Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 71

But let me tell you, that was just Hogan’s lame excuse. What he really wanted was a tangled mess of us in the dead of night.

Just like this moment, it was dangerous and yet, oh so captivating.

A sudden ring from my phone snapped me back to reality, with “Cecilia” spelled out crystal clear on the caller ID.

It hit me like a sledgehammer, dragging me back into the here and now.

“Mr. Zade, you’ve got a call from Director Irwin,” I gave Hogan the heads–up.

At the mention of Cecilia, Hogan’s tight embrace finally eased up a bit.

The overhead light bulb chose that exact second to blaze on, its glaring brightness as if it could burn away all the secrets and shame hidden in the night.

Cecilia’s soft sobs leaked through the phone. “Hogan, I’m feeling really down. Can you come pick me up?”

Hogan massaged his temples and after a short pause said, “Send me the address.

The call ended and the man stood there, hesitating, as if he had more to say but couldn’t spit it

out.

with openness, “Go ahead,

if I’d cracked a joke, with a storm brewing

good. Mr. Zade?” 1 asked coolly.

a scoff and quickly walked

returned to its peaceful state, with only

a call from a heating guy wanting to schedule a time

I confirmed with the guy several times. Then, it hit me–I remembered last night and immediately dialed Hogan.

other end, his voice was calm, “Rivertown’s too cold. I don’t want anything

for the radiators had already been

out,” I carefully phrased my response. “Our heating’s not that bad, you know.”

Chapter 71

just want Cecilia to be more comfortable at work. Why the hard

was worried about Cecilia getting cold.

had to show some tact. “Then, on behalf of everyone, thanks, Mr. Zade.”

I let out a sigh, but when I turned

1. me.

met, and the questions in the young girl’s eyes were loud and

were you on

and her frown deepened.

her mug, “Hogan must have asked you for quite a few favors to keep me

silent, waiting for her