The Cherished Wife

Noelle instinctively shook her head before realizing that they were on a call and Charles could not actually see her. She paused, thinking about it. She might not have seen this side of Charles before, but she knew the kind of man he was. The rumors in Brookville were enough to paint a picture. With that thought, everything clicked into place.

Charles was the head honcho of a big–time company and had skills others could only dream of. It all added up. “Nope.”

Charles’s laughter came through again, light and easy. Good to hear I didn’t spook you!”

“So, what’s up? Why’d you call?” Noelle had not forgotten that Charles was the one who called her up.

Charles squinted thoughtfully for a moment. “Oh, nothing much. Just wondering when you’re clocking out. I’m thinking about dinner. Do you wanna eat in or go out?”

Noelle was speechless for a second… He called just to chat about dinner plans? “Mr. Hoffman, just a heads–up, you’re supposed to be working right now.”

Charles’s laugh was knowing. “I’m the boss, remember?”

“Well, I’m not!” Noelle bit back, a little exasperated. “I’ve still got work to do!”

boss’s lady,” Charles teased, his voice a smooth, lazy drawl that sounded nothing

he

heard Charles’s icy tone with her

you’re

Charles’s brow creased when he

silent treatment?”

want me to say?” Noelle’s voice carried a touch of defeat: “Let’s just eat whatever. I’m not

gonna change now that we’re hanging out!” He

Noelle waved her hands, dismissing the idea. “Your office is on one end of town, and mine’s on the other.

eyebrow quirked up. “Is it such a big deal for me to

her lip again. “You know the distance between our offices is no joke. Plus, traffic is a nightmare after work. It’d be a huge time suck

another thought. “What about you? Got any cravings? I’d be happy to make something for