Find Me in Time: Secret Love Series, #1

By Alicia Newton

Caitriona Cruz thought she had the life she wanted. With a job she loved as an American curator at the Georgian Era England Museum, friends who were quirky, and a mother who is eccentric, she was living the good life. When the museum faces financial trouble, Caitriona comes across a necklace that draws her in, and she becomes obsessed with finding out the story behind it especially as she drawn further into the mystery of the necklace. She wakes up and finds herself in the middle of 18th century England where she runs into the owner of the necklace Angeline Beaumont. An unlikely friendship form between the two women as they try to find a way to get Caitriona back home. As Caitriona has to come to terms with the fact that she might never go home, she also has to face her undeniable feelings for Angeline.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Romantic Scribe
• Release date: Nov 22, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386433460

Book preview

Chapter 1

Caitriona tried to adjust her bag over her shoulder as she weaved in and out of traffic in San Francisco hoping that she’d make it on time before her boss considered her to be incredibly late. She checked her watch as she waited alongside a throng of pedestrians waiting for the light to turn red so that they could cross.

She marched across the street in her capri pants, and her button-down blouse as her sneakers connected with the gravel sidewalk making a crunchy sound that she hated. She rushed into the office, and breathed a sigh of relief as she realized that she made it with 5 minutes to spare.

She headed straight for the coffee machine, switched it on, and bounced on her heels as she waited for it to finish. She let out a victorious ‘yes!’ as she poured the water, coffee and a dollop of milk and sugar all in quick succession. She gently blew on the rim of her favorite mug before she sighed as the first taste of coffee slushed its way down her system.

Should I leave you and the cup of coffee alone?

Caitriona smiled as she turned around to face her friend and co-worker, Brandy Montgomery. Brandy was a tall blonde, with brown eyes, an easy-going smile, and a wicked sense of humor. They both bonded instantly over the love of literature, and they always had debates about which historical events were more interesting, and which fictional characters they thought were better. Mr. Darcy or Colonel Brandon, both heroes from Jane Austen’s novels were a source of constant debate between them.

Alone? Caitriona snorted as she curled her hands around the mug of coffee. We’re always alone, my precious and I.

Brandy raised an eyebrow. Right now you sound like Gollum from the Lord of the Rings.

Caitriona widened her eyes and began wheezing. Gollum, Gollum. She lifted her arms up and began to rub them together furiously as she hissed. They stole it from us.

Brandy’s mouth curled into an involuntary grin. I’m not that big on Fantasy, but honestly, even I can admit that is a very good impression.

Caitriona took a mock bow. Why thank you, I try, but seriously though coffee is like a lifeline for me. I’d take it in a drip if I couldn’t get it through my mouth.

There’s a word for people like you.

Human?

Brandy rolled her eyes. Addicts. Coffee addicts to be precise.

Caitriona smiled as they made their way out of the break room and onto the main floor. That’s two words, Bran. Come on; you can do better than that. Let’s see some creativity.

Brandy paused. Caffeinism?

Caitriona pursed her lips. That could actually work. Is it a verb or an adjective or a noun?

Can’t it be all of them?

Caitriona shrugged. Since we’re making up stuff now, why not? Caffeinism, a word meaning extreme intoxication due to slurping, gulping or swallowing down huge amounts of coffee.

Or sipping, Brandy added. Let’s not forget, sipping. Not all of us chug it down like some sort of train or car.

It’s a talent, Caitriona winked.

Just like it was a talent when you were gulping it down so fast, you nearly burned your tongue, and you actually had to be taken to the emergency room?

Caitriona grimaced. Now that’s a memory I’d rather not dredge up. Besides, you guys were overreacting. I told you, I was perfectly fine.

Your tongue looked like a Macy’s day parade balloon. In what world is that perfectly fine?

In my world? Caitriona responded cheekily. The world of coffee addicts and history buffs who look like Sam Heughan from Outlander?

Sam Heughan was the star of the ‘Starz’ series Outlander. He was a big, broad-shouldered redheaded hunk of a man, or so, Brandy said.

Caitriona waggled her eyebrows suggestively. You’ve been there a few times, I don’t see you complaining.

Brandy blushed. Well, it is Sam Heughan, after all.

They stopped at the round desk in the middle of the museum and looked around them, dismayed at the fact that no one seemed to be coming in today. Business had been rough lately especially given that most people who came in seemed to be interested in the Gregorian era for one particular reason. It was less about the elegance and majesty than it was about the hot guys in wet t-shirts and unbuttoned tops.

Caitriona was, of course, thinking of the now famous scene from the Pride and Prejudice miniseries which featured Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy. He was coming out of a lake with his hair slicked back, droplets of water sliding down his back and front, and his white shirt pressed against the contours of his body as women everywhere got a peak of those defined abs, and some chest hair.

Did you catch that lady the other day? Caitriona asked as she plopped down on the chair, and swiveled around it.

The one who asked about Mr. Darcy from Pride and Prejudice?

Caitriona snapped her fingers. That’s the one. It was very annoying. I wanted to tell her that there’s so much more to that era than men in wet t-shirts.

Well, most women who come in are Jane Austen fanatics, and not because of the history or elegance, or rarely at least. I mean, I appreciate Austen too, but come on, they just take it to a whole new level.

Did you see the other one who actually ran around the museum convinced that we were hiding a Colin Firth statue somewhere away from the public eye?

Yeah, we keep it in the back, so we can ogle it all we want.

I tried to tell her that, but somehow, I don’t think she took my joke too well. She gave me the stink eye, tossed her hair over her shoulders, and strutted off, all while muttering ‘21st-century women who wouldn’t know a good man if he walked right into them,’ It was all quite entertaining.

Brandy placed her hip against the edge of the desk and crossed her arms over her chest. I’m glad you were able to see the humor in it. I don’t think I would’ve been quite so accommodating. I might have given her a few more sarcastic comments, and maybe kicked her ass after that comment.

Did I just hear someone comment on a fine ass?

The voice belonged to Chase Robins, another one of their colleagues, the only other person who worked full time as they did. Chase had jet black hair which he usually carefully spiked in the morning, mischievous green eyes, and a tall graceful body which he was quite proud of.

We were actually talking about kicking ass, not fine asses.

Chase took a sip of his coffee, unwound his scarf from around his neck and hopped onto the table. Kicking ass, fine ass, same basic difference.

I’m pretty sure it isn’t. Brandy shook her head in amusement. Chase was by far the most interesting member of his group. He was the social butterfly among them, fearless when it came to trying new things, and constantly dating new people.

He had a slew of men he paraded around, and Caitriona and Brandy often complained that he was turning all the straight men gay just to throw a wrench in their plans.

Chase leaned back in his chair. Yes, it is. Either way you get to enjoy an ass which is an asset people doesn’t enjoy that often anymore. Don’t tell me there wasn’t a little sexual innuendo in that comment of yours.

There wasn’t. You’re just interpreting it that way because you have a dirty mind, Brandy replied.

Chase winked at her. And what an amazing mind I have. I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Not even for Sam Smith? Caitriona questioned as she opened a desk drawer and took out some papers she needed to review.

Chase frowned. Now you guys are just playing dirty. Don’t bring Sam into this.

Chase had been in love with Sam Smith ever since he heard his song ‘Stay with me.’ He believed that it was a song that was written specifically for him, and with his crooner's voice, Caitriona could sort of get why he was. His voice was sexy as hell.

You left us with no choice, Brandy responded, trying her best to inject some seriousness into her voice.

Chase shook his head. Never, I’ll never choose.

Caitriona began to waggle her finger. Now, now, Mr. Robins, you know the rules. Rachel had to choose between Joey and Ross.

Chase’s eyes darkened with mirth and amusement. "Now you’re using Friends references? Are you trying to turn me on?"

Caitriona beamed at him. That depends. She dropped her voice an octave, Is it working?

Chase slapped his leg. Honey, if I wasn’t 100% into guys, it would totally work. Have you seen you? I mean, I’m surprised you hardly ever date.

Caitriona shifted her eyes. Yes, well, I’m not that into dating.

Chase harrumphed, I doubt that. I bet you’re hiding some weird fetish that you don’t want guys to know about.

Or some weird kinky sexual fantasies, Brandy suggested as she moved away from the edge of the desk, sat down in her corner and pulled out her own set of files. Caitriona shot her a look. Brandy threw her hands in the air in mock surrender. Hey, I call it like I see it, Cat.

The game is afoot, Bran. I accept that challenge.

Hey, now, girls. Let’s not fight, or if you must, take it outside where someone will be sure to stop and stare at the inevitable catfight that will ensue, and I can pick up a date for tonight.

Your concern for our genuine welfare is so touching, Chase, Caitriona commented, very dryly.

I know, right? What would you guys do without me?

Leading boring lives with very real existentialist crises, Brandy quipped as her pen scribbled furiously across the paper.

How very avant-garde of you, Brandy. He tilted his head at her. I’m glad to see that we’re progressing in our conversations.

We do have a lot of free time on our hands sometimes, and you’re always talking about destiny, fate and such.

Chase opened his mouth to respond when the front door was swept open, and a tiny blonde dressed in a tight pair of jeans, and an even tighter top walked in, her mouth chewing on a piece of gum methodically.

They all exchanged a discreet look before they sat up straighter and attempted to look somewhat professional.

Caitriona gave her a pleasant smile. Good morning. Welcome to the Gregorian Era museum, are you looking for something in particular?

The blonde paused as she stared at all the artifacts around her with barely concealed disgust. Yes, I was looking for a statue of this guy in history.

Caitriona kept her smile in place. We have a lot of statues of famous figures during that time. Do you know his name or anything else about him?

The blonde turned and gave her a confused look. His name? No, of course not. He was tall, broad shoulders, dark hair, and he was wearing what I initially thought were very boring clothes, but man, they sure do show off his package.

Chase began to choke next to her as Brandy lowered her head, and the entire desk began to shake with vibration from their barely concealed laughter.

I see. Caitriona splayed her hand across the desk. I’m afraid that’s not a lot to go on. Is there anything else you can remember?

The blonde sighed as she leaned against the desk, giving Caitriona a full view of her cleavage.

Caitriona tried to discreetly lean back without offending the woman as she shot Chase and Brandy desperate looks to rescue her, but they both pretended to be busy with their work. The bastards! she thought.

Well, all I know is that particular scene I watched with my friend. I’m not really into history, and all this … She gestured around her as she searched for the right word. Stuff.

Caitriona grimaced at her use of the word ‘stuff,’ but she kept her smile plastered on her face. Can you remember the name of the movie or series you were watching?

The blonde furrowed her brows. I wanted to call her and ask, but she’s at work right now, and she’ll kill me if I call her and ask about something like this. Can’t you just do the typing thing on the computer and see what comes up?

Brandy snickered next to her, and Caitriona kicked her with her leg, so hard that Brandy muttered ‘ouch’ and stopped.

I would, ma’am, but I’m not entirely sure what I would be typing into the search engine.

It’s Pride and Prejudice, the blonde said suddenly as she smacked her forehead. The name of the series was Pride and Prejudice.

Caitriona’s mouth twitched. You’re talking about Colin Firth as Mr. Darcy, the lake scene?

Tha’s the one.

I’m afraid we don’t have a statue of him here. Only real people, and real events.

Okay, then. Thanks anyway, bye. She turned on her heels and strode out of the museum in two strides, seemingly happy to be out of there. Caitriona stared after her in dismay.

Caitriona turned to Brandy and Chase who both wore expressions of amusement and barely concealed laughter. Don’t even think about it.

The sound of their laughter taunted her as she made her way out of the main floor, and into the private cataloging room in the back. She attacked her work with a ferocity that would’ve astounded anyone as she tried to remember why she loved this job.

***

Brandy and Chase had already finished up for the night. They had offered to wait with her until the new shipment arrived, but she insisted that they should head home, after all, it was her shipment.

The delivery guy finally arrived, and she signed for it before he helped her wheel it in.

He placed it on the floor, tipped his hat at her, and made his way out the door.

Caitriona circled the box once,