Collide (Collide #1)(110)

Before she could question him, his mother floated over - her blonde hair twisted into a tight bun, which only further exaggerated her high cheekbones.

"Dillon, Uncle Bruce and Aunt Mary just arrived. They're not feeling well with their emphysema. Damn smokers," she huffed. "Anyway, they want to say hello to you and Emily. Do me a favor and go over and greet them." With the flick of her wrist, she motioned in the direction of the couple sitting comfortably at a table across the room. Each with their own breathing machine anchored next to them.

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.