seldom suffered from. It was as if he was looking into her soul. She didn’t know how she felt about that, but she planned on treating him just like she did all of her other guy friends. Yeah… right!

  Cormac and Dylan exchanged knowing glances as Jenna left the kitchen.

  “I think you’re getting to her, dude.”

  “I would have to agree with ye. She turns a lovely shade of pink when she looks at me.”

  “Keep up the good work. Although you’re not really doing much. I wish I had that effect on the ladies. Maybe you could teach me a few of your tricks.”

  “I dinna use tricks, Dylan,” Cormac chuckled. “‘Tis just me curse to be attractive to the lasses.”

  “And that is the unfortunate truth, my man.” Dylan slapped Cormac on the back. “We’ll see how I do tonight. Maybe there’ll be a trickle-down effect from hanging with you.”

  “A what?”

  “I’m hoping some of your charm will rub off on me, and the ladies will be all over me, like bees to honey.”

  “I’ll be sure to send them yer way, as I only have eyes for yer cousin.” Cormac was starting to feel that there might be some hope. Jenna had not been quite as prickly as she had been when they first met. Mayhap Edna was on to something.

  “Thanks, I appreciate the help. Do you need to get ready to go out?”

  “Nay. I believe I’ll keep the clothes Edna gave me for tonight. Jenna seems to enjoy them.”

  FOUR

  The night air had grown chilly and a misty grey fog was settling on the city as Jenna, Cormac and Dylan made their way into the bar. EJ, the bartender, looked up as they entered.

  “Jenna! Good to see you back. It’s been a while.” He smiled, giving her an appreciative once over.

  “Hey, EJ, nice to be back.” She felt Cormac inch closer to her back and she said, “This is Dylan’s friend Cormac. Cormac, this is EJ.”

  EJ gave him a quick nod of the head and Cormac did the same.

  “What can I get for you?”

  “Can I get a Margarita, EJ? Dylan, Cormac, what do you want to drink?”

  “I’ll have whatever’s on tap, EJ,” Dylan said.

  “Whiskey, please,” Cormac requested.

  They settled in at the bar. Jenna and Dylan both took stools and Cormac leaned his tall frame against the bar as he surveyed the room. Jenna couldn’t help but notice the women at nearby tables giving him the once over. For some reason she couldn’t name, she reached out to touch his hand. She was surprised by the warm sensation that made its way up her arm at the feel of his skin. Cormac looked at her, head tipped, questioning. Was he feeling it too?

  “I just wanted to make sure you were okay,” she lied. She could feel the warmth making its way up to her face and knew she was blushing… again. Thankfully, the lighting in the bar was dim and she hoped he wouldn’t notice.

  “I be fine, lass. What of ye? Are ye well then?”

  “I’m fine, thanks.”

  EJ arrived with their drinks.

  “Dylan says you’re from Scotland. I’ve given you the finest Scotch Whiskey we have. I hope you enjoy it.”

  Cormac took a sip, appearing to savor the flavor of the drink. “‘Tis verra good. It rivals the finest I’ve ever had. Thank ye.”

  Jenna couldn’t help noticing that Cormac and EJ were sizing each other up. She knew EJ had a bit of a crush on her and Cormac was under some delusion that she was going to marry him. They were doing that posturing thing that guys did. The testosterone flying around the bar was palpable and was making things somewhat uncomfortable for Jenna.

  A group at a table near the stage started waving and calling to her.

  “Jenna, Jenna!”

  “Oh, no,” she muttered under her breath. “Hi.” She reluctantly smiled and waved back.

  “Who are they?” Cormac asked.

  “Some friends of my ex.”

  “I take it yer not happy to see them?”

  “No. I can’t say that I am.”

  Dylan had wandered off and was talking to a group of girls at the far end of the bar. Cormac picked up Jenna’s drink and smelled it. “What is this drink?” he asked.

  “It’s a Margarita. It’s made with tequila. Taste it,” Jenna offered.

  Cormac did as she suggested and she could see from his facial expressions that he was searching his brain to identify the taste. “Hmmm…” was all he said.

  “Don’t you like it?” Jenna asked.

  He lifted his glass. “I prefer the whiskey.”

  Music was playing in the background and people were filtering up towards the stage, to take their turn at singing.

  “Cormac, you have a horrified look on your face. You’re not enjoying the music?” Jenna observed.

  “They sound like yowling cats, lass. I’ve never heard the like. Those people shouldnae be singing. They be verra bad at it.”

  “That’s kind of the idea. People come in, have enough drinks to get their courage up, and then go up and sing their hearts out. Sometimes they’re good - and sometimes they’re pretty awful.”

  Cormac appeared skeptical. The song ended and there was a slight smattering of polite applause. Dylan sauntered onto the stage and the bar patrons erupted in cheers. Dylan chose to sing ‘Living On A Prayer’ by Bon Jovi. Unlike most people who tried singing that song, Dylan did it justice. He belted it out and had a swarm of women dancing at the foot of the stage.

  Jenna was laughing as she watched.

  “He sings well, lass,” Cormac pointed out.

  “Yes, he does. It’s one of the reasons he likes to come here. He’s a frustrated rock singer. That, and the girls love him.”

  “I can see that they do. What of you? Do ye sing?”

  “Not usually.”

  Cormac was about to speak when Dylan’s song ended to whistles and applause. He bowed and left the stage, accompanied by his little band of groupies.

  “Jenna, Jenna!” Her ex’s friends were calling out to her, much to Jenna’s chagrin. “Jenna, sing! Come on, please!”

  Jenna just shook her head at them. They weren’t about to take no for an answe
r and started chanting her name. She rolled her eyes and stood up.

  “I guess I’m singing,” she said to Cormac, who offered her a brilliant smile.

  As she approached the stage, someone in the group called out, “Sing ‘Rollin in the Deep’, by Adele.”

  Cormac watched appreciatively as Jenna made her way onto the stage and stood behind the strange metal pole the people sang into. He had noticed it made their voices louder. When Jenna opened her mouth and began to sing, he was in awe. She had the most beautiful voice. She sang like an angel. Other people in the bar stopped what they were doing and paid attention, obviously enjoying her ability. People in the bar applauded and cheered when Jenna finished singing. She had a happy smile on her face as she made her way back to the bar and Cormac and settled on a barstool.

  “Ye sing beautifully, Jenna,” he said with admiration. “I’ve never heard such a wee lass with such a big voice.”

  Jenna laughed and Cormac thought she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen. She was looking at him differently than she had earlier in the day, and he began to think he might stand a chance.

  The door opened and a tall, lanky man with spiky brown hair entered. He walked up behind Jenna, poked her in the ribs, and leaned in so his mouth was right beside her ear.

  “Hey, babe, miss me?”

  “I’m afraid not, Jonathan.” Jenna eyed him suspiciously and Cormac moved a little closer to her. He felt an urge to shove this man away from Jenna, but he waited to see what this was all about. Edna had warned him that things were different in this time.

  “Aw, come on, not even just a little bit?” Jonathan tugged on a lock of her hair.

  “Knock it off, Jonathan.” Jenna’s face, which just moments before had been happy, was now looking very angry. Cormac put his arm around her shoulders, effectively blocking Jonathan from further contact with her.

  “Who’s this? Is he your new man?” Jonathan sneered, as he looked Cormac up and down.

  “Aye. Yer right. I am and I suggest ye leave the lady be.”

  “Lady? That’s a good one. When did people start calling you that?” he asked Jenna. When she didn’t respond, he continued. “She’s no lady and you’re welcome to her. She’ll make your life miserable, just like she did with mine.”

  “Cormac, really, you don’t have to protect me from this jackass.” Jenna glared at both men.

  “Aye. I believe I do. ‘Tis my duty as yer man.” A slow smile spread across Cormac’s lips and he looked directly into her eyes. Jenna began to feel a bit warm under his scrutiny, finding his gaze hypnotic.

  “Jonathan. Go bother somebody else.” Jenna dismissed him, keeping her attention on Cormac.

  “Jonny, man, it looks like there’s an empty stage and a microphone with your name on it,” EJ said, attempting to diffuse the situation.

  “Thanks, EJ. Don’t mind if I do. This one’s for you, Jenna.” Jonathan blew her a kiss as he headed for the stage.

  Jenna closed her eyes and shook her head.

  “Lass, ye dinna need to listen to him,” Cormac offered.

  Jenna looked up at him and smiled tightly. “Thanks, but I’m fine.”

  Jonathan made his way onto the stage and announced, “I’m dedicating this next song to my ex, Jenna. I hope you all enjoy it, as much as I will.”

  Jonathan’s friends began to cheer and laugh. Jenna could feel their eyes on her, waiting for her reaction. She refused to take her eyes off Cormac, wouldn’t let anyone know how anxious she was. Jonathan began to sing Hall and Oates, ‘You’re A Rich Girl’, with a slight change to the lyrics. Jenna stood and clenched her fists. Cormac could tell she was about to head for the stage and he wrapped his arm around her waist and drew her back against his chest. He held her delicate hand in his and using his thumb massaged the fist away. Jenna sank into him and Cormac liked the feel of her body as it relaxed into his.

  ***

  Jenna was so angry she was seeing red. She wanted to punch Jonathan so badly, but Cormac must have read her thoughts, because he pulled her into his embrace. Her first instinct was to fight it, but she didn’t, because it felt good to lean into the warmth of his body. It instantly relaxed her and she forgot all about Jonathan and his You’re a Bitch song. Sure, his friends were all laughing at her expense, but they were his friends, not hers. It obviously had been a mistake to come here tonight, but how could she have known he would be here?

  Dylan headed her way with a concerned look on his face. “Don’t worry, Jenna. I’ll take care of him.”

  “No. Nobody’s going to take care of him. Not you, and not Cormac. I’m just going to ignore him.” Jenna reached out and grabbed Cormac’s whiskey and drank the rest of it in one swallow. “EJ, can we get two more whiskeys, please.”

  “Sure thing. Coming right up.”

  Against her better judgment, Jenna downed the second whiskey, with Cormac giving her a puzzled look as he did the same.

  EJ served them another drink and as Jenna sipped the whiskey, she explained to Cormac that Jonathan had been a successful musician, and she had sung back up for his band. That was before they got married, and before he decided Jenna would be his meal ticket. While Jenna was talking, Jonathan concluded his song and sauntered in their direction.

  “Not cool, man,” Dylan said, drawing himself up to his full height. “You shouldn’t have done that.”

  “It’s a free world. I can sing whatever I want.” Jonathan directed his next comment Jenna’s way. “I can’t help it, if that song is perfect for you, Jenna.” He laughed and looked towards his friends for their approval.

  Jenna struggled to get out of Cormac’s embrace, but before she could move, he had lifted her up and placed her behind him. He grabbed Jonathan by his shirt collar, lifting him off the floor.

  “I think ye owe the lady an apology,” Cormac growled.

  He was a menacing figure and Jonathan looked worried as he hung in the air. Jenna watched him as his expression morphed from triumphant to terrified. She couldn’t help but smile.

  “Cormac, man, put him down,” EJ ordered. “I think it would be best if you all left. I can’t afford to have any trouble in here.”

  Cormac dropped Jonathan, who fell to the floor gasping for breath and desperately trying to steady himself.

  “My apologies, EJ,” Cormac said.

  “Come on, let’s go.” Jenna took Cormac by the hand and led him towards the door. “Dylan, you coming?”

  “I’ll catch up in a few minutes.”

  As they headed for the door, Jenna was shaking. She was so angry that tears were pricking at her eyes. Jonathan was trying to humiliate her, and she’d be damned if she was going to let him get away with it.

  “Cormac,” Jonathan yelled as they walked through the door. “Watch your back, man.”

  Cormac turned and scowled at Jonathan, who, seeing he was in imminent danger, decided to turn tail and run back to his friends.

  Once outside, Jenna broke down, anger overwhelming her. She stiffened her spine as Cormac took her into his arms, to soothe her as best he could. He spoke soft words in a language she didn’t understand, but they were melting the ice she had built up around her heart. The whiskey she had downed warmed her insides, but Cormac was stoking the flames. Jenna felt herself softening and enjoying the close contact with Cormac. She really needed to get a grip here. She couldn’t let what happened in the bar affect her, to the point where she might throw herself at Cormac just because he was there - and she was undeniably attracted to him.

  ***

  Cormac wanted to tear Jonathan’s head off and he knew that if the man did anything else to hurt Jenna, he surely would. He stood with her, wrapped in his embrace, and did his best to calm her. He suspected Dylan would have a word with Jonathan and then he would join them outside. Cormac moved to lean on a street post and he took Jenna with him. She went along willingly, much to his surprise. Jenna was a very spirited woman and because she was, he knew how hard it must be for her to let s
omeone else take care of her. He wanted to be the one who did the caring. The thought surprised him. Cormac’s feelings for her were growing, despite her sharp tongue and cool demeanor. He hadn’t had much hope earlier in the day, but he could see the softness in her eyes and feel it in her arms as she let down her guard and wrapped them around him, so he could hold her close and protect her from the hurt she was suffering. She needed him, even if she didn’t know it yet.

  Dylan joined them, moments later.

  “Let’s go,” he said.

  They headed off down the street in search of another bar.

  “Jenna, what about O’Reilly’s? How does that sound?”

  Jenna sniffled a bit and wiped at her eyes. “Yeah, that should work. Cormac might like it better, too.”

  Cormac smiled at her when her eyes met his. They continued their walk in silence and he looked around in amazement at the streetlights and the buildings, all lit up from within. At Breaghacraig, the clan didn’t go out at night, unless it was absolutely necessary. It was much too dark to be able to see, unless one carried a torch. Here, it seemed everyone was out, with no worry at all for the dangers of the night. The cars and buses constantly passing by were also a source of many questions for him, but he dare not ask. As Edna had instructed, he wouldnae appear shocked by anything he saw.

  They reached the second pub and went inside, to the sounds of Irish music being played by a live band. The atmosphere was loud and raucous in comparison to the karaoke bar they had just left. Everyone seemed to be truly enjoying themselves, as they clapped and stomped along with the music. Cormac wasn’t sure why, but he felt more at home here than he had anywhere else he’d been, all day long.

  Jenna ordered more whiskey for the three of them, seeming determined to drink the men under the table. They found an empty booth to sit in and Cormac became very aware of the fact that Jenna was quite into her cups. If she were sober, she wouldnae be leaning into him and have her hand resting on his knee. Not that he was going to complain about this development. Dylan winked at him and nodded in his cousin’s direction. Cormac simply shrugged his shoulders. He wished there was something he could do, to make this night better for her. Drinking the amount of whisky she had consumed was not going to help.