Unexpected Encounter (Singleton) by Taige Crenshaw Read Free Book Online Page A

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