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

here?

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

if he was laughing at me

good–looking guy walked

Melissa whispered.

a laugh

caught his attention. He turned and fixed me

flutter through my chest, like the first

1/3

Chapter 25

was playing the delicate eater today–tiny bites, perfect posture. No question she’d noticed one of the guys behind us. Too bad she couldn’t work up the nerve to talk to

my head. “I’m retired from men,” I said. “If you want

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

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

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

“Damn it,” I hissed.

“Don’t worry. My

found myself staring at our mystery guy from earlier–now glasses–less

attractive.

Hallman,”

paused–I hadn’t asked

held my gaze with those piercing eyes after saying his name,

pay for your cracked screen,” I said, focusing more

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

said, turning back

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

the hallway. When I gave

stared at him. “You

I’m the one you helped

widened as realization dawned. “That

Nathan nodded. “That’s me.”