Memories of Magic (The High Priestess Trilogy) by Paige Stone Page B

overheard. Honestly, who would believe it? Except maybe Isisa. But Emily did find herself anxious to learn more about these mowarts and warm Isisa about them. Was it even possible to create a new breed? To build a private army?
    As much as she wanted to share what she had accidentally heard, she knew the person she most needed to talk with was her aunt. However, at this moment Emily was far more interested in the hard chest of the man beside her than she was in mowarts. She knew, for tonight at least, that her aunt could take care of herself.
    Emily wanted to plant her hands on that solid chest one more time. Just the thought of it had her tingling with anticipation so she tried to think about something else.
    “Do you mind?” Emily stopped to take off her shoes. “I’d just love to walk in the sand for a bit,” she tilted her head as she studied his obscenely handsome chiseled features, “give my feet a bit of a break.”
    “Of course.” Jake held his arm out so she could balance herself.
    Emily walked barefoot in the sand, carrying her shoes, inching her way closer to the magnetically charged man beside her. “So are you from here?”
    “No.” He draped his light jacket over her shoulders after watching her shiver from the light wind. He left his arm around her shoulder. “I’m actually from San Francisco. But I love this area of California as well.”
    “Me too!” Emily’s heart leapt in her chest. “I mean the San Fran part. It is the best city.”
    “You live in San Francisco too?” Jake should have been shocked, but he wasn’t. His life had a way of being filled with serendipitous events, just like tonight.
    “Unbelievable.” He grinned and tried to ignore the obvious electricity that flowed between them. It was a palpable thing and his body was responding accordingly.
    Emily reached around his waist, felt the heat of his skin through his shirt and almost exploded with need. It wasn’t just because she hadn’t had a date in...forever, it was more than that. She honestly felt some crazy connection with Jake, some wild physical or electrical connection with this handsome stranger.
    They made their way toward the pier. It was so bright and lively she found it breathtaking. Emily listened to all of the activity as they walked to end of the pier, taking in the scenery and the people. She leaned over the wooden railing to soak up more of the ocean’s call.
    Jake angled closer to her, allowing the flow of sizzling electricity to run through them. It was exhilarating. He ran his fingers over her shoulder. Even through the fabric of his jacket the sensation was intoxicating.
    The light ocean breeze swept her blonde hair from her face as he gently spun Emily around to face him. He touched her cheek then traced a gentle finger along her jaw. She was magnificent. There was an energy surrounding her that he couldn’t describe. He just knew that he wanted – no needed – her close.
    He lowered his head, the heat of this breath whispered over her lips. Emily felt sure she’d melt from the fire he’d ignited in her. In breathless anticipation she found herself shocked that there only two things she knew about this man: his name was Jake, and he lived in San Francisco.
    Her lips parted with expectation. She was not disappointed. He covered her mouth with his; the contact was heady and left her feeling weak. She couldn’t feel her toes, she couldn’t even think straight. Emily knew one more thing...she’d never been kissed like that!
    Jake pulled away; he needed to catch his breath. “Let’s keep walking. I think standing here is a dangerous proposition with you.” The words were sprinkled with humor, but they were filled with truth. “Will you walk with me?” He held out his hand, urging her to follow.
    She silently reached out, allowing his fingers to connect with hers. Her hand was shaky; her body still reeling from the kiss. They walked down the pier in a comfortable silence as they made their way