Lost Me Gained Regret

Christine was sharp as a tack, immediately catching on to Dailey's game.

This guy, all high and mighty on the surface, was actually testing her.

If she asked Merritt to leave, it would play right into his hands.

Clearing the field, letting Merritt go - it was all just a sideways confirmation that she hadn't truly moved on from him.

In her heart, he still held a place more significant than any new flame.

Christine's smile was tinged with irony. "I refuse, Mr. Clarkson. If you don't let go of me right now, I'll have my little brother call Jane."

"Imagine, a young man calling Jane at this hour. What do you think, Gregory would do?"

Silence fell.

Who knew Gregory's temperament better than Dailey?

And Christine was indeed someone who would follow through with such a threat.

Finally, his grip on her loosened and she swiftly moved away from him, arm in arm with Merritt.

Even the autumn chill that necessitated a trench coat over her slip dress couldn't hide her allure.

as

couldn't resist throwing a taunting smile back at

to spar with such a young

youth, Merritt

their first encounter, Dailey had someone dig into Merritt's

a sick grandmother relying on him, a life

a quick way to earn money for

he was hardly worth

just using the situation to

sis, he's been following you. I'm worried. Let me walk you

aware of Dailey's presence. She wasn't scared, just didn't want to deal with him

Merritt didn't escort her, Dailey

she didn't refuse Merritt's

at a leisurely pace, watching as Christine and Merritt reached the automatic doors. Merritt

his steps, pulling Christine

grabbed Christine's other hand, neither

was thick with unspoken

The night watchman, initially

for her, ended up watching the drama unfold,

Another suitor, it seemed.

Quite the lively night.