Page 22 of A Thistle Beyond Time
“Awww…” All the children moaned at once.
“Don’t worry, he’ll be here all night,” she assured them.
“Aye. I’m not leaving yet.” Cormac gave Jenna a sweet, sexy smile that melted her heart.
“Well, I’d better get back to my other guests. Thanks for keeping them busy.” She hurriedly crossed the room to a large group of laughing women. She didn’t want to give him the impression that she might be falling for him, because she was determined she wasn’t.
The other women were all talking about Cormac – and how handsome, sexy, and strong he was. They were speculating about what he might look like with his shirt off and about what might be under that kilt.
“Jenna?” Emily asked with an inquisitive smile.
“Don’t look at me. I haven’t seen him with his shirt off, and you ladies need to stop ogling him as if he’s a Chippendale’s dancer,” Jenna protested.
“Okay, if you say so miss, but I think I might wrap him up and take him home with me,” Emily laughed.
“I think Ben might object to that,” Sarah chimed in. “So, I’ll take him home with me.”
“No one is taking him home with them.” Jenna sounded a bit testy, even to her own ears.
The other women simply giggled and eyed her jealously. She had to admit, she was having a difficult time keeping her emotions in check where Cormac was concerned.Keep your distance. He’s luring you into his web of sexiness. Grrr…
Cormac watched Jenna from across the room and completely enjoyed the sight of her turning from a very becoming shade of pink to crimson red. Whatever those lasses were saying to her, was making her verra uncomfortable. He was pretty sure they were talking about him. The surreptitious gazes sent his way were a sure giveaway. He had been enjoying the little ones verra much, but it was time for them to go and they all lined up to give him hugs and kisses goodbye. Some cried at having to leave and others yawned sleepily in their parents arms. Everyone thanked him profusely and offered him something called babysitting jobs. He guessed that was what he had just been doing.
The families had no sooner walked out through the door than another crowd of people started arriving. They were loud and boisterous and the greetings ranged from handshakes, slaps on the back, to kisses, and hugs.
“Cormac, I want to introduce you to my former team mates,” Dylan said proudly. “I was on the football team in college, until I blew my knee out.”
“Football?”
“I know you don’t know what it is, but it’s the greatest sport ever. The guys are going to go downstairs to the game room and we’re going to play some video games. I’ll explain it all to you while we’re down there. Come on.”
Dylan led the way, spouting off names as he passed a group of verra large men. “Sam, Tony, Diesel, JoJo, Tank…”
Cormac couldn’t possibly remember all their names, but it really didn’t seem to matter. They all greeted him with firm handshakes and a few slaps on the back as they headed downstairs to a room Cormac hadn’t yet seen.
“This is the game room, Cormac. You can play pool over there,” he said pointing at a large table, the top of which was covered in green fabric. The table had holes in the corners and in the sides and there were many different colored balls set within a triangle and sitting atop it.
“This is an air hockey table. And this… this is foosball.”
Cormac was both amazed and confused by all he was seeing.
Dylan pointed out another area of the room. “But this, over here, is the best of all. This is our video game system. Don’t worry, we’ll show you how to play.”
“Don’t they have these things where you come from in Scotland, Cormac,” Sam asked.
“Nae, we dinnae have anything like it.”
“Well, you’re in for some fun. We’ll go easy on you, don’t worry,” Tank chimed in.
“Thank ye,” Cormac said, wondering just what was about to happen.
Upstairs, Jenna was busy greeting more friends, who were coming through the front door in a steady stream. Everyone was eating, drinking and generally having a very good time. The caterer had the food under control. Trays were being presented to the guests with various hors d’oeuvres, beautifully created in easy to eat portions. The barbecue had been fired up out on the patio and lanterns, candles and small outdoor lights cast a magical glow over the pool and waterfall. Those who brought their swimsuits were enjoying the hot tub, as well.
A commotion at the front door ruined Jenna’s dreams of a trouble-free night. A few of her male friends were trying to prevent someone from entering. Her neighbor, Travis, called downstairs for Dylan, and an army of oversized football players, followed by Cormac, made their way upstairs to help.
“What’s going on?” Jenna called.
“Jonathan’s here,” Travis answered, as he headed her way.
