Chapter 84
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Noelle instinctively shook her head before realizing that they were on a call and Charles could not actually see her. She paused, thinking about it. She might not have seen this side of Charles before, but she knew the kind of man he was. The rumors in Brookville were enough to paint a picture. With that thought, everything clicked into place.
Charles was the head honcho of a big–time company and had skills others could only dream of. It all added up. “Nope.”
Charles’s laughter came through again, light and easy. Good to hear I didn’t spook you!”
“So, what’s up? Why’d you call?” Noelle had not forgotten that Charles was the one who called her up.
Charles squinted thoughtfully for a moment. “Oh, nothing much. Just wondering when you’re clocking out. I’m thinking about dinner. Do you wanna eat in or go out?”
Noelle was speechless for a second… He called just to chat about dinner plans? “Mr. Hoffman, just a heads–up, you’re supposed to be working right now.”
Charles’s laugh was knowing. “I’m the boss, remember?”
“Well, I’m not!” Noelle bit back, a little exasperated. “I’ve still got work to do!”
“You’re the boss’s lady,” Charles teased, his voice a smooth, lazy drawl that sounded nothing like the
stern businessman he was moments ago.
Noelle chewed on her bottom lip, her mind reeling. Had she not just heard Charles’s icy tone with her own ears, she would never have pegged the easygoing guy chatting with her now as the same person.
“Only if you’re up for it.”
She paused, lost in thought, and Charles’s brow creased when he didn’t hear her reply. “Giving me the
silent treatment?”
“You’ve pretty much said it all. What else do you want me to say?” Noelle’s voice carried a touch of defeat: “Let’s just eat whatever. I’m not fussy about food.”
“That’s not gonna fly!” Charles objected, his frown deepening. “You might be used to eating a certain way, but that’s gonna change now that we’re hanging out!” He then suggested, “How about I swing by and pick you up when work’s done?”
“No way. That’s not necessary!” Noelle waved her hands, dismissing the idea. “Your office is on one end of town, and mine’s on the other. It’s totally out of your way.”
“Really?” Charles’s eyebrow quirked up. “Is it such a big deal for me to come by?”
“No, that’s not what I meant!” Noelle’s teeth found her lip again. “You know the distance between our offices is no joke. Plus, traffic is a nightmare after work. It’d be a huge time suck for you!” She pondered a moment before offering a compromise. “Let’s meet halfway. You asked what I’m in the mood for, right? I’m craving some steak today!”
She gave it another thought. “What about you? Got any cravings? I’d be happy to make something for you.”
The corners of Charles’s eyes crinkled with amusement. He smoothed his brow and, spotting Ronald by the door, gestured for him to hang on a second.
1/2
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Ronald caught Charles on a call and figured he was chatting with Noelle. He glanced over at the Finance Chief, Jenson Lowry, “Mr. Hoffman says to wait for a second!”
“Sure, sure, I’ll wait! No rush at all!” Jenson nodded eagerly, yet inside, he was freaking out. He was hoping Charles would be swamped with work, perhaps even too swamped to remember he needed to see him.
Charles had a knack for remembering things, so forgetting was not in the cards.
“Great. If you’re craving that, let’s meet up at Berkly’s after we clock out. It’s not far from home. Just call me when you’re done, okay?”
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