Living With The Player

DYLAN EMERTON

FRIDAY

I’ve held twelve hours of pure bliss. Eliminating running into Harper after months of being away, I got to sleep with Camilla. Not sex. No fucking. Sleep. Having her cradled against my arms, breathing softly against my nose, I spent roughly half an hour monitoring her sleep.

Then she stirred. I could’ve asked for more time and kept her in the bubble for longer, but as much as I longed for an escape within the walls of my apartment, far away from the world, it was ridiculous and inconceivable.

So I discharged her from the bed. Losing contact spurred in my stomach and I cowered. She nipped my forehead, pulled the rest of her things and waddled away.

“I need you to know that I don’t regret a thing that happened last night, I’m not indecisive anymore. I know what I want, it’s you.”

I lowered my head, pinched against her forehead then pressed my lips against hers. Softly. Two seconds before I retracted. She bobbed her head and left.

I knew Camilla enough to understand her guilt and dilemma. It’s the reason I couldn’t have sex with her even though she was right there. Mine for the taking. I didn’t.

It was also the reason she had to ask for it. I wanted it. I craved it. Hell, I would have cracked if I didn’t touch her, but she was with someone else.

I had to be 100% certain she wanted it too. And she did.

My wish nearly backfired, hearing her ask for it kicked me over the edge.

I had it up to here. I nearly lost it. Every ounce of control I had built evaporated, and God I almost took her there.

It wasn’t Jimmy or her commitment to him that dissuaded me; it was her. She wanted it. But her conscience would kill her the next day, just as it is now. I shouldn’t tell her to leave Jimmy, that needs to be her choice, but I can let her know I am hers.

Mind. Soul. Body. I belong wholly to her. I hope that’ll be enough.

*****

I used the next, two hours cleaning up. I skimmed a little in my room wanting a locked reminiscence of Camilla.

Before two pm, my cousin walked in.

“Predicting someone else? Your eyes seem disappointed.”

I grunted and picked the idle cushion.”I am.”

I mumbled. Claire gasped in her seat.

“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were purposely dismissing me. After everything, we’ve been through. That’ll be hurtful Dylan.”

“I’m not in the mood Claire.”

“Like hell, you aren’t. I have no clue what’s up with you. After that stupid phone call from the airport, it’s like you evaporated.”

I declined to the sofa opposite her.

“Alright. I’ll tell you what’s been happening.”

I need a distraction and my cousin is the only person vacant to talk with. I still owe her for being rude.

****

“You’re quite the main character Dylan, that’s magnificent.”

Another snort. I finished telling her about Athena, the sessions, and Camilla. I skipped the late-night intimacy. And Harper. For known reasons.

“You’ve been busy too. Now I feel useless, you did most of the work yourself.”

Rolling my eyes, I got up to retrieve a glass of water.

“I’m proud of you. So very proud.”

She claps repetitively and then giggles in excitement. I’m not happy. Yet.

“So have you finally professed your undying love for her?”

I choked.

“I told you she’s with someone else right?”

“That didn’t stop you from kissing her passionately last week. Yes, Dylan, I know about that. I’m quite unhappy at you for concealing it.”

Another choke.

“How do you know about that?”

I rushed back to the living room.

“That’s for me to know and for you to stay up at night wondering how I know.”

She smirked.

“Claire.”

I cautioned, bringing the glass to the edge of my lips.

“What? I know something you don’t. Sucks right?”

“I don’t have-”

“Fine. Camila’s dad saw both of you. He told Camilla’s mom. Camilla’s mom told you. Yours told me.”

“Oh, God.”

I could smack my forehead at this moment.

“Now that we all know. Explain to me why you haven’t gotten her yet?”

“I’m not making another mistake Claire, it isn’t the right time.”

“Right time? That’s cock and bull Dylan. There’s no such thing.”

“I’ll be back.”

I strode back to the kitchen to return the glass, hearing the faint sound of the doorknob rattling while returning.

That’s weird.

But then, I heard her voice, and I didn’t care about the weirdness. Abruptly, my whole body was lit on fire. She is here.

I used twice my normal strides and got to the front door. I thought – she’s back. She returned.

I wasn’t wrong. I was not right either.

Camilla left my apartment slightly distraught, but she was happy. Her eyes were gleaming with warmth, but merely two hours went by, and she was here. The contrary to how she left.

Her eyes are frigid, a darker tone than their usual colour. She was crying. I clench my fist. Jimmy. He’s the only one that strikes my mind.

I hear Claire speak to her, but I don’t switch my gaze from Camilla’s.

Claire exits, and Camilla walks in, leaving the door open behind her.

Seeing her up close is worse, her fingers are jerking, her lips are going in the same direction, and those eyes.

“What did they do to you?”

****

CAMILLA RENÉE

I counted 206 seconds before Dylan jolted. His hands weren’t large enough to close the door behind us, but his legs were.

The thud shook my hands as well, and I recoiled from his chest.

“Sorry, I just needed that. I should’ve said something, called first-”

I cough hard, watching him watch me. He’s frowning. At me? Is he mad?

“What did he do?”

He speaks.

“W-What?”

“Jimmy. What did he do? I’m not a fool. If you are or were crying, it’s probably his fault so I want to know what he did. Then I can decide how many broken ribs the doctor will diagnose.”

“D-Dylan.”

“I won’t ask again.”

He hissed.

“Kyle is back. Miranda didn’t tell the entire truth about him. I don’t know why she tried to hide it. It’s confusing as hell. H-Harper. Jimmy. Jimmy and Harper. He knew Harper. Harper planned the entire thing. Jimmy acted this entire thing. He made me think he was flawless, but it was just some sick game to Harper and Jimmy took part in it. I… He…”

I choked on whatever words my brain scrambled out. I stifled some more and heaved. I sound worse than a ruined disc.

“Harper and Jimmy know each other. Harper came up with the idea for Jimmy to be with you. With Jimmy, Harper has kept tabs on you all because of me. I’m not sure what’s going on with Kyle and Miranda, but it seems she hide something from you?”

Did he get all that? I nod slowly.

Silence. Nerve-racking silence for at least ten seconds. My whole body trembles from the entire thing, but I can’t keep my gaze away from Dylan.

Dylan-He stands there. I can pick out three emotions written over him. Folded fists in annoyance. Furrowed brows in either confusion or he’s planning something in his head then his eyes, currently locked against my features, they’re softened for now. He’s looking at me with tenderness.

“Come.”

He creaks, extending his right hand. I blink an eye at it.

“I will deal with everything. I promise. Come.”

He adds, and I step forward reluctantly, grabbing his hand and exhaling with relief.

He’s leading me back to his bedroom, into his room, over his bed. Dylan kicks my shoes off and tugs my weight underneath his sheets, then he snuggles beside me and covers both hands around the length of my waist.

I flicked my eyes close and breathe.

“It’ll be fine. I promise.”

He reassures me, running his fingers down the length of my hair.

How does he make me believe every word that comes out of his mouth?

“I never should’ve let you go this morning. It’s my fault Harper is here, but I won’t make that mistake again Darlin. I won’t give anyone the chance to hurt you.”

I hear the quietest whisper of those words, then I let my exhaustion win and slumber.

****

I have the busiest schedule. I’ll make it up to everyone with a longer chapter tomorrow, or double updates. Reviews?