Collide (Collide #1)(124)

"They're over there," he answered, gesturing to a table in the center of the room.

"Cool, I'll catch up with you two in a bit." And, with that, Olivia skirted her way through the party in the direction of Chad and Lillian.

Turning to face Emily, Gavin's eyes slowly languished over every inch of her body. God, she looked exquisite in every way possible - a princess among peasants in the room. It was all he could do to catch a decent breath. A black, strapless velvet gown, accentuating her cleavage, flowed to the ground, hugging her subtle curves like a fitted glove. His gaze swept past a diamond choker, ignoring its sparkle, and fixated instead on the startling fullness of her lips that glistened ruby red. Tiny diamond pins held her hair up with only a few tendrils framing her heart-shaped face. Smoky hues of gray shimmered over her eyelids as her beautiful emerald eyes locked onto his icy blues.

Trying to compose himself, Gavin reached for her hand and regally lifted it to his lips, placing a soft kiss on it. "Words fail to describe the way you look this evening."

Emily smiled sheepishly. "Thank you," she breathed out, grasping onto her clutch. "You look great, too."

"Why, thank you." He smiled. "Shall we?"

With mild trepidation, she nodded, as he tucked her hand in the crook of his arm.

He led her across the room, pausing briefly to engage in conversations with some of the guests who stopped him. Along the way, he introduced Emily to a few of the families that his mother's foundation had helped over the years. Their smiling faces showed their gratitude in every way possible. Among the guests were some of New York's leading breast cancer researchers, organizations, and a few politicians whose families had been affected by the disease. With the subject hitting so close to home, Emily felt awestruck at the generosity Gavin and his family extended to those in need.

"Emily, you remember my brother, Colton, and his wife, Melanie," Gavin said, pulling out a chair for her.

Nodding, Emily reached across the table and shook their hands. "I do. It's nice seeing you both again."

"You, too," Melanie replied. "My children have actually asked for you quite a few times."

Emily smiled. "They have?"

Draping his arm over the back of Melanie's chair, Colton answered, "They sure have. They said you're the best soccer player in the world."

"That's too funny," Emily laughed. "Well, tell them I said hello. I'll have to muster up another soccer game with them."

Gavin smirked and took a seat next to Emily. "Don't let her fool you. If I recall, I'm the one who taught you how to play soccer." Looking at her, he shot her a wink.

Emily smiled and shook her head.

"Ah, yes, brother-in-law, take all the credit." Melanie laughed, tossing her blonde hair over her shoulder. "Emily, be forewarned that all the males in the Blake family try to take credit for anything they can." Emily quirked a brow in Gavin's direction, and he laughed. "But, for right now, this Blake woman is about to take credit for teaching her husband how to dance." Melanie rose from her seat and reached for Colton's hand. "Aren't I right, sweetie?"

Standing up, Colton curled his arm around her waist and planted a kiss on her head. "I have two left feet, so yes, I'll give you credit for trying to teach me how to dance."

"Don't fall flat on your ass, brother," Gavin yelled out as the couple moved to the dance floor.

Colton turned around, effectively flipping the bird in Gavin's direction.

"Hmm, do I sense sibling rivalry?" Emily asked.