The Cherished Wife by Chweety

"Charles!"

"Enough, Mom. I don't have time for this. It's getting late, and I need to grab dinner." Charles ended the call and noticed Noelle gripping his hand tightly. He quirked an eyebrow and asked in a gentle voice, "What's up?"

Noelle shook her head. "Are you and your mother not getting along?" With the way Charles had just spoken to his mother, it was obvious things were strained. Noelle felt a twinge of sadness. "Is there some kind of misunderstanding between you two?"

"No, not at all!" Charles patted Noelle's head with a reassuring smile. "Don't worry about it. Didn't they say dinner's ready? Come on, let's eat!"

Charles clearly wanted to avoid the subject, and Noelle, sensing this, could only agree. "Alright, I'll get your plate ready!"

"Thanks," Charles said, watching Noelle walk away. There was a shadow of something more in his gaze.

Noelle could tell that Charles was off today. His mood had been soured by that call from his mother, Clarisse. She did not know the specifics of what was going on between Charles and his mother or the drama within the Hoffman or Harris family, but she could tell it was nothing positive.

then back to Charles, she could not help

be working through his frustrations, and Noelle found herself caught in the crossfire. It was then she realized how intense men could be when they were

rolled out of bed with the

blender. And

to

at him, her voice a mix of anger and morning grogginess. "Tonight, you're exiled

against the bed with one hand while the other circled Noelle's waist. He planted a kiss on her forehead, chuckling. "Come on, up and at 'em. Breakfast is waiting." Noelle shoved him back, her hands up like a fierce little kitten. "Did you not hear me? Guest room. Tonight.

half-amused, as he tousled her hair. "Oh, you're serious?" His smile was warm, the kind that usually melted her

You always say it, but you never do it. I'm not falling for it this time.

Noelle marched

door, gave him a push that