Crazy Thing (The Brighton Family #5)

Chapter 25

25

ZIGGY

“ Y ou have to keep it together tonight, Ziggy. You have to,” I mumble to myself. “This is not a date. I repeat. This is not a date.”

I’m drumming my fingers on the oversized steering wheel as I navigate my bus up the winding mountain road to Darius’s house. It’s further outside of town than I was expecting when I agreed to meet him here. I even had to pull over a few times to consult my dog-eared paper map.

I glance up at the overcast sky. It’s going to rain. I can practically smell it in the air.

Shit—I probably should have taken Darius up on his rude-ass offer to pick me up tonight.I’m bracing myself for him to find a way to blame me if we don’t make it to the gala before the downpour.

But I’ll admit that it’s been a charming ride along the tree-framed route, and I’m hoping that the miles and miles will help put some distance between me and my nerves.

From the moment I started getting dressed for tonight’s event, I’ve been trying to remind myself that this is not a date with Darius Brighton. Despite the fancy new dress and the ridiculous high-heeled shoes, this is not a date, this is not a date, this is not a date.

Tonight is just a work event. That’s all.Just a dull, mundane night of watching Darius schmoozing with other rich folks, while I try to keep a low profile and count down the minutes until we can leave.

Then why am I so freaking nervous?

Now that I’ve been working for Darius most days of the week, I haven’t had much time to meditate and it’s showing. Maybe I need to hold another retreat at the park again. Group meditation sessions are always the most purge-like for me.

In the meantime, I turn my radio up as loud as it will go. So loud the speakers in my bus crackle. I force myself to think positive, cleansing thoughts as I drive the last couple miles.

Finally, I pull onto a long driveway and through a thick copse of trees, I catch my first glimpse at Darius’s majestic house at the end. Holy shit!

Calling this property a ‘house’ doesn’t do it justice . It’s massive. It’s striking. It’s beautiful.

Although I’m not usually a fan of excessiveness and overconsumption, I do like it. It feels like Darius .

I get lost, taking it all in. The green, manicured landscaping. The fancy, circular drive. The enormous double door entrance. The majestic second and third story balconies.

At the last moment, I slam on my breaks and squeal almost as loud as my tires.

I was so gobsmacked by the scenery that I nearly ran over the stone water fountain that decorates the middle of Darius’s driveway.

Oops! Totally didn’t see that sitting there .

When my heart attack is over, I lightly put my foot back on the gas, driving a little slower. As I roll closer to the luxurious structure, the front doors swing open and Darius stomps outside to stand on the marble stairs of his home.

My breath catches. My mouth waters. The man looks so incredibly handsome that I almost lose complete control of the bus and end up in a ditch. I jump on my breaks again, no doubt leaving tire marks on his expensive stone driveway this time.

But damn—he’s sure good-looking in that sexy black tuxedo with his perfect bow-tie and his slicked-back hair.

Finally, I park my vehicle and cut the engine. Through the front windshield, I find Darius waiting for me.

With his thick arms crossed over his chest and his juicy lips downturned in a scowl, he doesn’t look quite so pleased to see me. In fact, he looks annoyed. Annoyed with me. Uh-oh. Here we go…

Y’see? Nothing sweet.Nothing romantic.

This is definitely not a date.