Chapter 12 #2
“I used to tell them all the time when I was a child, but they would tell me not to be selfish. They’d tell me I was lucky to grow up not wanting for anything, that there were many children going to bed hungry, or sick, or who had no schools to go to.”
“I would imagine that would be enough to make ye keep yer thoughts to yerself on the matter,” Cormac sympathized.
“It did. I learned early on that no matter what I was thinking or feeling on the subject I should just keep it to myself. And I have, even now.”
They were alone at the table now, the others had gotten up and were moving about the room.
Cormac reached out and caressed her cheek with the back of his hand.
Jenna leaned into his comforting touch. There was something about him that put her at ease, even when she was feeling out of sorts.
His very presence grounded her and she knew that if she let him, he’d be there for her through any struggle she may have.
He’d protect her and care for her and it was very seductive to see him in that light.
Music began to play and Jenna suddenly wanted to be closer to Cormac, to have him hold her in his arms and to feel his warmth shield her from the rest of the world. She held out her hand to him. “Dance with me,” she said.
He stood and took her hand, guiding her to the dance floor.
“I’m afraid I’m not familiar with yer music or dances, lass,” he apologized.
“Nothing to it. You just need to put your arms around me and move around the floor. It’s not rocket science,” she laughed.
“Rocket science?”
Jenna tipped her head and pursed her lips. She wouldn’t ruin this moment with a snarky comment. Instead she moved closer to him. The anticipation of touching him was sending zinging sensations across her skin and from the satisfied look on his face she knew he was pleased.
“I’d be more than happy to hold ye in me arms, Jenna.” Cormac pulled her into his embrace and they swayed around the dance floor, oblivious to the others dancing around them. She rested her head under his chin as she had imagined doing earlier and let his presence comfort her.
The music was slow, an Etta James song, handled masterfully by the woman singing with the band.
Jenna looked up at Cormac and their eyes locked.
She was falling under his spell. She knew she shouldn’t, but didn’t seem to be able to stop herself.
This man, whoever he was and wherever he was from, had worked his way into her heart and she was helpless to stop it.
The fact that he was leaving in a few days distressed Jenna, but she wasn’t about to go with him.
Besides she wasn’t so sure he was going anywhere.
There was no such thing as time travel and in her world, witches didn’t send people clear across the ocean to collect a wife.
How was she going to deal with that aspect of Cormac?
Maybe she could get him someone to help him with his delusions, if he stayed.
She needed to figure this all out. Dylan hadn’t been any help at all.
He just continued to feed the flame of this unbelievable story.
The song ended and Jenna was loathe to pull herself away from Cormac and he didn’t seem too eager to let her go either.
“It’s warm in here,” Jenna observed. “Let’s go outside for some fresh air.”
Cormac took her hand and led her to the doors and then outside.
As they exited the building and stood on the sidewalk, he turned her to face him and much to her surprise leaned down and kissed her quite thoroughly.
His lips were soft, his breath warm and his arms wrapped around her, holding her in place.
She felt her knees go weak and her heart begin to pound.
With shaking hands she ran her fingers through his gloriously soft hair and wrapped her arms around his neck.
The kiss seemed to go on forever, and she would have loved that, but all too soon it ended and they stood face to face unable to look away from each other.
“Well, well, well, who do we have here,” a familiar voice chanted.
Jenna started at the sound. “Jonathan! Oh, my God, are you following me?”
“Of course, not, baby. I just happened to be in the neighborhood, walking down the street, just like anyone has a right to do, and I saw the two of you over here doing the kissy face thing. You really ought to get a room. You are at a hotel, you know,” he laughed as he sneered at Cormac.
“I suggest ye just continue on yer way.” Cormac glared at him and stood to his full height, dwarfing Jonathan in the process.
“You do, do you?” Jonathan asked with a hint of a challenge to his voice.
“Aye. This is not the place to cause a scene. I’d be happy to meet you elsewhere, if ye like.”
“Cormac, just ignore him. He’s just trying to get a rise out of us,” Jenna growled.
“I have places to go and people to see, sweet cheeks, so I’ll get out of your hair … for now.” Jonathan leaned in and kissed Jenna’s cheek and Cormac lunged at him. Jenna grabbed Cormac before he could make contact with Jonathan.
“Don’t, Cormac. It’s exactly what he wants.” Jenna stood between the two men who glared menacingly at each other. “Goodbye, Jonathan.”
Jonathan strutted away with a cocky look of triumph on his face.
“Are ye sure ye dinna still care for him, lass?”
“God, no! Cormac, I’ve already told you that. I’d say my feelings for him come closer to hate.”
“Then why do ye not allow me to knock him on his arse? I’ve no doubt he’d stop bothering you if I did,” Cormac assured her.
“I know him and I know what he’s trying to do.
He wants you to punch him. When you do, he’ll have you arrested and then he’ll try to coerce more money out of me to get the charges dropped.
I can’t let that happen to you. I’m going to call my lawyer tomorrow and get a restraining order. Then he’ll have to stay away from me.”
Cormac looked confused and she chalked it up to the language barrier.
He obviously didn’t understand many of the American terms she used.
Jenna put her arms around his waist and was very aware of the well-muscled physique under his tuxedo.
“Come on,” she coaxed. “Let’s not allow him to spoil our night, okay? ”
“Aye,” Cormac agreed as he hugged her close.
Jenna shivered and laughed. “I was warm and now I’m cold.”
Cormac took her hand and they walked back inside to the fairyland atmosphere of the gala.
***
The music and dancing continued long into the night and Jenna seemed to be relaxed and enjoying herself.
Cormac was sure to stay close and kept a watchful eye on their surroundings to be sure that Jonathan didn’t appear again.
It hurt his pride that he was unable to protect Jenna from the threat that Jonathan presented.
A man in his time would have insured her safety by removing the threat, but in this time it was apparently frowned upon.
So many of the things he had seen since his arrival were perplexing to him, and he had no choice but to accept them.
He would do it to keep the peace with Jenna, unless things worsened, of course.
Cormac stood guard in the hallway outside of the ladies room, waiting for Jenna to reappear. The scowl on his face went a long way in keeping people at arm’s length.
“Is everything alright, Cormac?” Jenna’s aunt Angelina laid a gentle hand on his arm to catch his attention. “You look fit to kill someone,” she teased.
“Aye. I’d like to, but Jenna will nae allow it,” Cormac answered, tension written all over his face.
“Why, what’s going on?” Angelina asked.
“Jenna’s former husband is making her miserable. We just had words outside.” He clenched and unclenched his fist in frustration. “I just dinna ken why Jenna willnae allow me to take care of him. It wouldnae take much to get him to leave her be.”
“Unfortunately, Cormac, you’d end up in jail.” Angelina fussed with her dress and looked at the line of women waiting to get into the ladies’ room. “She’s lucky to have you to protect her.”
“She doesnae want my protection, Angelina. She has told me not to interfere and I have honored her request, although it chafes to do so. I can protect her and if he tries to hurt her, he will regret it, but I’m only here for a short while.
I must return to my home. I’ve asked Jenna to come with me, but she willnae. ”
“I see. Well, you have only known each other a short time, right? Maybe after she knows you a bit better she’ll change her mind.”
“I cannae stay. I must go back. Mayhap she’ll change her mind before then. It’s a fine life I can offer her, but she doesnae trust me yet.”
“Cormac, I can see you are an honorable man. Jenna deserves that. Especially after what she’s been through with Jonathan, but this might all be happening too quickly for her. When do you have to leave?”
“I have a few more days here,” he answered.
“That’s a shame. It would do Jenna good to get away for a while. Maybe you could convince her to go for a short vacation.”
“Vacation?”
“Oh, dear, I’m sorry. For rest and relaxation,” Angelina said.
Cormac continued to look puzzled.
“Sorry I took so long.” Jenna approached them from the ladies’ room. “I’m always amazed at the wait.”
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 appeared 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 dinna 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 dinna 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 headed for the valet parking.