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.

man Lloyd had fallen all over himself to impress at the reunion. What

here?

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

laughing

guy walked

Melissa whispered. “Just like us gorgeous

a laugh at her ridiculous

attention. He

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

1/3

Chapter 25

was playing the delicate 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

intervene, I shook my head. “I’m retired from men,” I

got that my failed marriage had turned me off men completely. But she–never having been

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

first. I grabbed the phone, stomach dropping

“Damn it,” I hissed.

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

I found myself staring at our mystery guy

attractive.

Hallman,”

hadn’t asked his

with those piercing eyes after

for your cracked screen,” I

said quietly. “I’ll take

is,” I said, turning back

the cash I had–about a thousand dollars–into his hand. “For

silently in the hallway. When I gave him the money, he caught

him. “You already told me

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

eyes widened as realization dawned. “That

Nathan nodded. “That’s me.”