Page 43 of A Thistle Beyond Time
Angelina laughed and Cormac nodded, even though he wasn’t sure what the wait was for.
“’Tis nothing to apologize for, lass,” Cormac stated.
“Shall we go back to our table?” Jenna asked.
“Aye,” Cormac said, as he took her hand. Angelina joined them, following along beside Jenna.
“Jenna, Cormac told me that Jonathan has been bothering you. Why didn’t you say anything to me about it?” Angelina sounded concerned.
“It’s no big deal, really. I’m going to call Bill tomorrow and get a restraining order. He’ll have to stay away from me then. Besides, he doesn’t scare me. He thinks he’s intimidating, but he’s actually just very annoying.” Jenna rolled her eyes and snickered.
“I ken ye dinnae believe he’ll hurt you, lass, but I’m nae so sure. I’d feel better if ye’d let me threaten him with bodily harm if he doesnae stay away from ye,” Cormac said.
“Cormac, stop being such a caveman!” Jenna exclaimed.
“He just wants to help, Jenna,” Angelina said.
“Aye, lass. Ye ken that dinnae ye?” Cormac asked, not wanting to upset her.
“I know. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean that. You’re not being a caveman. You’re just being kind and I appreciate that, but you needn’t worry. My lawyer will take care of it and if he comes near me, I’ll call the police. Let them take care of it, Cormac. I don’t want you to get into trouble.” Jenna looked contrite and Cormac decided it would be best to drop the subject.
“It’s getting late. Maybe we should head back to the house. Angelina, do you need us to drop you off somewhere?” Jenna asked.
“No, sweetie, I’m staying right here in this hotel. Thanks for asking though.” Angelina smiled sweetly at both of them. “I'd think twice about letting this one get away, Jenna.” She leaned in and kissed Jenna’s cheek as she grasped Cormac’s hand. He adeptly raised her hand to his lips, kissing the back of it. “I rest my case,” she laughed. Cormac and Jenna watched as she walked away and then they headed for the valet parking.
Chapter 13
The air outside was crisp and cool after being in the crowded ballroom. Jenna held tightly to Cormac’s arm as they waited for their limo to appear. She even felt comfortable enough to rest her head on his upper arm. She was rewarded with a crooked grin as Cormac pulled her into his arms and held her close. The limo pulled up and the driver exited, coming around to open the door for them. Cormac guided Jenna into the back and then followed as the driver closed the door and then took his place behind the steering wheel.
“Did you have a good time, Cormac?” Jenna wondered aloud.
“Aye. I was with ye – and that was all I needed to enjoy the evening.”
Jenna smiled and snuggled a little closer. His body emitted a great amount of heat and she doubted she would ever need much more than him, to keep her warm on a chilly night. He undid the bow tie and the top few buttons of his shirt to reveal a stretch of muscular chest. Jenna lifted her nose and nuzzled his neck, enjoying the scent of pine and musk that had been set loose to assail her senses. She felt so comfortable with him. Once again she found herself wishing he was staying. She should be able to convince him, shouldn’t she? She relished the feel of his arm around her back holding her close, the rise and fall of his chest beneath her cheek. This moment was perfection and she didn’t want it to end. She felt safe and treasured. She had a realization at that moment.This is the way a man should make a woman feel.Jenna wished she had known this before. If she had, she might not have married Jonathan. She had been his safety net and he had never offered her the same courtesy in return.
The limousine continued across the city, stopping at the occasional red light on its way to Jenna’s home. The two passengers remained comfortably silent as they pulled to a stop in front of Jenna’s place. Jenna looked up into his glorious blue eyes and smiled sweetly, waiting for the door to be opened by the driver. As it did, Cormac exited the vehicle and put his hand inside the door to take Jenna’s and help her out onto the sidewalk. They thanked the driver and hurried up the steps. Jenna fumbled through her evening bag for the keys to unlock the front door. The beep of the alarm system reminded her to reset it once they were inside and the door was closed and locked. She had butterflies fluttering around in her tummy, not sure what to do next. She hoped Cormac was on the same wavelength as she was and then, before she could give it a second more of her attention, Cormac took her into his arms and lowered his head to hers. He kissed her gently at first and then with more passion as his lips lingered on hers. Jenna came up for air and smiled, drunk with desire. She realized that up until this night, she had been the one making all the first moves and she was elated that Cormac had taken the lead this time. She decided that she would let him continue to do so.
* * *
Determined to kiss her before she kissed him, Cormac was pleased with the result. Jenna looked radiant and he knew that his kiss was the cause. The path to winning her heart was a treacherous one. He was uncertain how to proceed, but he let his instincts take control, leading her into the living room and the large, yet cozy chair set by the fireplace. Jenna reached over and flicked a nearby switch and the fireplace came to life. Cormac did his best not to seem awestruck by the sudden appearance of flames licking at what was obviously not a real piece of wood. He focused his attention back on Jenna, sitting comfortably on his lap. His fingers traced the line of her jaw seductively, then continued up to her parted lips. Jenna sucked his finger into her mouth and he knew he was lost. Dipping his head once again his tongue flicked out and teased her lips. His hands gently cradled her head, fingers tangled in her silky hair. She moaned softly, urging him on. The kisses were sweet and hot, soft and passionate. Coming up for air, Cormac changed tactics, kissing her chin, her throat, and up to her sweet little ears. She reached up to remove her earrings, which were impeding his progress. Soft mewling sounds came from deep within her throat and she wrapped her arms around his neck, pulling him closer.
“I really must get out of this dress,” Jenna panted, as she pulled away.
“Aye, ye must.” Cormac had a wicked twinkle in his eye. “Shall I help?”
“Please… I’d like that.” She smiled coquettishly. “And while we’re at it, you need to get out of that tux.”
Cormac was completely enamored with Jenna. All he had to do was look at her beauty and his rigid manhood made itself known instantly.
“I’m going to get a bottle of champagne and some glasses,” Jenna said, getting up from his lap. “I’ll meet you in my bedroom.”
“Nae. I’ll wait for ye. I dinnae wish to take my eyes off ye. Ye are so beautiful.” He reached out and grasped her fingers in his hand as she backed away towards the bar. Cormac stood and adjusted his painfully tight pants. He followed Jenna with his eyes, watching her every move. When she returned, she handed him the bottle as she took his other hand and they headed for her room. Cormac swallowed deeply, wanting to savor every single moment of this night.
* * *
They entered the bedroom and Jenna turned on the lights. “Oh, too bright!” she said. She immediately set about lighting the candles, which were on every flat surface all over the room. “Much better,” she smiled, as she turned off the lights. The candles cast a sensuous glow throughout the room, setting the mood for romance.
Cormac popped the cork on the bottle of champagne and Jenna set the glasses down on her dresser for him to fill. Picking up one of the filled flutes, Jenna spoke. “To us.”
