Housewife Gone Wild

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.

Lloyd had fallen all over himself to impress

here?

he’s hot,” she mouthed at

if he was laughing at me

then, another good–looking guy walked in

in packs,” Melissa whispered. “Just like us

laugh at

have caught his attention. He

through my chest, like the first note of my favorite

1/3

Chapter 25

she’d noticed one of the guys behind us. Too bad she

head. “I’m retired

marriage had turned me off men completely. But she–never having been with anyone–still clung to her romantic fantasies. The challenge was

Coming out, I nearly collided with

crack hit me first. I grabbed

“Damn it,” I hissed.

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

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

attractive.

Hallman,” he said

paused–I hadn’t asked his

my gaze with those piercing eyes after

pay for your cracked screen,” I said, focusing more

necessary,” he said quietly. “I’ll

I said,

cash I had–about

gave him the money, he caught my hand

stared at him. “You already

don’t you recognize me? I’m the one you helped with 250

eyes widened as realization dawned. “That

Nathan nodded. “That’s me.”