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

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