Whatever He Wants by Eve Vaughn Page B

the way things were left between us when I moved out. You’ve done so
much for me I could never repay you for. I love you and I don’t want us to be
mad at each other. That’s why I haven’t called you. It was because I’m ashamed
of how I acted. I know you meant well when you told me what you thought.”
            Simone shook her head. “No. I’m the one
who should apologize. I was way out of line. You’re an adult and free to do
what you like. Even if I don’t always agree with the decisions you make I’ll
always be here for you, hon. All I’m concerned about
is whether you’re happy. Are you?”
            Noelle nibbled her bottom lip. She wasn’t
sure how to answer that. She was happy when James took her until she was
breathless. Her pussy got wet whenever she thought about their sexual
escapades. But afterwards he’d pull away and become distant. There were moments
when he’d share a little about himself but those occasions were rare. It was
those times that kept her anchored to him, what made her yearn to be closer to
James in not just the physical sense.
            It frightened her but Noelle fell for him
a little bit more each time they were together. However, deep down Noelle knew
James would be finished with her if she admitted it.
            She pasted a smile on her face. “Yes, I’m
happy.”
            Simone didn’t hide her emotions well
either, and by the expression on her face, Noelle could tell her cousin still
had reservations. “Well, that’s all that matters.”
            Once that awkwardness was out of the way,
the conversation flowed. It was nice having her cousin to talk to. She didn’t
have many friends beyond a few acquaintances at art school because she always
felt self-conscious and insecure. Simone was one of the few people who put her
at ease.
            “So how have you been keeping yourself
busy?” Simone casually asked over their shared dessert of a pear tart.
            Noelle swallowed the piece of tart in
mouth.  “I watch a lot of movies and I shop. Nothing too productive, I’m
afraid. ”
            “Well you look like a million bucks. 
That outfit looks great on you.”
            Noelle snorted. “I wish I could take
credit but all those highfalutin stores I have accounts with all have personal
shoppers. They pick out outfits, I wear them.”
            “You wear them well, though. It’s funny
because you never liked going shopping with me.”
            Noelle still wasn’t a huge fan of shopping
but it embarrassed her to admit she only shopped because James expected her to
uphold a certain image. Noelle realized her cousin wasn’t fond of Noelle’s
situation; she didn’t want to give Simone another reason. “Something to fill
the time I guess.” She quickly redirected the topic. “I’ve been baking a lot
lately. I found my mom’s old recipe books and I’ve been trying them out. She
wanted to own a bakery one day.”
            “You mentioned that about Aunt Dot.”
            Noelle shrugged. “The subject never came
up. She used to be something else in the kitchen. I don’t think I’ve been able
to replicate Mom’s baked goods but I’m getting pretty darn close.”
            “I’d love to try your baked goods
sometime.”
            “I have a fridge full of chocolate
cupcakes if you’d like to come back to the penthouse with me. We can walk from
here. It’s a nice day.”
            “You had me at chocolate cupcakes.”
            They chatted and giggled the entire walk
to the penthouse. It felt like they were teenagers again.
            “Oh, my God! Girl, are you serious?” Simone exclaimed when she stepped inside the penthouse.
“This place is unbelievable!”
            Noelle laughed uneasily. “Yeah, it’s a bit
overwhelming isn’t it?”
            “I wouldn’t say that but it looks like
you’ve moved on up like the