Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 126

I didn’t hit up Hogan first. Knowing him, there was no way he hauled his butt all the way over

here just to take a break. And out of all the hotels, he just had to pick that one.

After giving it some thought, there was only one reason that could ve cooked up this coincidence–Hogan was here for FreeMan too. For Cecilia.

That meant the moment he showed up, it was game on between us.

Hogan managed to snag a spot at Lucky Star and was tight with the hotel’s big cheese, clearly one–upping me. Feeling the heat, I pumped myself up to full throttle.

After a day of scoping the place out and small talk, I got the lay of the land around this hotel, figured out the hiking trails and paths, and, with a little nudge from a café waiter. I hit up the local climbing clubs to rent some gear for tomorrow’s hike.

Waiting for things to fall into my lap was not gonna cut it – I had to take the bull by the horns.

to the trailhead as planned, and would you believe it,

so soon, Xaviera.” Zachary looked all gobsmacked,

a loop. I was not Cecilia; what right did I have to boss around Hogan’s right–hand man? But then it hit me–clever as Hogan

“Just you?”

Stapleton are on their way: should be here any minute.”

me, his face lighting up, “Look, here they come now.”

out in an army green jacket, dark pants, and matching hiking boots, had ditched his usual meticulous

bombshell standing beside him, donning a matching set in a

age, with a pretty oval face, and when

unhidden admiration and fondness for the man before her. But that look hesitated just a tad when her eyes landed on me.

this?” She asked,

docomo

Chapter 126

Hogan didn’t miss a beat at my surprise appearance, his tone steady, “a