Page 17 of A Thistle Beyond Time
“I’d like that verra much,” Cormac said, ending Jenna’s awkward apology. Chester had curled himself up into a ball at Cormac’s feet and looked up adoringly when Cormac bent to pet him. “Yer a good dog, Chester. Do ye know that last night when we returned, he didnae even stir?”
“That’s because he trusts you,” Dylan said. “He’s not like that with everyone. Chester hates Jonathan. Never warmed up to him.”
“I cannae understand why,” Cormac joked.
“Hey, let’s go get some breakfast. Same place as last time. Okay?” Dylan asked.
“Aye,” Cormac agreed.
“You just want us along to protect you, from that waitress who’s in love with you,” Jenna accused. “I’m on to you, Dylan.”
“She’s in love with Cormac, now,” Dylan laughed.
“Cormac?” Jenna repeated in disbelief. Why did she suddenly feel jealous? She shouldn’t. She had no claims on him; Cormac could see whomever he wanted.
“Yeah. She was all flirty with him, when we were in there yesterday. Told him to come back and ask for her table.”
“Well then, we wouldn’t want to disappoint her, would we?” Jenna tried to make her voice light and carefree, but somehow it didn’t come out that way. Both Cormac and Dylan were watching her skeptically. “Come on, let’s go,” she urged.
* * *
Cormac was quite amused by the two ladies both vying for his attention. Sophia was obviously not happy to see Jenna with them when they arrived at the diner. She did everything possible to exclude Jenna and Dylan from her conversation with Cormac. As for Jenna, she was showing signs of jealousy and doing her best to pretend Sophia was invisible. They were both speaking to him at the same time and it was all Cormac could do to keep a straight face and answer both of them. Dylan was very amused by the whole situation, and constantly snickering under his breath.
“Ladies, I cannae possibly speak with ye when ye both talk at the same time.” He purposely focused his attention on Sophia. He was enjoying this little game with Jenna. “Now, Sophia, what was it ye were saying to me?”
Sophia gave Jenna a triumphant smile.
“I was wondering what you were doing later today. I get off of work at four.”
Jenna was just about to speak, but Cormac beat her to it.
“I’m afraid I willnae be able to see ye at that time, lass. Dylan tells me we’re going to someplace called the East Bay.”
Sophia giggled. “Cormac, you are so funny.” She batted her eyelashes at him and positioned herself in such a way that he couldn’t avoid seeing her cleavage when she touched his arm.
“Mayhap we can meet some other time.” He winked and gave her a cocky grin.
Sophia was fanning herself with the menus. “I’d like that.”
“Can you take our order please,” Jenna said, her tone clipped.
“What would you like, Cormac?” Sophia asked, in the sweetest voice.
“I’ll have what I had yesterday, lass, if ye dinna mind.”
“I don’t mind at all. Anything for you.” Sophia continued ogling Cormac.
“Oh – My – God. Could you hurry it up already, Sophia? This is a restaurant, not a dating service,” Jenna fumed.
Turning to Jenna with a growl, Sophia said, “What do you want?”
“I’d like a Denver omelet, please. And an orange juice.”
Sophia didn’t say anything in response.
“I’ll have what Cormac’s having,” Dylan offered.
Sophia turned and winked at Cormac as she walked away.
