The Cherished Wife

Noelle could not help but giggle, finding it almost impossible to picture Charles doing something like this.

Charles gave her a sidelong glance, his large hand cradling her slender ankle. At that look, Noelle's cheeks flushed a soft pink, and she kept her foot still.

Charles was focused, examining the nail polish bottle like it was the most important thing in the world. He gave it a careful tap, then lifted Noelle's foot again, gently squeezing her toenail. "Do I paint it like this?" Looking up, Charles caught Noelle's gaze-she was sitting there quietly, but her eyes were intently on him. He quirked an eyebrow, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Hmm?"

Embarrassed, Noelle came back to her senses and pointed to a toenail. "Maybe you can start with this one. Try not to go over the edges!" She eyed Charles. "You're really going to do this, huh?"

"I'm a man of my word." Charles settled onto the couch, resting Noelle's foot on his lap and holding her toes with great care. He was surprisingly focused as he dabbed the brush on Noelle's nail with precision.

foot in Charles's steady grip, Noelle leaned her head

Charles still managed to

but notice how his pores were practically invisible, and his skin was flawless-even better than her own. His eyes, though, were something else. They were intense and concentrated, with long, slightly curled lashes that

steadied her by the waist. Catching Noelle's playful grip on

hand away with a sigh. "Easy

protests, then sunk back into the

meticulously painting Noelle's toenails, admiring her pale, delicate feet. His gaze grew intense. She probably did not realize it, but to him,

in Charles's mood, Noelle arched an eyebrow and leaned in

away with a