Dreams Collide: Collide Series Book 2

by Kristina Beck

  “Tina? What would you like to eat? Do you want an appetizer?”

  “I’d like the roasted chicken please. As for an appetizer…why don’t you surprise me?”

  “Did you ever have duck before?” I shake my head. “Well you will tonight.” He smirks and closes his menu.

  He tells Burnett our choices, and then he tops off our wineglasses. Gerry looks around the room. “I’ve always wanted to dine in this room, but I never had someone special to bring here, and I’m always working.” He gives me a soft smile as he raises his glass. “To us.”

  We toast and I take a generous sip this time. It glides smoothly down my throat. “This is the most delicious red wine I’ve ever had. Like satin going down. Be careful—I might drink this entire bottle before we leave, and I’ll pass out on your bed again or spill more secrets.”

  “I liked it when you slept in my bed. My pillow smelled of lavender like your hair when I went to sleep the next night.”

  Waking up wrapped in his arms was the most incredible experience I’ve ever had. I felt special, comforted and desired. He always makes me feel like that. It surprises me how much I crave his affection.

  “But we still have surprise number two after this, and I need you sober. Let’s get some food in your stomach. Try the amuse-bouche that was placed in front of you. It was given to you by the chef to complement the wine I chose.”

  Before he puts his fork in his mouth he asks, “After all of the things we’ve done together, what has been your favorite? Should we still call this game just friends?”

  I wait to eat mine. “It’s hard to say. We haven’t kissed, which means we haven’t crossed the line yet.” I smirk. “To answer your first question, I’ve loved everything. But my favorite of all favorites was hanging out at your apartment. We opened up to each other that night. You showed me how to dance. You fed me the most divine meatballs. We were ourselves and didn’t worry about the boundaries. Granted, I drank too much and told you a few things I regretted the next day.”

  “Never regret telling me anything. I love learning everything about you. I told you—there’s nothing you could do or say that would change how I feel about you.”

  “Now you. What was yours?”

  “Let me think for a minute.” He closes his eyes, and then a smile slowly forms. “I can’t say there’s one specific thing. Just being with you makes me happy. I’ve never wanted to be around a woman as much as I do you. I want you with me all the time, whether we’re friends or more.” He reaches for my hand. “As we spend more time together, we’re more relaxed and enjoy each other’s company without worrying about business. After last weekend, I’m glad I left Germany, because I’m right where I want to be. And that’s with you.”

  I release a soft sigh. He’s lucky there’s a table between us. His fiery eyes reflect exactly what I’m thinking. Our silence is broken when the first course is served.

  The dinner flies by in a rush. While we wait for our main course, we watch the kitchen through the window. He explains how the kitchen is run and what each chef is responsible for. Depending on the restaurant, the height of a chef hat shows the rank of each chef. The number of pleats can also represent levels of experience or how many different ways the chef can prepare an egg.

  I eat dishes I’ve never heard of. Things like foie gras, magret de carnad, and macaron. It was a magical experience I’ll never forget. I’m not sure the second surprise can beat this one.

  Chapter 21

  Gerry

  I love watching the excitement in her eyes. She searches out the window for some clues to help her figure out where the next surprise is. Her eyes grow wide as the taxi stops in front of the Empire State Building. I offer my hand to help her out and can’t help but admire her long legs as she stands. Look away!

  “I can’t believe you brought me here. To other people it’s only the Empire State Building, but to be here with you means so much more.”

  “There’s still a bit of a line, but it should move fast. I’ve read the wait isn’t so long this time of day. Let’s hope it’s true.”

  She looks up and then at me. Her face has a mask of fear, and then she grabs her necklace. “I’ve only seen it on TV shows and movies. The building looks so much higher. Suddenly I’m afraid of heights. Or maybe it’s the wine.”

  “You’re scared?”

  “A little. I’ve never been that high before. What if I freak out?” She looks up again and shivers.

  “Haven’t you been in a plane before? That’s much higher.”

  “No. I told you I haven’t traveled much, which includes not being in a plane,” she snaps.

  “I’m sorry. I won’t ask again.” I take her hand from her necklace and hold it in mine. “I’ll be there with you. There’s no reason to be afraid.”

  She squeezes my hand in response. The line moves forward in a slow crawl, but I don’t mind.

  “How did your parents meet?” she asks.

  “My dad was an exchange student at Mom’s high school during the eleventh grade. She helped him get comfortable with the school, and they became good friends during the six months he was there. They both claim nothing happened between them. After he went back to Germany, they kept in touch by writing letters to each other. My mom and her best friend took a trip to London, and he met them there with his best friend. From the second they reunited, they knew they were meant to be together.” I squeeze her hand. “Sometimes you just know.”

  A smile appears but turns into a frown when we reach the elevators.

  I tug her forward. “It’s now or never. Can you do it?”

  “Yes. With you, I think I can do anything.” Her other hand holds on to my arm. “You said the eighty-sixth floor?” Her grip tightens.

  I switch hands with her and wrap an arm around her waist. I pull her tightly against my side…where she’ll always belong. The elevator doors close.

  After what feels like an hour, the elevator chimes, and the doors open. We let everyone else out first. Once we’re alone, we take our time walking out onto the deck, inching a bit closer to the edge.

  I feel her body relax, so I let go of her waist and stand behind her. The timing couldn’t be better. The sunset is amazing. We remain silent and enjoy the view. “Hey, instead of taking a selfie, let’s ask someone to take our picture with this view behind us.”

  She responds with a big smile.

  I take my phone back from the stranger, but Tina doesn’t look at the picture. She turns away and leans her forehead against the barrier. “It’s astonishing how far away I can see. We couldn’t have asked for a better night. Wow. What a great view of both the Hudson and East Rivers and Central Park. And look! There’s Jersey City and Hoboken. I can’t believe I’ve waited so long to do this.”

  The sunset fills the sky with soft oranges and reds; a hint of purple spreads behind scattered gray-blue clouds. “It’s unbelievable, isn’t it?” I whisper in her ear as I cage her in from behind. She leans back into my chest with her head angled to the side. She has no idea what her touch does to me. I wrap my arms around her. This is against the rules, but I don’t care anymore. She doesn’t seem to mind either, because she squeezes my arms and pulls me closer to her.

  “It’s so much prettier than I imagined. Thank you so much for bringing me here.”

  We stand like this for a few minutes, me enjoying the touch of her warm body against mine more than the view.

  “There’s no one else I’d rather be here with,” she says sweetly.

  I graze my cheek against hers. “Me neither.”

  We wait until the sky is black and we can observe the city full of lights. She turns and faces me. “This has been the most romantic night of my life. Thank you for making so many of my wishes come true.” Her warm gaze glides to my lips, inviting me to kiss her.

  I cup her face in my hands. “I want to kiss your wine-stained lips more than you can imagine, but we promised we’d wait. I don’t want you to regret it after.”
/>   Her face droops in disappointment.

  “You’re right. I know you’re right, but I don’t want to do the right thing anymore.” She moves closer to me.

  I whisper against her cheek, “I don’t either. Please be patient. It’ll be worth the wait. I promise.” I kiss the top of her head, my lips lingering longer than they should.

  I step back. “Let’s get our last glimpse of the view so I can get you home and not get us in trouble. The next time I see you will be on Friday when everyone meets up for the bachelor and bachelorette parties. The wedding and work will take up too much time for me otherwise. I’m sorry we can only see each other then.”

  “I don’t like it, but I’ll be busy too. Someone’s website needs to be finished soon, which means late nights at work.” She smirks and tugs on my tie.

  “Two of my friends are visiting next weekend. Kayla said it’s okay that they come out with us. It’s also Lisa’s birthday.”

  “I’m not sure I’ll be able to go out with the guys. It depends on how busy it is. I’d rather secretly follow your group to make sure everyone behaves. No dancing on the bars, if you know what I mean.”

  She plants her hands on her sexy hips. “Now do I look like the type, or even Kayla?”

  I laugh. “No, but alcohol can make it a lot easier.”

  “You have nothing to worry about. If I’m going to dance for anyone, it’ll be for you in private.” She walks ahead and flashes me a smile over her shoulder.

  Matt’s wedding can’t get here fast enough.

  Chapter 22

  Tina

  Lisa, Alexa, Larissa, Cori, and I pack ourselves into the bus headed to the city. We find four empty seats together. Alexa offers to stand.

  Tonight’s the last night I’ll see Gerry until the wedding. We’re going to his restaurant earlier than Kayla’s group to hang out for a little while. I secretly want to watch him in manager mode and see how he interacts with his guests.

  Lisa turns to me in her seat. “Does Gerry know we’re coming early?”

  Alexa chimes in, “No. But Tina wants to check him out when he’s on the job. Maybe even spy for a little while before he sees us.” She takes her phone out of her clutch.

  I must be an open book. “Whatever you say, Alexa.”

  Alexa motions with her arms to squeeze together. “I want to take a picture before we party. We need before and after pictures of tonight so we can look at them tomorrow to remember what we did.” She chuckles.

  “You ladies can get wasted, but there’s no way I’m getting so plastered I don’t remember anything,” I say as Lisa nods in agreement.

  The bus takes a sharp turn. Alexa’s clutch falls on the ground and opens. We all bend over to look at what falls out. Five different color red lip glosses and her wallet.

  “Alexa, are you kidding me?” Lisa says as she helps pick them up. “What could you possibly need five different ones for?”

  Larissa and Cori choke back their laughter.

  “To mark her territory,” I joke.

  “You know it!” Alexa exclaims while shoving everything back in and snapping the clutch shut.

  Once we’re off the bus, we walk the same route I did when I met Gerry for the first time. I tell them my sunglasses story, and we can’t stop laughing. Anything for a good laugh, even if I’m the butt of the joke.

  “That’s going down in the books. I can just see you standing there, thinking you look all hot and businesslike, but meanwhile you look like a pirate. I can’t stop laughing.” Cori snorts as she holds her stomach.

  My laughter turns into nervous cackles. “Here it is. I hope it’s okay to show up early. Maybe our tables aren’t available yet.” I step away from the entrance with second thoughts.

  “I highly doubt he’ll have a problem. How many times have you gone out together? Why is this any different? We’re here, and we aren’t leaving,” Alexa declares.

  I shoot her a look that clearly means to shut the hell up.

  “Wait a second,” Lisa interjects while her head bobs from Alexa to me. “So there is something going on between you two. How many times have you gone out with him?” She crosses her arms. “And why am I the last to know?”

  “We’ve hardly spoken during the last few weeks because we’re so busy. I’ll talk to you later about it. There’s not much to tell.” I try to brush it off like it’s nothing, but Lisa keeps giving me the evil eye.

  Alexa reaches out to open the door, just as a group of loud guys funnels out. We stand to the side. None of them hold the door open for us. Such gentlemen. She tries again, and we’re blown away by how busy it is.

  “He’s probably swamped. Don’t get mad if he can’t pay much attention to us.” I shouldn’t get mad.

  I snoop around for any trace of him as we approach the hostess stand.

  “We’re part of a party that has reservations tonight for eight o’clock,” I tell the young woman.

  She looks at the computer screen and types away. “Yes, under the name Matt.”

  “That’s correct. We’re all friends of Gerry’s.”

  “Oh, okay. He’s in the beer garden. He can show you which tables are reserved for your group. Do you know where the garden is?”

  “Yes. Thanks!” I say.

  I look over my shoulder. “Come on, ladies. The beer garden is great. It’s the perfect place to start the party.”

  I walk out the open glass doors and see him in an instant. He doesn’t see me right away. I stop to watch him. Lisa bumps into my back, which leads the others to bump into Lisa.

  “What the hell, Tina? Why’d you stop like that?” Alexa snaps. “We looked like total jackasses.”

  “I just want to watch him for a few minutes. I’ve never seen him like this before. You can see by his face he loves it here. He told me he loves this atmosphere, loves speaking with his guests.”

  “Go. There are people behind us trying to get through,” Larissa complains.

  We move aside and let them pass.

  “Hey. Larissa and I are going to the bathroom to check our hair. We’ll be right back,” Cori says.

  Gerry lifts his head and zones in on me. A smile immediately stretches across his bright face. My stomach twists in delight, and my face becomes warm.

  He walks swiftly over to us, almost banging into a server.

  He comes up to me first. “Hi, Süße,” he whispers in my ear without touching me.

  I lean away giggling. “That tickles.”

  He steps back to let someone pass through.

  “We hoped to see you in action as the big bad manager,” I tease.

  Alexa jumps forward. “Hi, Gerry. You remember Tina’s sister, Lisa? We’re celebrating her thirtieth birthday tonight too. Maybe we can get some drinks before the gang shows up. She needs to let loose.” She shakes Lisa’s shoulders.

  “Well, you’ve come to the right place. You aren’t the first to show up. My cousin Tyler flew in for Matt’s wedding. He’s Kayla’s brother and my partner. Maybe you’ve met him before. He’s sitting at the reserved tables.”

  “I think I met him once at a party Matt had. That was a while ago,” Lisa comments.

  “He lives in Seattle and doesn’t visit here often.”

  Gerry takes my hand and pulls me to him. “You look quite beautiful tonight. Is that for me, or are you hoping to meet some other guys?”

  His whisper sends enticing shivers down my back. “Only for you,” I purr.

  “Just friends, my ass,” Lisa chimes. “Stop whispering and show us where your cousin is.”

  We approach a table with a guy talking on the phone and two beer mugs standing tall in front of him. One full and one half-empty. He finishes his call with an angry face and guzzles the rest of the beer in one mug. Slamming it on the table.

  “Watch it with the mug,” Gerry warns. Tyler ignores him.

  “Hi, Tyler. Remember me? I met you at Matt’s once. I’m Lisa, James’s wife.”

  His eyes squint, and th
en they soften when he recognizes her. “Yes. How are you?” He scratches his head. “Man, that was a while ago.”

  “I’m great.” She pushes Alexa forward. “Tyler, this is James’s sister, Alexa.”

  He looks her up and down like she’s a piece of meat. “Alexa,” he says, his voice smooth as butter, or was that a slur? He stands up and wipes his hand on his shirt. When he goes to shake her hand, he loses his balance and grips the table to prevent himself from falling over.

  “Tyler, I think you’ve had enough to drink. Pace yourself. It’s going to be a long night,” Gerry urges.

  Tyler grunts in response.

  Gerry clears his throat. “This is Tina, Lisa’s sister.”

  Tyler flashes me a fake smile. “Nice to meet you, Tina.”

  He motions to the table. “Since we’re the first to arrive, first round is on the house, beautiful ladies. Right, Ger?”

  Gerry shrugs his shoulders. “No problem.”

  “Cool. Thanks,” Alexa says as we take our seats.

  “I need to check on the kitchen since we’re packed tonight. I’ll send a server over to take your drink orders.” He winks at me as he struts away.

  I watch him walk off, taking a sneak peek of his butt in those black jeans. I notice Larissa and Cori walking toward us. As he passes them, he does a double take. Almost like he knows them. Weird.

  “Was that Gerry?” Larissa says as she approaches the table. “He’s hot. I’m not much into the hairless thing, but not bad.”

  Hands off. He’s mine.

  “Tyler, this is Larissa and Cori,” I say.

  He responds by wolfing half of the second beer and looking them up and down. “I probably won’t remember any of your names tonight, so don’t be disappointed, sweethearts.”

  “Let me drop a tear for all of us sweethearts,” Alexa snidely remarks.

  His eyes shoot daggers at her.

  My first impression is he’s an asshole.

  “So how do you sweethearts know the infamous Gerry? Did you meet him through Matt and Kayla?” He slurs again.