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

reached right into

chuckled, "A bit

did it seem like he was trying to rile

he probably didn't know about Dailey and Christine's

someone new. Maybe it was just that male

Ding-

doors slid

Chris, let's head in," Merritt

arm to hold the elevator doors, ushering Christine and then me inside, offering a protective gesture. After I entered,

us were inside,

wondered if Dailey would opt not to join

they were nearly shut,

was a

Dailey entered with a calm demeanor and pressed for the

suddenly filled with

my throat and busied myself with my

stood in one corner, clearly distancing themselves from Dailey. Dailey positioned himself near

him, I sneakily snapped a photo and texted Gregory "SOS, I

love

texted back instantly: "Is that

"Potential love interest, but it's still up

it, the backup

knows

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

intelon Mr. Shaw's you

a bind, call