The Cherished Wife by Chweety

laced with annoyance. "Who does that first thing in the morning?"

An hour passed before Noelle could peel herself off the bed. With a hand on her aching back and her legs shaking like jelly, she shot a glare at Charles, who was strolling out of the bathroom and looking way too pleased with himself. "Back off!" she snapped, her voice Her cheeks turned a shade redder as she bit her lip. "This is all your fault!"

Charles, still riding high, softly touched her cheek. "Come on, get ready. We're short on time!"

"If not for what you did, we would've had plenty of time!" Noelle retorted, but she dashed into the bathroom anyway. Charles watched her go, a sly grin creeping across his face.

He quickly changed and dialed Ronald. "Cook breakfast for the missus!" He barely hung up when Noelle burst back out of the bathroom, frantically getting dressed and mumbling to herself, "Just great! I'll be late for my first day!"

change and emerged in a ponytail, still

help but chuckle. He gently grabbed her. "Relax. You're not going to be late." Noelle shot him a playful yet accusing look. "If I am, I'll make you suffer the consequences!"

on hitching a ride with Noelle to work. Noelle was not having it, though. It wasn't like Charles did not have another car to drive his

too long. He said

eyes at the excuse but glanced at the clock and realized

That's when Noelle understood what Charles meant by not being late.

cruised up to

pull over and, without a shred of guilt, booted him out. She claimed

and just laughed. He had seen this coming. Besides, he had another reason for the pit stop-Ronald was waiting right there. Ronald raced down the street, breakfast in tow, to find his boss standing