Unexpected Encounter (Singleton) (6 page)

“Oh… You’ve missed the games when the Devious Trio have played.” Stuart rubbed his hand over his face. “When they play, it’s a slim chance we’ll win.”

Curious, Driscoll looked toward the team, but their backs were to them as they talked with their coach. “Who are they?”

“They are called Col, La and Ja.” Stuart sighed. “Damn women can play.”

For Stuart to say that, Driscoll knew they had to be really good. The mixed gender teams had various sports they could take part in. The rotation of which teams played when was organized by the complex owners—they weren’t an official league, just participating for fun. The owners kept track of the scores for each sport during a certain time frame. The two highest scoring teams for whatever sport was being played would have a play-off. Driscoll and many of those he associated with were on teams in a few sports.

“We’ll be fine.” Driscoll slapped him on the shoulder. “I know you get competitive, especially when it’s concerning hockey, but it’s fun. Remember that.”

“Fun my fanny,” a familiar voice said behind them. “We’re going to cream you.”

“Lila.” Driscoll turned on his skates, staring.

“When you asked me if I had plans today, you didn’t ask me what they were.” She laughed. “I would have told you we were the team you were playing. We could have ridden over together.”

“La, why are you talking to the enemy?” Aja skated up and along with another lady and a man.

“La?” Driscoll looked at Aja. “I assume you’re Ja. And it’s nice to see you, Colby…or Col.” He nodded at the police detective he knew. “Storm, what are you doing here?”

Storm had a store Driscoll frequented. He made the most delicious candy.

“La is my hockey or sports name. When I become La, I’m competitive.” She grinned. “Ja and Col too. Storm here we dragged along to play. He’s part of the team but doesn’t make many of the games. When last was it you played, Storm?”

“Played? I can’t recall, but I do remember the last time I was on ice was a year or so ago when you all dragged me figure skating.”

“Figure skating?” Stuart asked.

“Yeah.” Storm laughed. “It was a trip down memory lane. It’s how we all met. We all were born in Singleton, but it wasn’t until we went to college that we met. The girls were figure skating and I was there trying to pick up women, of course, when I saw this guy bothering them. Thinking I could get points and possibly numbers, I went to step in but quickly realized they didn’t need my help. Aja pushed him, Colby tripped him and Lila decked him. He went ass over tea kettle to the ice. After that, I had to know them. They let me know from the get go they didn’t want me, but they would accept a friend. We’ve been friends ever since.”

“So the last time you skated was to figure skate,” Stuart said in disbelief.

“Don’t mind him.” Driscoll pushed Stuart and he didn’t even shift. “To him, the only thing to do on ice is hockey.”

“Damn right.” Stuart crossed his arms over his chest.

“Stuart was a top pick for an NHL draft, but he turned it down to become a musician.” Driscoll chuckled. “People thought he was crazy, since music was fickle and most people don’t succeed at it.”

“They didn’t know us,” Stuart said. “So are we done yapping so we can play? I want redemption after the last game. Come on, figure skaters,” Stuart sneered.

The women and Storm exchanged looks. Then Lila said, “How about a friendly wager? If we win, you come figure skating with us.”

“What’s the catch? Do you want me to wear figure skating clothes or something?” Stuart said suspiciously.

“Nope. Just come enjoy figure skating with us.” Lila smiled wide.

Driscoll didn’t trust the gleam in her gaze. The others didn’t say anything, but they had the same look. Stuart nodded and the wager was on. They skated to their respective benches.

“When we beat you, I hope there are no hard feelings,” Driscoll said just to get a rise out of her.

Lila’s eyes narrowed and she bared her teeth. “You’re the one who will have hard feelings. But don’t worry, baby, I’ll soothe your bruised ego.” She skated away.

Driscoll laughed and went to his team then sat by Stuart.

“How do you know La?”

“Her name is Lila.”

“Lila? Oh
Lila
. She’s the woman who helped you.” Stuart looked across at the other team. “I can see why she has you off balance.”

“Why?”

“She has a feistiness that I know attracts you, and she is smart, since you mentioned she is an ME. And most importantly, she sees through the eccentricity.”

“You just met her, how would you even know that?”

“Hello, from what you said about her.” Stuart rolled his eyes.

“Asshole.” Driscoll laughed.

“That’s Superior Asshole.” Stuart held up his fist. “Now let’s kick some ass.”

“Bring it on.” He met his knuckles with his.

The referee started the game. Driscoll got up from the bench behind Stuart. They faced off then started to play. Driscoll found himself before Lila. She leaned over then lifted her head and winked from under her helmet. She hit the puck and it whizzed past him. Driscoll blinked before narrowing his eyes. She blew him a kiss before taking off after her team. He followed, rushing, shocked at how fast she was moving. Her team scored and the roaring of the spectators made Driscoll look at the stands. He was surprised to see them filled with people. He recognized many of them as Lockes and other friends of his, as well as people from the fire department, police and hospital. They usually had people but not that many.

He skated to Stuart. “Why are all these people here?”

“It usually happens when the Devious Trio play.” Stuart rolled his eyes. “Someone texts the others or something.”

“Why would they bring in a crowd?”

“No idea and don’t care.” Stuart grinned wolfishly. “I just want to beat their team. Come on.”

Driscoll followed him and although they played well, Lila and her team beat them soundly. At the end of the game, he took off his helmet and stood by Stuart.

Lila and the others came to them.

“You won.” Stuart smiled ruefully. “So when do you want to figure skate?”

“We’ll have to coordinate our schedules and let you know.” Lila put her hand on her hips. “By the way, you’re not the only one who was almost drafted. Storm here was.”

“That’s why you looked so familiar.” Stuart slapped Storm on the shoulder. “You were in the same draft as me.”

“Yep.” Storm smiled then laughed. “You call them the Devious Trio and it is warranted. Don’t let Lila and the others fool you. Each of them played on our college women’s hockey team. They were the best players.”

“I figured they knew hockey.” Stuart laughed. “I’ll have to call you the Devious Quad now. That is, if you make sure to come to more games.”

“I just might so I can match off against you,” Storm said as the two men skated off together.

Colby and Aja nodded at Driscoll then followed.

“Hockey player too. There is a lot I still don’t know about you.” Driscoll moved closer.

“We have time to figure it out.” She lifted her head and he kissed her.

“Stop sucking face and come on, Lila,” Aja called.

Lila pulled back, wrinkling her nose. “Gotta go. Oh, the three friends I mentioned I were going to concert with is those who were just with me.”

“That’s okay. Storm was actually invited by Bella to watch but turned her down saying he had other plans.” Driscoll touched her cheek. “See you for dinner tomorrow.”

“Definitely.” Lila skated slowly away from him but stopped. “When your brother shared the food you had made him, I made a comment.”

“What was it?”

“I said something along the lines of ‘If your brother is single, I might just have to kidnap him for his recipes and for him to cook for me’. Now I don’t have to, since you keep feeding me willingly.”

“And we are back to kidnapping.” Driscoll laughed. “It’s better to call it detainment, that way you can claim you were going to let the person go, keeps you from jail maybe.”

“I’ll remember that.” Lila waved and skated off.

Driscoll watched her go then went to the locker room. He went in and saw Stuart was already undressing. He started to change into his street clothing.

“Did you ask Lila to come with us to the bar?”

“Damn, I didn’t even think of it.” Driscoll picked up his cell. “Let me text her to meet us there if she wants to.” He texted her then continued dressing.

Driscoll hoped she did come because he wanted to see her. Even though he just had, tomorrow seemed too long away.

* * * *

Lila slid her hands into her back pockets and went after the others.

“Stop pouting.” Aja bumped her shoulder. “So what if your cell died because it doesn’t have a charge and you couldn’t text Driscoll to join us. You’ll see him tomorrow.”

“Or you could just go over and say hi,” Storm said.

“What?”

“He’s over there with his team.” Colby gestured.

Lila glanced where she was pointing. She grinned as she saw Driscoll. “Do you guys mind if we go and join them?”

With the others responding that they didn’t, she made her way over to them and her friends followed. When they approached, Driscoll looked up and the pleasure on his face made her heart race. He rose and she stopped by his chair.

“You made it.” He held her hand.

“Huh?”

“I texted you I would be here and to come by.”

“Sorry I didn’t get it. My cell died.” She squeezed his hand. “I’m glad I let my friends talk me into coming.”

“We tempted her with wings,” Aja said. “Can we join you?”

The group agreed and someone got chairs for Aja and Colby. They settled in between Stuart and a fire fighter. Driscoll pulled a chair over for her.

“Thanks.” Lila sat when Driscoll retook his seat. “The wings here at RM Bar are the best.”

“I know. Bella brought food from here for Stuart and me a few weeks ago. Today is the first time we got to actually come here. I think this will be our new favorite hangout.” Driscoll flicked nuts at people on the table. “None of these yahoos who come here all the time thought to tell us.”

The men and women heckled Driscoll and he laughed. “Yeah, yeah I know the place is frequented by police, fire and hospital personnel to name a few. With wings like these, it is a shame to be hidden.” Driscoll took a bite of one of his wings.

“My place isn’t hidden,” Richard Maxfield, the owner, said as he brought more wings. “Just because you didn’t know about it doesn’t mean others didn’t.” He distributed the wings then glanced at the four of them that had just arrived. “What’ll it be?”

They gave him their order. Richard patted Driscoll on the shoulder then left.

“We’re getting special treatment of Rich serving us.” Lila clicked her tongue. “I wonder what you all did to get that.”

“That’s all Driscoll.” Stuart licked his sauce-covered fingers. “He used his charm.”

“Liar.” Driscoll snorted. “When Rich saw Stuart, I ceased to exist. He mentioned his playing hockey and about his drumming. So I think he’s a fan of Stuart’s.”

“Hush.” Stuart growled.

“He gets uncomfortable with praise,” Driscoll said then poked Stuart’s shoulder. “Don’t get all moody on me or I’ll kick your ass.”

“Kiss my—”

“There are women present,” Driscoll cut him off, knowing it would be something vulgar.

“I’ll tell you later,” Stuart warned.

“Promises, promises.” Driscoll blew him a kiss.

Stuart flipped him the bird.

Lila smiled, watching the men. Their relationship was close and seeing them bantering back and forth, she laughed. Driscoll put his arm around her shoulders then kissed the side of her face before he went back to exchanging quips with Stuart as well as others around the table. When the conversation started pairing off, Driscoll stroked a finger down the side of her neck.

She stifled a shiver and turned her head. Driscoll was staring at her, a smile on his face.

“I’m glad I didn’t have to wait until tomorrow to see you,” Lila said.

“Me too.” Driscoll lifted up a wing. “Have a wing.”

He held it and she took a big bite. The flavor of barbecue burst across her tongue. She moaned at the deliciousness.

“With sounds like that, how do you expect me to control myself?” Driscoll asked in a low tone.

Deliberately, Lila licked her lips, taking in the sticky sweetness. She took another bite, her gaze locked on his. Driscoll followed each movement as he lifted his hand and touched her hair. Lila smiled when he fingered her hair comb. He might claim he didn’t have a thing about her hair combs, but each time she was near him he frequently touched the one she was wearing.

“I know you can control yourself,” Lila said, “but I’m looking forward to testing the limits of your control.”

“Admit it, you’re trying to drive me out of my mind,” Driscoll said.

“Possibly.” Lila winked and ate more of the wing.

Chapter Three

“Lila.”

She turned to the person who’d called her name, but Lila didn’t recognize the gorgeous, sienna-skinned woman dressed in an impeccable white pant suit striding toward her. The bustling backstage staff at the concert moved out of the lady’s way.

“Yes,” Lila replied when the woman was standing before her.

“It’s good to meet you.” She held out her hand. “I’m Irene, Driscoll’s assistant.”

Lila shook her hand, disbelief filling her. When Driscoll had mentioned his assistant, saying she was a controlling pain in his ass, she had pictured someone totally different from the woman before her. Irene introduced herself to her friends before she focused on Lila again.

“He’s been keeping me and Aida away from you.” Irene laughed. “He’s afraid we’ll scare you away. Oh… I need your schedule. Everything from professional to personal so I can organize it for you.”

“What? Why?” Lila frowned.

“Because you’re not like the other women he’s dated. Although there have been very few. I’m thinking you might just stick. So it’s best you get used to me being that controlling pain in the ass with you too.” Irene smiled, her pale gray eyes twinkling.

Lila glared at her friends when they snickered then returned her attention to Irene.