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!”

a smooth, lazy drawl that sounded nothing like

he

just heard Charles’s icy tone with her own

if you’re up for

Charles’s brow creased when he didn’t hear her

silent treatment?”

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

certain way, but that’s gonna change now that we’re

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

“Is it such a big deal for me to come

is no joke. Plus, traffic is a nightmare after work. It’d be a huge time suck for you!” She pondered a moment before offering a compromise. “Let’s meet halfway. You asked what I’m in the mood for,

about you? Got any cravings?