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 be enjoying

into his

chuckled, "A bit

did it seem like he was trying to rile

probably didn't know about Dailey

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

Ding-

elevator doors slid

head in," Merritt

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

three of us

began to close, I wondered if Dailey

as they were nearly shut, he suddenly reached out, stopping

was a heart-stopping

with a calm demeanor and

with an

my throat and busied myself with

themselves from Dailey. Dailey positioned himself near the

snapped a photo and texted Gregory

a love

be free, and he texted back

it's still

it, the backup

knows

"He's working on a movie set with Mr. Shaw.

intelon Mr. Shaw's you

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