In the Kingdom's Name (Guardian of Scotland Book 2) (27 page)

Eva
never
should have agreed to dinner. She’d picked at her food, sitting across from Bill like a swollen lump of nerves, unable to carry on a conversation. Apologizing profusely, she doubted she’d ever see him again.

But the Special Ops colonel was persistent. He’d asked her out again five times before she gave in and agreed to a night at the symphony. And he’d acted the perfect gentleman—hadn’t made a move aside from holding her hand.

But every time Eva looked at him, she wanted to puke. As a matter of fact, she’d thrown up almost every morning since she’d returned to the modern day.

Regardless, simply looking at Colonel Bill Wallace tore her apart.

Tonight, she must end it.

She could not keep seeing the man no matter how much her heart wanted to.

Dammit.

Besides, now she had confirmation from the doctor, he’d drop her for certain—walk away. Eva was almost relieved. Truly, she needed to pick up the pieces of her life and move on. The medallion had used her and she’d played right into the grand plan, telling William about Robert the Bruce. God, what would have happened if she’d kept her mouth shut? If she’d tried not to care?

How on earth could she have thought herself capable of changing the past?

She balled her fists. The only thing she possessed to prove she’d actually been there were William’s letter and the pictures she’d managed to snap. Everyone on earth except Walter Tennant would think her a loon if she claimed to have time traveled. Bill would for certain. But Eva needed to give him an honest explanation—she couldn’t just dump him. He’d been so damned nice.

At least if he left thinking she was insane, she might not hurt his feelings too badly. He was that kind of guy. Brilliant like William, masculine, considerate, chivalrous, fiercely good looking.

Not for me
.

Eva must move on. She couldn’t mope around in a quagmire of depression anymore.

Fortunately, as soon as she’d returned from hell, her “modern” life shifted into high gear. The only problem? Things just might be happening
too
fast.

The movie company had e-mailed her tickets to fly to America for the film debut of her book. Jeez, her agent had dropped the phone when Eva finally called. She’d missed all of the promotional appearances and a chance to be on The Tonight Show with the cast, but Eva didn’t care about that. However, she was looking forward to attending the debut.

And then she’d spend a couple weeks in Washington DC at the embassy with her parents. Mum was elated. Breaking the news to them would be—well, Eva would just have to do it.

Though her main residence was a townhouse just outside Edinburgh, Eva had invited Bill to Torwood. She could explain things so much better there—kind of keep things in the past as well.

She waited for him in the car park and when the rumble of the Audi’s engine approached, her palms grew moist. Every time Eva looked at this man, she shook like a Chihuahua standing in snow. Seeing him was almost akin to an addictive drug—it terrified her, yet she craved his nearness, his scent. He made her think of little else until their next meeting, and by God, that needed to stop.

Driving over the gravel, he waved, smiling the grin she’d fallen in love with. Jeez, looking at him twisted her into a million knots. He cut the engine and stepped out of his shiny black car. “Am I late?”

A deep inhale helped to steady her nerves. “Exactly on time.”

She’d told him tonight was casual and he sauntered toward her wearing jeans and a black t-shirt that stretched taut across his biceps and well-muscled chest.

Eva’s knees wobbled beneath her sundress and sweater. But she ground her teeth and forced herself to look away.

“It’s good to see you.” He took her fingers, bowed over them and plied the back of her hand with a kiss—warm breath, lips softer than feathers… “How are you, my lady?” …a burr that could melt honeycomb.

Forcing a smile, Eva drew away her hand and rubbed the back of it—tried to erase the tingles skittering up her arm. “Coping.”

“That doesn’t sound good.” He bit down on his bottom lip. “Are you certain you wouldn’t prefer to go out? I know—”

“I’m positive,” she said a bit too insistently. “Besides, I already have everything prepared.”

“I’m honored,” Bill said with deep sincerity in his voice. He gestured toward the enormous doors. “Shall we?”

Leading the way, a lump of lead sank to the pit of her stomach. This was a bad idea—the worst she’d had yet. Bill’s footsteps echoed behind her along the way as they climbed the five fights up the wheeled stairwell.

I cannot back out now
.

Exiting into the fifth floor passageway, she regarded him over her shoulder. “I’ve never brought anyone up here. This wing isn’t open to the public.”

“No?” His mouth turned up as if he liked the idea but tried to hide a bigger grin. “What other surprises do you have for this evening?”

“You’ll soon find out.” She unlocked her chamber door and motioned for him to step inside.

He stopped just beyond the doorway. “Wow. This is incredibly
authentic
looking.” He turned full circle, his lips slightly parted, then he gave her a pointed look. “Are you sure you didn’t show me this chamber on my first tour?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Huh.” Bill tapped his chin. “I feel like I’ve been here before.”

Eva swallowed against her thundering heart. He’d probably taken a tour at Holyrood Palace and was remembering the King’s Bedchamber—though a bit more lavish, it had similar furnishings.

She watched him stroll inside and run his fingers over the round table set for two, a pair of candles burning atop. He then moved to the hearth where a peat fire smoldered. On the mantel, a candelabra cast the most light. Eva had opted not to use electricity this evening.

Turning to the bed, he crossed his arms while a look of surprise arched his brow.

That was her cue. She definitely didn’t want him to get the wrong idea about all this. “Clan Forrester has granted me this chamber for my own private use. Did you know the royals once entertained their closest friends and allies in their bedchambers?”

“Ah, no. I didn’t.” His stance relaxed. “Do you write up here?”

“Sometimes.”

He ran his finger down a brass candlestick on the table. “It’s perfect—just like the medieval chambers you describe in your book.”

“I hoped it would be.” Eva pulled out his chair and pointed to it. Having him standing in her chamber—the replica of the one she’d once shared with William, made it nearly impossible for her to focus. “Wine?”

He shook his finger. “
I’m
supposed to pour.”

“Very well.” She slipped into her seat before he had a chance to hold it for her.

He pulled the cork out of the bottle, then hesitated. “Only one glass?”

She nodded, indicating she wanted him to pour. If she didn’t start talking now, she might never address the issues and then this night would be for naught. “Ah…when you saw me for the first time, did you have a spark of recognition?”

He sat and rested the bottle in the pewter holder. “Do you mean did I have déjà vu?”

“Something like that.” Eva chewed on the inside of her cheek.

“Come to think of it, I did have a flicker in the back of my mind, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.” He leaned forward, squinting. “I haven’t wanted to sound tactless, but it’s been driving me insane. Have we met before?”

“Yes…and no.” Lord, she probably had the man entirely confused and she hadn’t even touched on the meaty stuff.

“Huh? Ever since we met…every time we’re together, there’s a sense of-of-of
familiarity
I cannot possibly explain.” He pushed the heels of his hands against his temples. “Have I lost my mind?”

Eva managed a smile. “I don’t think so, but after I tell you a few things, you might think I’ve lost mine.”

Dropping his hands, he blinked. “Forgive me, but you’re not making a bit of sense.”

“I know.” She cringed. “Sorry—it’s just hard to decide where to start.”

“You seem nervous.”

Licking her lips, she wished she’d allowed herself a half glass of wine. “I am.”

He reached across the table and smoothed his fingers down and up her arm. “No need. I’m just happy to be here…with you.” He spread his arms wide, taking it all in. “In this amazing chamber.”

God, she needed to get this over with before his charm completely seized her heart. “So—you don’t remember meeting me, but you felt something…some
familiarity
when we met?” she repeated.

“Yes.” He nodded decisively.

She twirled William’s ring around her finger. “Well, I remember meeting you.”

“You do? Where was it? At university? Because, I have to say I wasn’t always on top of my game—”

“No.” She reached under the table and grasped the file of photos she’d printed. “I have so much to say, please bear with me.”

“Why not take a deep breath and start at the beginning?” One side of his mouth quirked up—as handsome as...

She set the folder down.
Maybe it can wait
. “Would you prefer to eat first?”

He leaned in, his blue eyes sparkling with the candlelight. “I think you’re stalling.”

“Right. The beginning makes the most sense.” Sighing, Eva pulled the medallion from under her blouse. “Um. Over eight years ago, Professor Walter Tennant gave me this medallion…”

“Tennant?” Bill clasped his hands together, satisfaction filling his eyes. “I took a class from him at Glasgow Uni.”

“So you know him?”

“Yes—brilliant man.”

“Quite,” Eva said noncommittally. She showed Bill the medallion’s front and back, explained the only rule. Then she sat straight, clenched her bum cheeks, and told him everything from the first occasion she’d time traveled. Showing him the pictures she’d taken along the way, she made her case, trying to convince him to believe the unbelievable, knowing that with each word, she hammered a nail in the coffin of their relationship.

Bill sat very still, listening, not saying a word. Though he studied every picture, running his pointer finger over his—
William’s
face.

Did this man have any recollection of the events she unraveled? Was she completely off the mark? God, she didn’t even believe in reincarnation.

Or did she?

By the time Eva got to the part about William’s trial she was a wreck, shaking like a lunatic. “After the justice finished, I opened my mouth to refute the litany of false accusations against William, and poof, I was gone.” She thrust her finger out. “Landed on that bed, and then you were the first person I saw.”

Sitting back, Bill picked up his wine glass and swirled the cabernet. Then he took a long drink—a very long drink—drained half of it.

Eva licked her lips and cringed. “Do you still want dinner?”

“Aye,” he croaked out hoarsely.

“Are you all right?” She stood.

He took another drink. “Not certain.”

Perhaps he needs a little time before he bolts for the door.

She started across to the sideboard. “I have a lamb pottage and fresh bread warming.”

“Pottage?”

Picking up the spoon, she regarded him over her shoulder. “Is that all right? Would you prefer something else?”

He poured himself another glass of wine. “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

“It’s sort of a medieval stew.”

“I know…don’t ask me how, but I know.” His voice sounded strained. What did she expect—she’d just told a decorated colonel that she’d been running around medieval Scotland with his clone.

Eva placed the plates on the table. “I half expected you to have walked out by now.”

He took his serviette and unfolded it across his lap. “The thought crossed my mind.”

Her heart sank. “Sorry. But at least I can serve you a good meal first. I didn’t make the pottage—ordered it from the medieval restaurant at Stirling Castle.”

He held up his fork. “Well, thank heavens you have modern cutlery.”

She let out a nervous chuckle—ah yes, she’d told him about using an eating knife. “It’s time I put all this behind me and move on with my life.”

“Good idea.” Ignoring his food, he stared across the table as if he were stunned. Did he have any remembrance? Was he about to run? Did he think her a complete lunatic?

She should have just cut things off over the phone before she got on the plane tomorrow. Why in the hell did she think she needed to explain?

Examining her food, Eva shoveled a bite into her mouth. He did the same.

“Mm, this is very good,” Bill said, dabbing his lips.

“I’m glad you like it.” She swallowed—more like gulped.

He picked up his glass and swirled the ruby liquid. “Have you given it much thought?”

“The pottage?”