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.

all over himself to impress at the reunion. What

here?

spotted him too. “Damn, he’s hot,” she mouthed at

if he was laughing

then, another good–looking guy walked in and joined

always travel in packs,” Melissa whispered. “Just

a laugh at her ridiculous

must have caught his attention. He turned and fixed

strange flutter through my chest, like the first note of

1/3

Chapter 25

eater today–tiny bites, perfect posture. No question she’d noticed one of the guys behind us. Too bad she couldn’t work up the nerve to

head. “I’m retired from men,” I said. “If you want him, go get

But she–never having been with anyone–still clung to her romantic

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

I grabbed the phone, stomach dropping at the spiderwebbed

“Damn it,” I hissed.

me said, “Don’t worry. My

found myself staring at our

attractive.

Hallman,” he

hadn’t

piercing eyes after saying his name,

for your cracked screen,” I said, focusing

said quietly. “I’ll take

it is,” I said, turning

I had–about a thousand dollars–into his

When I gave him the money, he caught my

at him. “You already

me? I’m the one

realization

Nathan nodded. “That’s me.”