Lost Me Gained Regret

"Much appreciated."

We came to a halt in front of the elevator.

I felt a gaze upon us.

Glancing over, I saw Dailey standing next to me.

Silence fell for a moment, but given he wasn't a stranger, I felt compelled to break it.

"Headed downstairs, Mr. Clarkson?"

Dailey's eyes briefly swept over Christine before he responded, "Yeah, wrapping up. Off to the parking garage."

Got it, he was leaving.

I mentioned, "We're also headed to the parking garage. Might as well share the ride."

No sooner had I finished than Merritt suddenly piped up, "Chris, my back's suddenly itchy. Can you scratch it for me? My hands are full."

A simple request, and Christine was quick to help out.

"Chris, it won't work through the coat."

Merritt's voice, laden with a hint of whine and those puppy-dog eyes, really did make him seem like a big, playful pup.

Impossible not to feel a bit soft-hearted.

I've never been one for younger guys, totally not my thing.

Christine seemed to be enjoying

into his

chuckled, "A

just me, or did it seem like he was trying to rile Dailey

probably didn't know about

was unlikely to bring up an ex with someone new.

Ding-

doors slid

head in," Merritt

stretched out an arm to hold the elevator doors, ushering Christine and then me inside, offering a protective

us were

doors began to close, I wondered if Dailey would opt not to

they were nearly shut, he

a heart-stopping

a calm demeanor

air suddenly filled with an

and

Dailey. Dailey positioned himself

in the corner behind him, I sneakily snapped a photo and

a love

should be free, and he texted back instantly: "Is that Christine's

but it's still up in the

"Got it, the

sure knows

movie set with Mr. Shaw. Thought it'd be a

intelon Mr. Shaw's you

a bind, call your husband. I've