Page 16 of Breaking the Rules

“Hitter and first base. Occasionally corner outfield.”

Savanhi nodded.

“You don’t know what any of that is, do you?”

“Not at all,” Savanhi admitted with a soft laugh. “Never really been into sports. Didn’t have that luxury. Girls I knew were chasing players and hustlers, and I was trying to survive. Still trying.”

“I’m assuming you’re a trained dancer. I mean, I’ve seen you in action.”

Savanhi pushed her hair out of her face. “Yeah, dance got me a scholarship to college, and then OSU got rid of the program, and I had to figure something out. Anyway, we’re not going to listen to my sad origin story.”

“Why not? You won’t allow me anything else.”

“Like what, pussy?” Savanhi scoffed with an eye roll. “We agreed that was one and done.”

“Nah, not pussy,” he stated. “Getting to know you.”

Savanhi looked him full on, almost wanting to fall for that – almost falling for that – she rolled her eyes. “Bullshit.”

“I’m not a bullshitter. I’m a lot of things never a bullshitter.”

“Then what are you?” Savanhi challenged.

“A hot head from time to time. When I’m disrespected. Might be a little off from time to time. That’s the worst of it.”

“What’s the best of it?”

“I feel like you need to put an amendment on that no vested interest rule,” Noble countered, making her roll her eyes and turn away.

“Then I guess that’s all I know,” she stated.

He groaned, watching Areli slide down the slide with a giant smile on her face.

“It’s great you’re helping your sister with her. She’s been to a couple Mommy and Me classes. She’s just as hilarious as Areli,” Savanhi stated.

“Mm, that’s Remi. A family friend. My sister is unfortunately going to prison,” Noble shared.

“Damn, I put my foot in my mouth. Sorry about that.”

“Don’t apologize, you didn’t know. I have Areli full-time and Remi is a big help when I’m playing five to ten games on the road back-to-back. When I’m home, I’m making it a priority to spend as much time with her so she doesn’t feel like she’s alone.”

Savanhi’s eyes dropped to her hands. Noble caught that sadness again. This time, he didn’t let her turn it off.

“What’s that?” Noble quizzed.

Savanhi looked up briefly and blinked, trying to rid it from her being. “What’s what?”

“What’s that? That pause. That thing in your eyes that turns your light off for a second.”

She placed her elbows on the table and pressed her knuckles against her chin. “I know what that’s like so it’s good you’re stepping up like that. She’ll need it.”

“Want to elaborate?”

Savanhi shook her head in response. “That would mean I have to break my rules and let you in. I can’t afford that right now.”

“What can you afford?” he mused.

Savanhi blew out a breath. “Nothing. You?”

“Physically. A lot. More than I need. Emotionally, mentally, spiritually, not a damn thing. That’s why whatever hold you got on me is maddening.”

Savanhi scoffed. “It was sex. Something to take the edge off.”

“That’s how you take the edge off. Like it doesn’t mean shit to you?”

Savanhi tucked her lips and looked over at him.

“No. I’ve never done anything like that before.

I’m typically the lover girl. Tripping over myself for the wrong guy, friendship, or whatever.

That comes from feeling alone and needing something to hold space.

Which is why what you’re doing for her is commendable. ”

“I appreciate that,” Noble said.

“It’s nothing. And it always means something, which is why I shouldn’t have done it, but you do dumb shit when you’re trying to survive a broken heart.” Savanhi studied him for long seconds and continued. “That’s what you’re doing too, huh?”

“As hard as I fuckin’ can,” he muttered. “This shit…”

“Yeah…death.”

They fell into a comfortable silence before Areli waltzed back over, her bun loose, sweat shining over her face, splotches of dirt on her dance clothes. One would think she went to war and not on the playground to burn off the rest of her energy.

“Ohh, someone needs a bath,” Savanhi hummed, wiping Areli’s face and hands off. “And some sleep.”

Noble stood up to dump their trays while Savanhi assisted with Areli.

“I’m not sleepy,” Areli protested.

“I hear you. Do you need to use the bathroom?”

“Yes,” Areli spoke, leading the way. She, without question, kept Savanhi on her toes.

She sprang to her feet and grabbed her hand. “Girl, you’re too fast for me. Come on.”

Once they were done, Noble was waiting at the entrance to escort them back to the car. Like earlier, he got Areli in with ease and opened the passenger side door, waited for Savanhi to get in, and closed the door. Before he could pull out of the parking lot, Areli was knocked out.

“Damn, I’m going to have to fight her to wash,” Noble gritted. “She has hands.”

“If she’s strapped, I believe she can fight too,” Savanhi softly spoke. “Just wipe her down good with a warm towel and do a bath in the morning. Choose your battles.”

“How do you know so much?”

“My brother did that to me. He was nine with a four-year-old.”

“Shit,” Noble blew.

“Yeah. I’m in Royal Palms,” she said, not wanting to share but couldn’t fight how it just came out.

“Got you.”

“Thanks. This kinda beat sitting on my couch and watching the Mahogany channel.”

“I’m a good time. But you know that already.”

“Every conversation can’t come back to reference your dick.”

Noble raised a brow. “That sounds like you’re taking that rule back.”

“I’m not.”