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."

swoop in while she's still upset, she might just marry you before she thinks it through!" Chandler

he stopped and

at home. What's

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

Chandler was gone, leaving Dante feeling

with Anne. Why would I want to go home?

to head home, which was why he'd called his friends out

another drink, and thoughts of

before had been a deluge, but by morning, the rain had finally

feeling groggy, vaguely aware that she had dreamt

"Awake already?"

and turned to find a

the headboard, casually observing her with strikingly handsome

wrinkled, the top three buttons

mind racing with confusion. "What

at her with a slight smirk. "You seem surprised. You don't remember how I ended up

instinctively tightened around the blanket,

even know him! How did he get here?" she

a serious tone as he adjusted