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.

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

here?

spotted him too. “Damn, he’s

couldn’t tell if he was laughing at me

then, another good–looking guy

travel in packs,” Melissa whispered.

choked back a laugh at her ridiculous

have caught his attention. He

my chest, like the first note of my favorite song catching

1/3

Chapter 25

No question she’d noticed one of the guys behind us. Too

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

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

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

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

“Damn it,” I hissed.

me said, “Don’t worry. My fault for

up, I found myself staring at our mystery

attractive.

Hallman,”

hadn’t asked his

piercing eyes after saying his

screen,” I said,

necessary,” he said quietly.

is,” I said, turning back toward our

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

waiting silently in the hallway. When I gave him the money, he caught my hand instead. “I’m

stared at him. “You already told me

don’t you recognize me? I’m the one you

realization

Nathan nodded. “That’s me.”