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 his

"A bit

or did it seem like he was trying to rile Dailey

know about Dailey

an ex with someone new. Maybe it was just

Ding-

elevator doors slid

head in,"

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

three of us were inside, Dailey

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

nearly shut, he

was a heart-stopping

a calm demeanor and

with an almost tangible

cleared my throat and busied myself with my

in one corner, clearly distancing themselves from Dailey. Dailey positioned

behind him, I sneakily snapped a photo and

love

free, and he texted

it's still up

it, the backup

knows

Mr. Shaw. Thought it'd be

intelon Mr. Shaw's you

it. Remember, if you're in a bind,