by Jennae Vale
“I think you’ll like this place,” Zeke said, holding the door to the restaurant open for her.
They were greeted by the hostess and taken to a booth for two in the back of the restaurant. Zeke waited for Helene to scoot into the booth, before following after her. He knew he was sitting closer than he should, but he was feeling inexplicably drawn to Helene tonight.
The darkened restaurant lent an air of romance to the evening. Zeke didn’t mind one bit. He found he had romance on his mind. He was seeing Helene as a woman he could possibly fall in love with. She was a special lady and he couldn’t help wondering if Edna had sent her to San Francisco especially for him.
“Do you want me to order for both of us, or do you want to look at the menu?”
Helene glanced at the menu. “Nae. You order. ’Tis a lovely place, Zeke. Thank ye fer taking me here.” A warm smile crossed her lips.
“My pleasure. It’s good to see you smile, Helene. You deserve to be happy and if I can help in any way, I will.”
“Yer a good man, but I still feel badly that I didnae have yer dinner ready.”
“You’ll have plenty of time to have dinner ready for me in the future.”
“Do ye nae think Edna will send me back home?” She sounded worried, and Zeke’s heart broke just a little bit. He wanted her to stay, but more importantly it had to be what she wanted too. If she wanted to go back and she could, should he try to stop her or should he find a way to convince her that staying with him was the better choice?
“I don’t know.” He honestly had no idea what to expect. It was possible she’d be gone tomorrow. He hoped that wouldn’t be the case. He was enjoying the opportunity to spend time alone with her and didn’t want it to end too soon, if at all.
Zeke ordered their dinner and they spent the rest of the evening talking. There were no awkward silences at any point. Helene seemed to enjoy the food and the more she smiled at him, the more Zeke hoped she might see him as something more than the man who rescued her. Of course, it was too soon. Helene had been through a traumatic experience and it would take time for her to get over it, but Zeke had all the time in the world to wait.
“Do you like chocolate?” Zeke asked, looking over the dessert menu.
“Chocolate?”
“I think you’ll like it. We’ll share the chocolate cake, and two coffees, please,” Zeke said to the server.
Zeke stretched his neck from side to side. “I had a good workout today at the studio. My neck and shoulders are really feeling it.”
“I’ll get a bath for you when we get home. Hot water will help relax yer muscles. Many of the men back home suffer from the same aches and pains. A hot bath always helps.”
“Okay. That sounds good.”
Helene loved the cake and the coffee. “’Tis quite good. I’ve nae had anything like it before.”
“Stick with me, there’s so much more to explore. I’m excited to share it with you.” He finished the last sip of his coffee and Helene took the last bite of cake. “Shall we head home?”
“Aye. Let’s go home.”
Chapter 13
Small gusts of wind rustled through the trees as the sun began its journey into the sky. Dougall and Logan rose early and finally arrived at the bridge. He’d seen it before, but it had never been more than just a bridge to him. Today it would become something else entirely. It was the magick he needed to be transported through time to find his Helene.
“Is this it?” Logan asked as they approached.
Dougall dismounted and guided his horse closer to the bridge. Logan did the same.
“It doesnae appear to be verra magickal,” Logan observed, glancing around from one side to the other.
“This is the place, but I dinnae ken what is expected of us.” The warrior in Dougall was on guard, his senses heightened and waiting for any indication that Edna was near.
“Should ye call to her?” Logan asked, his usually calm demeanor showing cracks.
“Aye. She said I should. Edna!” Dougall called into the silence, his voice echoing off of the stones which ran along the banks and down to the stream.
There was no answer. So he tried again, “Edna!”
Logan appeared a bit apprehensive, fidgeting with his horse’s bridle. “’Tis quiet. Mayhap we’re too early.”
“We should mount our horses and stand closer together,” Dougall suggested. He really had no idea how to do this, he was merely going on the information he’d been given by Cormac and Cailin.
“Aye.” Logan mounted Dewin and waited while Dougall mounted Broch.
They stood waiting for a number of minutes before Dougall noticed the fog creeping across the bridge towards them. It reached the horses hooves first and they pranced nervously, held in place by the expert skills of their riders. The fog crept up higher and higher, devouring them with its thick grey mass. Finally, they were engulfed in it and pops of color sparked around them. Fear had them both sitting as still as statues. The horses whinnied and called out, but the two men sat stock still waiting to emerge from the fog bank and into whatever awaited them.
“Dougall?” Logan’s voice sounded faint and far away.
“Aye.”
“I believe we’ve arrived.”
The fog slowly dissipated and they were greeted by a wide expanse of water and the largest bridge either of them had ever seen. The wind whipping off the water was causing the horses to spook at every little thing. It took all their strength to hold them in check and prevent them from running away with their two riders.
After several minutes of unsettling activity, the horses calmed. Dougall remembered the instructions Jenna had given them and they began walking the horses in the direction he hoped would lead to the stables.
He thought Logan was going to fall out of his saddle. He was swiveling from side-to-side, taking in everything they passed. “Dougall, did ye see that?” he asked for what seemed like the hundredth time.
“Aye. I saw it Logan. I dinnae ken what it is, but I’m sure we’ll find out soon enough.” He didn’t care about any of the things they saw. He only wished to find Helene and then head back home where they belonged.
A short while later, the stable was right in front of them. Dougall was relieved to see it and even more relieved when he found Jasper Briggs, the man Jenna told him would take care of the horses for them.
At the mention of Jenna’s name, the man’s face lit up. “How is my Jenna?” he asked.
“She’s fine, sir. She said to give ye her best.” Dougall breathed in the mixture of pine scent from the surrounding trees and the smell of the ocean, which arrived on a cool breeze.
“I haven’t seen her in quite some time. She’s a lovely young lady. Am I putting this on the company tab?” Jasper asked.
“Aye.” Dougall nodded in agreement.
“Jenna was quite frightened of horses if I remember correctly, but her family’s business has always kept some horses here at the stable.”
“She’s nae afeared any longer. Her husband has taught her to ride.” Dougall felt comfortable sharing this information with Jasper. He was a good judge of character and he felt Jasper was a good man.
“Husband? She’s married now?” Jasper seemed surprised.
“Aye,” Dougall said.
“Well, I’ll be. I guess I’ve been working here a long time. I remember her from when she was a child. She’s all grown up now. Time flies.”
Dougall dismounted, as did Logan.
“You can have the two stalls on the end. If you need anything special for your mounts, let me know and I’ll see to it for you.”
“Thank ye, Jasper,” Dougall extended a hand and Jasper clasped it in a firm handshake.
Dougall and Logan entered the stable, which was clean and well kept. The stalls were large and had doors that led outside to a decent sized run.
“The horses will be happy here,” Dougall said.
“Now we’ve only to find our way to Jenna’s house.” Loga
n appeared eager for an adventure.
“I’ve the information Jenna wrote down for me.” He removed it from his sporran and quickly looked it over before placing it safely away.
They unsaddled their horses and Jasper showed them where they could keep their tack. When everything was settled, they began walking. Jasper had been kind enough to point them in the right direction. The rest was up to them.
The little coffee shop downstairs from Sara’s apartment wasn’t very busy today. She was able to get a seat outside, where the sun had managed to shine brightly, warming her as she sipped her coffee and nibbled on a croissant. Movement down the block and heading her way caught her eye. Two fine specimens of men were only moments away from the coffee shop. What were the chances they’d stop? They were tall, muscular and kilted. One was a long-haired blonde and the other had long, dark curly locks. There was something other worldly about them. Or maybe it was other timely. Ever since she’d learned time travel was possible, Sara spent a ridiculous amount of her time deciding whether or not the people she met were time travelers. These two, unlike all the others, seemed completely out of place. As they strode purposefully towards her, she noted that they each had a sword peeking up over their shoulder and most likely sheathed at their back. The one with the dark hair, glanced her way and she was immediately taken in by his appearance. He had what she’d call animal magnetism and she was definitely drawn to him. They were approaching her table now and would pass her right by if she didn’t say something.
Gathering her courage, she said, “Hi!” They glanced at each other and then at her, stopping as they did so. “Hello. You’re not from around here are you?”
The scowling blonde spoke first, “Nae, lass. We be from a place far from here.”
The dark haired man said something, but she couldn’t quite make it out. He was gazing at her now and if she wasn’t mistaken, his eyes were fixed on her lips. He was totally checking her out. She was about to get her flirt on.
“I have no idea what you’re saying, but please keep saying it. I could listen to you all day.” She directed her best sultry smile at them.
The men exchanged puzzled glances.
“Would you like to sit down? Maybe have a cup of coffee,” she asked. Please say yes.
“Coffee,” the blonde one said. “Cailin said we should try it, but we’ve little time.”
“Come on. It won’t take long. Sit, please.” She patted the chairs to either side of her. She could hardly wait. She was going to be the filling in a Scottish highlander sandwich.
The men looked at each other again. The dark haired one shrugged his shoulders and sat on what now appeared to Sara to be a very tiny little chair. He motioned with his head for the blonde man to follow suit, which he did.
“I’m Sara.” She held out her hand.
The dark haired man took it in his and said, “I be Logan. This be Dougall.”
Had she heard that right. Could this be Helene’s Dougall? “Logan, right?” she said, directing her question to him.
“Aye.”
“Dougall?” she asked.
“Aye.”
This was odd. What were the chances of meeting two men who seemed so out of place and having one of them be named Dougall?
A server came out of the coffee shop and Sara asked for a refill and two more coffees.
“Sure thing. I’ll be right back,” she said, giving Sara a wide-eyed look and nod in the direction of the men.
“I know, right?” Sara responded. “So what brings you to our beautiful city?” She returned her attention to the two men.
“We be looking fer someone.” Dougall said.
“Oh. Do you know where they are?”
“Aye. We’ve been told how to find her.”
“Her?”
“Aye. Me betrothed.”
This was Dougall. Oh my gosh, Helene was going to be so excited to see him.
“Her name wouldn’t happen to be Helene, would it?”
Dougall shot up out of his seat, knocking it over in the process. “Aye. ‘Twould. Where is she?”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa. Hold your horses. I know where she is, but there’s no need to rush, she’s not going anywhere.” I’d like to get to know your friend here a little bit better. She smiled at Logan and hoped her facial expression didn’t give away her intentions. He smiled back, a bit warily at first, but then broke into a huge grin. Oh my gosh, he has the most adorable dimples.
The two of them sat there gawking at each other before being interrupted by the girl bringing them their coffee. “Thanks,” Sara said, handing her a credit card.
“What is that ye handed the lass?” Logan asked.
She almost melted in her seat. His voice was deep, sexy and that accent was enough to make her pass out right where she sat. “That was a credit card. It’s what I use to pay for just about everything.”
Logan wrinkled his brow at her explanation and then took a sip of the coffee. “Why did Cailin say we should try this. ’Tis not verra good,” he said to Dougall.
“I dinnae ken it. I’d agree.” Dougall was seated again and scowling at her.
“Here, let me doctor that up for you.” Sara put some cream and sugar in each, stirring. “Now try it.”
They both obliged her. “Much better,” Logan said, a smile spreading across the face Sara was coming to think of as hers.
“Aye. Better,” Dougall said.
“Well, let’s enjoy them for a few more minutes and then I’ll take you to Helene.” I need to drink in a little more Logan before we go.
“Do you guys want anything to eat?” she asked.
Logan appeared hopeful, but Dougall was in a hurry. “Nae. We must finish this drink and then find Helene.”
“She’s fine. Don’t worry, Zeke’s been taking good care of her,” Sara assured him.
“Who is this Zeke?” Dougall growled.
“My brother.”
Sara noted Dougall’s face had turned fifty shades of angry. “Helene is to marry me,” he barked.
“She was pretty sad when she got here, you know.” Sara didn’t think she cared for Dougall. After all, Helene was her friend. She needed to protect her, unlike Dougall who left her to fend for herself with his father. She was beginning to question her decision to take him to her. “She said you were marrying someone else and had forgotten all about her.”
“That’s nae true. I could never forget Helene,” he fumed.
Sara could tell she was pushing his buttons. Maybe she should stop before he used that sword on her or her brother, but she was having too much fun prodding him. He’d hurt Helene. He deserved it. “What about this other chick?”
“Chick?” Dougall furrowed his brow, obviously perplexed.
“Lass, I guess you call them.” Sara was going to have to remember they weren’t familiar with American slang.
“Greer Matheson is her name. I didnae wish to marry her and I told me father so. I believe I am no longer welcome in his home.”
“Wow! That’s harsh.” She snuck a peek at Logan who was sneaking a peek at her. “Well, you may have to do a little work to get back in her good graces. She might not be too happy to see you.”
“Why? I ken I let her down, but I love her. She means the world to me. She kens I do.” Dougall averted his eyes.
“I beg to differ. You left her alone with your father and he threw her in a dungeon. That doesn’t sound like the actions of a man in love. You should have told your father right off the bat that you were leaving and taking Helene back to Breaghacraig,” Sara scolded.
“I’m ashamed of me actions, but I love Helene more than anyone in this world. I would never intentionally hurt her.”
Sara knew she was doing the wrong thing, but she thought maybe making Dougall a little jealous would hammer home the fact that he shouldn’t have done what he did. “I don’t know. I think she may have feelings for Zeke. They’ve been spending a lot of time together.”
Dougall’s reaction wa
s swift and extreme. Jumping up from his seat, he grabbed for his sword. “We’ll go now.”
“You should really put that away. It’s not legal to brandish a sword in public like that. You have to keep it sheathed.” Sara’s pulse was racing. That one was definitely over the line.
Logan put a steadying hand on Dougall, which seemed to calm him down immediately. He put the sword away. An uncomfortable silence followed as he stood staring at her. His eyes were like lasers burning holes through her soul. She’d started this and she could tell him she was only joking, but she had noticed Zeke and Helene getting closer every time she saw them together. She didn’t believe she was too far off the mark and he should probably be prepared for some competition, although she hoped he wasn’t going to challenge Zeke to a duel or anything. He seemed like a go-with-your-gut kind of guy and it would only be a matter of time before he noticed it himself. She’d only sped up the process. She took the last sip of her coffee and finished her croissant, breaking off a piece of it for Logan, who was practically drooling as he watched her. He gratefully accepted it and it disappeared into his mouth immediately.
Sara rose from her seat and the two men followed. She was feeling a little warm, so she removed her sweater and much to her delight, Logan’s finger began tracing the ivy tattoo which wrapped around her upper arm.
“Do you like it?” she asked.
He nodded, removing his finger and then placing the whole of his hand at the small of her back, guiding her away from the coffee shop. She could definitely get used to this.
Chapter 14
Zeke and Helene were enjoying a leisurely breakfast. The studio was closed today and Zeke had planned to take Helene on a little sightseeing tour of San Francisco. He had the whole day planned out, down to the romantic dinner spot he’d chosen. If things went well today, he planned on making his move tonight. He thought Helene might possibly feel the same way he felt, but she was shy and reserved, never saying anything that might give herself away. It was one of the many things about her that Zeke found attractive.
