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

looked back at the stage as the mayor thanked everyone for coming and discussed why they’d had the benefit concert. He gave people numbers to call if they wanted to help further by donating time to help with rebuilding for families who had lost their homes. Stuart kept up a steady drumming as he spoke.
    “Whew, am I wiped,” Driscoll said beside them.
    Lila glanced at him. He was sweat-soaked and grinning.
    “We’re getting too old for this.” Bella was pressed against him, laughing. “I prefer when I perform at my club. Not as much preparation for it and so much…” She gestured with her hand.
    Morgan rose and grabbed her hand, pulling her from Driscoll. “We just have to go to this party then we can go home, right?”
    “Yep.” Bella kissed him briefly. “Come help me change.”
    The look she gave him made Lila suspect there would be more than changing going on.
    Driscoll held out his hand and Lila rose. She told her friends bye then followed him.
    “Come help me change.” Driscoll smirked.
    “Nope. You can get dressed all by yourself.” Lila pursed her lips. “Mama didn’t raise no fool. I’m not falling for that.”
    “Shucks, I need to work on my delivery. You didn’t even hesitate to tell me no.” Driscoll kissed her softly as they stopped in front of his dressing room door. “Thankfully things will get back to normal after this concert and this party. I can go back to my quiet life.”
    “Normal. Somehow I don’t think of that word when I think of you.” Lila didn’t believe for a moment Driscoll knew what normal was.
    “I’m as normal as the next person.” Driscoll frowned. “I work, have fun and enjoy living. Isn’t that what anyone does?”
    “Yes.” Lila didn’t push the subject.
    “I’ll be right back.” He went into his dressing room.
    Lila leaned on the wall and waited for him. Driscoll was an adventure and she was looking forward to seeing where he led.
     
    * * * *
     
    A week later, Lila grabbed a beer then found a seat on one of the benches they’d set up for the bonfire. She took a sip, recalling the day they’d had. The dune buggy riding had started at Bella’s place and the good-natured heckling had been funny. Lila had wondered why they hadn’t used the lake that was on the property for the bonfire, but Driscoll had explained that although they had lakes all over the area by the homes they’d figured they would have the get-together where they ended the race. When they’d set off, people had been racing to see who would win. The joking had continued since they had helmets allowing them to talk to each other. They had used a trail that led from the Locke property to the public beach. By the time they’d ended the race and winners had been announced, Lila hadn’t laughed so much in a long time.
    “Smirking over being one of the winners?” Driscoll plopped down beside her.
    “I have skills.” Lila put her hand on his thigh. “Aja too.”
    She chuckled. She, Aja and a few others had won the race, tying as they came in together. The group who had set things up hadn’t planned on multiple winners, but they stated each winner would get a prize. The second runner-ups had also gotten a prize. They had swum before eating then had been hanging out since.
    “I’m so full,” Driscoll groaned, rubbing his belly. “But I want dessert. When are we doing the s’mores?” he called out.
    “Soon,” Bella yelled back.
    Driscoll leaned closer to Lila. “Are you having a good time?”
    “Yes.” Lila glanced around at the large group of people.
    So far it had indeed been a normal get-together. Folks having a good time and acting crazy. Teasing, fun and just chilling out with each other. It had been interesting watching the dynamics between everyone. The gathering was big yet she’d gotten to talk with everyone and they had gone out of their way to make her and Aja feel included. There were many famous faces in the crowd, but they seemed like regular