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.
The next day, I rocked up to the trailhead as planned, and would you believe it, I bumped into Zachary,
“Didn’t expect to see you at Pinecrest Hollow so soon, Xaviera.” Zachary looked all gobsmacked, “You could’ve given me a heads–up, and I would’ve come to fetch you.
That threw me for 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 was, he probably guessed I’d show up here.
“Just you?”
“Of course not.” Zachary blurted. “Mr. Zade and President Stapleton are on their way: should be here any minute.”
Right as he said that, his gaze shot past me, his face lighting up, “Look, here they come now.” I followed Zachary’s eyes and spotted the duo approaching from a distance.
Hogan, decked out in an army green jacket, dark pants, and matching hiking boots, had ditched his usual meticulous look for something more spirited and a touch less stern.
But what really caught me off guard was the bombshell standing beside him, donning a matching set in a different color.
Yep, the President Stapleton striding alongside Hogan was a dazzling long–haired beauty. She looked about our age, with a pretty oval face, and when she smiled at Hogan, it was extraordinarily infectious.
In her eyes, there was an unhidden admiration and fondness for the man before her. But that look hesitated just a tad when her eyes landed on me.
“Mr. Zade, who’s this?” She asked, eyeing me with curiosity.
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Chapter 126
“Xaviera,” Hogan didn’t miss a beat at my surprise appearance, his tone steady, “a partner from Rainbow Capital”
“Quite the looker, aren’t you?” The girl said, giving me the once–over before extending her hand, “Shirley Stapleton.”
Talked about confidence.
But just as I reached out, Shirley suddenly shifted gears, her gaze sliding over to Hogan, “Mr. Zade, you’re here on business at Pinecrest Hollow with such a stunner; aren’t you worried about making Cecilia jealous?”
Her teasing tone had an edge, clearly more to it than met the eye. Suddenly, it dawned on me -this Shirley might just be that friend Cecilia had mentioned.
I quickly clarified, “I’m not with Mr. Zade: we just happened to run into each other here.”
Shirley’s lips curled into a smile, saying, “Oh, Ms. March, no offense, just pulling your leg. 1 personally took care of Mr. Zade’s check–in, so I’m well aware whether you’re traveling together or not.”
