The Cherished Wife (Noelle and Charles)

In a flash, Arnold was smugly wagging his tail at Charles, totally oblivious to the fact that Charles was the one in charge.

Noelle gave Arnold a pat on the back, keeping him close, and then grabbed a toy to play with him.

Charles could not help but chuckle, though he still shot Arnold a cautionary glance, reminding the big pooch to be gentle with Noelle.

"Charles, do you worry about what people might think if they knew you were at home painting my toenails?" Noelle mused over the thought, finding the image both absurd and amusing.

The head of Collosus Group fussing over painting a lady's toenails! It would be quite the story to tell.

Charles hesitated for just a second before looking up at Noelle with a raised eyebrow. "Is it really that weird for me to be doing your toenails?" He did not see the big deal and went back to focusing on the task at hand. "I know everyone wants to look good, but you know this stuff isn't great for you. Try not to use it too much, okay?"

"I know, I know!" Noelle laughed, her eyes twinkling. "I hardly ever do this. These polishes were a gift from Robert. I figured I might as well not let them go to waste. Besides, a little color now and then won't hurt, right?" She glanced down and noticed one foot was already done, though the polish was still wet.

Charles picked up his pace, working on her other foot. Noelle propped her freshly painted foot up on the coffee table, admiring his handiwork. "You know, Charles, you're a quick learner. You're nailing it on your first try!" She pointed out. Except for the big toe, which had a bit of a smudge, the rest of the paint job was pretty much flawless.

A twinge of envy crept into Noelle's voice. "The first time I tried, I made a total mess. It was so bad that Rowena and Teresa couldn't stop laughing at me!"

"Really?" Charles chuckled, giving her other foot his full attention. "Well, I'll do your nails next time, so you can show them off to them."

"They'd probably die of shock!" Noelle snickered. "You know, Charles, you're really handsome when you're all focused like this."

Charles gave her a sideways glance, a playful smirk forming on his lips. "So, I'm only handsome when I'm serious?" He caught Noelle's adoring gaze, his lips curving into an even more charming smile. "Hmm?"

His voice was so sexy, even though

he did not have the deepest voice Noelle shivered a little, her cheeks flushing as she turned away. "Just say thanks when someone gives you a compliment. Don't test their limits!"

"That's just called confidence, Nelly!" Charles said with a grin, reaching out to gently tilt her chin up. His eyes were a deep, mesmerizing black, and they were sparkling like stars. "The specific kind of confidence I have when I'm with you!"

tnet

"Oh, come on! just finish painting already." Noelle swatted his hand away. "Quit distracting me. I'm trying to watch TV here!" Inside, she felt a warm, fuzzy feeling. She was flustered as she quickly grabbed the remote to flip through the channels. Arnold, who had been quietly observing their playful exchange, suddenly perked up and began to excitedly prance over to Charles and Noelle, looking absolutely thrilled.

Noelle burst into laughter. "What's up with him?"

"Looks like... spring is in the air and in his step!" Charles quipped.

Noelle just rolled her eyes.

Sometimes Charles's sense of humor was just too much!

With work looming the next day, Noelle woke up extra early the next day. She was surprised to find Charles still sound asleep after she got up. That was a rare occurrence!