Free Unexpected Encounter (Singleton) by Taige Crenshaw

people.
    “Then why are you frowning?” Driscoll ran his finger between her eyebrows.
    “Oh, I didn’t realize I was.” Lila lifted her bottle before sipping again. “I just thought things would be…” She didn’t even know how to explain.
    “What? Because a few of us have been on TV, stage or other venues, you expected us to not be human?” Driscoll clicked his tongue. “We do put on our pants one leg at a time.”
    “I know,” Lila said, then, “I’m going to have to get used to it. Seeing all of you like this and on stage is a little disconcerting.”
    “I’m retired. The concert was a rare thing. From time to time, I do perform here and there but nothing like that. I’m just a songwriter hoping folks will want my stuff.” Driscoll smoothed his finger over her nose. “I’m sitting here with a sexy lady who hasn’t even noticed I changed. I should be offended, since I made sure to bring another T-shirt to change into since she said she liked them so much.”
    Lila glanced at his T-shirt, which read I’m an enigma wrapped in a spiky wrapping that is just nasty. She glancedat Driscoll. “Do I even want to know the story behind why you said that?”
    “Since I have no idea what it is—nope.” He winked then nuzzled into her neck. “Can you come over tomorrow?”
    “Sure.”
    “I’ll feed you.”
    “Yummy. You keep feeding me so well and you’ll never get rid of me.” Lila stretched her legs out.
    “Maybe that’s the plan.” Driscoll slung his arm over her shoulders then put his fingers by the comb in her hair.
    The strumming of a guitar captured her attention. Spencer stroked the cords and started to sing softly. Surprised, Lila listened to his deep baritone.
    “I see it runs in the family,” Lila whispered.
    “He loves music but healing others was his calling.” Driscoll rose and held out his hand. “Dance with me.”
    “If you dance the way you do on stage, I won’t be responsible for my actions.” Lila put down her bottle then slid her palm into his.
    Driscoll pulled her up. “I dance even better off stage.” He placed his hands around her, bringing her close.
    People rose around them and started to dance—some pairing off and others in groups. Driscoll held her, moving with her slowly. Lila sighed, resting the side of her face on his shoulder. The scent of sweat and man filled her senses. The strength in his arms as he danced with her made Lila feel cherished and special.
    What do you do to me, Driscoll? There is so much more beneath your exterior that I want to explore. She lifted her head and he leaned down and kissed her gently. Lila opened, sucking in his tongue and moaning as he tightened his arms around her. Moving with him, Lila heard others joining Spencer as he sang. In Driscoll’s arms she snuggled against him, enjoying being with him. Every time they were together, it got better and better.
     
    * * * *
     
    Lila yawned widely as she trudged into her house. She let her bag drop on the entryway table then toed off her heels. Rubbing her hand at the back of her neck, she rolled her shoulders then thought of going to turn on the lights, but she didn’t have the energy to. The last few weeks had been more hectic than usual at work. The summer months were usually busy. People got adventurous, which could create dangerous situations where some didn’t make it. The other seasons had their own things that came up like winter and snow where people drove like maniacs, which caused accidents. She’d become used to being busy but this summer had been crazier than any before, with injuries that had resulted in casualties. Lila rested against the wall by the door, yawning again. This week had been especially bad since she had a few people on vacation, making the team she worked with—already stretched thin—work even harder. They were understaffed because of budgets, but hopefully that would be rectified soon. In about six weeks, at the end of September, she had a meeting