For some reason she and Noah had been chosen to make that change and, if they had actually done what they were sent here to do, by this time tomorrow they should be back in their own time. As soon as she completed that thought an uneasy shiver ran through her.
As much as she wanted to ignore it, she knew what it meant. Their task was not yet finished. Had they rescued the wrong person after all? Had they missed something important? Something that would prevent them from ever going back to their own time?
Her thoughts followed that trail, imagining a future right when and where they presently were. Noah’s earlier question came back to her.
Would that really be so bad?
If they were stranded there together, it would be advantageous to stay together. She would not have to constantly wonder when he would tire of her, when he would move on to someone more interesting…like the others had.
Though her dream about Reynard was no longer crystal clear, she recalled his saying the third path was driven by her own fears seducing her away from her quest. She finally understood what that meant and she was very, very tempted to take that option anyway.
* * * * *
Luck stayed with them as they returned the Model T unnoticed and sneaked Shannon into their bungalow. Maggie had to use the angel card again to get Shannon to lie down on the couch with her feet propped up. And only after she promised to find another maid and have her explain to the supervisor that Shannon was very ill and feverish did Shannon agree to remain on their couch for one day.
As soon as they were alone behind the closed bedroom door, Maggie explained her rationale to Noah. “She is still in danger. I’m sure of it. Maybe Amelia’s assault triggered a miscarriage. Shannon wouldn’t be able to go to a hospital and she’s far enough along that she could bleed to death. Or maybe Amelia won’t leave in the morning and she could come after her again or maybe she’ll convince her father to—”
“Sh-sh,” Noah sounded, placing a finger gently on her lips. He kept his voice to a whisper. “No need to explain. We’ll watch over the girl tomorrow. Anyway, it’s too late to try to get back home tonight. Reynard said we had to be at the exact same spot on the beach when the moon is at its zenith. That time passed hours ago. But tomorrow night we’ll be ready.”
Maggie sighed. Even if her feeling about there being something more to do was accurate, nothing more could be done tonight. Shannon was safe. They hadn’t been arrested for stealing a car. By this time tomorrow night they would be in the Diamond Suite…with air-conditioning and hot showers. Or they would still be here.
Would that really be so bad?
Noah brought her hand to his lips. “What? Something’s bothering you and I absolutely refuse to let you have your way with me until you tell me about it.”
She smiled and stroked his cheek. “Did I just hear a challenge?”
He squinted at her. “Don’t change the subject.”
She stepped closer and combed her fingers through his hair. “I wouldn’t think of it.” She drew his head down and brushed her lips back and forth over his. “But it’s been a really, really, really long time…” She trailed her hands down the lapels of his tuxedo jacket, around his waist and palmed his butt. “Since I had you inside of—” Her seduction was cut short as his mouth pressed to hers and his hands jerked her hips hard against his.
She wasn’t surprised when she felt his sex come awake with so little encouragement. Nor was she surprised when hers dampened at the mere thought of his penis sliding between those lips.
Remaining aware of the guest sleeping in the other room had kept them from speaking aloud but it now added an element of stealth to their movements. Rather than rushing to strip off each other’s clothes as quickly as possible, they took their time.
She undid his tie and slowly pulled it from beneath his collar.
He removed her headband and gently massaged her scalp.
She slid the tuxedo jacket off his shoulders and eased it down his arms as though unwrapping the best gift she’d ever received.
He bent down and helped her out of her shoes, lovingly kneading each foot before sliding his fingers up her legs and unhooking the garters.
One piece at a time, layer by layer, each undressed the other until Noah was nude and Maggie was adorned only by the diamond choker and earrings.
Tracing the features of her face with his fingers, Noah murmured, “You are the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. I would give up everything to have your face be the last thing I see every night and the first thing I see every morning.” He lightly kissed her mouth then added, “For the rest of my life.”
Maggie gazed into his eyes and any doubt she might have had about his sincerity fled immediately. Her heart swelled with emotion. She wanted to say something just as eloquent, something that would make his heart soar like hers but only three words came to mind and she was afraid to say them aloud.
Time seemed to stand still as his lips touched hers with such gentleness she dared not breathe. His fingers feathered down her arms and brought her hands up to his mouth for soft kisses on her palms and fingers. Back up her arms he stroked, over her shoulders, her breasts and stomach. His fingers brushed over her hips, down the outside of her legs and tiptoed back up her inner thighs. She could barely feel the brush of his hand over her pubic mound, which somehow made it even more erotic. He moved around to her back, continuing to lightly caress every inch of her skin with his fingertips, awakening nerves until she felt as though her whole body was humming.
Standing there, letting him arouse her in such a quiet, adoring way seemed selfish but she felt entranced by his touch, unable to do anything more than accept his homage. And when he drew her down onto the bed she felt as though she floated there on a cloud. He placed whispery kisses on her forehead, nose, lips and chin while his hands molded her breasts for his show of adulation there.
Lower he moved, caressing her abdomen, stroking her hips and finally, ever so lovingly, his mouth focused on her pussy. She gasped as his tongue stroked the tiny bundle of nerves but she kept from moaning aloud by biting her lower lip. What he was doing was so much more than sex. He made her feel like she was worshipped. Adored. Loved in the way that lasts forever. In this moment, with this man, she had absolutely nothing to fear.
She used her hands to urge him on top of her though she was in no hurry to climax. She just wanted to feel him deep inside her, joining their bodies into one being.
He eased his warm, thick cock into her wet canal, maintaining the same slow, gentle pace he’d established. He was in no great rush either.
“I love you,” he whispered into her ear as he settled his body over hers. He slowly withdrew his erection, slid forward again and held deep inside her vagina for several heartbeats before gliding back. “I always have.” In, pause. “I always will.” Out, in, pause. “No matter where.” Out, in, pause. “No matter when.”
As he began a steady in-and-out rhythm, she let his promise sink into her soul and overpower her fears.
Even when their bodies grew impatient for climax, the tenderness of his lovemaking was not lost. Despite Maggie’s limited experience, she knew the shimmering orgasm that washed over and through her body was far above a mere sexual release. This was something much more important. It required a response of equal importance.
“I love you,” she whispered. “And I want to be with you, wherever, whenever, however. I finally understand what you meant about fate bringing us back together. It was always meant to be you.”
A tingling ran through her body and she embraced it without question. This eerie sensation was now familiar. It was how she knew the connection between her and Noah was far from normal. It was supernatural.
* * * * *
Maggie opened her eyes to a room filled with sunlight and was slightly confused to find herself still in the bungalow. Obviously the tingling had not been caused by time travel.
She was getting used to Noah not being in bed when she awakened but she ha
d thought this morning would be different. That thought barely registered before the bedroom door opened and her darling man entered carrying a large tray. The smell of coffee had her sitting up in an instant, wondering what culinary delights were on today’s menu.
Noah set the tray on the dresser then greeted her with a brief kiss. She instantly wanted more but thoughts of morning breath got her up and into the bathroom instead. It wasn’t until she’d taken care of her morning needs that she remembered they had a guest. She grabbed her robe and asked, “Shannon?”
Noah motioned her back to bed and handed her a cup of coffee. “She’s on the couch, with her feet up. She’s eaten and swears she feels fine but I convinced her to let us keep an eye on her anyway. And before you ask, I already took care of explaining her absence and turning down maid service for today. So you can relax and enjoy breakfast.” He presented her with two dishes. One offered scrambled eggs, sausage links and a buttered muffin. The other held a big golden waffle topped with bright red strawberries and whipped cream. Her stomach gurgled and she took the waffle.
Noah kept the other dish for himself and settled down beside her. “Since this could be our last day here, what would you like to do?”
Maggie didn’t need to think about it. “We can’t relax. Or play. Maybe I’m being overly cautious but I still have a bad feeling.”
“Bad, like Shannon’s still in danger or bad like we haven’t done what we’re supposed to do here?”
She shrugged. “I’m not sure. Maybe we need to split up today. Take turns staying with Shannon, or at least watching the bungalow, while the other one keeps roaming around the hotel. Maybe try to find out whether the Gavistons checked out.”
“Okay,” Noah agreed without hesitation. “Shannon is going to be more comfortable with you so I’ll take the first roaming-around shift. Maybe I’ll be able to confirm what Amelia said about both families heading up north today.”
Noah headed out right after they’d finished breakfast and Maggie offered Shannon the use of the bathroom. Considering what the girl was used to she thought it would be a real treat but when she was taking longer than Maggie thought she should, she checked on her. Shannon had gotten cleaned up and dressed and was on her knees cleaning the floor.
“What are you doing?” Maggie asked unnecessarily. She grasped Shannon’s elbow and made her rise. “You need to rest today.”
“I really am quite perfect,” the maid insisted. “Me head is fine, just a bit sore. And me babe is moving and not causin’ any pains.”
“Good. But today I’m your boss and I say you’re going to rest.” She walked her back to the couch, fluffed up the pillows and stood with hands on her hips until Shannon settled back down. “Now stay right there while I bathe and get dressed. I mean it,” she added in a very stern voice that was negated by a soft smile.
Maggie guessed Shannon was probably as fine as she claimed. After all, the girl walked several miles a day and worked at a physically demanding job with a baby growing inside her. Yet Maggie felt compelled to do something worthwhile and hovering over the expectant mother was better than doing nothing. When she came out of the bathroom, however, Shannon was sound asleep. Not wanting to do anything to awaken her, Maggie tiptoed out onto the front porch and sat in the yellow rocker.
Considering their active evening and minimal sleep Maggie should have been tired. Rocking in the shade, watching the waves and being fanned by the salty breeze should have been relaxing. Instead she felt as though electrical current was zipping through her body. If she hadn’t agreed to stand guard over Shannon, she would have taken a swim or run in the sand. Something was about to happen and she was limited to the front porch.
As soon as she heard Shannon stir, she hurried inside to make sure she was still feeling okay. Other than being unused to lying around, she was fine and after a few minutes Maggie got her talking about how she got from Ireland to south Florida. Her story was similar to others Maggie had read about European immigrants who fled one desperate situation only to be caught in another on the other side of the Atlantic.
Shannon’s inner strength, spiritual belief and more than a bit of luck had gotten her through the death of her grandparents who had brought her over, a nearly lethal stint in a workhouse and into a menial position in an upper-class Boston home. The children there became so attached to her, the parents took her along on their holiday in Florida. Unfortunately that was the season Shannon’s body blossomed into womanhood and the husband took such a fancy to her, the wife insisted she be left behind. Fortunately, before he obediently boarded the train with his family, the husband arranged for Shannon to be employed at the hotel. And then she met Broderick Martin.
Maggie wished she had a tape recorder so that Noah could hear the tale himself. Maybe one day, when he decided to write something other than horror, he could write about this incredible girl.
Noah returned with lunch for everyone before Maggie had to think of another subject that would keep Shannon from dwelling on the virtues and weaknesses of Broderick Martin. However, Noah’s news involved him.
“I’m sorry to have to tell you this, Shannon, but it looks like he’s gone. The concierge confirmed the Gavistons left for Philadelphia this morning. I told him I had a gift for the engaged couple and he gave me the Martins’ address. I got a ride there and the maid said the family had left for an extended trip north in their motorcar. I wish I had happier news but at least you don’t have to worry about Amelia or anybody else in the family bothering you.”
He flashed a look at Maggie and she understood. His news meant they had saved Shannon. She would be alive to see her baby born.
“’Tis fine,” Shannon said, though her eyes brimmed with tears. “’Twas only in a moment of foolishness I thought ‘twould be any other way.”
Noah handed her a linen napkin as Maggie patted her hand. She wanted to say something encouraging but the truth was she had no idea what could help under the circumstances. She certainly couldn’t tell her not to worry, that everything was going to turn out wonderfully. All she knew was Shannon had already been through hell and survived. She would undoubtedly figure this out as well. At least they had given her the chance to try.
“Me sister and her husband are after leavin’ Dublin next week. When they get settled in New York I’m sure they’d be willin’ ta take me in.”
Maggie patted her hand again. “Family is good. But are you sure you want to go back north? New York is a very hard place for the Ir—” Noah nudged her before she revealed anything about the future. “The weather. It’s very cold there.”
Shannon laughed. “’Ta be sure. But ‘twas not exactly paradise in Boston or Dublin either.”
Noah abruptly turned to Maggie. “Speaking of travel, it just so happens the Davenports also left this morning—on a cruise to Europe. They’ll be gone for two months.”
“Oh, um, how nice. We should do that one day.” They knew he wasn’t killed on a cruise ship or in Europe and with him out of the picture, there was no longer even a tiny doubt about who they had been sent here to save.
It had to mean they would soon be home.
So why did she feel agitated instead of relieved?
After lunch, Noah pulled a deck of cards out of his pocket and introduced Shannon to gin rummy while showing Maggie how he could make an afternoon fly by for a brokenhearted, pregnant girl.
When the sun began to dip below the horizon, Shannon tried to leave but Noah stopped her. “Someone might see you. Remember, you were too sick to work today. And I, uh, can’t borrow that car again. You’d be better off staying here again tonight and going right to work in the morning. Besides, Maggie and I will be going out. Maybe for the whole night. And we’re probably checking out early. So you can just make yourself at home.”
“The extra rest will be good for the baby,” Maggie added and Shannon relented.
Although they felt confident Shannon was not despondent enough to take her own life, they still felt more comfort
able knowing she was safe and sound until the hour came for them to be transported home. Since she had been so distracted all afternoon by the card game, Noah taught her solitaire for her evening’s entertainment.
An hour later they were dressed comfortably for dining at the Emerald Patio. Noah pocketed a little cash and left the remainder with a note for Shannon to use it for her new life. They briefly debated whether they had the right to take anything with them and ended up choosing one item of jewelry each. He decided the pocket watch was the most relevant souvenir he could think of.
She put on the diamond earrings for the same reason.
They strolled arm in arm to the outdoor restaurant and held hands while they waited for their meals to be served. There was no need for conversation as they watched the three-quarter moon’s rise above the horizon. They had plenty of time to finish eating before heading to the spot on the beach where they were to be transported back to the future.
“I have a confession to make,” Maggie said once they were headed to their destination.
“Isn’t that one of those scary conversation openers?”
She smiled. “Not this time. I just wanted to tell you that I’ve had a wonderful time. Here, in this completely unreal situation, with you.”
Noah angled his head toward her. “Doesn’t sound like much of a confession. I’ve had a blast too.”
“The confession part is, for a while, I was seriously thinking how nice it might be to stay here…with you. To not go back even after we did our job or whatever it was.”
They had arrived at the far end of the hotel’s beach where their journey had begun. Noah leaned down and kissed her mouth. “I love you, Maggie. Here, there, it doesn’t matter to me. If you want to stay here, I’ll walk away with you right now. Hell, we could hang around and try to save Davenport in three years. Maybe whoever’s in charge would give us some extra credit for staying overtime. I’m yours to command, Sugarlips. State your pleasure.”
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