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.

slender legs as they moved was a sight

Merritt couldn't resist

to spar with such a young

from his youth, Merritt

first encounter, Dailey had

family, a sick grandmother relying on him, a life buoyed by

world was just a quick way to

he was hardly worth

probably just using the situation to

been following you. I'm worried. Let me walk you upstairs," Merritt

Dailey's presence. She wasn't scared, just didn't

Merritt didn't escort her, Dailey couldn't enter her

didn't refuse Merritt's offer to

leisurely pace, watching as Christine and Merritt reached the automatic

his steps, pulling Christine

grabbed Christine's other hand, neither side willing to

air was thick with

The night watchman, initially

a fancy car looking for her, ended up watching the drama unfold, munching on sunflower

Another suitor, it seemed.

Quite the lively night.