Page 63 of The Curse of Redwood

“Careful.” Callum reached out and grabbed me. That’s when his face paled. Fear filled his eyes as his hand trembled on my arm.

“I’ve got you, C,” Taylor said, helping me to my feet. “Sorry, I should’ve listened when you said this smell was bothering you.”

Callum continued to stare at me in shock before, finally, regaining his composure.

What the crap was that about? He’d looked like he’d seen a ghost when he touched me. Then again, if he was who he claimed to be, ghosts probably didn’t scare him. So, what had it been?

“If I can be of any assistance, please let me know,” Callum said directly to me, before moving his gaze to Taylor. “Excuse me.”

Taylor looked after him as Callum turned and went through the beads to a back room. My friend looked dazed a moment before moving with me toward the exit. “Come on. Let’s get you some fresh air.”

“Sorry I ruined your flirting,” I said, once we were outside. “He’s pretty hot.”

Taylor balked at my words. “Huh? Flirting? No way. He’s just cool. Interesting. I don’t like him in that way. Wait, why are you giving me that look? I’m serious.”

“Taylor, my man.” I clapped him on the back. “It’s okay if you’re questioning things. And you don’t have to tell me anything you aren’t ready to. But know I have your back, okay?”

He swallowed hard and dropped his gaze to the sidewalk. “Thanks.”

“I’ll call Ben and let him know we’re about to head over,” I said, once checking the time. “We can stop at the liquor store first and grab his favorite wine.”

The mention of Ben brought a smile to Taylor’s face. “Don’t let me make a fool outta myself in front of him. If I start talking too fast or too much, just kick my leg or something. That’s if I can even talk at all. Who knows? I might freeze up and just stare at him.”

I chuckled. “You’ll be fine. You did great when you met him before. Believe me. Ben’s laidback. You won’t even remember he’s a hotshot author after a while.”

“I doubt it.”

As Taylor and I got into his car and drove across town to the liquor store, I stared at the changing leaves and breathed in the fall air coming in through the open window. The pain in my head had receded to a dull ache, though I was still sensitive to light. Thank god for the cloudy day.

I had seen Zeke one more time since the day we’d both admitted we wanted more. One of his conditions was for me to make time for my friends. He didn’t want me to alienate myself by spending every ounce of my free time at Redwood. So, when Ben had suggested dinner with me and Taylor, I thought it was the perfect opportunity to show both Zeke and myself that I could balance my life.

“How’s your head?” Taylor asked.

“Better.” I shifted in my seat and looked over at him. “Did you notice anything strange when Callum grabbed me?”

“Strange how?”

“I don’t know.”

“Look, C.” Taylor tapped his finger on the steering wheel as he drove. “From what I know about Callum, he can sense things when he touches objects or people. Maybe he sensed something when he touched you.”

“You really believe he has some kind of gift?”

“I do.”

Wow.He’d said that with no hesitation.

“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking,” Taylor said. “During my first reading, Callum told me a chance encounter would change the course of my life.” He peered over at me. “I think he was referring to you. Becoming your friend has changed everything for me. Opened me up to a whole new world.”

It got me thinking too. Was he right? Did Callum really have powers?

After buying two bottles of red wine at the liquor store, we drove to Ben’s house. Taylor turned down Ellwood Street and sucked in a breath when the manor came into view.

“You act like you’re going on a date,” I said, amused. “Just chill, dude.”

“Will you hold my hand?” he asked, parking beside Ben’s vehicle.

I laughed and got out of the car. We walked up the path to the front porch, and just as we reached the top step, the door creaked open. I suspected Theo would remain invisible all night. Even if he wanted to show himself to Taylor, Ben wouldn’t allow it. At least, not at first. He didn’t know Taylor well yet, and he wanted to protect his ghost lover.