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Echoes of Unrequited Love (Xaviera and Hogan) novel Chapter 17

Chapter 17 

I really didn’t expect to stir up such a mess

Seeing the hurt in Cecilia’s eyes, I quickly smoothed things over and said, Assistant Zachary, this tea is for Ms. Irwin.” 

Zachary caught on quick. After hearing me out, he pivoted on his heel and handed the coffee to Cecilia

She gave it a glance and murmured, I don’t do black coffee.” 

Black coffee was Hogan’s thing

I used to drink it just to go along with him, and now it’s become a habit

Zachary slapped his forehead and said, Look at my memory. Please don’t hold it against me, Ms. Irwin.” 

Cecilia wasn’t holding a grudge, but once she got back to her office, she stayed put all afternoon

She kept at her desk until the end of the day

One by one, folks trickled out, leaving just the two of us in the nowempty studio

I worked on, business as usual, until a notification bell rang in my ear

I looked up, and who should show up but Hogan, looking like he’d just finished a marathon

Our eyes met, and I instantly noticed the scab on his lip, which irked me a bit

Where’s Cecilia?he asked, his voice making an entrance as if the kiss from last night never happened

Talk about perfect timing

I gave him a look and said, She hasn’t left.” 

Without another word, Hogan beelined it to the tech department office

Not a peep more

Moments later, Cecilia’s tender voice floated out, Hogan, what brings you here all of a sudden?” 

All soft and sweet, with a touch of vulnerability

Zachary said you looked a bit off. Feeling unwell?he asked

Cecilia’s voice dipped a couple of notches, Did you come because you were worried about me?” 

I didn’t catch what Hogan replied, but Cecilia’s mood flipped to cheerful in an instant

11:39 

They seemed to be in a good place

But then, the girl caught sight of Hogan’s lin, Hogan, what happened to your mouth

My hand on the mouse froze as I heard Hogan’s unflustered response, It’s nothing, just a little bumb,” 

Cecilia, ever so obedient, didn’t press further.. 

They left the office together, Cecilia heading to the restroom and Hogan patiently waiting 

outside

Noticing I was still coding, he took a couple of steps forward and, out of the blue, asked, How’s the progress?” 

It’s alright.” 

No need to rush. You’re not a machine,he said, glancing at the calendar on my desk with my work schedule clearly marked

I kept typing, not biting

I had a feeling he wasn’t done talking

Soon after, I heard the flush from the restroom, and then Hogan said, About last night, don’t tell Cecilia.” 

My heart skipped a beat, and that was when I got the gist of what Hogan wanted to say

He hadn’t forgotten

He just wanted to let me know it was a slipup

As expected, yet hearing him say it made my heart twinge

I kept my composure, met Hogan’s gaze, and asked with a smile, What incident are you referring to. Mr. Zade?” 

He looked taken aback, probably not expecting me to play it that way

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