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.”

Shirley was top of the to–do list.

windows, Hogan and Shirley took the seats of honor at the antique, fancy long table, while me and Zachary faced them from

the ’85 Lafite had been uncorked and allowed

Shirley gave the waiter a nod, signaling to pour Hogan a glass. Hogan raised his hand just a bit, politely saying. “Sorry,

and me off guard. No explanation needed, Cecilia was

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

might have blown their top hearing 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. Mr. Zade. Right, Ms.

on the spot. I knew messing up my answer could land me on Shirley’s blacklist faster than one could say

the

18:51 w?

dúcomo

Chanie 110

but Mr. Zade

sly grin, “Mr. Zade, are you really gonna snub the effort I put into this feast? Is my wine

Shirley delivered it with a mix of sweet and sassy – a combo most folks would find