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.

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

here?

he’s hot,” she mouthed at

couldn’t tell if he was laughing at me or

guy

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

a laugh

have caught his attention. He turned

my chest, like the

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Chapter 25

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

shook my head. “I’m retired

having been with anyone–still clung to her romantic fantasies.

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

crack hit me first. I grabbed the phone,

“Damn it,” I hissed.

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

found myself staring at

attractive.

Hallman,”

paused–I hadn’t asked his

piercing eyes

pay for your cracked screen,” I said, focusing

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

said, turning back toward

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

the hallway. When I gave him the money, he

him. “You already told me

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

eyes widened as realization

Nathan nodded. “That’s me.”