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.

fallen all over himself to impress at the reunion. What

here?

too. “Damn, he’s hot,” she mouthed at

he was laughing at me or at some private

another good–looking guy walked

in packs,” Melissa whispered. “Just like

choked back a laugh at her

have caught his attention. He turned and fixed

through my chest,

1/3

Chapter 25

playing the delicate eater today–tiny bites, perfect posture. No question she’d noticed one of the guys behind us. Too

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

men completely. But she–never having been with anyone–still clung to her

on the way. Coming out, I nearly collided

crack hit me first. I grabbed the phone, stomach dropping at the spiderwebbed

“Damn it,” I hissed.

said, “Don’t worry. My fault for

that voice. Looking up, I found myself staring at our mystery

attractive.

Hallman,” he said

hadn’t asked

with those piercing eyes

pay for your cracked screen,” I said, focusing

not necessary,” he said quietly. “I’ll

I said, turning back toward our

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

gave

stared at him. “You already told

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

realization

Nathan nodded. “That’s me.”