Page 50 of A Thistle Beyond Time
“Well, let’s go then.” Jenna pulled out of his embrace and felt a chill at the loss of his heat.
Cormac put his hand to the small of her back and gently guided her toward the driver’s door, which he opened before she could protest. She got in and got herself situated and Cormac closed the door and strode around to the passenger side. Jenna watched as he easily folded himself into the compact space beside her and gave her another breathtaking smile. She was so enthralled by him that she literally forgot to breathe for a minute. Getting herself under control once again, she started the car and headed off in the direction of Sausalito and her favorite waterfront restaurant.
“Hi Casey,” Jenna greeted a tall, slender brunette woman who was waiting for them, just inside the doorway of the little seafood restaurant that sat perched right on the water’s edge.
“Do you have a table for us?”
“Of course, right this way. How’ve you been? I haven’t seen you in a while.” Casey said, as she led them to the outdoor patio and a table that overlooked the San Francisco Bay. “Are you doing okay since the annulment?”
“I’m fine. I’m getting on with my life. I’m finally free of the anchor that would have been holding me down. I was lucky to get out when I did.”
Cormac pulled Jenna’s chair out for her and as she sat down, Casey handed them both menus. “I know I probably don’t have to ask you what you want, Jenna. The usual?”
“That would be great, Casey. What about you, Cormac? I’m having the seafood pasta. It’s to die for, right Casey?”
“It is the house specialty,” Casey happily agreed.
“Then that’s what I’ll have,” Cormac said.
“Drinks while you wait?” Casey asked.
“I’d like a Sunset Margarita, no salt, please,” Jenna said. She glanced at Cormac, who seemed a bit bemused by the drink menu. “He’ll have the same. And can we get an order of fried calamari, too?”
“Sure. I’ll put your order in and be right back with your drinks.” Casey confirmed, as she started back inside.
“I love this place. I’ve been coming here since I was a little kid. My best friend, Ashley’s parents used to bring all of us, including Dylan, for a special treat.” Jenna looked wistfully at Cormac who had a very strange expression on his face. He cleared his throat and took a huge gulp of water, avoiding Jenna’s gaze. “Is everything alright?” she asked.
“Aye. All is well, lass. Dinnae fash.”
Jenna persevered. “It’s just that you had a really strange expression on your face. Was it something I said?”
“Nae. I just had a tickle in me throat. ’Tis all.”
Casey came back with their drinks. “Here you go. Enjoy.”
“Thanks, Casey.” Jenna smiled at the restaurant’s hostess, who was also serving as their waitress.
“Thank ye, lass,” Cormac offered, when Casey placed his drink in front of him.
“You’re welcome.” Casey turned and looked at Jenna, before she mouthed the words, “He’s hot!”
Jenna laughed and Cormac gave her a questioning look as Casey walked away.
“She thinks you’re hot,” Jenna said.
“Nae. I’m fine, lass. The weather is perfect.”
Jenna laughed again. “Not that kind of hot. She thinks you’re very handsome.”
“‘Hot’ means handsome?” Cormac questioned.
“Yes, except when it means hot,” Jenna was having fun messing with him, and she was amused that he was preening like a peacock at this news.
Jenna raised her glass in a toast. “To your hotness,” she giggled. They clinked glasses and took a sip.
“What’s in this drink, love?” he asked, studying the contents of the glass with interest.
“Tequila, triple sec, lime juice and the sunset part is provided by grenadine.”
