Playtime Rules

Rule #8 Make Him Wait

"I don't meet many women that enjoy watching basketball, much less play."

"I'm a different breed."

"Indeed." JeVonte studied her for a moment. "Tell me your story."

"In a nutshell?"

"Yes."

"Only child, parents deceased, I've been on my own since freshman year in college. I have three friends, and that's it, no associates. I work for myself and never want to work for someone. And that's it."

"I'm sorry."

"About what? I have a great life."

"But you're all alone. I think that is why you're so closed off. Have this barrier around you."

It was true, well, at least with guys. Okay, with making female friends as well. That is why she did not have employees, just contractors. She was a one-person show because she did not work well with others. It was always like that, even as a kid.

Tamyra was her oldest friend and they had been through it all. One of the reasons they worked well was because she was younger and did whatever she told her to. Not calling her a lackey, but she was the dominant in the relationship and she liked it.

Janelle was just so down-to-earth, it was easy to connect to her, and Cassietta saw her at her most vulnerable when she was weak after losing her parents. She had been there for her since then and she would always ride with her.

"If I put up a barrier, it's for a reason."

He gave her a look. "Some guy hurt you?"

She would not answer that. He was all up in personal business now.

"And you? Why don't you have someone? A girlfriend, boyfriend, someone in your life."

"I keep to myself...but for different reasons than you. And yes, I have been hurt by someone before."

They did not talk, just walked a bit more before he said anything.

"You ever feel like you can't do anything right? I was supposed to go to the NBA, make my family proud, take care of them."

"That's not your responsibility."

"But it is."

She had a feeling there was a lot more to his story, but she did not want to get deep into it, or then she would feel obligated to tell more about her hurt and pain. They continued their walk around the lake, and they were nearing her house. She wondered if Janelle would be out on her deck, viewing the lake and see them. If she was there, knowing her loud self, she would yell out something and he would know where she lived.

She still did not know this man.

"Tell me...born and raised in St. Louis?"

"Yes," he gave her a chuckle, "And before you ask, Roosevelt High School."

"Okay, I dig it. Hazelwood East for me."

"County girl."

"City boy."

"You seem real cool, maybe I did misjudge you. I like getting to know you." He reached over and took her hand. "And I like you, Yancy. I know we've only met and things have been kind of weird for us...we're both holding back, but I don't want to keep playing a game if I know what I want."

Damn, he was kind of hot with that.

"I want you...I want us. Stop beating around the bush with me and let me know if you want the same thing."