Chapter 1 - Colliding Hearts by Delaila Adams
Introduction
Colliding Hearts by Delaila Adams
Gavin Hayes was magnetic, wealthy beyond imagination, and exuded a power that drew people to him like moths to a flame. As one of the top names in Manhattan’s high-stakes business world, Gavin's life was a blur of high-end cars, exclusive parties, and adoring fans. But for Gavin, these were all fleeting diversions; his only real commitment was to his empire, where he ruled with unwavering ambition. Beneath the designer suits and high-rise offices, he was a man fiercely protective of his solitude, his heart closed off and untouchable.
Meanwhile, Eden Clarke was living on the other side of the city—and the other side of fortune. She was a waitress struggling to make ends meet, her dreams buried under a mountain of bills and a lifetime of setbacks. With only one failed relationship in her past, Eden had long since given up on romance. Every day was a fight to get through, and just when she thought things were finally looking up, life threw her an unexpected curve.
When these two meet, their worlds clash in an unforgettable journey of attraction and redemption—a collision of raw, guarded hearts, each desperately needing what the other swore they’d never give.
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Chapter 1
Eden’s POV
“Eden! You have to come!” My best friend, Sadie Brooks, nudged me as we walked toward our apartment building.
Sadie was stunning, and if she wasn’t my closest friend, I might’ve envied her. She had shoulder-length jet-black hair that framed her delicate features, light blue eyes that sparkled with mischief, and a heart-shaped face that made her look almost angelic. Standing at just 5'3" and barely over a hundred pounds, she had an effortless grace that always turned heads.
We’d been inseparable since freshman year of high school. Sadie was the new kid, and the moment I walked into my first class, she waltzed right over, declared, “We’re going to be best friends,” and that was that. She and I couldn’t be more different, though. Sadie came from a well-off family, while I grew up scraping by in a chaotic household.
But Sadie never once flaunted her wealth, and her parents were the most down-to-earth people I’d ever met. They welcomed me like family, and in many ways, they’d become the parents I never really had. If it weren’t for Sadie and her family, I’m not sure where I’d be today.
“Are you even listening?” Sadie’s voice snapped me out of my thoughts.
“Huh? Sorry, what did you say?”
“I said you have to come out with me tonight. There’s this party at the club!”
I sighed. “Sadie, I really can’t. You know that.” She’d been begging me for weeks to go to some fancy club with her.
“Yes, you can, and you’re going to. There’ll be tons of people and gorgeous guys. Plus, it’s the perfect way to end the weekend!” she insisted as we reached our building’s front doors.
“I don’t need to meet any guys,” I muttered, rolling my eyes.
“Oh, come on, Eden! You haven’t been on a date in over five months, and the last one was a disaster. You owe me!” She gave me a playful pout.
I groaned, knowing there was no point in arguing. Once Sadie set her mind on something, she wouldn’t let up. We entered our apartment, and she followed me, still trying to convince me. Much as I loved her, sometimes I really did want to smother her with a pillow to make her stop. Those pleading puppy-dog eyes and relentless pleas were impossible to ignore.
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“Please, please, please? It’s tonight, and I know you’re off work,” she said, kicking off her shoes.
I set down my phone, took off my shoes, and tried to tune her out. But, knowing she wouldn’t let up, I sighed and finally caved. “Fine! I’ll go!”
Sadie’s eyes widened. “Wait, did you just say yes? Oh my gosh, yay!” She squealed, bouncing up and down. “We’re going to have so much fun! And don’t worry, I already picked out the perfect outfit for you!” I just shook my head, sinking onto the couch, laughing at her enthusiasm.
Our apartment wasn’t massive, but it was perfect for us. Sadie’s parents covered the rent, despite my protests to contribute half. The space included two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a cozy kitchen, and a comfortable living area. Together, we’d added our own touches, making it feel warm and welcoming. If it were up to me, I’d never leave. I worked long hours, so being home was a luxury. When I was here, I was always in pajamas and rarely went out.
My job wasn’t ideal, but it could be worse. I worked as a waitress at a small café across the bridge. It was a decent gig, though I often found myself dreaming of something better.
New York City was home, the city that never sleeps. Sadie and I both grew up about thirty minutes from here, and when we got accepted into NYU together, we packed up and moved to the Big Apple. Adjusting to the fast-paced city was tough at first, but after nearly five years, it felt like my true home. I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
College was a memorable chapter, but looking back, I wish I’d chosen a different major. An English degree wasn’t as marketable as I’d hoped, and that’s partly why I ended up in the café. My thoughts were interrupted as Sadie burst into the room holding a dress.
“Let’s get ready!” she announced.
“Sadie, we don’t have to leave for an hour and a half. Why so early?” I asked from my comfy spot on the couch.
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“We need time to get dressed, do our hair, and do our makeup! Plus, Teddy got us in early—fewer people when we arrive.” She grabbed my arm, pulling me up with surprising strength. I stumbled slightly, unable to wriggle free as she dragged me toward her bedroom.
“This is your dress,” she said, handing me a beautiful nude mini dress. I looked down, taken aback.
“Where did you get this?” I asked, admiring the fabric.
“Just had it lying around,” she replied with a shrug.
Sadie had a bit of a shopping addiction. If something caught her eye, she’d buy it, even if she had nowhere to wear it. Her closet was packed, yet she always managed to find room for more. Money was no issue for her, considering her job at Vogue and her family’s wealth.
“I can’t wear this,” I protested, trying to hand it back.
“Yes, you can. Now put it on!” She waved off my objections, gesturing for me to change right there.
“Where are you going?” she asked, watching me head toward the bathroom.
“To change,” I said, confused.
“Eden, I’ve seen you naked a thousand times. Just put it on here.” I hesitated but eventually gave in. She wasn’t wrong; we’d been through every high and low together, no need for modesty.
After slipping into the dress, I turned so she could zip me up. The fabric fit like it was made for me. I glanced in the mirror and gasped—it was like looking at someone else. The dress brought out a warmth in my skin, enhancing my natural tan.
“You look amazing!” Sadie grinned. I beamed back, then glanced over to see her already dressed in a figure-hugging red dress that showed off her curves. It stopped mid-thigh, and she paired it with classic Louboutins.
“Sadie, you look stunning,” I said, admiring her. “Are you sure the guys won’t just flock to you?”
“Can’t let you steal all the attention. I’ve got to make an impression too!”
“Sure thing,” I teased.
“Now, let’s get your makeup done.” I settled into her vanity chair as she went to work, adding just the right touches to highlight my features. She added a hint of bronze to my eyelids and a swipe of mascara to make my gray eyes stand out. She curled my brown hair into soft waves that framed my face. Sadie’s background in fashion was evident; she’d landed a job at Vogue, and her skills were undeniable.
“I look incredible, Sadie,” I said with a smile, feeling grateful. She handed me a pair of nude heels that matched perfectly, thanks to our shared shoe size.
“Wear these,” she instructed. They were taller than anything I’d ever worn, but I accepted them gratefully. “You’re welcome. Now, don’t mess up anything, or I’ll make you redo it all!” she warned, laughing.
I grabbed a small bag and packed it with essentials—lip gloss, gum, phone, some cash, my ID, and our apartment keys. Sadie called from the hallway, announcing it was time to leave. I took one last look in the mirror, took a deep breath, and joined her.
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Gavin’s POV
I glanced at my phone—half an hour until I had to head out. Sighing, I went to my closet to find something suitable to wear. The only reason I was even going to this club was because Nick insisted. I wasn’t in the mood but agreed to show up for a bit. Work awaited me, and as CEO of a multi-million-dollar company, my focus was typically elsewhere. Success required dedication, and I was determined to stay on top.
I slipped into black dress pants and a white button-down, leaving the top few buttons undone and rolling up the sleeves. A quick sweep through my hair to give it a slightly tousled look, and I was ready. With keys and phone in hand, I left for the club.
The limo ride was a moment of quiet before the chaos of the night. A part of me welcomed the prospect of meeting someone interesting. My phone buzzed, breaking the calm.
“Yes?” I answered curtly.
“Sir, there’s an issue,” one of my advisors began.
“What issue?” I demanded, already irritated.
“We’re missing key files, and Watson’s scheduled for tomorrow,” he explained.
“Handle it,” I snapped before hanging up. I didn’t need to be bothered with minor problems.
The limo stopped outside the club, and Clark, my driver and long-time bodyguard, opened the door. He’d worked for my father before he was assigned to me, and I trusted him implicitly. A nod of thanks, and I stepped out, heading inside where I was shown to a private section where Nick was waiting.
“You look sharp!” Nick called over the music. I nodded, leaving my suit jacket behind to keep things more relaxed.
Nick and I had been friends since high school, and despite our different paths, we’d both become successful. Nick had made a name for himself in tech, while I ran my family’s business. We were two of New York’s most eligible bachelors, and despite our frequent arguments, he was like a brother to me.
Just as I took a seat, a waitress arrived with a glass of scotch. I took it, noting her suggestive smile as she walked away. Nick chuckled, “You’ve always got the girls wrapped around your finger.”
“It’s all about charm,” I said with a smirk.
Nick and I had our fair share of encounters with women, though I was probably the worse of the two. I didn’t do relationships; I made that clear. If women flirted with me, they knew what they were getting into.
We both settled back, scanning the club’s crowd. That’s when I noticed her—a stunning brunette walking in. Her brown hair fell in soft waves over her shoulders, and a nude dress hugged her curves perfectly. She seemed nervous, her gaze darting around as though she didn’t feel at home here.
The longer I looked, the more captivated I became. She was beautiful but didn’t seem to realize it, which only made her more intriguing. Ignoring the waitress’s attempts to gain my attention, I couldn’t take my eyes off her. Something about her drew me in. Finishing my scotch, I stood up.
“Where are you going?” Nick called.
“I’ll be back in a few,” I replied, making my way over to the brunette who had unknowingly captured my attention.
Eden’s POV
The second we entered the club, I felt like I was somewhere I didn’t belong. I stayed close behind Sadie, fidgeting in my dress, though compared to many of the other girls, I wasn’t even showing half as much skin. Even the waitresses wore almost nothing. Thank goodness I don’t work here, I thought. Then again, with the tight shirt and short shorts I wear at my own job, maybe there wasn’t much difference. Sadie led us over to the bar, and I stuck to her like glue. Just stay close, Eden, I reminded myself.
“What do you want to drink?” she asked, leaning close to my ear over the thundering music.
“Just water!” I shouted back, but she rolled her eyes at me.
“Oh no, you’re having something stronger tonight. Eden, you’re 23. Let loose!” She stared at me with an intensity that didn’t match her petite, innocent look. Reluctantly, I turned to the bartender.
“Do you have a good beer?” I called out. The bartender, a young guy with an easy grin, looked a bit surprised but went to find me one.
I rarely drank, and when I did, I avoided cocktails. The bartender set a plain-labeled beer bottle in front of me with a wink before moving on to other customers. I took a sip and was pleasantly surprised. Turning to say something to Sadie, I smacked right into something solid. Before I could stumble, a pair of strong hands wrapped around my waist, steadying me. When I looked up, I found myself staring into a pair of striking blue eyes.
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