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.

jumped–that was the same man Lloyd had fallen all over himself to impress at the reunion.

here?

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

was laughing at me or

guy walked in and joined

guys always travel in packs,” Melissa whispered. “Just like

laugh

laughter must have caught his attention. He

through my chest, like the

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Chapter 25

one of the guys behind us. Too bad she couldn’t work up the nerve to

nudged me to intervene, I shook my head. “I’m retired from men,” I said. “If you want him, go

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

restroom, settling the bill on the way. Coming

me first. I grabbed the phone, stomach dropping at

“Damn it,” I hissed.

me said, “Don’t worry.

up, I found myself staring at our mystery guy from earlier–now glasses–less and

attractive.

Hallman,” he

hadn’t asked

my gaze with those piercing

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

said quietly. “I’ll take care of

is,” I said,

had–about a thousand dollars–into

hallway. When I gave him

at him. “You

recognize me? I’m the

realization dawned. “That

Nathan nodded. “That’s me.”