Collide (Collide #1)(5)

Emily wrinkled her brows. "Club?"

"Yeah, go out clubbing," Fallon replied, shaking her hips from side to side.

"Oh, you mean dancing," Emily laughed. "Yes, in Colorado I did, but I have yet to do it here in New York."

"Killer. I love breaking in newbies to the club scene."

"Well, I'm down for getting broken in. Let me know when."

"I will. I'm dating this older guy in his forties, and he gets me into some of New York's hottest clubs with no cover charge at all."

Emily nodded and took a sip of her coffee.

"The sex is just an extra bonus," Fallon added.

Emily nearly choked on said coffee. "Oh, that would definitely be an added bonus for sure."

"Yeah, that's what I figured," she smiled. "Okay, new girl, let's get going here."

Throughout the day, Emily followed Fallon. She showed her how to use the computer and introduced her to quite a few of the restaurant's regular customers. They shifted between very upscale business-suit types to your "Average Joe" construction worker. There was a heavy lunch rush that came around noon, and one of the waiters had called in sick, so Emily took a few tables. Even though she wasn't familiar with the menu and felt shaky on the computer, she made it through without any major problems. By the end of her shift, Fallon had her head buzzing with which guests tipped the best to which servers were the cutthroat types. For the most part, considering it was her first day, Emily thought it went well.

On her way out the door, Antonio stopped her with a to-go box filled with food. "Emily, my delivery boy quit," he said, his eyes thick with worry. "Do you head in the direction of the Chrysler Building?"

"I don't, but it's only a few blocks away, right?"

"Yeah, it's right on Lexington and 42nd."

"Do you need me to take that there?" Emily asked, pointing to the box he was holding.

"Yes, please."

Emily shrugged. "Not a problem. I'll walk it over and just take a cab home from there."

"Thank you so much." He handed her the box, letting out a sigh of relief. "I'll throw a little extra cash into your pay next week."

"No need, Antonio. I like sightseeing anyway."

"Nah, nah, nah, I insist. We'll see you tomorrow, Country."

Laughing, Emily shook her head, amused at her new nickname. She rocked onto the rounded heels of her waitressing shoes and stepped out into the hot, humid air. June in New York was undoubtedly warmer than Colorado. She made her way through the city wide-eyed, still in awe at the fact that she lived there.

The air was thick with the bustle of traffic and the aromas from food vendors' carts. She was adjusting to New York better than she had anticipated. From the vibrating subway underneath her feet to the mixed array of faces, everything about the city intoxicated her mind. It was sensory overload at its finest. Three short blocks later and quite sweaty from the walk, she arrived at her destination.

Though his father had told him stories about it happening, until that fateful afternoon, Gavin Blake had believed that love at first sight didn't exist. Even though he had the full attention of the blonde sitting at the information desk, his eyes locked on to Emily when she walked in. He took in the way she smiled as the security guard approached her. Her beauty instantly hit him. But more so, he felt drawn to her as if a rope bound his waist, and she was on the other end pulling him to her. Blinking twice, he shook his head at the magnetic connection.

"Miss, can I help you with something?" the security guard asked.