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.

here?

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

laughing at me or at

guy walked in and joined

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

choked back a laugh at her

He turned and fixed me with an intense

chest, like the first note of my favorite song catching

1/3

Chapter 25

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

my head. “I’m retired from

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

restroom, settling the bill on the way. Coming out, I nearly collided

first. I grabbed the phone, stomach dropping at

“Damn it,” I hissed.

said, “Don’t worry. My fault for

knew that voice. Looking up, I found myself staring at our mystery guy from earlier–now

attractive.

Nathan Hallman,” he said

paused–I hadn’t asked his

piercing eyes after saying

screen,” I said, focusing more on

quietly. “I’ll take care of

is,” I said, turning back toward

all the cash I had–about a

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

him. “You already told me

recognize me? I’m

widened as realization dawned.

Nathan nodded. “That’s me.”