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!”

voice a smooth,

businessman he was moments

mind reeling. Had she not just heard Charles’s icy tone with her own ears, she would never have pegged the

you’re up for

brow creased when he didn’t hear her reply. “Giving

silent treatment?”

much said it all. What else do you want me to say?” Noelle’s voice carried a touch of defeat: “Let’s just eat

to eating a certain way, but that’s gonna change now that we’re hanging out!” He then suggested, “How about I swing by and pick you up when work’s

on one end of town,

Charles’s eyebrow quirked up. “Is it such a big deal for me

be a huge time suck for

“What about you? Got any cravings? I’d be happy to