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.

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

here?

too. “Damn, he’s hot,” she mouthed at

couldn’t tell if he was laughing at

another good–looking guy walked

always travel in packs,” Melissa whispered. “Just

back a laugh at

caught his attention. He turned and

my chest, like the first note of

1/3

Chapter 25

of the guys

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

marriage had turned me off men completely. But she–never having been with anyone–still clung to

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

first. I grabbed the phone, stomach

“Damn it,” I hissed.

said, “Don’t worry.

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

attractive.

Nathan Hallman,” he

hadn’t

those piercing eyes after

screen,” I

said quietly.

is,” I said, turning back

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

in the hallway. When I gave him the money,

at him. “You already told

I’m

as realization dawned.

Nathan nodded. “That’s me.”