Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 130

Hogan’s sharpness totally knocked my socks off. I thought at most he’d chalk my actions up to sucking up to a young hotshot CEO. But now, it seemed like he’d got my number–figured out my little game.

Life was all about acting, though, right? When it was our turn to take the stage, we gotta play the part to a T.

Considering Hogan was the money man, I played it cool to keep things smooth on the surface, flashing a grin and saying, “Cut it out. Mr. Zade. Even if you grant me the chance, I wouldn’t dare to pull your leg.”

“Really?” He shot back with a look that could drill holes, “I beg to differ

That confident tone of his sent a flutter through my chest. Curling my fingers. I spoke one way and thought another. “Of course, and you seemed pretty down to play along just now, didn’t you, Mr. Zade?”

Hearing that, Hogan’s expression faltered, and he clammed up.

I’d admit, there was a hint of snark in my words. Seeing my chance to bow out gracefully. I glanced over at Shirley in the distance and said, “President Stapleton is calling me over; I gotta

jet.”

to Hogan, getting in good with Shirley

Shirley took the seats of honor at the antique, fancy

for the eyes, and the ’85 Lafite had been uncorked and allowed to breathe well ahead

nod, signaling to pour Hogan a glass. Hogan raised his hand just a bit, politely saying. “Sorry, Mr.

me off guard. No explanation needed, Cecilia

when out and about was quite the jaw–dropper. I had to tip my hat to Cecilia – girl knew how to

that response, but not Shirley. She took the decanter from the waiter with a warm smile and cooed, “With such a perfect setting, it’d be a shame not to drink up.

knew messing up my answer could land me on Shirley’s blacklist faster than one could say “cheers“.

my options, I decided to toss the ball back into

18:51 w?

dúcomo

Chanie 110

a good point, but Mr. Zade is also

gonna snub the effort I put into this feast? Is my wine not up to par, or is

mix of