Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 16

I was fuming inside, and then it hit me that this might be a big misunderstanding.

Calling for his babe was the real deal.

As was leaving the door open.

But Hogan was definitely not looking for me.

Connecting the dots with Hilary’s mention of a family dinner, I figured Hogan must have had some beef with Cecilla tonight.

After all, other than Cecilia, no one else could get Mr. High–and–Mighty Hogan to come knocking for peace at this hour.

Certainly not me.

With that in mind, I collected myself and reminded him, “Mr. Zade, your babe’s upstairs.”

After saying that, I tried to shove him away.

But instead of letting go, Hogan pulled me in even tighter, “Babe, you’re still mad at me, aren’t you?”

His sweet–talking and clingy hug stoked the fire in my chest even more.

I gritted my back teeth and said earnestly, “Hogan, you’ve got the wrong person.”

But Hogan wouldn’t have it, “Too much, huh? Last night you were calling me ‘babe,‘ and now straight to first names?”

Clearly, the guy was plastered.

I took a deep breath and said, “Hogan, look up and see who I really am, will you?”

The man slowly lifted his head, our eyes met, and I caught a glimpse of red at the corner of his

eyes.

was taken aback, feeling like something lightly scratched at my

about to

time I’d seen

he was all over me like a

our lips met, I unexpectedly saw a surge of desire in

breathing was all

A total mess.

hole in my chest, the more intense Hogan’s

got.

11:39

Checta

it anymore and bit down on

“Hisss.”

sharp breath, and looked at me

my breathing still erratic, “Clear–headed

the moment, and after a few seconds, he licked the blood off his lip and

collapsed like a deflated balloon,

went to work as usual,

girl was sporting a cute bun,

seemed in a good

she cheerfully greeted, “Hey Xaviera,

joy in her

had been cornered at

last night, a flicker of doubt crossed my

phone, “You had a tough

as if he

Hogan’s voice.

accidentally turned on the speaker, and after locking the screen, she sneaked a peek at