Collide (Collide #1)(118)

"You don't sound good," he said, placing the back of his hand against her forehead. She flinched away slightly but smiled. "You actually feel feverish."

"You can tell by feeling my forehead, huh?" She brought her hand up to her forehead. She then started rummaging through her purse, looking for Tylenol. "Now your resume consists of business mogul, nanny, and doctor, too."

Laughing, he shrugged. "The nanny part coincides with the doctor part. I've watched Timothy and Theresa a few times while they were sick." He took a swig of his beer. "You shouldn't be out, feeling the way you do."

She sighed. "Yeah, I know I shouldn't be." He looked at her questioningly. Popping the medicine into her mouth, she downed some water. "Long story."

Though he had a pretty good idea who made her come out, Gavin didn't probe.

Staring at him, curiosity got the better of Emily as she wondered why he was there alone. "So, uh, what happened to that girl you brought with you to the engagement party?"

She wasn't you... "She moved to the West Coast to be closer to her family," he replied, the lie tumbling from his mouth effortlessly.

"Oh, I'm sorry about that."

"Nah, it's no biggie."

With that, Trevor and Fallon approached the two of them, both sweat-riddled from their dancing.

"Country," Fallon breathed out heavily, wiping the back of her neck, "take a walk with me to the restroom. I need to fix my makeup that I'm pretty damn sure is all over the place right about now."

"Sure," Emily said, rising from the barstool. She looked at Gavin. "Could you keep an eye on my purse for me?"

He nodded, but Trevor yanked it from the bar and slung it across his body. "I'll keep an eye on it. Blake might steal some freakish keepsake of you for himself."

They all laughed, and the two women started heading toward the restrooms.

As Emily weaved her way through the endless amount of fans celebrating the Yankees win, she spotted Dillon playing a game of pool. He was hanging out with a cluster of men and women across the bar. She could tell it was taking all of his efforts to remain standing upright as his body swayed back and forth while lining up a shot. A ripple of laughter washed over the crowd when he sank the eight ball.

"So much for spending time with me," she mumbled.

Fallon pulled the restroom door open, and they walked in. "I know I don't know Dillon that well, Country, but I'm assuming he forced you to come out tonight."

"Well, I could've said no," she replied as she observed her appearance in the mirror.

Ripping a piece of paper towel from the dispenser, Fallon doused it with some water and started wiping her face and arms. The corner of her mouth turned up a smirk. "Right, but you didn't."

Emily shrugged. "I felt bad about not coming. I love Trevor."

Fallon tossed the paper towel into the trash and looked at Emily, her gray eyes twinkling with concern. "And Trevor loves you, but you need to find your voice with your man. Put him in his place when need be."

Emily studied her for a second, feeling slightly confused. "I think I do put him in his place, Fallon."

Cocking her head to the side, Fallon approached her and placed her hand on her shoulder. "I'm not trying to start anything with you, Country. I just think you could be a little tougher with him, that's all."

A faint smile tugged at Emily's lips, but she didn't answer.

Fallon grabbed for her hand and led them out. Upon emerging, a large group had gathered just outside the door, making it difficult for them to maneuver their way through the crowd.