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 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 Stuart’s.”
“Hush.” Stuart growled.
“He gets uncomfortable with praise,” Driscoll said then poked Stuart’s shoulder. “Don’t get all moody on me or I’ll kick your ass.”
“Kiss my—”
“There are women present,” Driscoll cut him off, knowing it would be something vulgar.
“I’ll tell you later,” Stuart warned.
“Promises, promises.” Driscoll blew him a kiss.
Stuart flipped him the bird.
Lila smiled, watching the men. Their relationship was close and seeing them bantering back and forth, she laughed. Driscoll put his arm around her shoulders then kissed the side of her face before he went back to exchangi
ng quips with Stuart as well as others around the table. When the conversation started pairing off, Driscoll stroked a finger down the side of her neck.
She stifled a shiver and turned her head. Driscoll was staring at her, a smile on his face.
“I’m glad I didn’t have to wait until tomorrow to see you,” Lila said.
“Me too.” Driscoll lifted up a wing. “Have a wing.”
He held it and she took a big bite. The flavor of barbecue burst across her tongue. She moaned at the deliciousness.
“With sounds like that, how do you expect me to control myself?” Driscoll asked in a low tone.
Deliberately, Lila licked her lips, taking in the sticky sweetness. She took another bite, her gaze locked on his. Driscoll followed each movement as he lifted his hand and touched her hair. Lila smiled when he fingered her hair comb. He might claim he didn’t have a thing about her hair combs, but each time she was near him he frequently touched the one she was wearing.
“I know you can control yourself,” Lila said, “but I’m looking forward to testing the limits of your control.”
“Admit it, you’re trying to drive me out of my mind,” Driscoll said.
“Possibly.” Lila winked and ate more of the wing.
Chapter Three
“Lila.”
She turned to the person who’d called her name, but Lila didn’t recognize the gorgeous, sienna-skinned woman dressed in an impeccable white pant suit striding toward her. The bustling backstage staff at the concert moved out of the lady’s way.
“Yes,” Lila replied when the woman was standing before her.
“It’s good to meet you.” She held out her hand. “I’m Irene, Driscoll’s assistant.”
Lila shook her hand, disbelief filling her. When Driscoll had mentioned his assistant, saying she was a controlling pain in his ass, she had pictured someone totally different from the woman before her. Irene introduced herself to her friends before she focused on Lila again.
“He’s been keeping me and Aida away from you.” Irene laughed. “He’s afraid we’ll scare you away. Oh… I need your schedule. Everything from professional to personal so I can organize it for you.”
“What? Why?” Lila frowned.
“Because you’re not like the other women he’s dated. Although there have been very few. I’m thinking you might just stick. So it’s best you get used to me being that controlling pain in the ass with you too.” Irene smiled, her pale gray eyes twinkling.
Lila glared at her friends when they snickered then returned her attention to Irene.
“Not happening.” Lila shook her head. “My business is my business and no interference from you. So do whatever you do for Driscoll but not me. Hell, we’ve only just started dating.”
“No worries. I’ll get the information from your assistant.” Irene shrugged. “Come with me, Driscoll wants to see you before he goes on stage to perform.”
Lila made a mental note to tell her assistant not to give information to Irene. “My friends—”
“Will be waiting for you in the seating area backstage where you can watch the show.” Irene turned. “Come with me.”
Lila glanced at her friends, who waved as they were led away by some other people. She followed Irene through the backstage area. It was filled with people moving around getting ready for the show. 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 party.”
“You’re my date so it’s a foregone conclusion you will be with me until our date is over.” Driscoll tugged her closer to him then lowered his head. “Until I say our date is done, you’re mine.”
She had to remember how to breathe, hearing the possessiveness in his tone as well as seeing the look in his eye. Instinctively Lila knew this was yet another side of Driscoll. He put on the persona of an easy-going laughable guy as easily as he did the intense man. No matter which he was, Driscoll knew what he wanted and for now, it seemed to be her. Lila would enjoy being with him while it lasted. She already knew it would end since they lived in different worlds. She was used to normal while he lived in a world of the fantastical, like having concerts like this one or having a building that housed a basketball court and f
ootball field in his backyard. Lila stared into his eyes and wondered which layer he would show her next, and if she would ever get him figured out.
“Also, next weekend a few of us are having a dune buggy race on Burrows Beach, which is close to where the Lockes live. There will be prizes. We’ll have a picnic and bonfire later.” Driscoll lowered his head and rubbed his nose against hers. “Do you want to come?”
“Sure.” Lila looked forward to it. She and her friends had also been known to rent dune buggies and take them for a ride. For Driscoll and his friends, there was probably more to it than what he’d stated.
“Good. If I recall correctly, Storm was invited already by Bella and Kennan asked Colby to come. So if you like, you can bring Aja.” Driscoll shook his head. “Don’t mention it to her, I want to ask her myself.”
“Okay.” Lila had no idea why he wanted to do it personally but decided not to ask.
A loud knock on the door came followed by, “Driscoll, your lazy ass better have clothing on.”
She recognized Stuart’s voice. The door opened and he came in. He winked at Lila then strode over. He pulled her from Driscoll then kissed her on the cheek and hugged her. Surprised, Lila returned the hug.
“Nice to see you, Lila.” Stuart handed her off to someone else.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.” A man who looked like a Viking grinned, holding her loosely in his arms.
Lila blinked at one of the band’s sax players. “You too.”
He kissed her cheek then passed her on to another person. The man who played trumpet was next, followed by the bassist. Lila was greeted with similar words from each and a kiss on the cheek. Last was the ravishing, dark-honey-skinned sax player who hugged her then winked before she let Lila go. Lila was overwhelmed being so close to some of the original surviving members of Driscoll’s band. They hadn’t officially replaced the eight deceased members of the band and instead when they had rare performances, they used specific musicians to fill in. Driscoll had explained that although he and those on stage were the faces of the group, there were so many more members beyond them. They had roadies who had also been killed as well as lighting folks. The news report at the time had shown how large the rest of their crew was. Those that hadn’t been in the vehicle had been brought into the limelight as media had swarmed asking about what they felt.
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