Unexpected Encounter (Singleton) (17 page)

“And you deserve it too.” Lila stuck her tongue out then asked, “When is Saxton”—Storm’s brother—“back?”

“Eight more weeks.” Storm shrugged. “The committee he is on will wrap up in about a month, but he decided to take a vacation before coming back to Singleton. So, Driscoll, you wanna be my manly help with these women until then? Help me!”

“Sure.” Driscoll hugged Lila tighter and asked, “What are you all up to today? I didn’t mean to interrupt, I just got back and came straight here to see Lila. I’ll be going so you all can get back to what you were doing.”

“I thought you were a man of your word.” Storm stepped around her and pulled Driscoll away. “You just agreed to help and you’re deserting me already. We’re going dancing and you are coming along. With you there, maybe they won’t dance my feet off.”

“Why would they dance your feet off?” Driscoll walked beside Storm as they headed for the door.

“Because they are too damn beautiful and men keep approaching them. When they aren’t interested, they claim I’m their jealous lover and I’ll beat anyone up who looks at them. Thankfully, I haven’t had to show the men I can do it.”

“Can you do it?”

“Yeah.” Storm laughed. “I know a little bit about fighting. So treat Lila right or I will mess you up.”

Lila’
s
mouth fell open as she heard Storm threaten Driscoll. She went to go after them. Aja and Colby boxed her in.

“Nope.” Aja put her hand on her waist. “We’re your closest friends and it’s our duty to let him know if he messes with you we mess with him. Your family, I’m sure when you introduce him, will do the same.”

“N—”

“Hush,” Colby said cheerfully then called out, “Dris, I carry a gun.”

“Colby.” Lila stared at her, shocked.

“I understand, Storm and Colby,” Driscoll replied then said, “What will you do if I hurt Lila, Aja?”

“Have you committed,” Aja said gleefully. “Make sure they lose you and you never see the light of day again.”

“Okay.” Driscoll studied Lila. “And you think the people I know are crazy. These three make them look sane.”

“Oh, God. I’ll never say or think that about your people again.” Lila elbowed her friends and glared at Storm who wasn’t close enough for her to hit him. “I can’t believe you, none of you.”

“What?” Storm gave her his innocent look.

“Don’t try that on me.” Lila narrowed her eyes.

“Uh…oh. I know that look.” Storm headed toward the door rapidly. “Time to go. I’ll grab a ride with Driscoll.”

Driscoll came over to her and kissed her briefly then he kissed the cheek of each of her friends. “You care about her, I’ll be sure to try to not hurt her.”

He turned and strode away.

“That is some man,” Colby said. “I’m thinking he’s a keeper.”

“If Lila doesn’t get her head out of her ass then I just might have to keep him for myself.” Aja hummed deep in her throat. “Fine man who knows how to make a woman melt. Damn right, he is a keeper.”

“Back off, women.” Lila squeezed them around their waists, knowing they were kidding.

“Seriously. I hope you get this different world shit out of your head,” Aja said, leading them toward the door.

“Since Dris is driving Storm, instead of taking Lila’s car, how about we take mine? That way she can get a ride back with him and I can drop you and Storm off after Aja.”

“Sounds good,” Aja agreed.

They went outside. Driscoll was already in his vehicle. The women went to Colby’s Land Rover and got in. She started the car then followed Driscoll as he drove onto the main highway.

“You need to hook me up with the mechanic Driscoll used,” Aja said. “When we went out yesterday in Lancelot, he sounded so smooth.”

“He said it was Tannis Garage. I’ve haven’t been there yet. I’ll have him give you the address.”

“Thanks. So how’s work going, ladies?”

Colby answered and Lila absently listened and talked with them as they went. The drive wasn’t that long and they soon pulled into the parking lot of RM Bar. As usual, it was filled with vehicles. They got out and met the men. Driscoll placed his hand on her waist and escorted her toward the door. Lila enjoyed his touch and wished they were either at her place or his…naked. She’d gotten used to being with him and two weeks without him was so long.

“I know that look.” Driscoll lowered his head, speaking softly, “No horny thoughts until I can do something about it.”

“Too late.” She laughed.

They followed her friends into the bar.

“Dance with me.” Driscoll led her to the dance area.

When they got there, he turned her into his arm then started to move. Lila gulped and tried to remember how to breathe. His movements were liquid like the motions of silk as he slid his body along hers.

“Driscoll, you can’t dance like that and expect me to control myself,” she murmured in a strangled voice.

“I’m tempting and teasing you.” Driscoll rolled his hips and Lila was powerless but to watch.

He moved around her, shifting her with him. Lila shook herself out of the stupor and rotated her hips. Driscoll swallowed hard and she smiled. He might be known for his voice and sensuality, but she wasn’t a slouch in the dancing department. Lila lifted her hand and stepped back from him before lowering herself, sliding one leg out then bouncing there and looking up at him. She licked her lips and Driscoll groaned. She rose before bumping against him then turning her back to his front. She put her hand against the side of his neck. He leaned over her, kissing the pulse in her throat and they danced.

She lost herself in the music and Driscoll. Moving with the rhythm brought them together as if they had been dancing together forever. She dropped back, trusting Driscoll to hold her, then he bent her low and she swayed just above the floor. He picked her up and held her close, moving with her. The song came to an end and Driscoll stepped back, taking her hand and kissing the back of it.

“Thanks for the dance, Lila.” He lifted his head and the wicked grin she had come to know so well flashed across his face.

“Anytime, Dris. Anytime,” Lila said softly.

He winked then glanced past her. “Let’s go play some pool with your friends. I like them, by the way.”

“They like you too.” Lila smiled wryly. “Although threatening you is a funny way to show it.”

“I get it. They want to make sure you are protected and cared for.” Driscoll studied her.

The intensity of his scrutiny made Lila swallow hard.

“And I want to do the same.” Driscoll led her toward the pool area.

Lila didn’t even know how to respond. She didn’t know what to do with Driscoll. One moment she was sure she had him figured out then the next he had her off balance. Driscoll put his arm over her shoulder and she leaned against his side, wondering if she would ever know what to expect from him.

Chapter Eight

Lila rolled her shoulders and set down her pen. She closed the file then set it on the pile she had before her. She put her hand over her head and stretched. Rising, she went to look out of the window. The view of the trees covered in snow made her shiver.

“No way should we be having snow during fall. We’re in October for God’s sake. Mother Nature, you need to check your calendar,” Lila muttered.

It was going to be a long winter at this rate. Lila leaned against one side of the large window frame. Time was going by so fast, but she was enjoying every moment of it. Work was still busy, but she had already found people to fill the spots that had been approved for her budget.

Her personal life couldn’t be any better. Driscoll and she were spending all the time they had free together. Most times, they spent their time either at her place or his. When they did go out, they found many places around Singleton they both enjoyed. Some they had in common from seeing before individually and Lila loved sharing the places with him making them feel new. They’d also spent many moments with her friends and his, even some with them combined. Lila tilted her head against the wall and smiled thinking of just yesterday when they had all gone to play laser tag. The competitiveness had been high and they’d had fun playing in teams.

When her cell dinged, Lila went to her desk and picked it up. She read the text then replied before heading out of her office. With a brief pause by her assistant’s desk to give her instructions she then went to the elevator. Impatiently she paced as she waited for it to arrive. When the elevator opened, she took it to the ground floor. Soon it reached the destination and she exited. She came out of the hall to the open area and spotted Driscoll leaning against the front desk talking with the officer on duty. He glanced up and smiled.

“Officer Greer, how’s your nephew doing?” Lila stopped by the desk.

“He’s good. His project got an A. Thanks for letting him interview you,” she said, beaming.

“No problem,” Lila said before she focused on Driscoll. “Hey, you.”

“Hey. I thought you said you were done? You’re gonna need your coat if you are going outside. It’s cold out there.”

“I am done and looking forward to a relaxing weekend with you. We’ll get going in a second.” Lila held out her hand. “I want to show you where I work.”

“Really?” Driscoll put his hand into hers.

Lila nodded. She hadn’t before, but today felt like the right time. When she’d dated in the past, she hadn’t brought anyone by. Lila decided not to think too deeply about why she was doing that with him. She led him to the elevator.

“Did you get all the paperwork done to send off to the Feds?” he asked.

“Yep. I’m glad it’s all wrapped up and now the person who lit the fire that killed all those people last month can pay for their crimes.”

Lila thought of all those lives lost and families changed because of one person trying to hurt others. It’d taken them weeks to gather evidence and they’d worked together to get what they needed to get a lead to find the culprit. After she’d done all she could, she’d waited to see the outcome. When the fire investigators and others had caught the woman who had set the fire, Lila and her team, as well as everyone who’d worked on the case, had been relieved.

“I’m relieved they were caught and now the healing can begin. It won’t bring back anyone who was lost, but at least the families will get some closure.” Driscoll squeezed her hand gently.

She nodded. They were silent as they went up in the elevator. Soon they got off on her floor and Lila glanced down the hall and saw her instructions had been carried out. All the lab and office doors were open and she figured her employees were there waiting to meet Driscoll. She’d start on this floor and work her way down to the other ones she was in charge of. Lila made a mental note to take him to the other station houses she also managed.

“Can we watch
Bones
when we get home?” Driscoll said.

“Sure.” Lila nodded, chuckling as she led him toward the first offices.

As she took Driscoll from area to area, he set everyone at ease. Lila let him work his magic as he charmed her staff. She stifled a laugh as her people who were used to seeing so many things were dazzled at first by him then laughing with him as if he were an old friend. By the end of the tour, Driscoll had been invited back by many people who worked for her. Lila was pleased knowing it was genuine that they wanted him to come back to visit them. She had to almost drag him away so they could leave since everyone wanted him to stay and talk a while. In his Land Rover, Lila relaxed in the seat, her hand laced with his as he drove.

“How about we cuddle on the couch while we watch
Bones
?”

“Sounds great to me.” He squeezed her hand. “The fur babies wanted to come with me when I came to get you. I had to duck them to get out of the house.”

“I would have liked to see that.” Lila chuckled.

“Irene probably taped it as I was sneaking out of the patio door.” Driscoll clicked his tongue. “She was cackling all day when they were following me around. I swear, Reggie and Vere know when I plan to leave the house. They each pick one of the main doors they see us go through and lay in wait. When they figure out there are other ways out of the house, I’m gonna have hell getting out.”

Lila laughed. “What did the two hellions do today?”

Driscoll regaled her with stories of their fur babies. Lila enjoyed his tales as they headed for her place and she was indeed looking forward to some quality time with him. As they drove, she looked out of the window and watched the kids and many adults dressed up for Halloween. She interrupted Driscoll.

“Do you mind if we stop by Storm’s shop?” Lila imagined as usual he was filled with trick-or-treaters seeking sweets.

“Sure, I didn’t suggest it since I didn’t know if you were tired or not. When I was there earlier, it was a madhouse. Even when I left Irene, Aida and Stuart there when I came to get you, it was still busy. We all went by to help him hand out candy.” Driscoll chuckled. “Being a candy shop this time of year must be weird. All those people coming in to trick or treat. They could clean you out.”

“Storm is well known as a candy maker and has it down to a science. He makes a lot of candy for today that is special for the occasion. He sells a lot because the parents bring in the kids then get tempted to buy something. When someone hasn’t been to his store before and comes by for Halloween, he gets a new customer who will possibly be back at another time.” Lila smiled. “So it’s a win-win for him.”

“I did notice he was making brisk sales.” Driscoll turned the car in the toward Storm’s store.

Lila hummed and watched the scenery pass by. Soon Driscoll pulled in behind the store to the private parking that ran the length of the area behind the shops. The guard there waved him through and they parked. Lila got out and joined Driscoll at the hood before they went to the back door together. They pressed the buzzer and were let in. Lila waved to Colby as she took a tray of candy out front. She went to the front and dove in to help. She lost track of Driscoll as she handed out candy to kids and chatted with the parents. When they wanted something, she guided them to one of the shop’s employees to get them what they needed and check them out. She lost time as she did it over and over again.