The Cherished Wife

Wife 68

Noelle offered, “What can I get you to drink?”

Sean winked at Charles, clearly enjoying the moment, and said, “I’d love a drink from our gracious hostess. How about…”

“He’s not having a drink. Sean, you’re not tired, are you?” Charles’s eyebrows knitted together, his piercing gaze sliding over Sean with an unmistakable warning.

A playful glint danced in Sean’s eyes, He could tell Charles was on the verge of losing his cool, so he dropped the act. I’m good, really. No need to bother you. Just point me to the stuff that needs moving!”

He made a mental note to tell the big guy and Peter later how Charles had kept picking on him.

They had decided to keep the house, so Noelle had put some things back in their places, only taking what she used daily. After watching Sean huff and puff as he collapsed onto the couch, Noelle handed him a glass of water. “Thanks a ton. You’ve been a huge help today!”

“Don’t mention it, really. No need for thanks!” Sean gave Noelle a quick once–over. She was not the tough cookie everyone made her out to be.

Catching Charles’s eye again, Sean felt a lump in his throat. Charles seemed more formidable than ever. So, you’re moving in with Charles?”

Noelle blushed, stealing a glance at Charles. He took the glass from her, his look cool and detached as he turned to Sean. “Got a problem with that?”

“Nope, no problem at all!* Sean chuckled, downing the water. He was dying to get the juicy details. However, one look at Charles’s face, and he decided some mysteries were better left unsolved.

Noelle watched the two of them together and could not help but think they must be really close. She reached out and gently tugged on Charles’s sleeve. “Are you guys hungry? Want to grab a bite?”

Charles quirked an eyebrow, glancing down at Noelle’s hand on his sleeve. Realizing her own forwardness, Noelle quickly let go. “Oh, look at the time! You must be famished. I’ll make something to eat!”

With plenty of ingredients at home and being used to living alone, Noelle had become quite the self- sufficient cook. Neither Charles nor Sean objected, so she headed for the kitchen.

“Just chill here for a bit, okay? I’ll make us something quickly.”

As soon as Noelle disappeared into the kitchen, Charles turned to Sean with a cool look. “Time for you to hit the road, buddy.”

Sean’s eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. He had seen people ditch their friends after getting what they wanted, but this was record speed. “Hold up, Charles. Didn’t you hear your girl? She’s cooking for me. Anyway, this is her place, not yours. You’ve got no right to kick me out. I’m staying put!” Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

Charles’s eyebrow arched again, a slight smirk playing on his lips. “Sorry to break it to you, but what’s Noelle’s is mine.”

“You… for real?” Sean was floored, never having seen Charles this intense. “You’re really getting with Noelle? As in, getting hitched?”

12

Charles fell silent for a beat, his gaze wandering back to the kitchen where Noelle was bustling about. He pressed his lips together and then let out a soft, “We’re already hitched.”

Sean nearly tripped, almost tumbling off the couch. His eyes popped wide open as he stared at Charles.” You’ve got to be kidding me!”