Chapter 89
“Yeah, I’m on the road. How about you?” Noelle asked. I’ll be there in half an hour or so.”
“Yeah, I’m out too. Let’s meet up!”
Half an hour later, Noelle spotted Charles chilling by the mall entrance, with no car in sight. She stepped
out of the car. “Where’s your car?”
“Ronald drove it off.” Charles said with an easy grin, one hand chilling in his pocket. His smile was like a warm spring day, totally disarming.
Noelle paused, a hand to her forehead, “Oh!” She could not help but think Charles was playing dirty with a smile like that. She never knew a guy could look so good just by smiling.
Charles narrowed his eyes, catching Noelle’s vibe, a spark of mischief in his gaze. “You don’t seem too
thrilled.”
“No way!” Noelle laughed awkwardly, “You’re totally seeing things!”
“I guess I must be,” Charles said with a playful smile, “Looks like I’ll have to ask you for a lift home then, Mrs. Hoffman!”
Noelle was speechless for a moment… Was he for real? “You can just call me Noelle.”
“But I prefer this!” Charles chuckled, gently sweeping Noelle’s hair back from her face, “That doesn’t feel right to me!”
“Fine, but come up with something else!”
“I don’t want to call you what everyone else does!” Charles’s brow crinkled. “I want something that’s ours, something unique.”
Noelle let out a soft sigh. This whole nickname thing with Charles was throwing her off. “Okay, then come
up with something unique!”
Charles’s frown deepened, a touch of thoughtfulness in his voice. “Alright, I’ll think of something special just for you!”
“Oh!” Noelle gave a nonchalant shrug. To her, any name was fine as long as it was not too formal. It was just another nickname, really.
Charles thought for a beat. “I haven’t come up with anything yet. Let’s go! You were craving steak, right?”
Noelle nodded. “Yeah, and what about you?” She paused, considering they were a married couple now. She could not just think about her own favorites. “What’s your go–to? I’m still not sure about your tastes, so give me a heads up, and I’ll keep an eye out when we shop.”
Charles squinted with a playful grin. “I’m easy. I’m not fussy–just make sure it’s cooked!” He paused, That’s all you’re in the mood for? What about veggies?”
”
Noelle blinked, surprised, “Veggies are all good, aren’t they?” Was she supposed to have strong opinions on those too?
“So, you’re a meat–lover, huh?” Charles teased, the word ‘meat‘ rolling off his tongue with a sly undertone.
Oblivious to the tease, Noelle hesitated, then nodded. Yeah. I loved my grandpa’s steak when I was little.
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+15 BONUS
I’m not quite the chef he was. His food was amazing. I’d always go back for seconds, especially for the meat dishes.” She laughed, a bit sheepishly. “Sounds like I’m bragging, huh?”
Charles let out a soft laugh. “Not at all. It sounds like you’re pretty easy to please. You’re a big fan of meat,
I see!”
Noelle paused, puzzled. Charles’s words seemed fine on the surface, but they felt off to her. Still, she nodded in agreement. “Yeah, I really do love my meat!”
C