Collide (Collide #1)(9)

A frown marred the space between her brows. "A whiney sorority girl? What's that supposed to mean? Why did you even come here to shower then?"

"I got the call after I got here, that's why."

"Maybe you need to go sleep at your place tonight." She undid her apron and threw it on the table. "You're out wining and dining these so-called clients at least five nights a week."

Walking closer, his voice rose as he eyed her. "What are you trying to imply, Emily? Do you not think that I'm taking care of clients?"

"I have no idea. I just thought you'd be here a little more than you have been," she answered, tossing her hand through her hair. "Maybe to help me adjust a bit with the whole move."

After taking a sip of his water, he cocked his head to the side. "I moved you out here on my dime. What more do you want from me?"

"That was low, Dillon," she breathed out, her green eyes wide. "I didn't ask you to do any of that. I could've stayed in Colorado, and we could've continued a long-distance relationship."

Dillon stepped closer, lifted his hand, and gently brushed her cheek. "No, you couldn't. You love me, and you needed to be here with me after everything that happened." He slid his thumb against her chin. "And I love and need you here, too. Now stop the bullshit, let me go take care of this client, and I'll be back later, okay?"

Assessing and reevaluating the situation on the fly, Emily pushed up on her tiptoes and pressed her lips against his. He eagerly accepted her advance as he groaned into their kiss. Fisting his hands in her hair, he drew her closer, pulling her into his chest.

Emily spoke against his mouth. "Alright. Go do your thing, and I'll see you later."

"So I'm not being forced back to my apartment tonight then?" He smiled against her lips. "If you really insist, I guess I can sleep at my place instead of here."

"Stop being a wiseass, Dillon. I'll be waiting for you when you get back."

"Okay, you'll have my undivided attention then."

Dillon laced his hand in hers and she followed him to the door. After giving her one last kiss, Emily watched him walk out of her apartment.

When the door snapped shut, Olivia re-emerged from her room. Sinking into the couch, she patted it for Emily to follow suit. "Alright, spill it. What's the deal, woman?" Olivia asked.

"He just seems distant, you know?" she replied, sitting next to her.

"Look, you know I can't stand Dillon." Olivia paused for a second and tapped her chin. "Actually, I hate him." Emily rolled her eyes, and Olivia laughed. "But, really, in his defense, and only because my brother works in the same office, they really have to take care of potential accounts."

"Yeah, but is Trevor out five nights a week taking care of these people?"

"No, but I guess Dillweed's more of an aggressive broker. Considering he's an *, I'm pretty sure I'm right."

"Okay, friend, enough cutting him down," she said, shaking her head. Olivia laughed, and Emily contemplated her words. "Maybe I'm overreacting. I don't know. I guess between trying to adjust to my mom's death and the move, my brain's short circuiting."

Olivia placed her hand on Emily's shoulder, her eyes softening with sympathy. "It's a shitload to take in all at once. I couldn't imagine going through it." Olivia pulled her close, giving her a tight hug. "You're a strong woman, and you'll get through this. I know you will."

"Thank you, Olivia, really. I don't know what I would've done without you. I was blessed having you as a roommate in college and now living here with you. I'm forever indebted, honestly."