Mine to Watch Over - Book 3

Chapter Nineteen - Dillion

Dillion

I woke up to strange surroundings. It took my brain a moment to catch up and realize that I was in Brittany's bedroom. That's right. I came here last night intent on closing the gap between us. However, the bed is empty next to me, and my heart feels regret.

There was a note on the pillow. I grabbed it and read.

Dillion,

Had to go to work. Didn't want to wake you. Breakfast is ready in the refrigerator. You just need to heat it up. See you after work?

Brittany

There is so much uncertainty in those few words. My hand flops back across the pillow. I still have not made things clear. If we were truly lovers, she would have woken me, because she would have known I that I'd want to see her before she left.

"See you after work?" She questions because she doesn't know if I'll make the time. The note was signed 'Brittany'. There is no sign off of - Yours truly, Sincerely, or Love. I can almost picture her agonizing over how to end it, choosing only her name because it was the safest way to go.

I groaned and got up to dress. Last night's events kept replaying in my mind. Not only my time with Brittany, but my meeting with Olivia.

Why didn't I tell Brittany that I went to see her? Does it matter? Whatever I thought Olivia and I had, whatever my heart had hoped for, it is over between us. Yet, why can't I accept that? And if I can't accept it, what the hell am I doing here? I definitely had no right doing what I had with Brittany. What is wrong with me? What was I trying to prove?

I look in the refrigerator and find a breakfast burrito and some coffee in a to-go cup. Brittany must have stopped at the local convenience store to get it. Other than those two things, her refrigerator was nearly empty. It makes sense since she's working so many late hours and long shifts, most of her meals are spent at the hospital.

I don't really have an appetite, but I heated up the coffee and sat at the table. Looking around Brittany's apartment, the place was kept tidy, organized. Everything had a place. The only thing that disjointed the surroundings is me. My clothes are disheveled from wearing them all day and discarding them on the floor. I haven't shaved, and only finger combed my hair. That's just the physical side of me. We won't get into the wreck I am emotionally.

I wandered over to Brittany's bookshelves and found mostly medical books, but did notice a collection of mystery novels. It makes sense with how quickly her mind works that Brittany would need to read something with a challenge to keep herself entertained.

There is a picture of Brittany with I'm guessing is her family since the woman in the picture bears a resemblance and a teenage boy, but no father. I remember how Brittany had mentioned having a father a few times, but I don't see any evidence of him. I didn't even know she had a brother.

The picture was taken a few years ago, I'm guessing, because Brittany's hair was shorter then. It struck me how little I know about the woman I pleasured last night. Pleasured? My brain still can't define it as making love. I'm in trouble.

My skin started to crawl as my brain began the daily grind of what thoughts it will use to disturb me. Thankfully, my phone rung, interrupting the barrage.

"Hey?"

"Hi! It's me... Olivia."

She said her name like I wouldn't recognize her voice, or notice her name on the caller ID.

"I know. Do you need something?"

"Need something? Um... no I uh... I wanted to tell you Cat is staying with Alex for a few days. His dad passed away and Cat wants to see him through the funeral. I know you wanted me to keep tabs on her, but she'll be out of my reach at least until this weekend."