Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 74

Running into Cecilia again didn’t exactly knock my socks off.

But I sure as hell didn’t expect to see Hogan and Hilary tagging along.

In my book. Hogan was the last guy you’d catch dead at a shopping mall, let alone playing the tame sidekick, lugging bags for the ladies.

It was out of left field but somehow made sense.

Well, since our paths crossed, I couldn’t dodge saying hi to the trio without coming off as a total jerk.

Though I wasn’t exactly thrilled about it.

Hilary threw an extra glance at Darren and my uncle standing next to me and clicked, “So when you said you had plans, it was with Professor Yearwood, huh?”

I could hear a hint of sour grapes in her voice.

Only then did I remember her asking me out over the phone last night.

Looks like she got the wrong end of the stick.

Before I could clear the air, Cecilia chimed in with her sugary voice, “Mrs. Hilary, look at Xaviera in this new coat. Doesn’t it just make her look more elegant and poised?”

shifted everyone’s gaze

up the dressing room saga when Hogan, from across the way,

#

fishing for Cecilia’s opinion.

eyes did a once–over on me and she said, “I just think this vintage old–money vibe is really classy, understated yet

quick once–over, then his eyes settled back on

salesperson’s face twisted with awkwardness, “I’m sorry, sir, but this

muttered, “Let’s not fuss over it, Hogan. I’m not that into

anyway.”

considerate of her.

Hogan’s heartstrings because he stubbornly asked

also hinted at something else to me.

1/2

09:55

Chapter 74

I wasn’t mistaken, Hogan, head over heels for Cecilia, was

was at a loss for

thought Hogan would pull such an ungentlemanly stunt.

at Hogan’s pricey suit and then at

passing the buck to me.

out of the blue, irritation lacing his voice. “Sorry, Hogan,