Whatever He Wants by Eve Vaughn Read Free Book Online Page A

That was pretty
embarrassing. My shoelace came undone and I tripped over it. The next thing I
know, I’m eating the floor. I’m just thankful no one laughed at me.”
            “You could have been seriously injured.
There was nothing funny about it.”
            “Well, not everyone is nice.”
            “You don’t have to sell me on that one.”
            She raised a brow. “I doubt anyone has
been mean to you but you say that like they might have.”
            She’d probably cringe if he told her just
how unkind people could be. But he had no plans to open up on that matter
especially when he wasn’t sure they’d see each other after tonight. “Don’t we
all have our stories to tell?”
            “So what’s yours?”
            Talking about himself was James’ least
favorite subject, so he deflected. “My story isn’t a new one. I’m more
interested in hearing yours.”
            She shrugged. “There’s not much to tell.”
            “Let’s start with vital statistics then.”
            “Well, I just turned twenty-three a few
months ago. I live with Simone, who you’ve met.  I’m from a small southern
town no one has heard of outside of it. Er …what else
did you want to know?”
            “Where do you work or are you in school?”
            “I’ve been in art school for the past
couple of years. But I’m thinking about taking a break from it. Before I went
to school I worked with Simone at the boutique she manages”
            “Why are you thinking of taking a break?
Art is a very specialized subject so I imagine you’d need talent to even get
into that type of program.”
            “I’ve discovered I may not be as great as
I thought.” He could hear the sadness in her voice and he had this sudden need
to reach out and comfort her. It caught him off guard at how easily Noelle had
gotten under his skin in such a short period.
            James shoved his hands in his pocket to
fight the urge to throw an arm around her. “I’m sure you’ll find something else
to your liking. You’re still young.”
            “I guess.”
            “You don’t sound enthusiastic, Noelle.”
            “What’s to get excited about? The one
thing I believed I was good at I wasn’t. I think people should have a passion
for what they do so going forward whatever I settle for would just be a job. No
more.”
            “In my opinion, you could have the talent
of Van Gogh but if you lack the drive and, as you put it, the passion to make
it a success, then you’ll fail. I’m sure you’re talented but just because
you’re good at something it doesn’t necessarily mean you should pursue it. I
used to play baseball in school and I wasn’t bad. I was all-city actually, but
I couldn’t see myself becoming a professional ball player. I liked it, but I
didn’t live and breathe it the way some guys do.”
            “I never thought of it that way. Now I’m
worried if I’ll ever find the thing that’ll give me that spark.”
            “Give it some time. When you least expect
it, a switch will flip on.”
            “Thanks, James. I’m sure a guy like you
has always known what they wanted in life.”
            He balled his fists and shoved them deeper
into his pockets.  She had no idea. “You could say that,” he said not
wanting to give more away than he already had.
            “How about you, James? Do you enjoy what you do?”
            “Let’s just say it’s enabled me to
accomplish a lot of my goals.”
            “Very evasive answer,” she noted.
            He was saved from responding as they came
upon the deli. “Here we are.”
            The place was small and was rarely packed
which is what he liked about it. Most people got their orders to go as did he
but tonight they would dine in.
            “Order