Page 51 of Breaking the Rules
“20/20 vision for the bigger picture.
“Can you see it?”
“Saw it the moment I saw you on the beach. I’ve wasted so much of my time elsewhere. I’m not wasting anymore.”
Savanhi kissed him again, this time letting her tongue swipe over his. Noble squeezed her leg and ass before pulling back. “Me neither.”
“Good, get some rest before I have you up all night. I got an early practice and training session. But trust, I’m going to eat you up soon enough. I might need my niece to be with Remi when I do.”
Savanhi giggled and slapped his chest. “Go to sleep.”
“Don’t run out in the middle of the night,” he toyed, placing a final kiss to her face. “Goodnight, Sassy.”
“Night, Deuce.”
Savanhi couldn’t remember the last time she was held so tenderly – so securely. She sank into the warmth of his hold, listening to his breathing like it was the notes of her favorite song. How was it that in mere weeks – days really – she felt so whole, so complete? Feet slipping from under her and falling into a pillowy abyss of all that she was.
She found her fingers trailing his face ever so gently. His thick brows, high cheekbones, straight, profound nose, and full lips that almost swallowed hers, but found kissing them was quickly becoming her new favorite thing to do. Her fingers gently massaged his bearded jawline. Every touch against his face, shoulders, and bare back made his body heavier – breathing fuller. A soft kiss was placed to the bridge of his nose in thanks. Thankful that, for the first time in years, her nervous system was calm and her being was protected.
SEVENTEEN
When morning came in with its ease and warmth, Savanhi was awakened by Areli’s bright eyes and her equally bright smile.
“Sassy,” she hummed. “It’s wake-up time.”
Savanhi stressed, knowing that Noble was gone for the day. Workouts, practices, and whatever meetings he had were underway. Her hand brushed over the softness of petals. With one arm around Areli like second nature, she rolled over to take in the bouquet of flowers and the card lying on his pillow.
“Deucey bought us flowers,” she shared. “Mine are in the kitchen with Remi.”
“You want to read my card?” Savanhi posed, smelling the flowers and opening the card.
“I can’t read,” Areli said with a slight giggle.
“We’ll change that.” Savanhi pulled the pink card out and read it silently before reading it out loud. “Morning, Sassy. Sorry I wasn’t there when you woke up. I’m prepping for this weekend. On the dresser in your purse are the spare keys to the truck. Take the day to take care of you. See you when I get home. – Deuce.”
“Are you Deucey’s girlfriend?” Areli quizzed, sitting on Savanhi’s lap and watching how the smile crept over her face.
“I think so,” Savanhi shared. “What do you think?”
“I think he likes making kissy faces with you,” Areli replied.
“Me too. Is Remi making you pancakes?”
“Yep.”
“Let’s go help her and then go find something cute for you to wear because we’re going shopping!”
“Yay!” Areli bounced off her lap, off the bed, and down the hall.
Savanhi followed her down the hall to the kitchen, where she was greeted by Remi.
“If it isn’t my favorite dance teacher,” Remi spoke, putting the whipped cream on Areli’s pancakes.
Savanhi laughed softly and smiled. Even Remi caught it. Savanhi’s smiles had always been manufactured and professional. Today, she beamed. “My favorite non-parent.”
“I know I am. Those other women are insufferable,” Remi said with full confidence as she flipped her springy curls over her shoulder.
“They’re the literal definition of privileged and want discounts every single time. For little things, you only leapt with my daughter twice and another three times,” Savanhi huffed, rolling her eyes, but still not losing the pleasantness on her face.
