Chapter 25

The passing executives gave me knowing smiles. “Good morning, Mrs. Holcomb,” they greeted respectfully.

“Good morning,” I responded with warm professionalism.

Tracy’s face fell. Pressing her lips into a thin line, she hurried toward the conference room.

Just as I reached my office, Jared emerged from his. His brows furrowed at my outfit–that familiar disapproval flashing across his face.

I ignored him. After last night, I had every right to be cold.

“I’m heading to a meeting,” he said, still making time to ask, “Want to do lunch later?”

I barely glanced back. “No, thanks. I’m having lunch with Melissa.”

Jared wasn’t accustomed to rejection, and my constant refusals clearly irritated him, though he could do little about it.

“Fine,” Jared said curtly before walking away.

I spent the morning handing over duties to the hotel managers, and then met Melissa for an early lunch at eleven.

Melissa kept eyeing every attractive guy in the place, desperately seeking that storybook–perfect romance.

I understood her panic, but kept advising patience.

“Victoria,” she fretted, “I’m 28 now, two years older than you. You’ve got a six–year–old daughter, while I’ve never even held hands. Seriously, what’s kissing like?”

I nearly choked on my coffee. Why was she asking me of all people about kissing?

“Bland and forgettable,” I remarked, lifting my cup.

Just as I finished speaking, a deep male laugh came from the table behind me.

I turned to see a man in a black shirt casually drinking coffee, looking like he was waiting for someone.

fallen all over

here?

him too. “Damn, he’s hot,”

was laughing

good–looking guy walked in and

in packs,” Melissa whispered. “Just

a laugh at her

caught his attention. He turned and

through my chest, like the first note of my favorite song catching

1/3

Chapter 25

posture. No question she’d noticed one of the guys behind us. Too bad she

my head. “I’m retired from men,” I said. “If

me off men completely. But she–never having

bill on the way. Coming out, I nearly collided with someone, sending their phone clattering

first. I grabbed the phone, stomach dropping at

“Damn it,” I hissed.

voice above me said, “Don’t worry. My fault for dropping

staring at our mystery guy from earlier–now glasses–less and

attractive.

Nathan Hallman,” he

hadn’t asked

with those piercing eyes after

I said, focusing more on

quietly.

said, turning

moment later, I pressed all the cash I had–about a thousand dollars–into his hand. “For

When I gave him the money, he caught my hand instead. “I’m

at him. “You

“Victoria, don’t you recognize me? I’m the one you helped

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