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.

But Christine seemed to be enjoying herself.

She reached right into his collar, "Here?"

Merritt chuckled, "A bit lower."

Was it just me, or did it seem like he was trying to rile Dailey up?

But he probably didn't know about Dailey and Christine's past.

And Christine was unlikely to bring up an ex with someone new.

Maybe it was just that male territorial instinct kicking in?

Ding-

The elevator doors slid open.

"Alright, Chris, let's head in," Merritt said.

He stretched out an arm to hold the elevator doors, ushering Christine and then me inside, offering a protective gesture. After I entered, he followed suit.

The three of us were inside, Dailey outside.

As the elevator doors began to close, I wondered if Dailey would opt not to join us.

But just as they were nearly shut, he suddenly reached out, stopping them.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

It was a heart-stopping moment.

Yet Dailey entered with a calm demeanor and pressed for the basement level.

The air suddenly filled with an almost tangible tension.

I cleared my throat and busied myself with my phone.

Christine and Merritt stood in one corner, clearly distancing themselves from Dailey.

Dailey positioned himself near the elevator controls, back straight, eyes fixed ahead.

Tucked in the corner behind him, I

sneakily snapped a photo and texted Gregory "SOS, I think I've stumbled

into a love triangle s

Gregory should be free, and he texted back instantly: "Is that Christine's new... boyfriend?"

Me: "Potential love interest, but it's still up in the air."

Gregory: "Got it, the backup boyfriend."

He sure knows his stuff.

I

I explained, "He's working on a movie set with Mr. Shaw. Thought it'd be a good chance to get some

intelon Mr. Shaw's situa nove

Gregory: "You handle it. Remember, if you're in a bind, call your husband. I've got your back."

I responded with a "Roger that" emoji.

Just then, the elevator reached the basement, and I quickly pocketed my phone.

The doors slid open slowly.

But Dailey didn't move.

Merritt turned, blocking Dailey with

his

3ody and propping the door open

foot, telling Christine, "Sis,

let's go."

Christine stepped over his foot, unavoidably brushing against him due to the tight space.

Merritt was already out but kept the door from closing with his foot, waiting for me to exit.

I smiled politely, "Thank you."

"Anytime, sis."

Dailey, his finger hovering over his phone, finally let go, sending off a swift voice message.