Page 70 of A Thistle Beyond Time
“Yeah. You’ve seen me without my clothes before. I’m sure we can manage to put a dress on without having to call Helene. Unless, of course, there’s some rule against it here.”
“As ye wish, lass, I’ll be happy to help ye.” Cormac held out his hand and she reached for it, enjoying the familiar sensation of warmth spreading through her limbs. She stepped out of bed and he pulled her closer to the fire.
“My dress is over there,” Jenna pointed to the lavender gown draped over a nearby chair and Cormac retrieved it. Turning her back to him, she let the nightgown drop to the floor. Cormac’s sharp intake of breath told her he was paying close attention. He wrapped his arms around her, holding the dress so she could easily step into it. The closeness of his body and the hardness of his wanting as it pressed against her back had Jenna trembling. Maybe this hadn’t been such a good idea. She steadied her breathing and did her best to pretend she was merely feeling the cold. Cormac quickly pulled the dress up and she put her arms in the sleeves. He then expertly did up the laces and when he was done, he stepped away from her. She immediately missed the warmth of his body and turned to look at him for the first time since he’d entered her room. He was more handsome than words could express.
“Thank you,” she managed.
“Yer welcome, lass. Is there anything else I can help ye with?”
“No,” she answered. “I really wanted to tell you about what happened last night when I went to bed.”
“I’m listening.”
“Edna was here. Not physically, but I could hear her in my mind.”
“Ah…” Cormac seemed disappointed, probably because he suspected that meant she’d be leaving.
“She told me that I have to stay here for seven days. Just like you had to stay in San Francisco for seven days.”
“Did she say why?” Relief was tangible in his voice.
“Just that I needed to take the time to get to know you better. She said at the end of the seven days, if I still wanted to return to San Francisco, she’d send me back.”
“I see. How do ye feel about that, Jenna? Do ye want to get to know me better?” He seemed anxious, like a little boy awaiting his punishment.
“Yeah. I do want to get to know you better, but I don’t think it will matter. I’m still going home,” she said firmly.
“Well, then, I guess we should get started. I’d like to show ye my world, just as ye showed me yers.” He watched her with one eyebrow cocked, waiting for her answer.
“Okay. Can we start with breakfast first? I’m starving.” She gave him her most brilliant smile. It wasn’t faked, but very real. She really was happy to have the opportunity to spend time with him. Once Edna took the choice of leaving immediately, away from her, Jenna realized she probably would enjoy this experience, just as Ashley had suggested. “Cormac, I’d like to apologize. I know, I know, I’m always apologizing for my behavior, but I unjustly accused you of kidnapping me. Edna set me straight and I wanted you to know that I am so sorry I doubted you.”
“’Tis nothing for ye to concern yerself with. I understand why ye would think those thoughts and I dinnae hold it against ye.”
“Good. So we’re okay, then?” she asked hopefully.
Cormac nodded. “Aye, we are.”
Jenna threw her arms around his waist and hugged him for all she was worth. She felt Cormac’s arms wrap around her and an audible sound of relief escaped his lips.
“Breakfast?” she asked.
“Aye.”
Cormac was so relieved to have the Jenna he loved back, he could hardly contain his excitement. Everyone was already seated and eating when Cormac and Jenna arrived in the great hall. Irene looked up, with surprise written all over her face. He knew she was concerned about him; she had shared that much with him last night. She wasnae sure Jenna was to be trusted with Cormac’s heart. He understood Irene didnae wish to see him hurt, but he was not a little boy anymore and he was capable of handling anything life threw his way, including the possibility that Jenna would end up breaking his heart. If that was to happen, so be it. He wouldnae allow that to ruin the next seven days with her.
“Good morning,” Jenna greeted everyone cheerfully. “I’d like to apologize for my behavior yesterday. I was very tired and I felt out of place, so I wasn’t on my best behavior. I hope you can all forgive me.”
“Of course we can, lass. Shall we start by properly introducing ourselves? I be Robert, the laird of Clan MacKenzie and I’m happy to know ye.” Robert stood and came around the table to take Jenna’s hand in his. Raising it to his lips, he gently kissed her knuckles. Jenna turned a becoming shade of pink. Right behind him was Cailin, who also took Jenna’s hand and kissed it. Jenna had already met everyone, but this was their way of letting her know that she was welcome among them, even if she hadn’t been at her best on their first meeting.
“I be Cailin, Cormac’s brother and husband to Ashley, but ye already ken that.” Cormac saw Cailin wink conspiratorially at Jenna.
Irene sat silently, her face a stony mask. “I believe ye met me sister Irene when we arrived yesterday, and ye already know Ashley,” Cormac said.
“I’m very happy to meet all of you and I’m looking forward to getting to know you better,” Jenna said shyly.
“Jenna will be staying with us for seven days and then she’ll decide if she wants to return to her home.” Cormac wanted them to know what was taking place, so they would all be comfortable with each other.
“Why seven days?” Irene asked.
