Free A Wife by Accident by Victoria Ashe Page A

her daughter’s answer. “Of course we do. We’ve been friends for ages. From the impression I got, he’d like to spend some time with Dee this year.”
    “I see.” Hayely fought to keep a laugh from building inside her. If she knew anything, it was what Gary would think of the entire Mark family. With his sense of family values and business protocol, he wouldn’t so much as look in their direction.
    Kathy squinted at Hayely’s clothing again and gave a tight little smile. “To tell you the truth, I wouldn’t have thought you’d have heard of Gary Tarleton or the Chamber Banquet for that matter. I’m surprised.”
    “I only recently heard of both.” Hayely smoothed her dark grey skirt and checked very, very subtly to see if her yellow silk shirt was still tucked in correctly.
    “Well then I’m sure you’ve heard how prestigious it is for a firm to be invited to attend the event.”
    Hayely bit into her lower lip and looked demurely down at the floor to keep from laughing. Gary had already told her that every business in the state was allowed to attend virtually at will. All they had to do was pay a membership fee.
    She breathed and said, “Does Dee have a dress? I know of a very nice, exclusive boutique downtown. I can write down the directions if you’d like.”
    Dee pounded Hayely on the back again. “That would be great. I’d love to find something that would really stand out—maybe a little strapless number with red sequins. Or how about pink? I know Gary’s mad for that color on the ladies.”
    Hayely went back to her desk, cheerfully scribbled out an address, and drew a quick map for Dee. If nothing else, her helpfulness would keep Kathy and her truck- driveresque daughter out of the office and away from her. She wouldn’t hear any threats about being fired that day. She smiled broadly as she watched the loathsome pair walk out the door.
    The day flew by joyfully and before she knew it, she was virtually sailing down the freeway in her new sports car. Too bad she’d have to give it up in just a few more months. It felt as if the machine were designed for her and her alone.
    Hayely sprinted into the house, kicked off her shoes in the marble foyer, and ran upstairs to change clothes. The deliverymen had been at it again. During the day, the formerly empty weight room had been filled with top-notch training equipment and heavy sets of free weights. She’d taken the liberty of ordering a treadmill and exercise bike, too. Thank goodness the delivery company had set up and installed everything. Most of it looked too heavy for her to even budge.
    And the living room furniture had arrived! Hayely was almost giddy. The electricians had obviously been by to wire in the new overhead lighting, which glowed with an understated cordiality. With the intricate carvings Gary had designed into the door frames and windowsills, it was easy to add depth and elegance to the room.
    She had chosen comfortable, richly upholstered chairs and a cream-colored sofa with a sophisticated brocade pattern that stood out just a shade darker against its background. The ornate fireplace screen, coffee table, and end tables hadn’t arrived yet. And more leafy green houseplants were desperately needed. But day-by-day, the empty house was transforming from an unloved address to a comfortable home.
    Dressed in baggy sweatpants with her hair up in a messy ponytail, Hayely surveyed the rooms around her. She was far ahead of schedule, so far that she just might take a break from decorating. She’d picked up another new cookbook at the library on the way home and couldn’t wait to try out the key lime cheesecake recipe in it.
    She hummed along to the tune of the mixer as she whipped up first one cheesecake and then the next. Maybe she was going overboard, but there were three variations she just had to try while she had the time. Besides, she’d taken the easy route with dinner and just made a pot roast with potatoes and carrots for