Page 39 of A Thistle Beyond Time
“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.
Chapter 12
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.
