Page 32 of A Thistle Beyond Time
Dylan, thankfully, did not get on the board with him. He gave him instruction and told him to watch Jesse, to see how he did it. He explained paddling out, sitting and waiting for a perfect wave and getting to your feet and riding it in. Cormac watched some others who were out on surfboards and saw how they did it. He was a quick study and didn’t think he’d have a problem. He might fall a time or two, but he knew he’d be able to ride thissurfboardbefore too long.
Cormac paddled out and sat beside Jesse and Jenna. Jesse gave him some words of encouragement and when a good wave came along, Jesse had Cormac go first and give it a try. He did surprisingly well. He rode almost all the way to shore before toppling off and into the churning waves. He stayed where he was and kept watch on Jenna and Jesse. He watched closely as their wave approached and they quickly paddled into position, Jenna stood with the help of Jesse and he held her waist, damn him, as they rode the wave. They didn’t make it quite as far as Cormac before they fell, but he was relieved to see Jenna’s head pop to the surface wearing a huge smile. She swam in his direction full of excitement.
“That was amazing, but I am so cold. I need to get out of the water. Are you coming?” she asked, as she stood shivering in front of him.
Dylan approached, full of praise for them both and asking if Cormac would like to try it again, but Cormac’s only concern was getting Jenna warm. He pulled her into his arms and started for shore.
“Thanks, Jesse,” Jenna called back and Cormac held her a little tighter.
Once they reached their blanket, Cormac grabbed a towel and wrapped Jenna snugly inside. He continued to hold her, rubbing her arms and back to get her warm. She was still shivering, but not as badly.
“Did you love it?” she asked, excitement lighting her eyes.
“Aye, I did.”
“You were amazing. I can’t believe you’ve never surfed before,” Jenna exclaimed.
“We have nae surfboards at Breaghacraig. We have ocean and we have waves, but none of the clan has ever thought to ride them on a board.”
“Well, maybe you can teach them something new.”
“The water be much colder than ’tis here. We dinnae swim unless we have to.”
“Oh, that’s too bad. You could be as good as Dylan with a little practice.”
They sat together on the blanket. Jenna remained in his arms and for once she didn’t seem to be thinking about running away. He tried not to react as she rested her head on his shoulder and relaxed against him. He couldn’t think of anywhere he would rather be at this very moment. Holding her felt right. It was what he had been missing all these years. She fit perfectly against his body and he wanted to have her there always. Only a few days had passed since they met and he was amazed that things were going as well as they were. He hadn’t thought it possible. Now he had to convince her to go back with him. He hoped it would be easier than he first anticipated, but he knew it wouldnae be. He had his work cut out for him, but progress had been made. He needed to keep it going in the right direction.
Chapter 10
Dylan and Jesse joined Cormac and Jenna for a quick lunch before heading back into the water. Jenna had been right. She’d packed just enough food to feed Cormac and Dylan, along with a very hungry Jesse. Smiling to herself, she watched the three scarfing down food like they hadn’t eaten in days. Cormac had been most complimentary of her sandwich making skills. He claimed to have never had a sandwich before. She humored him and went along with pretty much all of the crazy stuff he was spouting today. Something about being at the beach felt very liberating to Jenna. She stopped analyzing everything he said and did, instead determined just to enjoy his company.
After the last of the sandwiches were gone, Jenna asked, “Cormac, would you like to go for a walk on the beach with me?”
“I’d be honored to accompany ye, Jenna.”
Jenna couldn’t help but notice the surprise in his expression. “It’s just a walk, nothing else,” she warned.
“What else could a walk be, lass?” he quizzed her.
She stood up and grabbed two peaches to take with them. She put her other hand out to Cormac to help him up. Who was she kidding? He didn’t need any help, she just wanted to hold his hand. He took it and stood. He seemed puzzled by her actions, but followed as she grabbed Chester’s leash, turned on her heels and headed towards the water’s edge. They walked in a companionable silence for a while and then Cormac asked, “What are those that ye carry in yer hand, lass?”
“Peaches. It’s the end of the season for them. They’re my favorite fruit, but they’re only fresh and local in the summer. I brought one for you.” She handed him the peach and he rubbed the furry skin with his fingers.
“Thank ye. How does it taste?”
“Sweet and juicy.” Jenna took a bite out of hers and the juices ran down her chin.
Cormac stopped Jenna in her tracks and turning her to face him, he stared at her with such intensity her knees turned to jelly. He reached out and wiped the juices from her chin in a most seductive manner, and then licked his fingers, never taking his eyes away from hers. He smiled that amazing smile of his and Jenna self-consciously wiped at her chin and offered him a bite of her peach. Cormac accepted and as the juices ran down his stubbly chin, Jenna found herself standing on tiptoes, licking the peach juice from his face as he groaned low in his throat, letting her know he was completely turned on by what had just happened.
“You know, I have really got to stop doing that,” she said, as she turned her face away from him, hoping he wouldn’t see how embarrassed she was.
“Why? Do ye make a habit of licking a man’s face?” he teased.
“No! I don’t,” she cried indignantly. “It’s your fault. I don’t seem to be able to control myself around you. I’m really not that kind of girl. I’ve never in my life been the one to initiate kissing and, and…” She waved her hand around in the air finding herself unable to complete her thought.
“I like it, lass. I like the way ye go after what you want. Dinnae stop. I’m happy to let ye do what ye will with me,” he said playfully.
Cormac had tipped his head to the side to get a better look at her face and he looked so sweet that Jenna had to fight with herself not to reach up and kiss him again.Jenna, what are you doing?She warned herself.I just want to jump his bones. I’ve got to get a grip. He is a visitor to our country and he is only here for a few more days. You know you can’t ever do anything part way – and when he leaves you’ll be miserable. So, don’t go there. Well, maybe just a little.
