Collide (Collide, #1)(76)
Dillon reached for Emily’s hand. “Sure, we’ll be there in a second.”
“Actually, I need to use the restroom,” she replied, walking away from him. “Go ahead without me, and I’ll meet you over there in a few minutes.”
Tossing his hand through his hair, Dillon looked to her and nodded. As he crossed the room with his mother, Emily let out a sigh. She didn’t need to use the restroom. She needed a breather to clear her racing thoughts. Confusion spun through her mind. She didn’t understand why, even though she had explained that she knew about the upcoming trip, he had continued to lie to her. She understood that he couldn’t actually tell her where he was on that particular morning—especially if he was indeed purchasing her ring—but here, right now, why not just confess to it? When one of the waiters approached her with much-needed bubbling champagne, she earnestly plucked two glasses off the tray, downed one, and then thanked him. With that, she turned in the direction of the terrace, only to discover Gavin watching her every move.
Effectively ignoring him, she made her way outside.
Gavin shifted uncomfortably in his chair, trying to drag his eyes away from Emily as she exited the restaurant. She looked like a princess—so beautiful that she made his chest ache with the need to touch her. Even though laughter and conversation between Stephanie, Fallon, and Tina hummed around him, he couldn’t help the urge of somehow finding a way to follow her outside. His chance came when Trevor approached the group.
“Anyone need a drink?” Trevor asked. “I’m going over to the bar.”
“Get me and Tina an Alabama Slammer each,” Olivia piped out, adjusting the straps to the silver dress she was wearing. “Actually, get us two each.”
Trevor nodded at her request.
Rising to his feet, Gavin smiled. “I need another, and I’ll take a walk with you.” He turned to Stephanie. “Did you want something?”
“No, I’m okay, but thank you.”
Feeling like the slithering snake he knew he was for leaving Stephanie like that, Gavin surveyed the crowd in an attempt to locate Dillon. He found him consumed in a conversation among a few men that appeared to be his age. Gavin figured that they were his friends from high school or college. As he and Trevor approached the bar, it was apparent to Gavin—based on the look in Trevor’s eyes—that his friend knew something was up. Trevor placed the order with the bartender and turned to Gavin.
“You don’t need a drink, do you?”
“No, I don’t,” Gavin stated, his gaze moving over the room before coming back to Trevor. “I want to talk to Emily for a few minutes. Keep an eye on Dillon for me.”
The bartender slid the glasses across to Trevor.
“What about Stephanie?”
“Tell Olivia to keep her busy; she’ll be fine.”
Shaking his head, Trevor lifted his drink and sipped from it. “You’re playing with fire, man.”
“I can handle the burn. Just do what I asked.”
Without a backward glance, Gavin navigated his way through the crowd, dashing and darting through the maze of evening gowns and tailored suits. When he emerged on the terrace, he found Emily with her back to him, her auburn hair whipping around in the cool late-September air. Unaware of him watching, it was as if her body beckoned him. He tried—God knows he tried—to stay away. The past few weeks had been hell, and he had attempted to save them both by not going to her job and not showing up at her apartment when he knew Dillon wouldn’t be there. However, seeing her, being here with her, sucking in her presence had him feeling as though his mind was possessed. Every neuron fired into a tempest of sparks, and he couldn’t believe that his body was able to contain it. He was amazed that his flesh wasn’t cracking into a million glittering pieces. No matter the situation, right there and then, he needed to go to her.
He took a step forward, and as if she sensed him, she whipped around, a piece of her silken hair catching in her mouth. “What are you doing out here?” she asked, her voice low, shaky even.
He moved toward her, allowing only a few feet to separate them. “I need to speak with you.”
“There’s nothing to talk about,” she said, turning her back to him again.
“There’s a lot we need to talk about, and you’re going to turn around and face me, Emily.” The rough whisper was breathed out with classic male dominance as he stepped closer.
His tone caught her attention, her heart slamming to a stop before jump-starting again. She twirled around and stared straight into his eyes. He was looking at her as if he was trying to read her mind, and she felt naked under his gaze. So sexy, dangerous, and completely confident, it almost sickened her. As arrogant as his demand was, it still managed to suck her into a vortex of spiraling desire. Like a defiant teenager pissed at a parent, she crossed her arms and waited for him to speak.
“Do you feel me when I’m not with you, Emily?”
With shock shimmering in her eyes, she nervously laughed. “What kind of question is that?”
“One that I’m asking you,” he growled. “Because I can feel you when you’re not with me. Now answer my question.”
“We’re back to this again, huh?”
“Yes. Now get those pretty lips to answer the question,” he demanded as he stepped closer.