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

right into

"A

it seem like

know about Dailey

with someone new. Maybe it was just that male territorial instinct

Ding-

elevator doors slid

head

arm to hold the elevator doors, ushering Christine and then me

three of us were inside, Dailey

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

as they were nearly shut, he suddenly

was a heart-stopping

a calm demeanor and

with an almost

my throat and busied myself

Merritt stood in one corner, clearly distancing themselves from Dailey. Dailey

sneakily snapped a photo and texted Gregory

love triangle

he texted back instantly: "Is

interest, but it's

it,

sure knows his

Mr. Shaw. Thought it'd be a good chance to get

intelon Mr. Shaw's you

you're in a bind,