Unexpected Encounter (Singleton) by Taige Crenshaw Page A

Although it seemed like chaos, Lila figured it was like the ME’s office when they had a busy day. They worked together well to get things done and knew what was going on. Finally, Irene stopped before a closed door and knocked before opening the door. Lila went in and Irene came behind her.
    Lila paused, staring at the man who had become so familiar to her on a personal level in such a short time. He wasn’t the Driscoll she was used to. This was Driscoll the performer. His flowing shirt reached mid-thigh over his skin-tight slacks. The blond locks of his hair were wild and untamed hanging around his face. The hairdresser fluffed his hair once more then walked past them, leaving. Lila glanced at the person left behind, the ebony-skinned woman straddling the arm of couch. The lady returned her look with a small smile on her lips. The woman studied her with a shrewd green gaze and her smile widened, making her even lovelier.
    “Aida, this is Lila,” Irene said behind her.
    “Does Dris only have employees that are beautiful women?” Lila asked.
    “You’re right, Dris. She is refreshingly blunt,” Aida said in a surprisingly raspy voice. “And to answer your question, it might seem so but not really. He finds talent that fits him and he just happened to find the two of us and couldn’t live without us.”
    “I run his personal and professional things and Aida is in charge of anything related to his house and grounds and, when we travel, wherever he resides.”
    “That’s a nice way of saying they control my life,” Driscoll said dryly. “Get lost, let me have some time with Lila.”
    “Don’t be snippy because Irene went to get Lila instead of some random roadie.” Aida rose and went to Driscoll. She tweaked his ear. “We showed she is valued by making sure she met us.”
    “Meddling women,” Driscoll said fondly.
    “You know it,” the women said together. They all laughed.
    Aida came toward Lila and stopped before her. “Give me a list of what things you like so I can stock them when you come by.”
    “I’m gonna tell you as I told Irene ‘Do whatever you do for Driscoll but not me’.” Lila frowned. “Why are you all acting like we are already a couple?”
    “We know Dris,” the women said simultaneously.
    “Get lost, meddling women.” Driscoll flicked his hand.
    They laughed and left. Lila watched the door close then turned to him. She gasped to find him standing right before her. She hadn’t heard him move. Driscoll lifted his hand and touched her hair, stroking the hair comb before moving to the rest of her hair.
    “This is proof you are trying to drive me out of my mind.” He slid his hand into her loose hair.
    “I did tell you I took it down for special occasions.” Lila grinned. “Seeing you perform and knowing you is a special occasion.”
    “Dating me,” Driscoll whispered. He went behind her, sliding his hands around her and putting his hands palm flat on her belly.
    Lila stifled a moan. She watched them in the mirror. Her off-the-shoulder gold dress displayed her skin and she’d taken special care to use lotion that made it glisten. Her waist-length, kinky curls framed her, giving her the effect of mysteriousness she had been going for. She placed her hand over his and leaned her head back against his shoulder. His smoldering gaze caused a delicious tingle to go through her.
    “About dating me. There will be press around here and at an after party the mayor is having. It’s exclusive for some deep pockets he’s trying to hit up for even more donations. So he wants the band there to grease the wheels, so to speak. But it won’t be all work.” Driscoll stared at her. “You’re coming with me. I wondered if you minded me not introducing you around as my date?”
    “No.” She vigorously shook her head. “I don’t mind at all. I don’t want to be in the media spotlight.” Lila glanced back at him. “And thanks for so graciously inviting me to this after