A Matter of Time: Book 4 of The Thistle & Hive Series

by Jennae Vale

  “Angie,” Nick said and Richard raised an eyebrow. He’d never heard Nick call her that before and immediately decided he didn’t like the sound of it, preferring the use of her proper name.

  “Nickie,” she retorted. Richard immediately had the impression this was some sort of game they played with each other.

  “Why don’t you stay at the house tonight? I don’t like the idea of you driving in this weather.” Nick paused, waiting for her to respond.

  “I don’t know,” she began doubtfully.

  “I won’t hear otherwise,” Nick stated firmly. “Richard will sleep on the sofa, won’t you Richard?”

  “Of course, it’s very comfortable.” Richard tried not to sound too eager at the prospect of Angelina staying with them overnight.

  “You don’t mind?” Angelina was studying him with those beautiful blue eyes.

  “No. I agree with Nick, this is not a good night for you to travel alone.” Richard swiftly glanced away from her mesmerizing stare, before he found himself forever trapped in those pools of loveliness.

  “Okay, then, I’ll stay,” she agreed.

  “This will be fun,” Nick said, smiling widely.

  “It’ll be like a slumber party,” Angelina teased.

  “A what?” Both men asked the question at once.

  “Oh, never mind. I guess they must call it something different where you’re from.” She glanced at Richard and then quickly back at Nick before refocusing on the wet road ahead.

  “Perhaps if ye explain it to us, then we’ll ken yer meaning.” Nick poked Richard in the shoulder from behind.

  “Yes, do explain please,” Richard added.

  “It’s something that girls do when they’re younger. They have sleepovers. Their friends all come with their sleeping bags and pajamas to stay the night. Then they watch movies, eat pizza, gossip and do each other’s hair and makeup.”

  Richard saw Nick’s ears perk up at the mention of pizza and he had to admit the idea sounded good to him as well. “What are pajamas?” he asked.

  “Pajamas? Sleeping attire.” She wrinkled her brow as she eyed him speculatively.

  “Ah, yes. Sleeping attire. So how will the three of us go about having a slumber party? What will we do?” Richard could see he was making Angelina uncomfortable with his questions, but he had to admit that he was enjoying teasing her. He kept his face serious, knowing she’d be confused by his lack of reaction.

  “I was just kidding. Of course we’re not going to have a slumber party,” she muttered. “We’re adults.” Angelina kept her eyes on the road, even as a deep chuckle erupted from Richard’s chest.

  “You’re having fun at my expense,” Angelina said, peeking in his direction. “I’ll remember that.”

  “I apologize. I couldn’t help myself.” Richard noticed that Nick was extremely silent in the back seat. Very unlike him. He always had something to say, about absolutely everything. Richard snuck a quick look in his direction and discovered Nick was obviously holding back his own laughter.

  “I love you, my friend, but I wouldn’t bait the fair Angelina too often. She can be brutal. Believe me, I know,” Nick said, trying to stifle a snicker.

  “You’d do well to listen to your friend.” Those beautiful pools of blue were focused on him again, but this time there was a smile behind them. Richard immediately decided her eyes would be the death of him, even as he returned her heated gaze. He found he couldn’t tear himself away this time, instead deciding he might just wade right in and stay for a while.

  Chapter 9

  They ordered pizza, but Angelina made sure that this time they ordered a salad and a veggie pizza for her. She went to the bar and got out a bottle of red wine and some glasses. “Nick would you open this, please?”

  Nick dutifully uncorked the bottle and handed it to her.

  “Wine?” she asked. “It goes better with pizza than whiskey.”

  Richard walked across to her and took a glass. God he was handsome. She didn’t know if she wanted Nick to stay or go. This could be a disaster, if it didn’t go well, so having Nick around was probably for the best. She hadn’t felt a pull this strong in forever. It was making her fidgety and she did her best to get it under control, but every time he came within a few feet of her, she could feel his energy – warm, masculine and virile. She reminded herself that she’d already decided it was not a good idea to set her sights on him. Her mind was a little fuzzy right now, as to the reason she had made that decision. He looked so good, and she found herself wondering what he’d look like without the shirt. He was strong, that much she knew from watching him at practice. His chest was broad and muscular, which she could see even with the impediment of his shirt. Her breathing was growing ragged and she knew she had to get her mind focused on something else, because this line of thinking was going to get her into trouble and it was looking a lot like trouble’s name was Richard Jefford. Maybe if she faced away from him, it would help. She made herself busy, putting every last item on the bar in order and when that was done she headed for the kitchen, where she ran her wrists under some cold water to cool the heated blood coursing through her veins and pooling between her thighs.

  “Pizza’s here,” Nick called from the front door.

  The thoughts in her head were so loud she hadn’t even heard the doorbell. She turned the water off and dried her hands before turning to find Richard leaning sexily against the wall, his dark eyes burning holes through her. Was that lust she saw there? Oh, God! She breezed past him, blurting out the first thing she could think of to say. “You might want to get in there before Nick eats it all, because if you leave him alone with a pizza long enough…” She nearly tripped over the area rug on her way past him, but he caught her and steadied her against his hard body. She found her hands resting on his chest and they seemed to move without her knowledge, caressing the rock hard muscles beneath. Finding herself in such close proximity had her quivering and pushing herself away quickly, before he could notice. “Thanks, I’m such a klutz sometimes. Nice pecs, by the way.”

  * * *

  He had no idea what a klutz was, but Richard was more than pleased with the way Angelina had responded to his touch. If being a klutz meant that she would hold herself against him again, and brush her soft hands across his chest, then he was all for it. His appetite seemed to have left him, for everything but this woman. He was hungry for Angelina. Yes, he had told himself not to get involved with her, as he was planning to leave soon, but would it be so wrong to take her to his bed, even if it was only for a brief time? A little voice at the back of his mind told him it would. He was becoming a better man and the new Richard would never compromise a lady’s virtue in that way.

  After waiting for the evidence of his lust to quiet itself, he entered the living room and settled on the sofa. Angelina brought him a slice of pizza and then sat right next to him. A little too close for comfort, but he had nowhere to go without appearing rude.

  Nick had put a movie on the television. Thankfully, Richard was familiar with this device from his visit to Glendaloch, so he remained calm and didn’t ask any questions that might arouse Angelina’s suspicions. Some things she could no doubt chalk up to the language barrier, but other things would definitely set off alarm bells in her head and Richard didn’t want that to happen.

  Stretching his arm across the back of the sofa, Richard tried to get comfortable. Not an easy task with such a beautiful creature seated to his right, but he did his best to appear unfazed by her presence.

  “Nick loves this movie,” Angelina explained. “Ladyhawke is his favorite. I think he’s watched it at least a dozen times.”

  “Hmmm,” Richard answered vaguely, not paying any attention to the screen. That little chat he’d had with himself earlier was not helping. The physical pull he felt towards Angelina was beyond his ability to control. His hand was enticingly close to her silky black locks. He wanted to run his fingers through them, to feel the softness for himself, but he
stayed his hand. Sheer torture would be the best way to describe his current situation. He listened as Nick and Angelina teased each other with an easy banter. Her laughter reminded him of tiny bells, tinkling pleasantly in his ears. He prayed he’d be able to make it through this night without making a fool of himself.

  * * *

  “I love that movie,” Nick said, getting up from his seat. He turned off most of the lights. “I’m exhausted, so it’s off to bed for me.”

  “Good night,” Angelina said.

  She observed Richard giving Nick a meaningful look as he turned to leave. I wonder what that’s all about. They both watched Nick leave the room and headed down the hallway.

  “I’ll bring pillows and a blanket for ye, Richard,” Nick called and true to his word, he appeared a few moments later, depositing the items on a nearby chair. Nick left them alone again and Angelina found herself without a thing to say, painfully aware that the sexual tension in the room was increasing by the second. Richard leaned forward and picked up a large book of photos from the coffee table. He began turning the pages and from Angelina’s perspective, seemed as though he was trying to ignore her presence. Things were getting awkward between them, but she didn’t want to leave him and go to bed. In fact, despite warning herself against pursuing this man, she found herself watching his full, firm lips and wanting to kiss them.

  “That’s a book of photos I took around the Bay Area.” Angelina pointed to the book and Richard muttered something under his breath, which she didn’t quite catch. “I’m sorry, I didn’t hear you.”

  He cleared his throat. “I said they are beautiful. You actually created these?” He sounded astonished.

  “Well, I wouldn’t say created. Photography is a hobby of mine and I had collected so many photos over the years that I decided to put them into a book. That’s the only copy.”

  “It is very precious then,” he noted.

  “Here, let me show you some of my favorites,” Angelina said. She leaned closer to him, her breast brushing his arm as she turned the pages until she reached the one she was looking for, a beautiful shot of the Golden Gate Bridge. The sensation of his arm pressing against her shirt was scorching, but she refused to move away. “I’m particularly proud of this one.”

  Richard’s sharp intake of breath, told her he was equally excited by the touch. She moved closer, placing one hand on his thigh, on the pretense of showing him more photos. Mmmm. This is nice. She moved her hair back behind her ear and peeked up at him. His intense dark eyes were waiting for her. He bent his head a little closer, until their lips were mere inches apart.

  Kiss me, her muddled brain demanded. Fortunately she still had enough presence of mind to avoid saying the words out loud. What would Richard think of her if she did?

  She needn’t have worried because he placed one finger under her chin to hold her steady and then warm, soft lips tentatively kissed her own. He paused, remaining completely still. One second passed, and then another. She didn’t dare move, or even breathe, not wanting to break the magic between them. Again, he dipped his mouth to hers, but this time, he lingered, moving his hand so that he was gently cradling her head. He moved his other hand up to her face and she couldn’t remember ever being kissed like this. Please, don’t stop!

  And he didn’t. His kisses grew more impassioned as Angelina molded herself against him. She found herself overcome by an overwhelming desire to be with him, and wondered if he felt it, too. He had to, because the connection between them was amazing – how could he not be aware of it?

  Abruptly, Richard stopped and of all things, apologized. “I beg your forgiveness. I have overstepped my bounds.” He separated himself from her, placing the book back on the coffee table and putting as much distance between them as he could manage. The expression on his face was difficult to read, his passions tightly shut down. Angelina decided he was a gorgeous man, even when he was looking very stern.

  “No need to apologize. I’m glad you kissed me,” Angelina said, keeping her voice soft and low. She hoped her eyes were communicating her true feelings on the subject, letting him know she didn’t want him to stop.

  “It was a mistake and I’m quite tired.” Richard gazed at her, all emotion absent from his face.

  “Okay,” Angelina responded doubtfully, confused by his sudden rejection.

  “You’re sitting on my bed,” he pointed out, nodding at the sofa.

  “Oh! I’m sorry.” She rose, and shivered as she left the warmth of his body behind. “Good night.” Angelina fled in embarrassment, questioning what exactly had just happened.

  * * *

  Richard, you are such an idiot! You’ve hurt her, you callous fool! He couldn’t believe his own lack of control. He’d kissed her and it had been glorious, but it wasn’t something he should have done, or could allow himself to do ever again. She deserves so much better than you! The overwhelming heat generated in her presence began to cool. Richard stood and collected the pillow and blankets, wrapping himself up on the sofa despite knowing sleep would not come easily this night.

  He tossed and turned, angry with himself. But why, for heaven’s sake? He was a man, not a saint, and she was an alluringly beautiful woman. Whoever thought to name her Angelina had known exactly what they were about, because she was an angel indeed. He knew he would consider himself blessed to have someone like her in his life, but in his heart, Richard knew that he was anything but blessed. Cursed was more likely. He calmed himself with thoughts of home. Yes. He’d return home and find a wife to love, but when he pictured this wife of his future, all he could see was Angelina. He finally fell asleep thinking of silky black hair and soft azure eyes.

  The next morning dawned with the same rainy gloom of the previous day. The sound of the rain was comforting in its familiarity and Richard arose from his makeshift bed, barefoot and bare chested, to head for the kitchen. He thought he’d try his hand at making coffee. How hard could it be? He’d seen Nick make it and Angelina was proficient too. He’d watched them both carefully and he thought he’d be able to recreate the same result. It would be a nice surprise for them when they awoke.

  He found the coffee and the pot. He searched through the cabinet for the papers that the coffee would sit in and eventually found them, right where the coffee had been. He followed all the steps in the order he remembered and was quite pleased with himself when coffee began pouring into the pot beneath. The smell of it permeated the room and wafted down the hallway, as was evidenced by both Nick and Angelina opening their doors simultaneously and stumbling groggily down the hall.

  “Ye made coffee?” Nick asked.

  “Yes. Why do you look so surprised?” Richard questioned with a proud smile.

  Nick shrugged and grabbed cups for the three of them, while Angelina made her way to the refrigerator and grabbed the cream. Richard had already set the sugar out on the counter. He cast his gaze in Angelina’s direction, hoping she’d been able to sleep after his shameful exhibition last night. First chance he got, he would explain himself. With that thought in mind, Richard felt much better. He smiled warmly at her and she turned her back to him.

  “It’s still raining,” she observed. “The practice space is going to be flooded again.”

  “Aye. ’Twill be,” Nick concurred. He took a sip of the coffee and his facial expression was almost comical, as he made a show of swallowing the bitter brew.

  “Is the coffee not good?” Richard asked, wondering where he had gone wrong.

  “Nick, don’t tease him. It’s not nice,” Angelina said. “It’s fine Richard. A little strong, but for your first attempt, very good.” She continued to avoid eye contact with him.

  “Thank you,” Richard answered. He couldn’t believe that while she was obviously upset with him, she still stood up for him, despite the fact that the coffee was almost undrinkable. She really was an angel.

  “Why don’t you two go and sit down and I’ll see what I can whip up for breakfast. Do you have eggs, Nick?
” she asked.

  Nick shrugged. “Have a look in the fridge. And make another pot of coffee, if you would. While yer at it, would ye please show Richard the correct way to do it?”

  Richard stared daggers at his friend and Nick chuckled. “Why do ye look at me like that? Ye ken ye need to know how to make proper coffee.” He turned his back on them both and went to sit in the large comfortable chair near the fireplace.

  Richard followed Angelina into the kitchen, suffering the distinct impression she wished him to be as far away from her as possible. “Angelina, I’d like to speak with you later, if I might.”

  “You can speak to me now,” she responded sharply.

  “Alone. I’d explain my actions last night to you.”

  “No need to explain. I got the message loud and clear.” She busied herself searching through the refrigerator and pulling out eggs and breakfast sausage. Her silent disapproval continued as she pulled pans from the cabinets, all the while making quite the clatter as she thumped them down on the counter.