Page 111 of Crazy Thing
Because the truth is, I was looking forward to spending time with her. I was planning to take her on the ferris wheel overlooking Lake Michigan tomorrow. We’d have breakfast at a private observation deck overlooking the city. I’d take her to the Chicago Botanic Gardens just to watch her in awe at the impressive variety of plants. I’d hold her hand on the busy sidewalks and kiss her at every red light.
That’s why I bitterly resent this emergency that has swooped in out of nowhere and took a shit all over my plans.
“Go!” Ziggy points over my shoulder to where my driver is waiting to whisk me off to my first appointment. “Go to the meeting and do your job, making the big bucks. I’ll go back to Starlight Falls and do mine.”
I grab her hand, nipping at the finger that she’s pointed in my face. “Fine. You’re right. You can handle the town inspectors. I trust you.” I tuck a pastel pink lock of hairbehind her ear. Then I kiss her lips and she kisses me back, making my pulse thump painfully.Fuck. I’m so gone for this girl.
My gaze shifts to Cal. “You’d better get her there safely,” I say menacingly.
The man is holding back laughter. I can tell. “You know I will, Mr. Brighton.” He salutes me.
Then I watch as Ziggy boards the helicopter. I’m doubting myself the whole time as the aircraft takes off and sweeps across the sky with my fairy girl aboard.
I don’t like this one bit. But I need to be here to handle my various business commitments. And I appreciate that Ziggy can help me. I know that she is competent and she’s eager to prove that she can handle herself. As much as I didn’t want her to leave my side, I want her to see that I trust her.
I drag my feet to the car and to the first business meeting of the day. Everything sucks. I tour the construction site on robot mode, struggling to give a fuck about Laurier is rambling on about.
My annoyance must be written all over my face because my business associates notice it over dinner later that evening. Watching the guys fawning all over their wives while the seat beside me is empty? It feels wrong.
I push my whiskey tumbler aside and stand from the table. “I’m gonna call it a night,” I say the minute our dinner plates are cleared away.
Cannon Kingston looks over at me with a mix of surprise and annoyance. “So soon?”
“We haven’t had dessert yet,” Sadie protests.
“The strawberry cheesecake at this restaurant is worth breaking any diet plan for,” Xavier laughs.
This frown on my face feels like a thousand pounds so Idon’t bother trying to smile. “Sorry, everyone. I’m going to have to pass this time.”
I offer curt nods around the table and I’m so ready to get out of here.
“Well, it was great seeing you again,” Evangeline Silver says from where she’s cozily tucked against Raphael’s side.
“We should all do it more often.” Cannon raises his glass. “It’s always fun to catch up with friends.”
“Colleagues,” I blurt out and the women all share looks.
I don’t care. It’s about maintaining boundaries.
Isla Barre speaks up, wearing a smile. “Next time, be sure to bring Ziggy.”
Reuben chuckles. “Babe, why did that sound more like a warning than a suggestion?”
“Because it was,” the yoga instructor says under her breath with a laugh. “In all seriousness, I want to talk potential collaboration ideas with her. My clients at the wellness center always love discovering new metaphysical shops. I’m sure we could find a way to work together.” She smiles at me, handing over her business card.
“Have her call me.” Lexi gives me some sort of brochure. “I recently had a new shipment of gowns at the shop. I’m so looking forward to helping Ziggy’s sister find a wedding dress.”
I feel a spark of pride in my chest, knowing that my girl is appreciated in this circle. “I’ll make sure to get these to her,” I promise, brandishing the business cards in the air.
After finishing up with the goodbyes, I’m trudging to the car that will take me back to my hotel when my phone rings. I pounce on it, expecting it to be Ziggy.
But it’s not her. It’s Robert Ross on the line.
My feet halt on the sidewalk. I stand straighter. “Mr.Ross,” I say to the waterfall owner in greeting. “It’s good hearing from you.”
“Brighton,” he responds. “Sorry to call at this hour, but I hear that you’re in Chicago.”
I clear my throat, nodding at the driver who opens my door. “I am. Until tomorrow.” I settle into the back seat.
