Even worse.
I adjust again and—oh no.
Armpit hair. Tickling the back of my hand.
He jolts with a sharp laugh. “Is this bandage or torture?”
“You’re ticklish?” I tell myself that isn’t the most unexpectedly adorable thing ever.
What is wrong with me?
“I can do this. Really.” I dive back in, wrapping faster than necessary.
But as I work, a surprising anger rises in my chest. Callum is just some ticklish guy. Sometimes shy, sometimes funny. Has he ever even kissed a girl?
My stomach clenches at the thought, and I shove it aside.
Regardless, he’s just a young man who tries to do right by the people in his life. Why does he have to take this kind of abuse?
There’s nothing I can do. None of it’s my business.
I’ll be leaving here soon.
Won’t I?
As I’m trying to convince myself, the sensation of smooth man skin flares back into my consciousness.
I can’t help the lowurrghthat escapes my throat.
“Are you well, Rosie?”
His concern only makes it worse. I can’t handle this kindness, this closeness. I need to focus on what matters. On getting home. The only way to silence my mental chatter is with actual chatter. I blurt, “So I looked around but I couldn’t find a spell book.”
That throws him. “Spell book?”
“For a list of chants or something. You know, to get me home? I thought Donag might have one hidden.”
“Ah.” His face has gone blank. “And?”
“I searched everywhere, but no luck.” I tighten the last knot on his bandage. “But that shouldn’t stop us from planning our trip.”
His whole body stiffens. “Trip?”
“Get with the program, Callum.” I nudge him. “You told me there are holy spots in Scotland that might be used as portals. Remember? You said there was an island or a cairn, or something?—”
He recoils. “Nae a cairn. I saidcrannog. A cairn is for burying the dead.”
“Fine. Crannog. Whatever gets me there.”
“Heaven forfend,” he mutters. His eyes have gone distant, opaque as winter fog.
“You’re still going to help me, right?”
His gaze snaps back to mine, suddenly fierce. “I said I would.”
I nod. Callum keeps his promises. Somehow, I know that deep in my bones.
But his expression has gone blank again. Like the lights went out. Like he’s sad?
