Unexpected Encounter (Singleton)

by Taige Crenshaw

“I’ll have it made for you.” Lila touched her hair comb. “I have my own collection. I got your gift. I’ll keep the combs safe.”

  “I know,” he said.

  He held Lila against his chest, putting his hand under her chin and lifting her face to his. Contentment filled his soul as he stared into the eyes of the only woman who completed him. Life was unexpected indeed and he never would have thought he’d change his tune about love, but here he was, a married man. And he couldn’t wait to see where next their combined journey took them. At least he knew he’d always have her by his side.

  “Tell me again.”

  “Love you,” she whispered pressing her lips to his.

  The words sank into his soul and he would never tire of hearing it or saying it to her in return.

  Also available from Totally Bound Publishing:

  Singleton: More Than Temptation

  Taige Crenshaw

  Excerpt

  Chapter One

  “Thanks so much for all your planning with this.” Bella Locke pushed the loose curl back from where it had escaped from her ponytail.

  “No problem, Bella.” Storm Ellis smiled, tapping his finger on the sketches before him. “The idea to have me design and custom make seventies theme candy for your upcoming event at your club has been fun. After, I can use some of these ideas in the store to sell too. So it’s a win–win.”

  “Always thinking of business.” Bella chuckled. “Glad you accepted the idea and were able to come up with these.” She studied the sketches of candies that were a range of items from the seventies—from disco balls, shoes and clothing of that era and other items. “I especially like that you were actually able to include this.” She put her finger on the Rubik’s Cube. “It’ll be great with the cake I’m having Adrian make for the event, as well as the candles that Bryan is custom making.”

  “Yeah, I know.” Storm grinned. “We’ve been coordinating about what you wanted so that we can make sure to make the event at your club spectacular.” Storm touched her shoulder and winked. “You’re going to bring us even more business.”

  “As you already know, I love all your shops here on Kinsey Avenue. I spend so much money at the places around here, my wallet cries for mercy whenever I come this way.” Bella laughed. “If I didn’t think I would spend more time shopping in the shops here than at my business, I would move Bella’s here.”

  “Nah, Bella’s is well established where it is on Duquesne Place.” Storm shook his head then slid his hands into the pockets of his jeans. “I’m looking forward to the event. Already have my Afro wig and waiting for my seventies duds to be made.”

  “You’re having your clothing made?” Bella narrowed her eyes. “Let me guess, when you came to see me at the club a few weeks ago and passed Simply Essential as you were leaving my place, Montana saw you and lured you into her store.”

  “She did.” Storm smiled sheepishly. “Damn woman had me convinced in minutes I shouldn’t wear something off the rack for your event. She introduced me to the new designer who was going to be in charge of her male line of clothing. Before I knew it, I was ordering my clothing for your event.”

  Bella held back a smile then Storm rolled his eyes and she lost it. She laughed, holding onto her belly, and he slid his arms around her and laughed with her. Soon they calmed and Bella patted Storm on the shoulder then kissed his cheek.

  “I warned you about her. She is a hell of a businesswoman.”

  “I can’t believe I’ve never met her before.” Storm smirked. “She’s a hell of a woman in general.”

  “Uh-oh. I know that look. Let me give you another warning.” Bella squeezed his shoulder gently. “Montana isn’t a woman you want to go after unless you are serious.”

  “I can tell that.” Storm released her and turned away to gather his sketches. “It’s why I won’t. Serious leads to complications and I don’t want or need that.”

  Regretting that she had brought up memories that were best left alone, Bella reached out to him. “Storm—”

  “Leave it alone, Bella,” he snapped then sighed and ran his hand through his wavy, dark-brown, shoulder-length hair. Storm rubbed his fingers over the back of his neck. “Sorry.”

  “No need to apologize, my friend.” Bella stroked her hand along his back.

  Storm faced her again, and she stared at his tanned face, seeing the shadowed pain in his light blue gaze.

  She didn’t say anything about it, instead saying, “Now I’m going to leave without any of you know what and you’re not going to tempt me. You’re a candy dealer.” She narrowed her gaze playfully and shook a warning finger at him. “You’re not going to draw me in with your wiles.” She picked up her outwear then backed away in deliberate steps.

  Storm laughed, a rich, robust sound. Relief filled Bella and she hoped that he wouldn’t think too much of the past.

  “Uh-huh. Not falling for your wiles.” She turned and hurried out of his office then down the hall before going out of the swinging doors to the main area of the store. She was surprised that there weren’t many people shopping. Instead, there was one man standing by the case closest to the door. The clerk was on the other side of the room fixing some display trays.

  “Angel Dream,” Storm whispered close behind her.

  Bella jumped, not having heard him approach. She laughed then turned to him. “Damn Candy Dealer.” She swiped out towards him, but Storm shifted out of the way, chuckling. Bella sighed then blew out a breath. “Get me a pound of the Angel Dream.”

  “Is a pound even enough?”

  “That is all you are going to convince me of, Candy Dealer.” Bella held up her hands palms out. “Get thee back, Candy Dealer. Go get my candy.”

  Storm left, laughing.

  “Bastard. Damn him for making such delicious candy. H—” Bella turned and swallowed as she saw the man striding toward her.

  He was sensuality and grace personified. His motions reminded her of a predator stalking its prey. Although his body was lanky, she could tell there were muscles beneath the dark blue T-shirt that stretched across his chest. Blue jeans fit his body perfectly, showing off his long legs as he came toward her—his slight limp was barely noticeable. She inhaled when she got a good view of his tanned face—a scar curled from the side of his mouth to his cheek and down his face. His black hair came to mid-chest, framed his captivating features, while his dual-colored eyes—one brown eye, the other hazel-green—seemed to take in everything. His expression was contained, and Bella wanted to see him smile. She would bet it was devastating

  “Here you go, Bella,” Storm said.

  She moved to him and reluctantly looked away from the enticing man coming toward them. Bella noticed the bag Storm held and shook her head. “No way you got my candy that quickly. You already had it packed for me.”

  “Yep. I knew you wouldn’t be able to leave without getting some of your favorite candy.” Storm winked. “A candy dealer knows his customers.”

  “You’re so bad.” Bella accepted the bag with the Ellis Candy Shoppe logo. “Put it on my card.”

  “I figured you would try to convince yourself one pound of candy would be enough. But I packed up two pounds because I know you’ll regret not getting that.”

  “I should really stop coming here.” Bella sighed.

  “This is your favorite candy shop.” Storm grinned. “Besides, you love seeing my handsome face.”

  Bella glanced toward the man and saw that he had stopped at the case a little away from them. She couldn’t help but give him a once-over again, and this time she noticed that he held a wool jacket over his arm before she focused back on Storm.

  “Probably.” She patted his arm. “I got to get to my other appointments.”

  “See you soon.” Storm hugged her.

  She walked away. Bella paused as she passed the man and their gazes met. The look in his eyes was cool, but Bella wondered how they would look filled with need. She stopped, shocked at the direction her t
houghts had taken. It was so unlike her to be so attracted to anyone.

  “Storm, I’m here for my fix.” The man’s gruff, raspy voice reached her.

  Bella blew out a breath at the sound of his voice. The singer in her wondered if he could carry a tune. Bella unconsciously moved closer to them, listening not to what they said but to the cadence and familiarity with which the men conversed and teased each other. The man laughed, and at the deep, bassy sound, Bella put her hand against the side of her neck. God have mercy, I’m about to sin because how he looks, his voice and laugh all are turning me on. Bella wanted to walk away but she knew she couldn’t, at least not without meeting him.

  “I’ll get you some Tasty Devil,” Storm said. “I also have a new candy with strawberry and coconut I want you to try.”

  “I’m nothing but your guinea pig.” The man leaned against the counter.

  “Yep. I know when I need a tester for strawberry and coconut I have a guinea pig in you.” Storm wagged his finger at the man. “I know your flavor weakness.”

  “You do.” The man laughed. “Why are you still here? Get my candy.”

  “I’m going.” Storm went to another case.

  Bella waited until he did before she walked closer to the man. “Tasty Devil? I’ve never had it. What’s it taste like?”

  “A devilish delight.” The man turned to her. “Strawberry and coconut heaven.”

  “Hmmm… My favorite is the Angel Dream.” Bella opened her bag before she took out one of the wrapped candies then held it out. “Has coconut but not strawberry. It’s coconut with pecan, dipped in white chocolate. Tastes delicious.”

  “Thank you.” The man took it. “I’ve never tried it. But I will.” He palmed it then held out his hand. “Morgan James.”

  “Nice to meet you, Morgan.” Bella slid her hand into his.

  Morgan held onto her hand and studied her. Bella didn’t try to get loose, instead waiting to see what he would do. She would be a willing participant in whatever he wanted.

  “I have a good life. Nice, settled, and I don’t need any complications. And you have complication written all over you,” Morgan said.

  “Really?” Bella glanced down at her orange T-shirt, black jeans and boots then back at him. She chuckled then smiled widely. “I don’t see it, but maybe you can see with your super sight. Well, Mr Morgan James, if you ever decide that you want to get to know complicated ole me, look me up at the supper club I work at.” She stroked her finger along the back of his then slowly disentangled from him. “Nice meeting you.”

  She pivoted then walked away. Bella didn’t need to look to know he was watching her. She felt his gaze almost like a physical touch. I hope he comes to find me. If not, I’ll be back here to see Storm to get more information on this Morgan James. She paused then shrugged into her coat before opening the door to the shop and exiting. As she passed the glass with the stylized logo for the store, she looked inside and saw the man across the room. He was indeed watching her. She lifted her hand and waved before she went out of view of the window.

  Morgan James stared after the woman as she disappeared from view. Something about her niggled at him as being familiar, although he was sure he’d never met her before. He could still hear that sweet, smoky voice in his head. What he’d told her was the truth. He didn’t want or need anything that would upset his life. Yet instead of being offended, the woman had been amused. Her laugh had made him wonder how she’d sound if she made noises because of pleasure. Morgan shook his head. He shouldn’t be thinking like that. It was best he left her alone and wrote this off as a chance meeting at the candy shop. He lifted the wrapped treat she’d given him, opened it then popped it into his mouth. The taste burst across his tongue and he imagined chasing the candy in her mouth as they kissed.

  Snap out of it, Morgan. She is trouble. But, God, what a magnificent kind of trouble she would be. Even dressed in jeans and a T-shirt, the woman had a regal air about her. A thought filled his mind then he scowled.

  “Well, shit. I don’t even know her name, or the name of the club, even if I wanted to find her at her supper club.”

  “Supper club?”

  “It’s nothing.” He focused on his friend Storm.

  “Okay.” Storm held up the bag. “You know the drill. Don’t just gulp down the candy I want you to try just because it has coconut and strawberry. I—”

  “Yeah, yeah. You want me to taste it and let you know how it tastes, how the texture feels in my mouth and so on.” Morgan rolled his eyes. “I’ve been testing your candy before you even opened this place, so I know what to do.”

  “You and my brother are my test tasters.” Storm handed him the bag. “Without the two of you, this place wouldn’t have started and you all keep me going by helping me test out new candy.”

  “God, I remember when you first started trying flavor combinations. You better be glad I love you like a brother because some of the candy you had us try was awful.” Morgan grinned. “Went way beyond the duty of friendship.”

  “Good thing we’re brothers by choice then. Brothers do things like try candy that is awful.” Storm lifted a tray and went to take it to the case.

  Morgan followed him. “Humph. I don’t think that’s true. Why is it when you and your brother want to convince me to do something, it is always what brothers do?”

  “Because it’s our way of suckering you into it.” Storm chuckled as he set down the tray. “You do the same. You’ve gotten us into loads of trouble pulling the ‘we are brothers’ card.”

  “That’s not true.”

  Storm gave him a look.

  “Much,” Morgan amended. “Please, your brother is the one who got us in the most trouble.”

  “Yeah. He was a little hooligan. But we never were malicious about it.”

  “Good thing we weren’t.” Morgan laughed. “He was always the decision maker then too.”

  “Yes and he was fair too. Makes him a good judge now.”

  “It does.” Morgan glanced at his watch. “Are we still on for dinner next Sunday?”

  “Yes.”

  “Is it still at your brother’s place?”

  “Yep,” Storm said absently as he fixed the candy.

  “Who was the lady you gave candy to before me, and where is the supper club she works at?” Morgan asked before he could think not to.

  “Who?” Storm focused on him “Oh, you mean Bella. I’ve told you about her before. We’re good friends. Wait—I just realized you’ve never met her before.” Storm rested his hand on the counter, watching him across the surface. “She’s the one I told you was there for me when—”

  “Storm—” Morgan interrupted, not needing him to continue. He knew what he was referring to and didn’t need Storm to have to talk about it again.

  “Her place is Bella’s, on Duquesne Place,” Storm interjected.

  “I’ve never heard of it.”

  “Come to think of it, I’m surprised you don’t know her. She’s related to Julianne.”

  When he said that, Morgan immediately knew what it was about her that had struck a chord in him. It was her eyes—she had the golden eyes that he’d come to equate with the Locke family. He thought briefly of Julianne Locke, the woman he had saved many years ago. She’d been pregnant when she and her husband had been in a devastating crash that had taken his life and had left Julianne hurt. Julianne and her daughter had survived because of him. It wasn’t something Morgan wanted credit or their gratitude for—although Julianne as well as many of her family and friends conveyed both sentiments. He’d only recently reconnected with Julianne, when his friend and co-worker had become involved with her. She and her daughter had wanted to show their appreciation, but it had become much more. They had taken him into the fold of their family, and he’d become very friendly with many of the Lockes. Although he’d heard of Bella, a retired singer who owned a popular business that kept her very busy, he’d never met her. Her busyness was one of the reasons why they ha
dn’t seen each other before. He’d attended various things she had been supposed to be at, but she hadn’t shown up. As far as he recalled, no one had mentioned that it was a supper club.

  “Oh.” Morgan shrugged. “We’ve never crossed paths. I’ve got to get back to the station.”

  “Okay,” Storm replied.

  Morgan left and once he was on the sidewalk, he stopped, putting on his jacket. Now that he knew who she was, Morgan wondered if her interest in him was gratitude for saving Julianne. It doesn’t matter. I won’t see her again. At least, nothing beyond interaction with her family. With that decided, he strode down the sidewalk to his vehicle. As he got in, he thought of her laugh and smile again. Morgan pushed them away and returned to work.

  A half an hour later he strode into the Singleton Fire Department on Delko Street, where he worked. Inside, he waved at the other people working as he headed to the office he shared with some of the other fire investigators. Immediately he noticed that Keenan Callaghan—who was engaged to Julianne—was at his desk on the phone. He lifted his hand, acknowledging him, and Morgan returned the gesture.

  He went to his own desk, shrugging out of his coat before placing it on the back of his chair, then pulled out a file for a case he was working on and sat. Morgan started to work, but his thoughts throughout the day kept going to the golden-eyed woman who had captured his attention with her exuberance.

  Later when he was at home, he still couldn’t get her out of his mind. Pacing back and forth in his living room, Morgan stared out at the darkened night, debating with himself.

  “Fuck it.” Finally, he headed for the door and to his blue Dodge Durango.

  Soon he was in his vehicle and headed out of his driveway. He tapped his finger on the wheel as he whistled along with the CD that had been cued up from earlier. While he drove, the time passed quickly and almost an hour later, he parked in the lot before turning off the vehicle then getting out. He strode across the lot and glanced at the line waiting to be let in. He stopped on the sidewalk in front of the entrance and debated if he should leave. It was obviously a busy night, and this really hadn’t been a good idea to come here. He turned to leave.