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.

seemed to

into his collar,

chuckled, "A

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

didn't know about Dailey and

unlikely to bring up an ex with someone new. Maybe it was

Ding-

elevator doors

Chris, let's head in," Merritt

hold the elevator doors, ushering Christine and then me inside, offering a protective gesture.

of us

wondered if

shut, he suddenly reached out,

was a

demeanor and pressed for the basement

with

throat and busied myself with my

Dailey. Dailey positioned himself near the elevator controls, back straight,

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

love triangle

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

but it's

"Got it,

knows his

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

intelon Mr. Shaw's you

"You handle it. Remember, if you're in a bind, call your husband. I've got your