Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 17

I really didn’t expect to stir up such a mess.

Seeing the hurt in Cecilia’s eyes, I quickly smoothed things over and said, “Assistant Zachary, this tea is for Ms. Irwin.”

Zachary caught on quick. After hearing me out, he pivoted on his heel and handed the coffee to Cecilia.

She gave it a glance and murmured, “I don’t do black coffee.”

Black coffee was Hogan’s thing.

I used to drink it just to go along with him, and now it’s become a habit.

Zachary slapped his forehead and said, “Look at my memory. Please don’t hold it against me, Ms. Irwin.”

Cecilia wasn’t holding a grudge, but once she got back to her office, she stayed put all afternoon.

She kept at her desk until the end of the day.

One by one, folks trickled out, leaving just the two of us in the now–empty studio.

I worked on, business as usual, until a notification bell rang in my ear.

I looked up, and who should show up but Hogan, looking like he’d just finished a marathon.

Our eyes met, and I instantly noticed the scab on his lip, which irked me a bit.

“Where’s Cecilia?” he asked, his voice making an entrance as if the kiss from last night never happened.

about perfect timing.

gave him a look and said, “She

it to the

a peep

later, Cecilia’s tender voice floated out, “Hogan, what brings you

sweet, with a

a bit off. Feeling unwell?” he

of notches, “Did you

replied, but Cecilia’s mood flipped to cheerful

11:39

in a good place,

sight of Hogan’s lin, “Hogan,

heard Hogan’s unflustered response, “It’s nothing, just a little bumb,”

obedient, didn’t press

together, Cecilia heading to the restroom and Hogan patiently waiting

outside.

I was still coding, he took a couple of steps forward and, out

“It’s alright.”

he said, glancing at

typing, not biting.

a feeling he wasn’t done

restroom, and then Hogan said, “About

a beat, and that was when I got

He hadn’t forgotten.

just wanted to let me know it was a slip–up.

say it