“The benefits of running the only occult shop in town with everything you could need is I know they’ll come back.” Her delicate shoulders shrugged, and he was hit with the sudden urge to run his hand along her skin.
The climb up the stairs became increasingly uncomfortable. Her floral scent assaulted him, and his gaze was locked on the roundness of her bottom. His fingers flexed at his sides, eager to find out if those globes would be a perfect fit.
Serena peered down at him over her shoulder expectantly. Ethan’s heartbeat was steady, but its echo roared in his ears. She must’ve said something.
“Hmm?” he asked past the dry lump in his throat.
Her gaze narrowed before she faced forward at the top of the stairs. “Do you have a preference in teas?” she asked, repeating herself.
“I’d love the peppermint one you gave me last time. The rosemary one tasted like I was chewing on the plant,” he said, making a face.
Serena’s laugh was deep, unlike her usual voice, which was melodic. He smiled at the beautiful sound and wondered how he could make her do it again. She was a serious woman and was not inclined to laughter, but when he managed to make her laugh, it felt like a gift.
“Peppermint it is,” she said, filling the kettle with water.
Ethan leaned against the doorframe, crossing his arms and ankles as he watched her float around her small kitchen. He could not imagine her creating large meals, but the grace of her movements told him she was comfortable in the space.
“I’m sorry I didn’t call or text—” he blurted. His brows knit, unsure where the words had come from. They’d been student and teacher before, and while a friendship had started to form, no promises had been made. And yet, as he watched her, he nearly apologized for his month-long absence.
“Don’t you mean you’re sorry for showing unannounced?” she asked, her back toward him as she stretched on tiptoes for something out of reach.
Ethan took three long strides and grabbed the glass. Their fingers brushed, as did his chest to her back. His inward draw of breath sent blood rushing south, and images of her under him sprang to mind.
“Thanks,” she muttered as he stepped back. “I’m not sure how this ended up there.”
“Glad to help,” he said and offered his most charming smile.
She smirked at him. “I could have used my stepstool.”
“Or your magic,” he said, his head tilting to the side. “But you don’t use it for the mundane, right?”
Serena’s eyes narrowed, and he prepared for her authoritative voice. “Our magic is a gift. If we use it willy-nilly, we’re abusing what the goddess has given.”
“You know, all that’s missing is your finger waggling,” he teased. A breeze pushed him in the solar plexus, but he stood his ground. “Now who’s abusing?” he asked, cocking his head.
“Oh, why did I agree to help you?” she snapped and returned to making their tea.
Ethan took a step back and leaned against the counter. “Because I’m good looking and you’re in desperate need for an oracle.” He could not seem to stop himself from teasing her. With all the weight lifted, he felt young again, without the worry of offending or looking the fool. He had always been drawn to Serena. She was mysterious, gorgeous, and smart as hell, everything that got his attention.
Chapter 5
The kettle began to whistle, drawing her mind to the task at hand and saving her from replying to him. His teasing flustered her, but she truly did not mind it. It was nice to flirt with a man. She had not done it in such a long time, contrary to what others believed.
Serena took her time pouring the scalding water into each teacup before offering him his. In truth, her peppermint blend had run out, and she only purchased more in case Ethan came by. It was her least favorite, as she preferred the rosemary one he disliked.
“Come on, let’s sit in the living room where it’s more comfortable.” She did not wait to see if he would follow; she knew he would.
The realization of who he really was to her had rocked her world. Her body was lit from the knowledge, and each time they touched was a reminder. He both excited and calmed her. It was the strangest of combinations.
Donning her “high priestess” face and shoving aside her eager heart, she settled herself. “Did you practice while you were gone?” she asked, setting her teacup on a coaster. Serena gathered her skirts and tucked one leg under her bottom before sitting. Ethan followed the movement, and she did not miss the way his Adam’s apple bobbed.
He must have sensed it too, but she doubted he realized how deep their attraction ran. Neither of Ethan’s parents had taught him or his siblings about their soul mates. He had been too young when his mother died, and his father did not let them in on their family legacy before his murder.
“Yes, Ms. Bishop,” he teased. “I practiced at various hotels and airports. At one restaurant, I saw a waiter using the blowtorch on the crème brûlée, and I may have set off a five-foot flame.” Ethan paused and shook his head. “With my gift, you’d think I would have seen that happening and not used the fire spell.”
Serena’s eyes widened. “Did you hurt anyone?” She did not know whether to scold him for his mistake or laugh at his luck.
He ducked his head, his eyes cast downward. “No, no one got hurt. And yes, I know, it was a careless mistake.”
