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!”

Charles teased, his voice a smooth, lazy drawl that

he was

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

if you’re up for

paused, lost in thought, and Charles’s brow creased when

silent treatment?”

say?” Noelle’s voice carried a touch of defeat: “Let’s just

gonna fly!” Charles objected, his frown deepening. “You might be used to eating a certain way, but that’s gonna change now that we’re

That’s not necessary!” Noelle waved her hands, dismissing the idea. “Your office is on one end of town, and mine’s on the other. It’s

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

our offices is no joke. Plus, traffic is a nightmare after work. It’d be a huge time suck for you!” She

about you? Got any