Unexpected Encounter (Singleton) by Taige Crenshaw

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.
    “Not happening.” Lila shook her head. “My business is my business and no interference from you. So do whatever you do for Driscoll but not me. Hell, we’ve only just started dating.”
    “No worries. I’ll get the information from your assistant.” Irene shrugged. “Come with me, Driscoll wants to see you before he goes on stage to perform.”
    Lila made a mental note to tell her assistant not to give information to Irene. “My friends—”
    “Will be waiting for you in the seating area backstage where you can watch the show.” Irene turned. “Come with me.”
    Lila glanced at her friends, who waved as they were led away by some other people. She followed Irene through the backstage area. It was filled with people moving around getting ready for the show.