Unexpected Encounter (Singleton) (18 page)

Finally she went looking for Driscoll. Lila stopped when she found him and observed him. Driscoll sat cross-legged in the center of a group of kids. She was too far away to hear what he was saying, but it seemed like he was telling them a story. He brushed back the hair of the little girl in his lap, a soft smile on his face. Driscoll lifted his head and his eyes met hers.

Lila’s breath caught and she put her hand over her belly. Driscoll lowered his gaze and stared at where she touched. She jerked her hand away and turned from him.
Foolish, Lila, so foolish.

“Someone looks really comfortable with kids,” Aja whispered as she paused by her. “Have you aligned your worlds yet?”

“Shut up,” Lila said with no real heat.

“You need to pack your bags and move out of denial city.” Aja snorted. “Come join us where the world is all in one place—earth.”

“I really, really hate you.” Lila smacked her on the shoulder.

“Love ya too, Lila.” Aja slung her arm over her shoulders. “Let’s continue to give out candy then we can all go out for a drink after.”

“Sounds good.” Lila glanced once more at Driscoll.

He was again deep into whatever he was telling the kids. He looked so comfortable with the kids and Lila thought back to earlier at her office. Hell, Driscoll was comfortable in whatever environment he was in. As she went back to giving out treats, Lila couldn’t help taking glimpses at him.

You keep me off kilter, Driscoll. Will I ever figure you out?

* * * *

Lila took out her key then slid it into the lock, unlocking the door and entering. She closed the door and listened to the quiet of the house. It was late and she figured Driscoll was already in bed asleep. The last two weeks had been busy in the office and she knew with the holiday season approaching it would be even more so. Drunk drivers, disputes and any other number of crimes would bring way too many people to her table for examination. Lila was glad she had more staff to handle the influx.

She shut the door, making sure to flip the lock and set the alarm before she headed to the steps. Lila took off her heels and padded up barefoot to the landing then to Driscoll’s bedroom and went in. He was lying on his back, sprawled out on the bed. Lila took off her clothing not needing a shower since she had taken one earlier at work. She’d made sure to clean up before coming home so as not to disturb Driscoll with her being so late. He tended to get up when she came home and showered. She enjoyed his company but felt bad disturbing his sleep.

Going to the bed, she slid in beside him. Lila put her hand under the side of her face staring into his, soft in slumber. Her belly filled with warmth and she wanted to touch him.

“You’re home.”

“I’m home,” Lila said then frowned.

This wasn’t her house—she was just here to be with him. She would do well to remember that.

“Hmmm…” He stretched out, pushing the sheet off him. “I was dreaming about you.”

She looked at his erection and licked her lips. “Looks like a good dream.”

“It was.” Driscoll put his hand on his shaft and tugged. “You and me here in our bed.”

She couldn’t look away as he stroked his cock, making it harden even more.

“You were riding me with this look on your face.”

“What look?”

“Like you were claiming me as yours.” Driscoll rubbed his thumb over the head of his cock. “Are you going to make my dream a reality?”

“Yes.” She breathed out. Lila retrieved a condom from the bedside table and turned back to him.

She moved close to him and stroked her hands down his chest before trailing her fingers over his stomach. He inhaled, tightening his belly under her touch. Lila lowered her hand, placing it over his, and they stroked his erection together.

“Like that, Lila.” Driscoll pushed into her grip, moving faster.

“Dris,” she breathed out.

After taking the protection, Lila smoothed it on his member before straddling him. She lifted up and moaned when Driscoll grabbed her hips, guiding her over him. She whimpered, taking him in and closing her eyes as he slid deep within her. She rocked her hips and sighed in pleasure when he slid along her inner walls, filling her up so good. Bracing her hands on his shoulders, she gyrated, groaning with each motion.

“Lila.” Driscoll arched under her, his grip tight on her hips as he moved up for each of her downward motions.

“Dris.” She reached up and took out her comb, shaking her hair loose. As it fell around her, she stared at him and she shuddered at the desire on his face. “I need you so much.”

“Yes.” He grabbed the ends of her hair then pulled her close, moving his hands up through the strands until he slid his fingers into her hair at the base of her skull, holding her into place.

Lila lowered her body flush against his, her gaze locked to his as they worked toward fulfillment. Driscoll narrowed his eyes then kissed her before he nipped her bottom lip.

“Come for me.”

Lila clenched her pussy and blew out a harsh breath, her belly going tight as she came. Driscoll grabbed her ass, yanking her harder on him then rolled them, thrusting into her. Lila lifted her legs, wrapping them around him and moving with him. His deep plunges set off more sensations as she continued to climax. Driscoll lifted his head, his neck muscles standing out emphasized against his skin.

“
Mine
.”

His roar echoed in her ears and Lila held him as he shook, joining her in release.

Driscoll jerked, muscles quivering, then he slumped against her, his breathing harsh. Lila held him, kissing his sweat-soaked face and cuddling him close. Driscoll nuzzled the side of her face then kissed the pulse in her throat. Lila rubbed her hand up and down his back as he slowly calmed.

“I had another dream. I have lots of them.”

“You have a very fertile imagination.” Lila chuckled. “I like it. Tell me about this another dream.”

“It starts with you laid out before me all wet and ready for me…”

Lila dampened, ready for him again. Driscoll’s raspy baritone told her in detail what he wanted to do.

* * * *

Lila entered the living room, lifting the glass of iced tea to her lips. She stared at the man lying on the floor. Driscoll lifted one leg onto the couch. His movement made his sweats bunch, showing off his package. Lila recalled vividly what they’d done last night. He’d filled her in on his dreams well into the night. She slid her toes up against her ankle and tightened her pussy. They had barely gotten any sleep. Thank God it was the weekend and she didn’t have to report to work until Monday. She strode forward and set her glass down then stepped over him. Lila looked down at him and Driscoll, with his hair spread under him, smiled up at her.

“Can I help you?” He put his hands on the backs of her legs. Driscoll stroked his thumbs against her ankles. “I see that someone is needing.”

“Always.” She lowered herself until she was straddling him. Lila lay on him, smiling as she bent her head.

The sound of her cell ringing drew her attention. Recognizing the ring tone, Lila frowned. “Wait, I need to get that. It’s my family.”

She got off him and went to get the cell from the side table. She glanced at the screen and, seeing who it was, she smiled before she answered.

“Mom,” she said.

“Wow, you recognize my voice,” her mother said. “I wonder if you realize what day today is?”

Lila frowned then glanced at Driscoll, mouthing, “I’ll be back in a moment.”

She strolled into the foyer.

Driscoll watched as she left. The pleasure in her voice when she’d called her mom’s name showed how much she loved her. He sat up and, although he couldn’t hear what she said, the murmur of her voice made him smile. He rested his back against the couch and waited for her to return. A few moments later Lila came back into the room with a sheepish grin on her face.

“I forgot that we have a planning session for Thanksgiving at my mom’s house. All of us who are here usually plan the holiday and coordinate with those coming in for it.” Lila leaned over and kissed him. “I’ll be back soon and we can pick this up where we left off.”

She hurried from the room. Driscoll sat there listening then shortly he heard the door close as she left. He stood and went to the window. Looking out as Lila bundled up against the cold and got into Lancelot, Driscoll braced his hands against the window. He watched as she started the car, waited for it to warm up then drove away. He frowned then turned and went to his studio. Driscoll dropped into the chair at his console and stared at the various buttons. He sat up, pulled a piece of paper to him and wrote down the lyrics for a new song. Driscoll lost himself in the process of creating.

“Dris,” Lila said softly behind him.

He jerked, startled and looked at the clock in front of him and realized hours had passed.

“I just wanted to let you know I’m back.” Lila put her hand on his shoulder and squeezed gently. “I’ll leave you to your work.”

He put his hand over hers and turned. “This isn’t work, it’s personal.” He studied her. “How’s your family?”

“Good.” Lila chuckled. “We Skyped with my siblings and their family who are out of town. My nieces and nephews are excited to be coming to New York to see us. They love Singleton.”

“Good.” Driscoll slid his chair back, making sure he wasn’t touching her. He laced his fingers together and placed them between his legs.

“What’s wrong, Dris?” She reached for him again.

“I love you.”

Lila stopped, her eyes wide. “What?”

“You heard me.” Driscoll smiled wryly. “And I can see from your expression you never even thought of me that way.”

“Dr—”

“No, don’t make excuses.” Driscoll slashed his hand in the air. “From the start of this thing with us, I’ve felt like you’ve had one foot out the door. And I can’t figure out why.”

“We are from different worlds. B—”

“I have news for you, there is only one world. We both live in it and it is called earth.” Driscoll shook his head. “I can’t believe you’re trying to use the different world shit on me. I’m a man, Lila, one like any other. Just because I used to sing and was famous doesn’t mean fuck.”

“Dris, w—”

“What are you gonna say? ‘Dris, you can’t possibly love me because you’re who you are and I’m just me’.” Driscoll stood. “Bullshit, Lila. I never took you for a coward. But that’s what you are. You’re not willing to go all in for this.”

“Wait a minute. Don’t you dare call me a coward.” Lila stepped toward him. “Let me explain, damn it. Listen to me.”

“Listen to what? Excuses that we’re too different, and let’s just have fun?” Driscoll made another cutting motion with his hand. “I don’t even want to hear it. It’s been fun and lots of sex, but you’ve never once opened yourself emotionally to me. Made yourself even a little vulnerable. You keep up this wall and I can never scale it since you keep making it higher and higher. You left today to see your family and you never even thought to ask me to come along. For me to meet them. Did you even think to ask me to Thanksgiving? That I’d want to spend the holiday with someone I care about—you. Someone I love. You know what? Never mind. I don’t even have to hear your reply to know it never crossed your mind.” He turned away.

“Dris, I—”

“Get out, Lila, before I say something I might or might not regret.”

“Why won’t you listen to me?” she yelled.

“Actions speak louder than words.” Dris lowered his head, rubbing his fingers over his eyes.

“You know what? You’re right.” Lila sighed. “I’ll go.”

He didn’t reply. Just listened to her footsteps as she left. Clenching his fists, he closed his eyes and tried to not let the pain fill him. He failed and let out a ragged gasp, pressing his hand to his chest.

“Dris?” Irene called. “Lila said you needed me. She looked weird—like her heart’s been cut out. What happened?”

“Nothing.” He kept his back to her.

“Don’t you tell us that.” Aida came to stand before him. She studied him then said, “Fuck. I’m gonna scalp her.”

“Aida.” Irene came beside her looked at him then muttered, “I’ll hold her down. Dris?”

“I don’t want to talk about it.” He walked out of the room.

He heard them behind him and went up to his bedroom. Driscoll closed the door and locked it.

“Dri—”

“If any one of you comes in here I’ll—” His voice broke and he cleared his throat.

“Okay, we’ll leave you alone.” Their footsteps retreated.

Driscoll went to the windows and sat facing the balcony door, staring out at the night. He didn’t know how long he was there before he heard the door opening behind him.

“I told you to leave me the fuck alone,” he roared.

“No need to act like an ass,” Spencer said.

Driscoll glanced toward the door. Surprise filled him as Spencer, followed by Stuart then Dakota came in.

“He has the right to be a little asshole-like,” Stuart said then lifted the bottle he held. “We’re drinking.”

“And if you want to curse even meeting Lila, then we’re good with that. Or if you want to plot how to get her back, we can plan detainment.” Dakota pulled his hand from behind his back and showed him the cake box. “I have the strawberry and coconut cake.”

“There is no hope of getting her back. So planning detainment is useless.” Driscoll laughed bitterly then blinked, refusing to cry. “I can’t make her love me.”

“Why not?” Spencer sat in the chair facing him.

“Huh?”

“You’re the same one who told me to not let Reggie go when we had our problems. That I needed to do anything to keep her if she is the woman I love. I wouldn’t have gone after Reggie to try again if it wasn’t for you.” Spencer stared at him. “So, brother of mine, are you gonna put up or shut up? Are you all talk and giving advice to others but don’t follow through yourself? Love isn’t easy. Hell, sometimes it’s downright painful, at times ripping you up emotionally, but in the end it’s worth it.” Spencer leaned forward. “What are you gonna risk to get the woman you love?”

Driscoll sat forward and held out his hand. “Everything.”