Secret Admiration: Finding True Love After Prison

Chapter 14 How Embarrassing

Dalton had come to see Chandler for a signature, but instead of getting what he wanted, he ended up looking foolish. He couldn't take it anymore and left, looking defeated.

Dante, nursing his drink, noticed something and smirked. "Chandler, something's definitely off with you tonight." Chandler chuckled lightly. "Oh? What makes you say that?"

Dante raised an eyebrow, clearly knowing more than he let on. "Come on, you know exactly what I mean."

After Dalton left, Chandler decided he didn't want to stay any longer. "I'm out of here."

Dante was curious. "What's got you leaving so early? What kind. of woman has you this worked up?"

"You wouldn't understand," Chandler said, crushing the cigarette. "I'd give her anything."

"Wow, look at you, a real romantic," Dante teased, crossing his arms.

Leaning closer, he whispered, "It's her, isn't it? That girl who saved you ten years ago. Meryl?"

Chandler remained silent, merely shooting him a look.

Realizing he'd struck a chord, Dante continued with a grin, "What's the point of pining after her? While you were out being a border cop, she was with your nephew for seven years.

"If Dalton had any sense, they might be married by now."

on this opportunity while she's mad at him. If you swoop in while she's still upset, she might just marry you before she thinks it through!" Chandler ignored him completely, stepping

stopped and

at home.

her to accompany Meryl in the hospital tomorrow. I'll text

was gone, leaving Dante feeling like a

a fight with Anne. Why would I want to go home? You think I came out in this downpour just

which was why he'd called his friends out to keep himself

took another drink, and thoughts

been a deluge, but by morning, the rain

groggy, vaguely aware that she had dreamt something but unable

"Awake already?"

jolted at the sudden voice and turned to find a man lounging on the other side of the

was propped up against the headboard, casually observing her with strikingly

white shirt was wrinkled, the top three buttons undone,

her mind racing with confusion. "What on

her with a slight smirk. "You seem surprised. You don't remember how I ended up in this bed,

tightened around the blanket, suspicion flooding

don't even know him! How did

maintained a serious tone as he