"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.

she could not help but

seemed to 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 upset. Even though she was not

out of

screaming and her waist stiff as a board. It felt like her body had gone through a blender. And there he was, Charles, the reason for her agony, leaning casually against the door with that infuriating

going to be

morning grogginess. "Tonight, you're exiled to the guest room. I'm

"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. I'm not messing around, Charles!" She inhaled sharply, rubbing

that look again, half-amused, as he tousled her hair. "Oh, you're serious?" His smile was warm, the kind that usually melted her resolve. "Okay, okay, my bad. I'm

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

Noelle

him a

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255